Good Morning Readers, as if... Yesterday, I cried at work, and then I realized it was not the first time. I believe since the first time I started working in the Hotel/Restaurant business in 1984 in Farmington CT I have cried over a dozen times. Never in front of clients (that I can remember) but definately behind the scenes. I am not a cryer, I cry when I get frustrated, because I can not hit so not ladylike besides what am I going to hit?

Why do you ask do I cry? The reason definately vary but the theme running through is clients have no respect for my position or basically anyone in my field. It is as if we are not really working as if they are right? My husband an I have decided to write a book (or shortstory) on experiences we have had in all the years we have both been in the business for myself it has been well over 20 years, for him about 12 years. He trained in the restaurant business in New Orleans, could he have been in better hands to learn this trade? Not really, it definately has some of the most innovative, fresh restaurants in the world.

New Orleans expects the best in the field, and if they can not find them, they will train why doesn't everyone feel that way? So, if you have any stories please share them, I would love to hear what other people think.

I do not watch American Idol, I watch the first shows to laugh at the people who try out and should not even try, and I usually watch the finale. This year, I heard all about Sanjaya an still did not want to watch it, but last night there was nothing on, so I flipped over to it. I had seen Melinda Doolittle at the try outs and she was amazing, so when it came down to her, Jordan and Blake, I thought like the rest of the world she would be in the final two.

So, I was amazed as was Paula, Randy and Simon (did you see his face) when the public had kept Blake over her. I think all three were talented, but Melinda was so much better than Blake by a long shot. Now, I am hoping Jordan can go all the way, she is only "17" an what a voice on her. I know Melinda will have a huge career even without being Season 6's winner. Have you seen Kelly Clarkson's latest video she has definately broken out of the American Idol pop culture.

Chris Doherty last season's prediction who was voted off May 10, 2006 has been on the top of the charts, and of course Clay Aiken has so many albums out there, an is doing amazing an these two didn't win, and let us not forget Jennifer Hudson who was voted off, got an Oscar this year for her performance an amazing voice for "Dreamgirls". So, even though I am sure Melinda is upset right now, she is a strong woman an look at the successes from the people who did not win. Go for it Melinda I look forward to your next step.

Did you see Elliott Yamin last night? Now, he has hair, he did a great job it must feel great to perform in front of the judges who are now not judging you but just enjoying. I may never be a full American Idol fan but I admit I will watch the finale.

Last night was the end of my "Gilmore Girls", it was a great way to end the show. I did cry some tears, especially when Richard Gilmore praised his daughter and when Loreali admitted that she would continue Friday night dinners. I have gotten to love Starrs Hollow and the actors who did some amazing work.

Richard an Emily Gilmore were incredible to watch and when they were on screen you never knew what was going to happen. Emily is a mother who had lost her daughter for keeping her to close, that she didn't want to lose her granddaughter so in the first season she felt the only way to keep them close was making them live up to their obligations. You borrow money I get Friday night dinners, one of my favorite episodes is with Marion Ross as Richard's mother, who can not stand Emily and is down right rude to her at every turn. It was fun to watch Emily squirm a little before getting her own revenge in a later episode in the 2nd season.

Of course, my favorite Emily moment is when she told Logan's mother off, classic WASP!! Sense, I am a WASP I compeletly loved that moment.

Kirk (Sean Gunn) was so much fun, he could not have been more bizarre, my favorite of him was when he was trying to buy the house Luke wanted, an Luke asked where he got the money? His response was classic, I have worked 50 jobs all these years, live at home so all I do is save.. Could he have been anymore WIERD, and he even had a girlfriend Lulu which was strange in its own way.

The end was great, Luke and Loreali finally getting back together which we knew from the very first scene of the show they should be together. My only disappointment this season was Luke's daughter April she was great..

I will miss my Tuesday's night watching Gilmore Girls but I have already acquired the First Season on DVD and will be getting the 2nd season in a few weeks, until I have them all, so I can always go back to Starrs Hollow whenever I need to feel better. They did the Show justice by having a perfect ending. Good bye Starrs Hollow I will miss you.

This weekend was a week in between pay days, I can not really get used to getting paid every two weeks. No way can I imagine getting paid on a monthly basis. The husband and I had the weekend together, it was his Saturday off. We hung out in the morning on Saturday then we went to the bookstore an turned in some books, we got a credit an cash.. Now, being we are on 10 days with no money an actually are carpooling to work to save on gas. He has been at work 90 minutes early everyday because I work at 8am and he does not work until 9am an I drop him off between 730am an 745am every day. Having even a little cash is dangerous, we got a little more gas an being that is it up to $2.93 when we got some, an now is $3.02, I do mean very little.

Instead we used the credit bought some books went home and sat by the pool, an read and hung out, we did get a $3.00 bottle of white wine, which worked for me very well. Had a great dinner, an on Sunday, I finished my book from Sat. realized it is a two parter went back to the bookstore bought more books, then we treated ourselves to Ice Cream cones. It was a great weekend. We just hung out, talked, laughed and read, I actually did not watch as much TV as I usually do. I did drag him to "Marshall's" only for a bit to look at dresses for my class reunion. I found (3) I love and will go back this week to try on and see if they still have Lay away, I wonder if people still do that.

Of course, the dress I want is $50.00 and the shoes are $40.00, so Layaway would work good for me. I really do enjoy just hanging out with my husband and makes me appreciate it when we do go out for a treat, even an Ice Cream cone was great, it got us out of the house, and it made me feel on top of the world. We have downsized out of necessity but also because in 18 months we are planning on making our final move to Key West, FL. For 18 months we can be careful with our money, we have for these last 6 months what is the difference?

I know I watch way too much TV when we have no money, but this weekend didn't feel like I needed to lose myself it felt like I should stop being so selfish an realize all we have that has nothing to do with possessions or money it is about loving someone else.

I want to acknowledge that I was wrong the last two weeks has been new Ghost Whisperer and from the websight, it looks like I missed quite the season finale. I will watch the next one, an wait for summer reruns. I am over the fact my Gilmore Girls will not be back, maybe there will be another good show put into the time slot there is always "hope"..

What is up with the weather lately? Tornadoes in the midwest, wild fires all over, flooding? It is nuts, no I do not think it is the end of the world but it does seem a bit strange or does it? We were talking at lunch how when we were little, I know what the statement makes people think of their parents/grandparents talking about hard ships we could never imagine.

I was remembering the 1978 blizzard, Hurricane Gloria 1984 I believe are the two worst storms I have ever experienced in my life, the Blizzard I was "13" years old and Hurricane Gloria I was in college, long time for no real major storm. I now live in North Carolina so alot of the people I work with remember Hurricane Hugo as the worst storm. Which when I remember seeing the images on TV, I thought it looked horrible. Or that Earthquake out in California the opening day of the World Series, you would call it a subway series, because it was Oakland A's and the SF Giants against each other. None, of us will forget Hurricane Katrina and the devastation in New Orleans those images were very painful. Even close to 2 years later, it is so very sad what happened to the city and people.

I have never seen or felt an earthquake, or a Tornado in my life, those scare me more than a blizzard or Hurricane, maybe if I had lived through Hugo or Katrina I would feel different. It seems storms are becoming more fierce and more frequent then when I was a kid growing up in New England. Am I just imagining it?

A few weeks ago, I wrote that we had saved the "Gilmore Girls" for one more season, well as it turns out next week May 15, 2007 marks the end of the show. It has been 7 great seasons but the stars, Lauren Graham and Alexis have decided it is enough for them. I don't know if it was lack of money or the fact both ladies have been doing more movies and may want to move on with their careers.

It is upsetting to me, but very understandable, so the next two shows hopefully, will make all the storylines come together, I hate it when shows go off without tying up all the lose ends. I do not know what I will watch now on Tuesday nights. Monday and Tuesdays have become my favorite night for Television. My other night is Fridays, I love Ghost Whisperer but have not had a new episode in almost 3 weeks and of course Numbers. There isn't even a Reality Show I love right now, I will watch Work out which has its last episode for season two this week, but Shear Gensis could not get into, I don't care who wins as long as it is not Tyson.

In the summer, I get into Project Runway or Top Chef, an Rock Star, but I do not think this summer there will be a Rock Star show, as I read on one of the blogs a few weeks ago, Rock Star, Supernova is restructing and changing their names, basically, it means the original members a few have jumped ship. Besides, who wants to work with Lucas Rossi, a want a be an not even half as talented as Dilhana, it is for the best she didn't win.

So, Stars Hollow is coming to a close, hopefully, it will always be in your heart. I am still looking for my own Stars Hollow, the characters were wonderful. I have season 1 on Video, am on the look out for Season 2. As we say good by to Gilmore Girls, try to remeber how much fun it was while it lasted.

I am going to vent for a moment, please bare with me, if you can't handle it do not read any further.

MY BOSS IS A P****!!! Yesterday, we all received emails from the home office how great we are doing this year in sales and how this new team is setting the hotel up for success. This morning at our weekly sales meeting, which I call DM Meetings (demotivating), for the first 30 minutes I felt we were all in the principals office being scolded. It started with door cards not up for the meetings, (come to find out were done and Banquets lost them in her office found 10am today). Next was smoking breaks only 2 people smoke in the office and they are hourly employees who punch out for their 15 minutes break in AM and PM. The list goes on for about 30 minutes, I made the mistake at sitting at the end due to I knew I had an appointment coming any time now.

We are professional sales people, all of us knows what we are doing especially in the Catering side, all of us work sometimes 14 hours a day 6 or 7 days a week depending on the group, an he is says " We are not on Flex time so if you are scheduled to 5:30pm even if you came in at 6:30am for your group you need to be here until 5:30pm." He can bite my butt, do you think he stays past 4pm on a Friday unless the GM pulls him into a meeting, which he does I swear he does for a power trip will call them in at 4:30pm on Friday afternoon an the meeting will last at least 2 hours. Because, I am so angry right now I hope it happens tonight, due to I came in at 7:10am for my group an will be here until 6:30pm or 7pm for my group in house.


My question to the universe is how awful is your boss? Last year, my boss was a twit, an I had no respect for her, so that was harder than this. Normally, I can understand where he is coming from but in the last three weeks any respect I had for him is gone especially when he threw someone under the bus for his mistake.

For the last few weeks, I have been reading the story in the New London Day in regards to the boy who videotaped another boy getting beaten up. Well, New London County took this case an made an example out of this boy. He has been fined and sent to prison. They are saying he was accountable for his actions and did nothing to stop the fight, which the victim had to change schools, and still has some physical limitations because of the fight.

I was just looking at Fox news an they were showing a case of the same thing except this boy is being attacked by 2 guys and someone is filming it why? I hope the kid filming it is aware he is just as guilty at the thugs who are committing the crime. You have a moral obligation to help someone in distress not to film it an think I didn't participate all I did was film it. Oh, how very upstanding of you.

I appauld New London County for holding these boys accountable, I do not care that they are under the age of 17 they are still responsible for their actions or in these cases lack of actions. What thrill are you getting by filming someone getting beaten up? What happens if it becomes more fatal?

What are we teaching kids of today, that you don't have to answer for your actions an you can sell everything on the computer.

Ok, I did get to see George Clooney yesterday, no did not talk to him, he was going from the set to the his car. HE IS SO GOOD LOOKING even in person!!! He smiled at the crowd I was standing in so of course, he was smiling at me inpeticular (B******), well that is my spin anyway.

Still no Renee sightings and the filming here in Winston-Salem is over they have moved on somewhere else in North Carolina. It is really ok, I just wanted to see him, how pathetic, no actual contact just a sighting an I am happy about that. What kind of world is this? That even though we will never actually meet our idols just seeing a glimpse of them going from point A to Point B makes us happy.

I will write another post today, but wanted to keep you updated because I know how riveting my posts are I am so giggling right now.. I know my traffic on my blog or lack of it but it is really ok, because I do enjoy writing.

What is it about celebrities that make us mere mortals feel like little school girls? There is a movie being made a block away from where I work in Winston-Salem, NC an everyday I go out to see if I can spot one, who you may ask GEORGE CLOONEY, RENEE ZELLWEGGER, JOHN KARWASKI ( the office) an STEPHEN ROOT, JOHNATHAN PRYCE who I actually saw. I do not want to bother them or even take a picture I just want to spot them.

Now, Renee has been around a few times an alot of people in my office have seen her, and John K., I hear Mr. Pryce is very nice man an was out for dinner locally last night. They are human just like the rest of us, but for some reason because they are "celebrities" we feel the need to see them. As if, by being close to them we become special or something. I would love to become friends with Renee she just seems nice, I realize that is not going to happen but it is a nice thought. If I actually saw George I would most likely faint, he is just so good looking. He is not even on my list of who I can cheat on my husband with an get away with it. My top 3 are 1. John Cusack 2. Luke Perry an 3. Ed Harris, now realize that 2 of mine change all the time, but the Number 1 spot is always for John Cusack. I love smart, cute men, I know I am in no way the league of Antonio, Brad or George so why even think if you could meet them they would fall madly in love with you?

My husbands top three are Salema Hayek and Halle Berry, Angelica Jolie, now he has no complex in thinking he is not worthy of these incredibly beautiful women. I wish I had his confidence even if it is just a game. I admit, it is fun to watch all the going on for a movie an the crew memebers who are all so great, they are fun an work hard. It brings some excitement to this city. I think more movie people should come to Winston-Salem, NC.

Last night, I was watching Mystic Pizza, an the last scene I saw 4 people I knew from mystic who were extras in the movie. I was in Europe when it was made an then when Armistad was filmed there I was on away too, so this is the closest I have come to seeing a movie being made. It is exciting an fun an now can not wait for the movie to see all the places I have been that they have filmed at. The movie is called "Leatherheads', so watch out for it when it comes to theatres near you.

I may not see any stars but it is still fun to try, oops it is time to go "STAR GAZING" my afternoon run...

This morning coming to work, I heard about a new Reality Show. It is from Mark Burnett (survivor) and Myspace, an it is to find a Independent Presidental Candidate, an if you win you get $1 million not for you, but to go toward your campaign.

Now, does that mean anyone can try out for this show? Do you have to have some sort of education or nope just as long as you are 35 years of age you can run for President of the United States? What happens if you actually won? I realize he is trying to make a point, that more people vote for the American Idol then they do for the President of the United States, so why not make it a reality show?

Now $1 million for a campaign of this size is not all that much, Hillary Clinton has raised $19 million for her campaign and Sen. Barack Obama raised $24.8 million for primaries in the same period, so how far would $1 Million go for an unknown? Is it really to find the perfect candidate or just to screw around with democracy?

What has the world come to if we are going to try to have someone run from a Reality show? It is bad enough people are famous because of being on a reality series, if you ask anyone in the age group of 15- 29 years old who the Vice President is or the Speaker of the House, do you think they could tell you? Most Likely "NO" but they can tell you New York is or Pumpkin do you?
(HINT VH1 reality show).

Could they tell you why Alberto R. Gonzales (attorney general) has been at the Capital Hill hearings? Nope, but can most likely tell you why Lauren and Holly's friendship broke up on the show "The Hills" or who won American Idol, or who got kicked off of Dancing with the Stars. Believe me, I watch Reality shows too, but feel some things should be off limits or if they are really going to try to find a candidate to run for President, find someone worthy of the position an give them enough money to actually run a real campaign. Just a thought what is yours?

Ok, this morning I am going to talk alittle about a store called "Levenger" is a store and an on-line where you buy tools for reading, writing and productivity. I can tell you during my honeymoon in March 2005 in Chicago, my husband ( nerd) took me to the store 3x, I did get a wonderful purse, he loves this store. He has a blog about getting organized in your life which is at www.hdbizblog.com/blog. If you need to get your life organized check it out and the other links that are on his blog.

"Levenger" is one of those stores that has everything displayed that you want to buy everything thinking it will get you organized, I have been to Franklin Covey stores, which I do have their planner but it is not as great as "Levenger" and the quality is up there, the prices too, but definately worth it. We have been to the one in Boston, MA and Chicago an both places the salespeople were very helpful an knowledgeable, do you remember a few days ago I asked what your ideal job would be? I believe in my heart if my husband could get a job with "Levenger" selling on line products for them or marketing he would be so excited. Combining his two favorite passions, organization products an the internet. Do you see why I call him a nerd?

I admit I do love my day timers an portfolios, I have my eye on one from Levenger but will need to save up for it, but believe it will be worth it. What do you use to organize your life?

Bad day.. I got off track two weeks ago from my work out. Up until then for the last 3 months I have gotten up at 6am and worked out, but the last two weeks work has been crazy and the groups I had were "HIGH MAINTENCE", which means I had to be here the whole time, from 5am - 10pm at night. I started back working out on Monday an feel better, but it is hard once you cut down, I never stopped just instead of 5 days it was more like 2 or 3 days an instead of 45 minutes cardio with strength training it was 20 minutes cardio and 10 minutes ab work.

Why am I telling you? Because it is frustrating, I am still holding at a loss of 14 lbs, but I want it to be more, I have changed my eating habits, watch what I eat etc.. is it because I am 43 years old an should of done this sooner? I watch " Work Out" on Bravo and think wouldn't it be great to be a Trainer and help people better their lives inside an out? I of course, am in no way in shape enough to become a trainer but it is one of my dreams. I have asked alot of people in the past week, if you had your choice of jobs and you did not have to make money what would be your dream job?

My stock answer for years would of been, own a book/coffee store small in a great community. Like Key West, but lately if you asked me it would be to either be a trainer but not in a gym, go to peoples houses and help them or sit at the dock in Key West and sell people space on the boats. I want more time with my family, so I would want a position that does not take me away from that, an working in the Hotel business you are at the mercy of your clients. They do not care if you have had 2 or 3 programs that week and theirs is the last one, it is their only program an you need to be at your best for them as the others. In this business reputation is everything, when I was doing weddings it was more stressful, because if a meeting does not go perfect no one is going to really get so upset, but a wedding oh yeah!! IT is their one day, so I bring my dedication that I did for the brides to my corporate clients, they do appreciate it, but to me very tiring.

If you are thinking of working out, watch " Work Out" on Bravo, Jackie who owns SkyBar and now SkyLab is a force to reckon with, she really seems to care about her staff and clients. I think she would be tough lady to work for, but it would be worth it because you would learn so much from her. The Trainers are in themselves so different an I love watching them interact, they have lost one of their own a Doug Baldswell, who was the oldest at 43 years old, in incredible shape and seemed to be the nicest guy on the planet. I think my favorite trainer to watch is Brian Peeler an Jessie interact, because Jessie is a big drama Queen, an Brian likes to push his buttons.

Besides that it motivates me to get off my butt an work out again, instead of sitting watching TV. I get my motivation from that show and infommericals on tapes to work out, I work out to
"Turbo Jam", but am looking at the Hip Hop Abs and Power 90 Abs, we will see which I will pick, I already own the Firm tapes and Tae Bo, which are still in the boxes and never opened. It is not all about looking good, it is being healthy the older we get the harder it is, I like feeling good when I get up and not like a slug. My bouts with depression, seem to be under control without drugs when I work out and talk it through with my husband. How do you stay healthy?

Bombadee's Garden My friend Jenny's blog, please go and read her last post and please send her your support for the in justice that has been done to her. Especially since it was something she was so passionate about and loved doing. When I saw her last September she was so excited to be starting on the Rockford Rages Roller Derby, an to treat her so bad because, gosh she asked questions...

Who saw 'Gilmore Girls' Last night, YEAH!! It was great to see Loreli an Luke fighting again, because if the passion is there for fighting, it has not died yet.. Paris one of my favorite characters had a lot more air time, an even though I do love Rory it was about time it did not work out for her compeletly, even though we kind of knew that when Paris got accepted into all her school choices. Personally, I think Paris should be a Lawyer and then send her into politics, I would love a spin off of Paris and Doyle. Lisa Weil brings such a great energy to the character, she steals every scene she is in, I have finally gotten the first season on DVD ( used for 1/2 the price), an enjoyed watching the early season between Paris and Rory.

I know we have not seen the last of Christopher, and will be interesting to see if Rachel comes back again for Luke. I am so happy that my show has been saved for an 8th season!!! My addiction.

Reality TV: Did anyone see the Reunion of "I love NY"? I did even though I only caught glimpses of the show, and it was great to see Tango dump her on national Television because she talked crap behind his mom's back. It proves he is a good man, NY would of made his life h*** that girl is all about drama and I love that Pumpkin is now with Boston a cast off of NY's, NY did not like that one bit you go Pumpkin keep annoying her!!

Heather Mills kicked off of Dancing with the Stars not much of a shock there was there? Does anyone know if Rock Star is coming back this summer for a third season? My husband an I loved the last two seasons especially Dilahana who came in second place this past season. Due to rumor has it the group "Supernova Rock Star' has broken up, she is doing much better than Lucas who won the show..

Today, I was talking to the new girl in my office, who is a Muslim. The reason I am telling you she is a muslim because she was explaining her culture, her husband and her were an arranged marriage. They talked on the phone for a few weeks and were married within the month. They have been married now 4 years and have 2 children. I asked her if she loved him, she said, how can you love someone after only a month? In there culture you find someone who is a good provider, good father an the love will come. I again asked did the love come? "NO".

She then said, I am not sure what love is? Explain to me what you mean by love? So, I was pondering the question, what is love? I thought I was in love 10 years ago, with a man who treated me like crap, looking back on the situation, I know I loved him, but he did not love or respect me and I do believe you need both to have a lasting relationship. My husband jokes that I don't respect him, but I do more than he may ever realize. In simplier terms for me love is, when he walks in the room, my heart skips a beat an a smile comes on my face because he is there. Even if it has been 10 hours, or 10 minutes. We have an incredible relationship, more than I ever dreamed or thought I deserved. Do not get me wrong believe me we have our fights, but we always talk through any problems.

So, I have to wonder could I live without "love"? Could I have married someone for the security, because he is a good father, provider an companion except there is no love there? I don't think so, I was 40 years old when I got married, I had waited so long for the right person and had no intention of settling just to be married. I know my family never thought I would get married. There is nothing wrong with settling if that is something you could live with, are you settling or waiting for the fireworks?

My friend explained that, her husband during their first year, hurt her so bad that after their daughter was born she kicked him out, but her parents intervened and told her to give him another chance, the problem is the damage is done. She may forget what he did but she will never be able to forgive. As a Christian, I realize we are suppose to forgive and forget, but I am the same way, once someone hurts me, I can never forgive them. I may forget an move on, but my heart will be blocked forever from that person. I do understand where she is coming from, but again I ask how long can you hold on to something that is not there? Can you stay in a relationship without respect and love? I am putting this out to the world what can you live with and without to be comfortable?

I find it offensive that the Media keeps showing that tape the sicko made in the 2hours before hand killed more people.

Please let us know the victims not him, the families need comfort right now, not constant reminder of the idiot who ripped their lives apart on Monday. In Connecticut on the same day and time this was happening, Old Saybrook was preparing for something like this at their high school. They want to be prepared because lets be honest we are not.

You like to think when you send your child to school for the next 6- 8 hours they are safe and sound. You can go about your day, unless the school calls and says "sally is sick, come get her". Never would you think someone would go into a classroom an open fire, let us not forget PA, and the Amish school house, that wasn't even a student.

Gun control is not the answer, VT is in a GUN-FREE Zone, which means the people with guns know where it is safe to open fire and not get shot at, do GUN-FREE Zones work? Do more gun control laws work? NO!!! These are isolated incidents and the NRA is not to blame, no one is to blame but the Sicko's who did the killings. I know in this time of terrible tragedy, we as humans are trying to figure out WHY? What could we have done to prevent it?

The sad reality is, nothing really. If someone is out to destroy innocent people, themselves they will find a way no matter what the cost. This is not like Terroism this is individuals not a whole movement. My heart goes out to everyone at VT who was affected by these events, there is no where to put the blame except on (1) PERSON. As, a little thought where are his parents?

I am a christian and do not mind other people's beliefs, but when due to the fact you are a star, you can recruit people for your own little "CULT", Scientology is a made up religion from L. Ron Hubbard. That is fine for anyone who believes in the same beliefs but do not go out an recruit as if you are the choosen people.

I love John Travolta and Kelly Preston, they are Scientologist but do not make everyone around them become one too, I respect their beliefs, it is when it is being shoved down our throats I can not stand.

I feel sorry for Katie Holmes who was brought up a Catholic, are you now a Scientologist? Get out while you can...

FROM FOX NEWS
Tom Cruise comes to New York on Thursday night, hoping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Scientology. He’s doing it under the guise of a detox program for members of the New York Fire Department who participated in the 9/11 clean-up.
There’s only problem: No one from the hierarchy of the FDNY endorses this program. The people I’ve talked to are furious with Cruise, and want the rank and file of firemen in New York to stay away from it.
Indeed, what I’m hearing are stories of firemen who accepted free treatment, only to be swallowed into Scientology. And while tonight’s event is billed as a “fundraiser,” I’m also told that firemen and their families aren’t paying for their own tickets.

The detox program is nothing new, either, say critics of Scientology. It’s just the group’s program called Purification Rundown. The course has been around a long time and has no scientific or medicinal value that can be proven by any physicians other than Scientologists.
Meantime, all eyes will be on New York City Councilman Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who has suddenly become Scientology’s new cheerleader. Monserrate drafted an official proclamation to have Thursday recognized by the city council as L. Ron Hubbard Day in honor of the late science-fiction writer who invented Scientology

I am so excited, we have won...Gilmore Girls will be back for an 8th season. For everyone who went on Save our Show websight and voted, YEAH!! I just heard it on E! Television but of course, saw it first on www.gilmoregirls.org which gives me all my insight and comments.

I love Gilmore Girls... Did you see last nights show: The Hay Maze, how strange, an cool at the same time. I believe Loreli and Luke had a moment, an what is going on with Rory and Logan, are they growing apart because Rory is growing up an he is in a funk about his loss?

Today, is such a sad day, at the end of yesterday the death toll at Virginia Tech was 22 including the shooter, this morning we find out it was 33 including in the shooter. Why was this boy so angry?

We know now there was a note of some sort, an that he was on anti-depression medication, the media keeps trying to figure out WHY?? We may never know why, it is such a tragedy, an I realize students at VT are upset at the school handling of the situation. I have no idea how the school reacted, or if it was in a timely manner, but I do wish people would get the whole story before lashing out as if the school is to blame.

No one is to blame except "Cho Seung-Hui", which is the only time I will mention his name from now on he will be " THE ONE TO BLAME", these 33 people were going to class or getting up in their dorm to start their school day, what right did you have to come in an do this?
My heart goes out to every person affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the parents who sent their kids off to get an education, where even today we think school is a safe place. I have only seen a few names of the victims: Ryan Clark, Mary Karen Read, Christopher Bishop, Emily Jane Hilscher. I am praying for their families.

Professor Liviu Librescu you were an amazing man in life, I did not know you but from what I hear you survived the Holocaust which I am sure you thought would be the worst thing in your life than to be gunned down in your classroom, you are a hero who was protecting his students. Your family must be so proud of you, even in their time of loss, they will always remember what you did in your final time in this world.

THE ONE TO BLAME,,, is burning in H*** an there is no place else he should be, if he lived it would of been even worse for the victims families, that may sound mean an awful but I am angry at this person. What gave him the right to make a decision to alter so many lives?

What is going on the world? I have just been watching the news from Virginia Tech, where today 21 people were gunned down, 1 in their dorm an the others in a classroom. The shooter brings it up to 22 people dead, they are not sure if he took his own life or if the police shot him, my question is why? Which we may never know, my other question is where was he for the two hours between the first shooting at 7:15am an the next shootings around 9am?

Is he a student or someone angry at the college? I did a bit of research this morning due to the comparisons to 1966, I admit I was 2 years old and do not remember it, I have heard people make comments about' Going up to the Watchtower" in movies and on TV but really did not understand until today.

Charles Whitman August 1, 1966 killed 15 people that day wounding 31, after his autopsy they said he had Cancer did that cause his craziness? Why kill innocent people?

Columbine we all remember April 20, 1999 don't we? May 4, 1970 Kent State, a protest gone awry, Dawson College in Ohio?

How do people get these guns to shoot innocent people for their own sick pleasure? My heart goes out to the family and friends of todays terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech, was there any way to avoid this?

Last night, I watched "Driven" on Fox Network, I loved it. It was a cross between Cannonball run and Speed. Why are these people doing it? Why due to coming in Last at the first stop, now you have to kill another contestant in a race that has no rules? I became hooked in the first 15 minutes and now can not wait to see it tonight.

Some of the cast, is great to see back on the screen, Nathan Fillon who I love, he was great as the crazy priest in the last season of " Buffy the Vampire Slayer", but I remember him on "One Life to Live", also Brian Bloom another soap opera vetern, where has he been? After he left "Another World" I saw him in a Lifetime movie with Christian Slater and then nothing, those incredible blue eyes, where has he been hiding?

Of course, my favorite character so far, is Winston how cute is that actor? He is definately someone to watch, I do not think he is what he seems... Also the mom in the minivan with a plastic doll what is her story? I am thinking abused mom, who took the challenge to get away from her controlling husband, if you have not seen it watch... I still have not quite figured out who the little girl was who's parents were killed 28 years ago, unless it is the chick who hitched at ride with Nathan's character. If it lasts it might be an interesting season, I love that it is not a reality television show...

I hope everyone had a nice Easter Weekend, due to my husband working on Saturday's our only day off together is Sundays and we are both very selfish about our time together. We usually do not make any plans except with each other on Sunday's due to our limited time off together.

Yesterday, we got up early went grocery shopping, believe it or not I do love to do this chore as long as it is together, we enjoy going up an down the aisles an figuring out what we can spend an our meals for the week. Due to he is the cook, I just give suggestions and he figures out how to make the item.

We took a long nap in the afternoon, then he made Lamb for our Easter dinner, it was so much fun, we drank a little wine ( today, my stomach is a bit quesy from too much wine). Watched stupid videos all day, there was nothing on regular TV an this way we can shut it off and still go back to the story line if we feel like it. I did talk to my family, Maine I guess had gotten 14 inches of snow on Saturday, so even though it was chilly down here in North Carolina it is better without snow.

Today, I was reading my paper on line you should know by now I mean the New London Day, and was so upset, a person I know crashed into a cop car due to DWI, the worst thing was she had her 9 year old daughter in the car at the time, are you crazy and it was 10am? I feel bad that she crashed luckily everyone is ok, but what could possible be that terrible that you would be drunk at 10am? My heart goes out to her an her family. It makes you thankful for what we all have instead of dwelling on what we don't have. It is hard for me to grasp that sometimes when I am whining about not having enough money to buy a new outfit, when I look at other people's problems mine are nothing compared to them. I do have to tell myself not to be so selfish.

I read the following article this morning and after spending most of my life except for the last two years in North Carolina or the few years in Hartford, CT, it is now proven that Southeastern CT is not a healthy place to live.

Especially, during the cold long winter where do you go just to get out? A bar, or a coffee house, which serves legal stimulates and people smoke when they drink alcohol and coffee, in CT unfortunately, you can not smoke inside the building so you stand outside the door, so whenever anyone comes inside 9 times out of 10 they have to walk through smoke. I have no idea what the answer is, but since I now work out everyday and with the weather being so nice, it is wonderful to get up and feel better about myself. What should New London County do to make people healthier? I did see somewhere that a town in the Midwest the Mayor made it everyone's cause to get health and went out of their way to get everyone involved, do you think it might work in all the communities in Southeastern CT, maybe get them out of the Casino's or better yet get the Casino's to offer a $$ price to a Team/Individual to lose weight and get in better health. They have all that money, and they contribute to people being in trouble financially, before the casinos how many little old ladies did you hear about embezelling money from their town to gamble?

I do not think there is only a few things contributing to bad health, alot of it comes down to mental health, if you are depressed how do you get motivated to work on yourself? Believe me the winters are the worst , I also noticed it talks about sucides, most likely during the winter because you wait for May to come to start going outside and enjoying life again, you hibernate from November- May, what a way to live.

This article was in the New London Day today:

"We smoke too much, we drink too much, we are too fat and we have a strong propensity to sit on our duffs, according to the first-ever “community health assessment” of New London County.
Highlights (or lowlights) of the survey were released Thursday at a conference at Mohegan Sun attended by several hundred health-care professionals.
The conference, conducted by the Center for Health Policy, Planning and Research of the University of New England at the behest of the Community Health Access Management Program, was meant to be a starting point for the region to address its health-care needs.
“Without understanding the lay of the land, we can't move forward,” said Ronald D. Deprez, executive director of the center, who oversaw the study. “Unfortunately, in this country we don't do enough health planning.”
Susan B. Peters, CEO for outpatient services at United Community & Family Services, Inc., who chaired the conference, agreed.
“Today is just the tip of the iceberg and the beginning of the solution,” Peters said. “Today marks the beginning of our journey. To use the MapQuest analogy, this study is the starting address of our trip.”
The survey looked at risk factors to the health of the people of New London County, their access to health care, their overall wellness and the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental illness and several infectious diseases.
Among other things, the researchers found:
• Nearly a quarter of New London County residents smoke, compared to 16.5 percent of residents statewide.
• Twenty-four percent of the region's residents are obese, compared to just over 20 percent statewide.
• Almost 6 percent of residents, compared to 3.5 percent statewide, engage in chronic heavy drinking.
• Just under 22 percent have a sedentary lifestyle, about the same as the statewide percentage.
All of these behaviors increase the risk of residents' succumbing to chronic diseases.
“Policies and programs to improve nutrition and exercise, and prevent or treat tobacco use, are essential to achieving better health and reducing health costs in these communities,” Deprez said.
The survey also looked at different groupings of communities within New London County, which, not surprisingly, revealed different health issues in the cities of Norwich and New London from those found in their wealthier suburbs and such rural communities as Bozrah.
For example:
• Groton has the highest rate — 6.8 percent — of chronic heavy drinking.
• Nearly 30 percent of Norwich residents smoke, and that city has the highest rate — 5.8 percent — of heart disease.
• More than 28 percent of residents in the so-called mill towns of Griswold, Lisbon, Montville, Sprague and Stonington are obese, and residents of those towns have the highest percentage — 30.4 percent — of diagnoses of high cholesterol.
• New London and Norwich adults have the highest rates of asthma: 11 percent and 16.2 percent, respectively.
• The prevalence of adult diabetes in New London County is 33 percent higher than its prevalence statewide.
• The incidence of cancer in New London County is similar to the state rate, but Lyme and Old Lyme have a 50 percent higher incidence rate.
• The county suicide rate is higher than the state — 12.8 per 100,000 compared to 7.8 per 100,000 — and is particularly high — 18.1 per 100,000 — in the rural towns of Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Lebanon, Ledyard, North Stonington, Preston, Salem and Voluntown.
The report also examined access to health care and found that 11 percent of county residents were uninsured, that just over 21 percent had no regular source of medical care, and that 12 percent had not had a checkup in the past two years.
Deprez urged those attending the conference to use the study and coordinate their efforts to meet the health needs of the region.
“The work really starts after you leave. And so it's nice to see you all here today, but hopefully you'll take this forward,” he said. “Unless you take this forward, you've wasted your time, and you've wasted your money on us.”
Among other things Deprez suggested the area focus on were better employee-health programs and better safety-net services. But, he said, “You have to build a primary-care system that fosters and promotes patient self-management. We have to educate patients about their medications, educate patients about what is expected of them and how to report problems that they have.”
The survey made use of data from the state Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Hospital Association, the U.S. Census and a random-sample telephone survey of 1,300 county residents.
The survey results released Thursday can be viewed online at www.ledgelighthd.org.
The full report will be released May 11.
k.robinson@theday.com

Today, as I was reading the New London Day on line there was an article with a picture of a man stocking a brook full of fish for opening day of fishing April 21. It just brought back such memories of my boyfriend Seth who had passed away at the end of last year, he loved to fish more than anything. He an his guy friends every year would go camping during opening day and fish all day and party at night. The year we were together, he invited me, because some of the other guys were bringing their girlfriends/wives, so i decided how tough could it be?

We all know I am not a camper, to me camping is staying at Limited Hotel. Boy, was I wrong, it was April in Connecticut, cold, rainy and they expect you to sleep on the ground. Our tent smelled like wet socks all weekend, I had 3 layers of cloths on, he wanted to fool around, are you kidding me? I read about 4 books, didn't go fishing and pretty much complained the whole weekend poor Seth. He was a Saint, to make me feel better he took me out to lunch we had to drive 45 minutes to find a diner in Jewett City just to make me happy. Even though it is not a great memory, I still smile thinking about Seth. He loved being outdoors, fishing being with his friends and he really wanted to bond with me, that way we can do this together. We were together another 18months, I never went camping again, he went with just the guys the following year, I believe that was more fun for him.

My husband wants to go camping and I keep telling him, it won't be pretty, and I can get really ugly without walls, a bed and my morning coffee NOT over a fire. I can tell you before my infamous camping trip with SEth the last camping trip was when I was "13" and my mother sent me off with my Aunt and Uncle an cousins for the month of August, we drove to Maine and then took a ferry over to Canada, camping in Canada, the first night my Uncle put the tent over a creek so the next morning we woke up in water, then the next day as we are driving 100 miles, I see the sleeping bags and tent come off the top of the car, and when I tried to tell them, they told me to keep quiet it is quiet time and no speaking. OK, so about another 50 miles they were like ok, what was so important? Oh, nothing but about 50 miles ago we lost our sleeping bags and tent off the top of the car, it went on from there, can you understand why I hate Camping?

I know Seth is looking down wishing he could have 1 more "Opening Day of Fishing" with his friends and I will think of him on April 21.

Yesterday, I was b*** because I have been working out and nothing seems to help me lose the weight, this morning after dragging my sorry butt out of bed, did my 20 minutes work out and 10 minutes of standing AB's ( TURBO JAM STYLE) an then took a shower and decided to weigh myself, I am down another 4lbs, with a total of 14lbs, over 15 weeks. I am so excited, that is all I needed to feel motivated again.

I just wanted a little proof that is it is working, even though I am giving up an extra hour of sleep, as long as it is worth it, then YEAH!! I will most likely post later today, but thought I would share this after all my whining from yesterday.

Week whatever, I think week 15 of my diet/exercise plan. I am so very frustrated, I have lost only 11lbs, my husband has lost 14lbs and he has not even exercised in almost a week and a half. What is going on? I have read the books, some say, don't drink anything cold when you eat it should be something "hot", or you only need # of Calories, or take this pill and exercise and it will work. PLEASE HELP ME !! I have for the past two weeks done it when you are to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, because if you go all day without eating ( which I have tried), your body will store all the food when you actually eat. It is hard for me to eat that many meals not because of lack of time, it is just something I do not consciously think about.

I do not want to be unhealthy, and want to do this the correct way, for my health and to make sure the weight stays off, not comes back even more so than when I started this exercise program. It is very frustrating to myself and yes, my class reunion is in 3 months and I want to look the best I can look, do you remember when you are in your early 20's and you could party all night, get up go to work and not gain an once? Now, I look at a cookie it is on my hips in no time at all. Believe me, I do not miss my 20's but I would not mind have that metabolism back, or the good skin.

I went dress shopping this week, I hate store mirrors or better yet, I hate seeing myself in them. No, I did not buy anything but shoes for work, I am so not buying a new bathing suit this year, unless I lose alot more weight. Why is it when women age we feel everyone is judging us, but when men age they are better for it? Just something to throw out in the universe, dont worry I will be up again tomorrow at 6am doing my Turbo Jam, at least my arms are getting toned if nothing else.

I am so very excited, in my rush to buy my plane ticket for my class reunion, I put in the wrong date. I wanted an extra day to spend with my friends who are so very important to me. I do not have the extra $100.00 to change a ticket even though the ticket is a low fare, just to change it is an extra cost. HOW CAN AIRLINES BE HURTING WHEN THEY CHARGE THIS MUCH? That will hold for another of my "soap box" days..

I was talking to one of my very best friends in the world and he offered to use his own CC# to ensure that I will get to spend my day with him an a few others, how great is that? When you first meet him, he does come off a bit cocky, and hard but deep down he is one of the most generous people I know. He and I have been through alot together, we lived together at one time (not romantic), which besides living with my husband was the best ever. We had such a good time, and support system for each other.

I think now of everything he and I have been to each other, and it makes me smile, before we lived together, the parties we would have at our respective residences. He and I had a "hat" party at my house, we went to the "Emporium" in Mystic to buy our hats and party favors, an then making everyone wear whichever hat we had picked out for them. Then when we lived together the parties got alittle more extreme. To mention a few, the twister games, the porch, the 3am burgers, an of course BEASTIE BOYS...

We were both there for each other in our love lives or lack of love lives, and some of the people that did not treat us like we thought the other should be treated. Since, we both have big mouths it was never keep quiet, but let them know as often and loudly as possible, our neighbors I am sure were like "SHUT UP". I will never forget when 9/11 happened we were there together watching the news, crying.

Recently, since I live so far away it has been phone calls, emails and when I get the chance to go to CT, I make sure to see him.

I hope we will always be in each other lives, an no matter the roads life takes us, he can always depend on me, and I know he will always be there for me.

0I have been a bit lax this week in posting. Last week, was a blue week for me, and could not motivate myself to do anything not even work out. This week, I have been working out like crazy an tonight twice. Reason you may ask? 25th class reunion, how silly am I that I still care after all these years what the "CLICHE" might say about me.

Do we ever out grow wanting approval an respect from our peers? Why do we all get anxiety when it comes to going back to where we grew up? I maybe in the minority but I like to think that is not true. Also, my 20th is still fresh in my mind and myself and Kelly the other outsider sitting at the bar at the end of the evening and the "cool kids" still in the know with each other. Ironically, Kelly an I got out, neither of us even lives in the same state, when most of the people that were so "cool" still live in CT and alot in Norwich can you believe it? The really cool kids who do not go to the reunions have all moved on, I would love to see so many of them it would be extremely fun.

My husband's 20th is this year and he has no desire to go back and see those people. It is so different from myself, granted I am very nosey and want to know how people turned out and what they are doing with their lives. Anyone out there in Blogger land going to their Class Reunion this year and how do you feel about it? Are you looking for maybe your lost love? If the prom queen got fat? Did the cutest guy in school who never talked to you fall apart after high school? Mostly, I want to know if the "CLICHE" is still making people feel lower than themselves to make them feel better, or did they "peak" in high school an everything else has been a big disappointmet to them?

At my 20th I was still single, and never married, when there were a few on their 2nd marriage, newly divorced and trying to get L***, or came out. It will be quite interesting to me, I do love to think what makes people tick.. I will keep you updated.. It is 2 months away but already on my mind.

The following letter is only 1 of several in the New London Day today, in regards to a word in a comic strip. I have loved " Better or Worse" comic strip more than any other because the creator has actually dealt with reality, an aged her characters, my gosh the Peanut characters have been 7 years old forever, Hi 'n Lois never age or do their kids and is Beatle Bailey ever getting out of the army? Believe me, I love all of these strips but this peticular one obviously, makes people think and talk about it.

The word is "RETARDED", I have a cousin who has been called this her whole life, she is mentally challenged. She works, pays rent and is a vital citizen of society and she was always hurt by the word. It would of been nice if people had sensitivity training back then as they do now. At my hotel right now is a conference for the Disabled, physically an mentally and everyone of us had to go to training to make sure we treated them with respect they deserve, and to not offend anyone when offering to help.

What Lynn Johnston did in her strip was bring to light the other side, the person who is being called the word, she was not offending anyone. It is better to start a dialogue then to just ignore that there is a problem. I picked this letter for how well he made his point. Please remember words hurt more than punches, because punches heal, words stay with you forever.





"I am really appalled that these people who “deal with this on a daily basis” failed to get the whole idea of the cartoon strip. (“ 'Better or Worse' comic strip not for the better,” and “Wrong for cartoonist to use derogatory term,” both March 18.) It was a conversation between two young women. One of the young women was upset by a name her sister called her — “Picky Face.” The other young woman merely remarked that it was better than being called “retarded.” The other young woman, April, immediately demanded, “Who called you that?” Needless to say, if those letter writers had looked at the next day's cartoon, they would have found out that it was not a joke, it was a lesson about humanity. You know the old adage, “I met a man who had no shoes, and then I met a man who had no feet.”
This cartoon has also run a strip about the grandfather having a stroke. I have had several minor strokes, and after one I could not even talk right. No one could understand a word I was trying to say, except my husband. I am grateful to cartoonist Lynn Johnston for dealing with upsetting subjects, and doing it with compassion and humor.

Happy St. Patricks Day ( late I know), but I wanted to get that out of the way. This weekend, I went to "Hilton Head" to spend time with my oldest sister, her daughter sophomore at University of Maryland and my mom, it was a girls weekend, they are staying all week, but the only time I could get was the weekend. On Friday, I drove down after work, in the rain an by myself for a 5 hour drive that took my about 6.5 hours, due to getting lost on some country road in North Carolina.

When I arrived, within 5 minutes, I was told "We hate your hair color" when are you changing it back to your natural ( natural my a**), and oh your eyebrows need waxing. Now, who better to judge you then your family right? Even at "42" years of age, it doesn't get any better. My hair right now is red, natural when it wasn't gray was dark brown, we were watching " Breakfast at Tiffany's" so now mom believes that color would work for me. Now, believe me Audrey is my favorite but no way would I look as good as she did in that movie no matter what I did. How come when you are with your family you fall right back into feeling as if you are '5 years old?".

Believe me, I love my family and now that I live so far away it is special when we do see each other, I never laughed so much, because instead of getting mad at the put downs, the corrections I had to laugh it made it one of the most pleasant weekends.

The best part of being with my family is when the cards come out as they always do. We love to play cards, drink wine and talk it is usually the best conversations during those card games, we have been doing it our whole lives. My sisters' are instilling the games into their daughters who will pass them on to their own daughters it is one of my favorite things about my family. We might have a hard time talking regular but put a deck of cards in our hands and we can talk about anything and everything. We played "Spades', teams my sister and her daughter won but my mom who is excellent was making a great comeback. How do you communicate with your family or what is your traditions that makes your family so special to you?

Well, the last few days have been very hectic at work, so have had no time to post. Which is a good thing ( I guess). I am getting very excited to see my family tomorrow in Hilton Head, but as is my way, feeling guilty for not working over the weekend or on Monday. Even though I have permission from my boss, it makes me weary of these uncertain times at my work. I need to reconnect with my family ( my husband comments), he is so right, it is alot harder than I realized living so far away.

When I am down an missing home, I watch " Sex and the City" even though it is NY, it is closer to my home state of CT, I would watch ' Gilmore Girls', if I had the tapes, my poor husband is so sick of seeing " Sex and the City", I had restarted, and finished the 3rd season last night. Tonight, I will give him a break and maybe watch a Chick Flick to him I am sure he is not sure which is worse. I think he is happy to have his own free time this weekend away from me. Living so far from everyone we do not have many friends, so we are it for each other. I am sure I can be a bit overbearing (not much) at times, and he is too polite to say get away from me, besides when you miss someone you realize how much they mean to you, when you get out of the normal routine right?

I will write about my weekend when I get back..

The weather was absolutely beautiful here in Winston Salem this weekend and today is 77', Spring has arrived YEAH!! This morning walking to work, I could hear birds singing to me that is the first signal of spring. I was out in about on Saturday in the nice car ( husband's) with all the windows down and my oldie station of 80's pop music blaring always fun. I love to sing along especially alone due to being tone deaf, who cares about the weird looks I get at stop lights, get a life...

I have started packing for Hilton Head for the girls weekend coming up, I started to try on my summer clothes and some which last summer either did not fit or were way too tight, fit YEAH!! This work out thing is going on week 9,this morning did 45 minutes of cardio and tomorrow is 20 minutes of cardio and then AB work out, which I have not down in almost 10 days so it will be tough but if I am going to get into a bathing suit this summer it is something I will have to endure. Husband was a bit sick this morning so he did not work out, but he looks good, he has lost 10lbs now too, an his clothes are fitting better too. To me the fact that my clothes feel better, loose and not tight makes me extremely happy.

I have decided to go to my 25th class reunion, an have worked it out transportation an housing without really spending alot of money. I am so excited, an my vain self is working extra hard to at least lose another 10lbs and more inches so I will feel better walking in. I think my dad is going to loan me his BMW Convertible to drive to the event not that it matters (like H***) it matters how bad am I?

Well, it is Hidden Dragon's an my 2nd wedding anniversary tomorrow. If you have not read his blog you should but beware his is very political and he is not quiet about his beliefs. Where mine is basically just my life and what I do with it.

Tonight, I was going to attempt to make dinner, but instead we are having steak and sitting at our new fire pit thing his parents gave us. It may not sound like much but to us it is wonderful today is 65' here in Winston Salem and it will get a bit cooler but we can snuggle to keep warm by the fire. I bought a nice bottle of red wine for dinner and some champagne for tomorrow. We have been a bit distant lately, an I want him to know how much I love him and enjoy our life together. We are opposites in almost everything but we generally care and love each other.

I look back 2 years to the night before our wedding, it was snowing, and he was sick as a dog, but we were both so excited for the next day. He hung out with his best man an our good friend Christian an drank wine an played games the night before. Myself had Thomas an Claudette and a few bottles of champagne we hung out laughing that my gosh, Paula is actually getting married at 40 years old, I don't think anyone thought it would happen. I just needed a strong man, who would tell me "no', but not to be a prick, with a reason for everything.

So, we are celebrating our 2nd, it might not be long for alot of people, but Hidden Dragon had quite the life in his 20's in New Orleans, an in CT so he was ready to settle down with a woman who wouldn't play games and tell him to give it up, you are not that charming.

I know this is the 2nd one today, this is a seperate issue.

BAD DATES:I have been thinking of all my bad dates I had before I met my husband an thought I would give women out there my perspective of what to look for in a bad date. Not all of these have happened to me, but a few have.

Blind date # 1 - My friend tells me this guy saw you one day thinks your cute, would you go out with him? Ok, he is normal right? Very normal.
"Very Normal" should of been the clue, 1. The guy has not been on a date in 15 years, and his mother took him shopping to buy his outfit ( which looked like granimals remember those?).
2. He ate nothing at the restaurant and kept running to the bathroom, what for you may ask
COKE HEAD... 3. Cheap too, kept talking about $ or lack of it, since he was doing Coke I figured he had money I made him take me to the casino spend another $50 then I went home an never saw him again. He actually had the nerve to tell my friend he really liked me when do you think we can go out again? ARE YOU CRAZY!!!

Blind date # 2 - This guy owned a coffee shop I would frequent and he found out where I work and called me to go out, I told him I would meet him for coffee.
" Found out where I work", should of been the clue here. Meet for coffee and as we are talking he informs me that the woman at the coffee house with him is his wife, but they are seperated but still live together and in case it does work out he wants a back up. That ended 90 minutes after it started.

Next date - I walk into Starbucks after working a Sunday morning at the hotel, and these two guys started talking to me, and since I was waiting for my coffee, I told them I had come from the hotel (name), and next day, 1 of them shows up at my work.
'SHOWS UP at my WORK", I was flattered and we made plans to go out to breakfast that following Sat. the date lasted 35 minutes ( my shortest date) reason, he wants a family and a wife to take care of him. He stated this in the first 10 minutes, the only reason it lasted as long as it did the food took too long...

The lesson to day boys and girls is look for signs of STALKER Material... Not a great trait, as in all of these lessons you will notice I met them out, never gave them my home address or home phone number. I figured by this dating time, no reason to bring it into my space until I was ready.

Alright someone who read my blog, thinks my taste in music stinks. To be honest so does my husband but let me just clarify a few things, when someone asks you what is your taste in music, how do you explain it depends on the day? For me music reflects what I am feeling at that moment.

A few examples are, when my husband and I were introduced into our wedding reception we walked in to Metallica, No clue on the name of the song, why you may ask it is what my husband wanted and I admit I did feel like a rock star when we walked in, ironically besides him, my brother an about 4 other people no one else had a clue what that music was. One night, about two weeks ago coming home from work, Supertramp came on the radio and I sang along it was fun. On one of my husband and my road trips we came upon a 70's rock station and we are driving down the highway singing, laughing and having such fun to the music, people next to us were looking at us funny, could of been the air guitar and air drums we were playing, but you never know.

I like so many different genre's of music, but basically it has been pop music. My soul loves Blues, and when I travel to New Orleans, Nashville, Chicago even Austin TX I find places to hear the blues. Someday I will get to Memphis and Kansas City and find the best clubs. I love Country Rock, like Chris Dougherty, Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson, Hank Williams Jr.. I have always loved Country but kept it secret until it was cool.. Pathetic I realize.

So to me music is a personal taste and for myself compeletly depends on what I am feeling or where I am in my life. Never trust what people write on the profiles for music or movies for that matter, but that is for another blog.

This year is my 25th high school class reunion, it is being held at the Norwich Marina on June 30, 2007. Now, should I go or not? I want to go, and of course the husband doesn't want to, he did not go to my school an won't really know anyone (neither will I). If I go it will be with my girlfriends, I have contacted two of them trying to get us all to go together, which I think would be more fun. No offense to my husband, but we want to talk to our friends, people we wouldn't of hung out with in high school and just reconnect.

I did go to my 20th with a friend had so much fun, but alot of the people I wanted to see weren't there, it is just fun to see how people turn out. For some reason I think the 25th is one of the big ones, why do not ask me. If you have never been to a class reunion it is fun to see how people turn out, and if they have lived up to their ideals from high school or had the career they thought they would have. I really wanted to be a journalist but as you can tell my grammar is awful because I write like I speak with no punctation.

Myself an a good friend of mine crashed my sisters 25th reunions at the Mohegan Sun and had such a ball, even though we didn't graduate with these people but knew them from our sisters. I wish mine was at the Casino, because if you are bored you can go upstairs and gamble. The Marina will be nice, not great food but the whole point is to mingle anyway. There are a few people I would love to see how they turned out if they go, I admit I am working out like crazy I do not want to be fat for my class reunion. I know that is vain but in high school I looked like a boy, I did not blossom until way after college. The click at the 20th were still together, still trying to make me feel small, they sat at a table and myself and another outcast Kelly sat a the bar making fun of them ( so much more fun).. Kelly came in the most outrageous outfit and her an I had a wonderful time.

If I go to my 25th I will let you all know what happened and if the click is still the same after all these years.

Hello, Back in December I brought you some interesting thoughts on the Bells ringing Christmas Music in the small town of Jewett City, CT, where someone who does not live in the town but visits, and is an athesist thought the bells should be silenced. He even went an file a complaint with the police department. He lost of course, get over it. Well here was a follow up of that story in the New London Day today:

YEAH FOR JON STEWART::
It has been rescheduled multiple times, but tonight could be the night that the Borough of Jewett City makes an appearance on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”
As of late this afternoon a spokesman for the Comedy Central cable network said the segment filmed Feb. 1 on the controversial chimes that emanate from the belfry of the Jewett City Baptist Church on Main Street is still scheduled for the 11 p.m. broadcast.
However, the conviction of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, this afternoon might delay its airing for the fifth time.
In November, an atheist group complained that the church's playing of the chimes that are owned by the borough and the town violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
The borough has refused to silence the chimes.
Three locals were interviewed for the show: Norwich resident William Russell, who brought the complaint, borough business owner Philip Anthony and borough resident Ron Ward.

Beginning of week 8 of the workout regiment. This morning, was not so bad I actually just got up, did 20 minutes of cardio and then 10 minutes of standing AB work out without a complaint. I did not even think of an excuse before getting up, how strange. I did eat alot this weekend due to the in-laws are in town, so I needed to work out. Yesterday, we walked around "Old Salem" here in Winston Salem, it was 60' but the wind blowing made it feel colder so once the walk was over, I was exhausted but felt great. My gosh, I must be actually getting into shape, what a shocker that would be, since I have been working hard at it.

The weekend had gone well, and they are here for 1 more day but both of us are working, so I will see them tonight after work for dinner an then tomorrow when they leave for the rest of their trip, it is nice they are retired and can go visiting. That will be nice later in life for us. Even though I love to travel now. Our next trip will either be Key West, FL or London England, not quite sure as of yet.

Did you see the fact they arrested Stephen Grant for cutting up his wife Tara? Why would he do such a brutal crime? They have 2 children, where were they? Did they see their daddy do such a horrible crime? I am always amazed when it is so brutal and wonder what went on in that house to provoke such a response and so final.

Today, spent the day with my in-laws their first trip to Winston Salem, NC we took them to Mount Airy, ( Mayberry) for the day it was fun, unfortunately, I always feel I will say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, not quite sure which is worse. Tonight, to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary an we are home by 8:15pm. I actually had two glasses of wine, and Stephen a scotch, surprising because my in-laws do not drink. We went to a wonderful restaurant called " Noble's Grille", to be honest I have wanted to try for some time but never seemed to have the extra cash, the service was incredible and since I ( Love the spotlight) let them know it was our anniversary we received our desserts complimentary.

Now, we are home and I am having another glass of wine ( most likely do not need), but we are listening to music and building the gift his parents gave us. Of course, he is building and I am posting on my blog, better for each of us, if I do not even pretend to help. Anyone, who has tried to work with their spouse on a project knows it is best to stay out of the way. Tomorrow we have the morning to ourselves and will meet his parents around noon, due to nothing down here opens before Noon, we are in the bible belt. Our Sunday's are usually our only day together and since we met is our time, so tomorrow afternoon will be with his parents but ok, does not happen that often we have to give up our Sunday.

I am still smiling from this weeks findings, how funny it has been over 20 years but someone's words can bring me to a smile. You wish you knew what I was talking about, keep guessing....

Today, I am a nervous wreck my husband's parents are coming out for a visit for the weekend. This is the first time since we moved to Winston Salem, and the last time they visited we were in Charlotte an it was Thanksgiving 2005, we had only been there a few months. I also, say his parents because when you say, " My In-laws are coming", people take the negative approach assumming you do not get along with them, which is not true. My in-laws are wonderful people and have welcomed me into their family with open arms. I get nervous when either family visits, I want them to like our new home, new place and realize we are still only married two years an nothing is perfect, but we made the right decision to move south.

This morning as my husband was saying, " Calm down, you are in hyper mode", I was clean, straighten, dust etc. Now, granted I could of done this last night but I was not thinking they will be here on Friday night, not morning. Yeah, paula you are working all day an then they are driving you home, so when exactly are you going to be able to do this? I believe I am worse when it is my sisters, because for some reason their opinions bother me more than most. It is like if I am going to see them, I will have 5 or 6 outfit changes, worry about my hair, make up an clothes as if, that is going to change what they think of me. I have been stressing for weeks, since I knew I would see my oldest sister on March 17, funny when I heard my mom was joining us my anxiety went down, my mom an I are so close and understand each other more than my sisters. I didn't street about my in-laws until this morning.

End of Week 7 of the work out, today, I did work out but it stunk because I kept thinking what i needed to do to prepare for them to come to our house. I have to work out tomorrow a rest day to make up for my lack of performance this morning. To date: Lost 10lbs, Inches 3 off waist, 3.5 off hips, YEAH!!

I will post hopefully after the weekend, have a great weekend, by the way for any of my readers up in the North, it is 60' and sunny today...

Sometimes your past comes back in a good way. Today, when I was going through my emails there was one from Reunion.com, and my 1st "crush" had contacted me on there. It brought back all those feelings I had for him at 14 in our freshman year of high school. He was so cool, cute and the most intense eyes in the world. Even though he ended up with another girl, who just a note they are still married, his high school sweetheart, it still makes me smile. He was so nice to me, and became friends an even after not seeing each other for many years, I admit I was flattered he actually remembered me.

We are both happily married to other people, but I love pen pals, or email pals especially with someone who always made me feel special. He was one of those cool guys, that even though you can't be anything more, makes you feel as if what you have to say is so important to him. Funny, I have been thinking alot about high school lately an just realized that the coffee cup my husband put in my bathroom for my toothbrush and toothpaste is from, "St.Bernard's" High School, or rivals in sports in school. I went to Norwich Free Academy (NFA) and our football team by our senior year was 0 wins, we were not good, and when we played St. Bernards they would play, " We are the Champions" over the speakers. What could we say we would talk smack but we all knew our team was not good.

I realize I posted earlier today, but I have just read my favorite paper the New London Day on line, an I am amazed at what is happening in East Lyme. In the last week, teenagers gone wild, have broken into 2 houses while people are on vacation and trashed the house by having a party and on Monday, someone vandelised buses in the lot so school had to be cancelled for Tuesday. What is going on?

"On a Web site initially devoted to supporting one of the three teenagers who so far have been arrested on burglary and criminal-mischief charges, the stated mission had changed. No longer was “Keep the Trevolution Alive” focused on the way in which “The Man” was keeping a student named Trevor down. "

The mission statement continued: “They're top priority...wat happened to trev and all our friends isnt reversible...but wat happened to the balantics house is. Lets get the ball rollin everybody and raise some money.”

There is a webpage out there supporting what these "children" have done. My question is what right do these "children" have, or what gave them an idea that it was o.k., to break into houses and throw a party on someone elses dime and place? What has society, tv or their parents taught them?

When I watch MTV (not that often), an the shows basically show that kids feel entitled to everything. Watch "My sweet 16" sometime an see how these kids treat their parents regarding what they "deserve" for their $100,000 party, a $100,000 car too, and of course a celebrity to come to their party. I do love it when the celebrity puts them in their place, like when Cara showed up 2 hours late for the boys "Grand Entrance" or the rapper who told the spoiled brat that he is $100,000 just for an hour.

My question is yes parents teach their children values and such, but what role does society play in showing them what is right or wrong?

I have two things to talk about today, first the Gilmore Girls last night, BORING... I actually flipped around the channels, where are the old writers? The Oneies were not even funny, I was very disappointed this whole season I have been waiting for Lorelai and Christopher to break up an then the whole Luke resolve and Scott Patterson (Luke) looks awful this season and I have no sympathy for any of my characters except Rory, now Logan is going back to his childish ways because he failed at his first venture. I am sad and disappointed in a show I have loved since it started.

The second is about my new home town of Winston-Salem, NC, there was a council meeting last night about a new development and the homeowners who do not want it to happen and are upset an a bit scared about what this means for them. The Council memembers reassured them that their land and homes are not endanger. I would like to believe that and have faith in the system but being from Southeastern CT and watching Kelo vs. City of New London due to "Eminent Domain", she lost her house along with the other people in the lawsuit and it went right up to the Federal Supreme Court. Just an added note that was about 18 months ago finally settled and nothing has been developed or started developing on that land. It is now just empty houses on that land, was it worth it? Taking people's homes? Some of those people have lived in their homes for their whole lives. So to the Winston -Salem residents upset about their livelhood and not really trusting the politicans be very careful, anything can happen.

As citizens how do you feel about Eminent Domain, that you can work and work, buy your dream house, raise your family and decide I want to live out my days in this house, and "WHAM" the government says for the good of the economy we need to take your house and you can not do anything about it.

Yesterday, being "Oscar" day, on all the Movies Channels TCM and ACM, was Oscar winning movies, so I caught a few minutes of West Side Story, then later in the evening saw Law & Order: CI with Rita Moreno as Bobby Goren's mom, I think it is perfect casting, even to imagine her so small having such a big guy as Bobby Goren. She was fabulous in West Side Story, along with Natalie Wood as Maria. Then I flipped around and caught glimpses of " Gone with the Wind", I hear they are thinking of doing it on Broadway with Hugh Jackman as Rhett Butler, again I think perfect casting, besides Clark Gable who can you picture as Rhett Butler today? A few years ago, I would of said Tom Selleck but now I think Hugh Jackman will be perfect for the role. My question is who is to play Scarlett? Remember in 1939, they had such a hard time filling that part, no one seemed exactly right. Every actress in Hollywood wanted that role, even Clark Gable's wife Carole Lombard wanted it, instead it went to an English Actress who personified Scarlett O'Hara, so who in today's actresses can you picture as Scarlett?

My pick Vanessa Marcil on looks alone, I am not quite sure if she can do a southern accent, but she definately can play the different aspects of the character, do you remember her on General Hospital? According to the papers this version will stick closer to the book then the 1939 movie, after watching it again last night, how can you improve on the original? I have read the book and I admit it was better than the movie, but I am a sucker for Rhett and Scarlett in flesh and blood sparing partners. Vivian Leigh was amazing, if you want to see another one of her incredible performances, watch " Streetcar named Desire", as Blanche Dubois.. Also, you get to see Marlon Brando in all his sexiness.

Let me just state I am a "Yankee" through and through, but today, I found myself making comments as if I am from the South, and was called on it, by a real southern. He is like "Honey, you are not from the South, so knock it off.".. My comment if you are wondering was, "Oh, honey sugar sweetie pie please can I have the lights fixed by 5pm? "It was more awful with the southern drawl ( I was attempting) trying to get someone to help me out.. In the past, in my Northern way, I would of said, " I do not care how you do it, but it will be done by 5pm or you will be out on your a**."

Sometimes, southern ways are a bit more persuasive then to go right for the jugular. It has only been 18 months what has gotten into me?

Well, on Monday we will be starting our 7th week of working out, just to let you know has not become easier to get up in the morning and my mood has not improved but I feel better, so I guess it is achieving one thing anyway.

This week at work has been even more boring than usually, if you can believe it. I must of played at least 200 games of Solitare on the computer just to look busy. How pathetic am I? Well, the in-laws are coming next weekend, an I am trying to find out what to do, my husband is really no help. We are going up to Mount Airy (Mayberry) on Saturday, and then to dinner somewhere nice, and Sunday, no clue so he better come up with something. I have decided to take 1/2 a day on Monday to spend with them before they leave on Tuesday for Raleigh, I would love to be able to retire and travel like them. After Raleigh they are going to Florida for two weeks, I am very jealous and happy we get to see them for a few days and show them our new city.

So, Brittany Spears is back in rehab, and seems to be staying put for a little, she atleast made it a day and 1/2 this time, my question is she was so proud to be pregnant where are her children while she is out partying? It is like those tv sitcoms of the 80's which would build in a pregnancy an then never mention the child after they were born, excuse me in real life they are your life not your after thought. I read, they are comparing Brittany to Anna Nicole Smith, what a lovely person to be compared to and in the same sentence "headed down the same path', as if Brittany can't change or get better my gosh she is only 25 if a day.

My husband and my favorite TV night together is Monday night sitcoms... I think Two and half men, Rules of Engagement and How I met your mother are so funny, we sit on the couch together and laugh instead of him judging my stupid television shows. If you have not seen "Two and half men", please watch it Charlie Sheehan and Jon Cryer are so funny together and such opposites, my only question is where has there mother been I love her attitude toward them.

What do you an your significant watch together an enjoy?

There was a song on the radio today, which brought back memories of first when I had to make a decision I wasn't ready to make and when I started liking younger men. The song was "Open Arms' by Journey, the year would of been when I was 15 years old in high school. I had two boys via for my attention, 1 Jimmy B 2. Jimmy M, both were 14 years old and freshmen in high school while I was a Sophomore. Jimmy M. was on the swim team with me cute, stocky, freckles an very sweet. Jimmy B. was on the freshmen football team, tall, dark an handsome. Both good kissers, and I liked them both in different ways.

I had to choose who would be my boyfriend, and I picked Jimmy B. because someone else explained to me, that due to Jimmy M. and I were on the same team he would forgive me and we could be friends. I never felt so awful about hurting someone like that, choosing one person over another is awful, it has happened to me later in life and of course, I was the one dumped on. Jimmy B. and I did not last too long but it was intense, our song was Sailing by Christopher Cross (before MTV), an I can remember a memorable make out session at Kenny's house in Norwich, CT. I do also recall making out with Jimmy M. at this guy Mikes party.

Jimmy B. and I broke up because I went to another house party, which since I was babysitting my brother was not suppose to be there and dragged my brother along ( I was of course grounded afterwards), an Jimmy B. was making out with another girl. END of US.

Two years ago, I heard from both Jimmy's, they found me on Reunion.com, and they are still good friends an live in the Boston Area, successful marriages and careers. We were going to get together in Boston later that summer but they never got back to me as it got closer. My fiance then (husband now) thought their wives wouldn't of wanted to meet me. Why? It was over 20 years ago. I admit (1) of my main reasons was to see what they looked like, to me they will always be those 2 boys who tugged at my heart and still to this day make me smile when I think of that innocent time in our lives.

Songs can make you feel and think of past times, future and of course when you are going through a breakup every song on the radio seems to be a lost love song to bring you in more into the depression. Just a point my husband is 5 years younger than myself, so I do thank both Jimmy's for making me look at younger men in a whole new light.

Well, I am missing home more so today then usually. I think because I have not heard from my family in about two weeks, I guess they are not thinking of me since I am so far away. I was of course on the New London day websight reading the news and a few things stuck out in my mind. Mystic now has a webcam on the Drawbridge and downtown, so even if I can't be in Mystic, CT I can see what is going on, how very cool. You get to it by www.sectline.com, Or just go to Mystic Chamber of Commerce and they have the link up just in case I am wrong and missed a letter which sometimes happens.

The other thing that stuck out was it has been 4 years since the Station Fire and my heart still can see the news and the devastation of the 100 people who lost their lives, I did not know anyone personally but that does not mean I feel any less for these people's loss. I did not realize that the court cases are over and the most anyone got was 4 years, we all know it was not intentional and the stage manager will have to live with this accident for the rest of his life, but what about the Fire Marshall's who never sited the bar for the insulation? What is right? I have no idea but it is definately something to think about. Another reason not to own a bar... I wanted to in my early 20' s an so glad I didn't it is such a responsiblity, if I thought my job was stressful that would be even worse. I remember when I bartended, my biggest fear was someon I served out on the road an might hurt someone or themselves. I took it seriously, and was known as a tough a** because I would not overserve. No one, will thank you for that, but it gave me piece of mind. So, next time you are in a bar an the bartender cuts you off or someone you know, do not yell an call them names Thank them, they are only looking out for your safety.

Enough of my soap box today, IS SPRING HERE YET? I am so ready for Spring which is so funny due to not much of a winter down here in North Carolina. I am still dieting, it is now 6 weeks, and I will be seeing my sister in about 3 weeks all size 4 of her, so I would love to lose another 10 lbs before I see her, vain yes but in my mind it all makes sense.

Well, I am missing home more so today then usually. I think because I have not heard from my family in about two weeks, I guess they are not thinking of me since I am so far away. I was of course on the New London day websight reading the news and a few things stuck out in my mind. Mystic now has a webcam on the Drawbridge and downtown, so even if I can't be in Mystic, CT I can see what is going on, how very cool. You get to it by www.sectline.com, Or just go to Mystic Chamber of Commerce and they have the link up just in case I am wrong and missed a letter which sometimes happens.

The other thing that stuck out was it has been 4 years since the Station Fire and my heart still can see the news and the devastation of the 100 people who lost their lives, I did not know anyone personally but that does not mean I feel any less for these people's loss. I did not realize that the court cases are over and the most anyone got was 4 years, we all know it was not intentional and the stage manager will have to live with this accident for the rest of his life, but what about the Fire Marshall's who never sited the bar for the insulation? What is right? I have no idea but it is definately something to think about. Another reason not to own a bar... I wanted to in my early 20' s an so glad I didn't it is such a responsiblity, if I thought my job was stressful that would be even worse. I remember when I bartended, my biggest fear was someon I served out on the road an might hurt someone or themselves. I took it seriously, and was known as a tough a** because I would not overserve. No one, will thank you for that, but it gave me piece of mind. So, next time you are in a bar an the bartender cuts you off or someone you know, do not yell an call them names Thank them, they are only looking out for your safety.

Enough of my soap box today, IS SPRING HERE YET? I am so ready for Spring which is so funny due to not much of a winter down here in North Carolina. I am still dieting, it is now 6 weeks, and I will be seeing my sister in about 3 weeks all size 4 of her, so I would love to lose another 10 lbs before I see her, vain yes but in my mind it all makes sense.

My obsession continues, I could not work out this morning my arms were killing me from doubling up the last two days so I slept an extra hour this morning. Then at work the guilt got to me, I did have to walk alot today all over the property but not enough exercise, so I came home an worked out, what is wrong with me?

Last night, my husband made me "Sloppy Joe's" for dinner, remember those when you were a kid? Definately, when I was a child one of my favorite meals, you were allowed to be messy especially due to the whole name thing, when I eat now I am a slob, none of my clothes are spotless, today had cottage cheese for a snack and now my shirt has a big white glob. Actually, everything I do makes me a mess, I have white out on two of my black shirts from work injuries. I should be nicknamed "Pigpen" from Peanuts.

Due to this fact, I love anything with the name Sloppy in it and it actually is expected you will make a mess.

Have a wonderful weekend, hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day.

Jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter with product code on the lid that begins with the number “2111” should be discarded or returned to the place you purchased it for a refund.

Anyone who has recently eaten Pan and/or Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and have experienced symptoms of fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps should seek medical attention and and notify the region's health district.

My favorite thing to eat is Peanut Butter, but I am a Skippy Girl what about you? Just thought I would warn everyone.

I have become obessed with losing weight and for the last two nights I have been working out in the morning and when I get home from work too. I have no idea what has gotten into me, but it is something I want so bad and for some reason am willing to work for it, outside of my career that is just not like me.

At "42" years old now I have decided I need to be a babe for my husband how bizarre, really it is because my sisters are both size 5, and have been working out for years, I HATE BEING THE FAT SISTER.... Once you reach size "16" you know next size is out of regular stores, help me is what my pants were telling me, so now I am obsessed.