Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Week 4 of new job... Interesting!! I have never worked in a seasonal property before, so my first Saturday was so boring. No walk ins and no phone calls. I did paperwork just trying to get things into the system from 2006 to get accurate reports.
Right now, it has been quite boring but at least I had a few inquires through the internet. I am just so bored! I hate starting a new job.
HALLOWEEN IS WEDNESDAY!! Do you remember how much fun it was when we were kids? I can remember it being really cold or rather warm, if it was cold you would have to wear a coat over your costume which of course, I hated, but if it was warm it was amazing. No matter what it was fun, I grew up on Yantic Lane in Norwich, CT anyone from there can tell you, alot of candy to be had then, this would be 1970's when parents left us alone to go out and collect our candy.
The only rule, no eating any fruit that might have been given to you, the rumor was there could be a razor blade in it. Compared to what is going on this world today, that does not seem to much. In the New London Day today, the police are recommending parents go on line to see who is a registered sex offender in your neighborhood. How sad are our times, that something that was so much fun for kids, has to be so monitored now? We all thought the no eating the fruit was bad, except we really only wanted the candy anyway so why would someone give you fruit? They ran out of candy or how no intention of participating except when little kids kept ringing their bell?
I know alot of times now kids don't even go door to door, they go to an organized event, in a mall, firehouse safe havens as you might say. I know in my last neighborhood we lived in, the first wave of kids were from the neighborhood, then you would see vans letting off inner city kids so they could/would have a safe environment, no one seemed to mind, I thought it was great. I love to see the kids having fun, this year, in the middle of nowhere in Maine we won't get anyone but it is OK. I still enjoy the holiday and my memories.
Right now, it has been quite boring but at least I had a few inquires through the internet. I am just so bored! I hate starting a new job.
HALLOWEEN IS WEDNESDAY!! Do you remember how much fun it was when we were kids? I can remember it being really cold or rather warm, if it was cold you would have to wear a coat over your costume which of course, I hated, but if it was warm it was amazing. No matter what it was fun, I grew up on Yantic Lane in Norwich, CT anyone from there can tell you, alot of candy to be had then, this would be 1970's when parents left us alone to go out and collect our candy.
The only rule, no eating any fruit that might have been given to you, the rumor was there could be a razor blade in it. Compared to what is going on this world today, that does not seem to much. In the New London Day today, the police are recommending parents go on line to see who is a registered sex offender in your neighborhood. How sad are our times, that something that was so much fun for kids, has to be so monitored now? We all thought the no eating the fruit was bad, except we really only wanted the candy anyway so why would someone give you fruit? They ran out of candy or how no intention of participating except when little kids kept ringing their bell?
I know alot of times now kids don't even go door to door, they go to an organized event, in a mall, firehouse safe havens as you might say. I know in my last neighborhood we lived in, the first wave of kids were from the neighborhood, then you would see vans letting off inner city kids so they could/would have a safe environment, no one seemed to mind, I thought it was great. I love to see the kids having fun, this year, in the middle of nowhere in Maine we won't get anyone but it is OK. I still enjoy the holiday and my memories.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
It has been 2 months since Thomas died and I am still having such a hard time accepting it as a fact. I have a wonderful picture of him, Claudette and myself at the Lighthouse Inn on New Years Day Brunch. Sad to remember that Thomas and Seth (who took the picture) are both gone. That New Years Day, we were so tired, not from partying but from working the night before at the FloodTide in Mystic, I believe we did have a bottle or two of Champagne but mostly we were exhausted. Anyone who has worked in a busy restaurant on New Years Eve knows exactly what I am talking about, so we treated ourselves to brunch around 1pm, so we wouldn't need dinner. Also, we finally rolled out of bed around 11am, so what else is there to do on New Years Day? None of us watched football and a Bloody Mary or Mimosa to us was always the best way to start a New Year ( or any Sunday whichever came first).
As, I look at the picture I remember the smell, how bad the food was and Thomas pretty much complaining about the lack of variety, too saucy brunch. He at the time was working out like crazy an watching what he ate. Claudette and I pretty much just wanted to eat and have mimosas. The three of us, had such different relationships to each other, but we certainly loved each other and enjoyed our company.
Claudette and I got through the funeral together and are still very close. My mind keeps bringing me back to the last time we saw Thomas. He was miserable, made us miserable and it wasn't a good way to end it. I cried this morning, for his loss as if it was only yesterday that I got the call. Everyday, I remember or think of something to say to him. At this point in the calender year, I would be planning my trip home for Christmas and when we would get together. Last year, we met at Thomas's on Christmas Eve (right after a deer hit my car), it was so much fun. We played games and talked, laughed and basically had fun.
I miss Thomas so much. I hope he knows that in my heart he will always be missed and loved.
As, I look at the picture I remember the smell, how bad the food was and Thomas pretty much complaining about the lack of variety, too saucy brunch. He at the time was working out like crazy an watching what he ate. Claudette and I pretty much just wanted to eat and have mimosas. The three of us, had such different relationships to each other, but we certainly loved each other and enjoyed our company.
Claudette and I got through the funeral together and are still very close. My mind keeps bringing me back to the last time we saw Thomas. He was miserable, made us miserable and it wasn't a good way to end it. I cried this morning, for his loss as if it was only yesterday that I got the call. Everyday, I remember or think of something to say to him. At this point in the calender year, I would be planning my trip home for Christmas and when we would get together. Last year, we met at Thomas's on Christmas Eve (right after a deer hit my car), it was so much fun. We played games and talked, laughed and basically had fun.
I miss Thomas so much. I hope he knows that in my heart he will always be missed and loved.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My husband and I are having a little rough patch since he arrived in Maine. Part of it, is the fact we were away for the first time in our marriage for about 3 weeks, then my "Period" hit, of course and my father in law ( Sweet man) is here with him too, which puts stress on me when we are living at the hotel. Nothing to get divorced over, but definately something that for us to work through. It has been so tough looking for a place to live and then seeing what little is out here in Maine. We have finally found a place, I know he was so disappointed yesterday when he was driving around getting no where and we lucked into this place. Now, it is just a waiting game to make sure that we are a good fit for the landlords.
I already in my mind can see where to put our furniture, how to decorate for the holidays etc. I so want my family to come visit once we are in and settled, can you tell I am in sales, I am saying when not "IF".. This article below struck me today, because of what we are going through now, and think it should help all married couples who believe in their vows.
(CNN) -- Americans are always good at touting an issue as a state of emergency in order to establish a sense of urgency. And there are any number that we could highlight -- HIV/AIDS, gun violence, drug addiction -- but one that should be added to the list is that of the divorce rate in this nation.
Martin says couples must sometimes work to make their marriages last.
Various studies show that at least half of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce, and if you remarry, those figures grow exponentially. For some reason, Americans are either getting married for the wrong reasons or are not making the effort to spend more time working on their marriages to save them, and instead, run to divorce court at the first sign of trouble.
I can speak from experience on this issue -- I was divorced after six years of marriage in 1999. The idea to shut down the marriage wasn't mine. My wife said she wanted out, and then as now, I felt the reasons cited were easy to overcome, if two people were willing to actually make it work. And in fact, I refused to sign the papers unless language was cited that I didn't agree with the divorce. Why? Like I told her, if someone in the future did research on me and came across that public document, then they would see my true feelings on the matter.
I've since remarried and thoroughly enjoy the six-year relationship with my wife, Jacquie, and both of us have made it our commitment to help other couples sustain and grow their marriages through leading and teaching marriage seminars and workshops at various churches across the country.
This notion of a national initiative to get Americans discussing our marital woes -- and how to fix them -- really hit home again this weekend when I saw the movie, Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?"
It's the story of eight college friends who gather for one week a year, and we get to see the marriage drama that each of one of them go through. One couple is constantly arguing over any little issue; another appears to be strong on the outside but is grieving on the inside over the death of their child in an accident; one couple fights the workaholic nature of the wife and the sexual fits her husband has to endure; while another speaks to a husband who is cheating on his wife with her best friend because his wife has put on a lot of weight, and she has to deal with not being loved.
The movie was such a hit that two weeks ago it was number one at the box office, garnering $16 million, and was number two last week.
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What resonated so much was that these were ordinary couples who go through the ups and downs that so many marriages face. I don't want to give away everything about the movie, but in the end, one of the marriages can't be saved. But the great thing is that the couples faced some serious issues, and didn't take off at the first sign of trouble. They fought (verbally), argued, disagreed, but in the end, recognized that the marriage vows they professed for one another on their wedding day came true -- to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.
I strongly believe that for too many of us, we've accepted the notion that marriage will be perfect; that we won't endure trials and tribulations. But that isn't true. In fact, where is that ever true than in someone's fantasy life? What's amazing to me is that when faced with difficulty on the job, so many of us will buckle down and work harder to prove ourselves worthy to keep that job. But at home, we'd rather leave, even if that means putting our kids through a divorce.
As I suggest in the six essays on marriage in my book, "Listening to the Spirit Within," if you're in a marriage where someone is physically abusing you and your life is being threatened, by all means leave. But we can't be afraid of going outside the marriage to get counseling, whether spiritual or secular. You may have grown up and watched your parents divorce, and that pain is still there, and you may see it being repeated in your relationship. Trust me, it can work.
But couples must be willing to confront themselves. Maybe your idea of marriage is "I-my" and it should be "we-us-our." Maybe you see your spouse as more of a roommate, co-habitating in a space where you pay half the bills and he or she pays the other half.
America wasn't just built on the idea of strong ideals. It was also constructed on the back of strong families. But today, these families are being splintered and broken up for a variety of reasons, including our selfishness and unwillingness to confront our problems and to compromise.
Is it you I'm speaking to? Are you in the position where your marriage is crumbling before your very eyes? If so, take action today. Don't let divorce end it all. Remember, your trial today could eventually be your testimony tomorrow.
Roland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning journalist and CNN contributor. Martin is studying to receive his master's degree in Christian communications at Louisiana Baptist University, and he is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith." You can read more of his columns at www.rolandsmartin.com.
I already in my mind can see where to put our furniture, how to decorate for the holidays etc. I so want my family to come visit once we are in and settled, can you tell I am in sales, I am saying when not "IF".. This article below struck me today, because of what we are going through now, and think it should help all married couples who believe in their vows.
(CNN) -- Americans are always good at touting an issue as a state of emergency in order to establish a sense of urgency. And there are any number that we could highlight -- HIV/AIDS, gun violence, drug addiction -- but one that should be added to the list is that of the divorce rate in this nation.
Martin says couples must sometimes work to make their marriages last.
Various studies show that at least half of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce, and if you remarry, those figures grow exponentially. For some reason, Americans are either getting married for the wrong reasons or are not making the effort to spend more time working on their marriages to save them, and instead, run to divorce court at the first sign of trouble.
I can speak from experience on this issue -- I was divorced after six years of marriage in 1999. The idea to shut down the marriage wasn't mine. My wife said she wanted out, and then as now, I felt the reasons cited were easy to overcome, if two people were willing to actually make it work. And in fact, I refused to sign the papers unless language was cited that I didn't agree with the divorce. Why? Like I told her, if someone in the future did research on me and came across that public document, then they would see my true feelings on the matter.
I've since remarried and thoroughly enjoy the six-year relationship with my wife, Jacquie, and both of us have made it our commitment to help other couples sustain and grow their marriages through leading and teaching marriage seminars and workshops at various churches across the country.
This notion of a national initiative to get Americans discussing our marital woes -- and how to fix them -- really hit home again this weekend when I saw the movie, Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?"
It's the story of eight college friends who gather for one week a year, and we get to see the marriage drama that each of one of them go through. One couple is constantly arguing over any little issue; another appears to be strong on the outside but is grieving on the inside over the death of their child in an accident; one couple fights the workaholic nature of the wife and the sexual fits her husband has to endure; while another speaks to a husband who is cheating on his wife with her best friend because his wife has put on a lot of weight, and she has to deal with not being loved.
The movie was such a hit that two weeks ago it was number one at the box office, garnering $16 million, and was number two last week.
Don't Miss
Martin: Barack Obama's black wakeup call
Martin: Why is the GOP scared of black voters?
Martin: 'Jena 6' rally was about equal justice
Martin: It's not too early to start choosing next president
What resonated so much was that these were ordinary couples who go through the ups and downs that so many marriages face. I don't want to give away everything about the movie, but in the end, one of the marriages can't be saved. But the great thing is that the couples faced some serious issues, and didn't take off at the first sign of trouble. They fought (verbally), argued, disagreed, but in the end, recognized that the marriage vows they professed for one another on their wedding day came true -- to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.
I strongly believe that for too many of us, we've accepted the notion that marriage will be perfect; that we won't endure trials and tribulations. But that isn't true. In fact, where is that ever true than in someone's fantasy life? What's amazing to me is that when faced with difficulty on the job, so many of us will buckle down and work harder to prove ourselves worthy to keep that job. But at home, we'd rather leave, even if that means putting our kids through a divorce.
As I suggest in the six essays on marriage in my book, "Listening to the Spirit Within," if you're in a marriage where someone is physically abusing you and your life is being threatened, by all means leave. But we can't be afraid of going outside the marriage to get counseling, whether spiritual or secular. You may have grown up and watched your parents divorce, and that pain is still there, and you may see it being repeated in your relationship. Trust me, it can work.
But couples must be willing to confront themselves. Maybe your idea of marriage is "I-my" and it should be "we-us-our." Maybe you see your spouse as more of a roommate, co-habitating in a space where you pay half the bills and he or she pays the other half.
America wasn't just built on the idea of strong ideals. It was also constructed on the back of strong families. But today, these families are being splintered and broken up for a variety of reasons, including our selfishness and unwillingness to confront our problems and to compromise.
Is it you I'm speaking to? Are you in the position where your marriage is crumbling before your very eyes? If so, take action today. Don't let divorce end it all. Remember, your trial today could eventually be your testimony tomorrow.
Roland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning journalist and CNN contributor. Martin is studying to receive his master's degree in Christian communications at Louisiana Baptist University, and he is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith." You can read more of his columns at www.rolandsmartin.com.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
This was in the New London Day Today:
Groton — The case of a drug dealer accused of murder had been one of Lt. John Varone's most difficult investigations because witnesses were afraid to tell police what they knew, the veteran Groton Town Police detective says.
But that investigation was a “cakewalk,” Varone said, compared to what police faced for eight months as they tried to determine what led to the Jan. 28 alcohol-fueled crash that killed 16-year-old Cameron Lee of Groton and two people in another car, John Geise of Mystic and Wayne Lecardo of Groton.
In report after report, detectives and officers said that when they asked teens about who provided the alcohol Lee drank that night, all of them said the same thing: That there was beer at the large party on Farmstead Avenue that Lee attended, but they did not know where it came from and never saw him drinking.
“I've never seen a code of silence like this before,” said Varone, who has been a detective for the past decade. “This was a very hard case for us to investigate.”
Cameron Lee left the Farmstead Avenue party, and when his car crossed the center line on Flanders Road and burst into flames after striking the car carrying Geise, 52, and Lecardo, 33, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12. Lee, whose car was traveling 101 mph five seconds before the crash, was legally intoxicated and violating the restrictions on his license by driving with a passenger and after midnight.
Police said they wanted to find the source of the alcohol to close their investigation and cut off a potential supplier of alcohol to minors, possibly preventing another tragedy. The supplier would face 18 months in prison and a $1,500 fine.
“No one can change the fact that someone brought alcohol to a residence and then someone drank it and then operated a motor vehicle. That can't change,” Varone said. “We just want to get to the truth. We want to be able to give the families closure.
“There are a lot of families that are ruined over this. Parents lost their kids. Kids who have lost their parents, and families have suffered the emotional consequences of that night.”
Varone said he was not necessarily surprised by the lack of cooperation. Many of Lee's friends have said in e-mails, letters to The Day and postings on the newspaper's Web site that it serves no purpose to blame anyone in connection with the crash.
Varone said that police conducting investigations sometimes run across people who do not want to talk to them or tell the truth.
“And we can't force them,” he said.
In the case of the investigation into the 2001 killing of Eric Dames, Groton Town police last year had to take the unusual step of arresting two witnesses to ensure their testimony at the trial. The pair had failed to appear at the first trial of drug dealer Michael Smith because they feared for their lives. Another witness could not be found. Others were reluctant to help police.
•••One of those present at the Groton house party in January was Michael Grater, who had been friends with Cameron Lee since elementary school.
Grater, who attends Robert E. Fitch High School, said Sunday that he spoke to Lee at the party but left after an hour because it with getting crowded with students from Fitch, Stonington and St. Bernard high schools. Grater said he did not know who brought beer to the party.
In a report filed by Groton Detective David Doan, Doan describes a March interview with Grater at his home. Doan reported that Grater said there was beer at the party, but he had not seen Lee drinking and did not know where it came from.
Doan said that when Michael Grater's mother left the room during the interview, the teenager said Lee might have been drinking. Before Doan could clarify the remark, Kathleen Grater returned and told Doan he was upsetting her son and asked him to leave. Doan said he had only spoken to Michael Grater for about six minutes.
The report also states that Grater's father, Mark, an attorney, indicated police could not interview his son again but said he would ask Michael about the party. The report states that Mark Grater told police his son suffers from a condition that makes him get upset easily. Michael Grater suffers from a neurological condition that has left him partly disabled and makes his speech unclear at times, according to his mother.
On Sunday, Kathleen Grater said she and her son wanted to cooperate but police kept asking him the same questions over and over even though he couldn't provide them with any additional information.
“We feel horrible about what happened. It's a terrible thing that happened, but he told the police everything he could,” said Kathleen Grater, who said she also knows Geise's widow, Jennifer.
••• Varone said his department's investigation was as extensive as any probe into a major crime. He said the initial commitment by the department involved all officers on duty that night as well as additional officers called in for the accident reconstruction. Three detectives were initially assigned to the case, with a minimum of two always working on it. He said Ledyard police, state police and the New London State's Attorney's Office all provided invaluable assistance.
Varone said half of the investigation involved reconstructing the technical aspects of how the crash occurred while the other half centered on why it happened. The latter involved looking into the lives of the victims to see where they were and what they were doing in the 24 hours before the crash. Geise and Lecardo were driving home after finishing their shifts at Foxwoods Resort Casino, where they worked as butlers.
“It was very complicated. We had to go back and trace (all three) lives and talk to enough people to feel comfortable about what was going on,” Varone said.
Police interviewed more than 50 people. Varone said tracking down what Lee did from the time he left his home for the party at about 9 p.m. and the crash, which happened four and a half hours later, was difficult.
“We obviously wanted to look at the party and determine if there was anything criminal in nature there,” he said.
Thus far, police have been able to charge only the 17-year-old boy who hosted the party on Farmstead Avenue. He was issued an infraction for permitting a minor to illegally possess liquor on private property, which carries a fine of $146. The teen was not identified because state law bars the release of names of minors charged with all but the most serious crimes. His parents were not charged because they were out of town and unaware of the party at their home.
The teen has the choice of pleading no contest and paying the fine or pleading not guilty. His decision is not yet available; the state's Centralized Infractions Bureau said Monday it has not yet logged the outcome of the ticket.
If he pays the fine, the admission cannot be used against him or his family in any of the civil lawsuits expected. A not guilty plea would expose him to a guilty finding, which could be used in a civil case.
Varone said he hopes teenagers, including his own son, learn from the crash.
“This was an absolute tragedy. The only good that can come from this is if teenagers stop and make good choices. Don't drink and drive and follow the rules,” he said.
*** My Friend Wayne Lecardo lost his life along with his friend John Geise due to someone giving liquor to a minor. They have destroyed (2) families, Wayne's wife is too young to be a widow. John left behind a wife and kids, where is the justice for them?
Groton — The case of a drug dealer accused of murder had been one of Lt. John Varone's most difficult investigations because witnesses were afraid to tell police what they knew, the veteran Groton Town Police detective says.
But that investigation was a “cakewalk,” Varone said, compared to what police faced for eight months as they tried to determine what led to the Jan. 28 alcohol-fueled crash that killed 16-year-old Cameron Lee of Groton and two people in another car, John Geise of Mystic and Wayne Lecardo of Groton.
In report after report, detectives and officers said that when they asked teens about who provided the alcohol Lee drank that night, all of them said the same thing: That there was beer at the large party on Farmstead Avenue that Lee attended, but they did not know where it came from and never saw him drinking.
“I've never seen a code of silence like this before,” said Varone, who has been a detective for the past decade. “This was a very hard case for us to investigate.”
Cameron Lee left the Farmstead Avenue party, and when his car crossed the center line on Flanders Road and burst into flames after striking the car carrying Geise, 52, and Lecardo, 33, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12. Lee, whose car was traveling 101 mph five seconds before the crash, was legally intoxicated and violating the restrictions on his license by driving with a passenger and after midnight.
Police said they wanted to find the source of the alcohol to close their investigation and cut off a potential supplier of alcohol to minors, possibly preventing another tragedy. The supplier would face 18 months in prison and a $1,500 fine.
“No one can change the fact that someone brought alcohol to a residence and then someone drank it and then operated a motor vehicle. That can't change,” Varone said. “We just want to get to the truth. We want to be able to give the families closure.
“There are a lot of families that are ruined over this. Parents lost their kids. Kids who have lost their parents, and families have suffered the emotional consequences of that night.”
Varone said he was not necessarily surprised by the lack of cooperation. Many of Lee's friends have said in e-mails, letters to The Day and postings on the newspaper's Web site that it serves no purpose to blame anyone in connection with the crash.
Varone said that police conducting investigations sometimes run across people who do not want to talk to them or tell the truth.
“And we can't force them,” he said.
In the case of the investigation into the 2001 killing of Eric Dames, Groton Town police last year had to take the unusual step of arresting two witnesses to ensure their testimony at the trial. The pair had failed to appear at the first trial of drug dealer Michael Smith because they feared for their lives. Another witness could not be found. Others were reluctant to help police.
•••One of those present at the Groton house party in January was Michael Grater, who had been friends with Cameron Lee since elementary school.
Grater, who attends Robert E. Fitch High School, said Sunday that he spoke to Lee at the party but left after an hour because it with getting crowded with students from Fitch, Stonington and St. Bernard high schools. Grater said he did not know who brought beer to the party.
In a report filed by Groton Detective David Doan, Doan describes a March interview with Grater at his home. Doan reported that Grater said there was beer at the party, but he had not seen Lee drinking and did not know where it came from.
Doan said that when Michael Grater's mother left the room during the interview, the teenager said Lee might have been drinking. Before Doan could clarify the remark, Kathleen Grater returned and told Doan he was upsetting her son and asked him to leave. Doan said he had only spoken to Michael Grater for about six minutes.
The report also states that Grater's father, Mark, an attorney, indicated police could not interview his son again but said he would ask Michael about the party. The report states that Mark Grater told police his son suffers from a condition that makes him get upset easily. Michael Grater suffers from a neurological condition that has left him partly disabled and makes his speech unclear at times, according to his mother.
On Sunday, Kathleen Grater said she and her son wanted to cooperate but police kept asking him the same questions over and over even though he couldn't provide them with any additional information.
“We feel horrible about what happened. It's a terrible thing that happened, but he told the police everything he could,” said Kathleen Grater, who said she also knows Geise's widow, Jennifer.
••• Varone said his department's investigation was as extensive as any probe into a major crime. He said the initial commitment by the department involved all officers on duty that night as well as additional officers called in for the accident reconstruction. Three detectives were initially assigned to the case, with a minimum of two always working on it. He said Ledyard police, state police and the New London State's Attorney's Office all provided invaluable assistance.
Varone said half of the investigation involved reconstructing the technical aspects of how the crash occurred while the other half centered on why it happened. The latter involved looking into the lives of the victims to see where they were and what they were doing in the 24 hours before the crash. Geise and Lecardo were driving home after finishing their shifts at Foxwoods Resort Casino, where they worked as butlers.
“It was very complicated. We had to go back and trace (all three) lives and talk to enough people to feel comfortable about what was going on,” Varone said.
Police interviewed more than 50 people. Varone said tracking down what Lee did from the time he left his home for the party at about 9 p.m. and the crash, which happened four and a half hours later, was difficult.
“We obviously wanted to look at the party and determine if there was anything criminal in nature there,” he said.
Thus far, police have been able to charge only the 17-year-old boy who hosted the party on Farmstead Avenue. He was issued an infraction for permitting a minor to illegally possess liquor on private property, which carries a fine of $146. The teen was not identified because state law bars the release of names of minors charged with all but the most serious crimes. His parents were not charged because they were out of town and unaware of the party at their home.
The teen has the choice of pleading no contest and paying the fine or pleading not guilty. His decision is not yet available; the state's Centralized Infractions Bureau said Monday it has not yet logged the outcome of the ticket.
If he pays the fine, the admission cannot be used against him or his family in any of the civil lawsuits expected. A not guilty plea would expose him to a guilty finding, which could be used in a civil case.
Varone said he hopes teenagers, including his own son, learn from the crash.
“This was an absolute tragedy. The only good that can come from this is if teenagers stop and make good choices. Don't drink and drive and follow the rules,” he said.
*** My Friend Wayne Lecardo lost his life along with his friend John Geise due to someone giving liquor to a minor. They have destroyed (2) families, Wayne's wife is too young to be a widow. John left behind a wife and kids, where is the justice for them?
Friday, October 19, 2007
It is foggy this morning, from my hotel window I can not even see the water. When I walked outside today there was a wonderful sweet smell, I think it was the flowers around the property, along with the rain and the grass. I never realized how much I would miss season's change, the 2 years we spent in North Carolina, I believe the coldest it got was 40' an some rain. It really is only 2 seasons there, Summer and Spring. No real winter and unless you are in the mountains no real autumn. I am sure I am romanticizing New England, and forgetting things about North Carolina.
The best thing about North Carolina was the two years after I married my husband for us to get to know each other so much better with no real outside influences. My family who I love so much will butt in, in a moments notice. They mean well but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, so I think our first two years of marriage it was best not to be close to either family. Now, on the other hand, I am happy, excited to be back in the fold of my family. We have just had another loss, my sister-in-law's mother passed away last night of Cancer.
She was in such pain in the last two years, it really is better for her, but I know my sister-in-law is so devastated, she was very close to her mother an her two little girls have just lost their grandmother. I will be traveling down to CT for the Funeral an to help my brother out for Monday. I feel ( not realistically) that lately, I have been surrounded by death. I still think of Thomas everyday, and know he would be so happy I am back in New England, where knowing him, he would say I belong. Sometimes I feel if it is way too late for me here and starting another new job, new location. Just a stupid question, why does someone death make us think of everything we should of done in our lives? Is it because, Death is so final and life way too short or am I just trying to bring everything into order because I am hurt?
The best thing about North Carolina was the two years after I married my husband for us to get to know each other so much better with no real outside influences. My family who I love so much will butt in, in a moments notice. They mean well but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, so I think our first two years of marriage it was best not to be close to either family. Now, on the other hand, I am happy, excited to be back in the fold of my family. We have just had another loss, my sister-in-law's mother passed away last night of Cancer.
She was in such pain in the last two years, it really is better for her, but I know my sister-in-law is so devastated, she was very close to her mother an her two little girls have just lost their grandmother. I will be traveling down to CT for the Funeral an to help my brother out for Monday. I feel ( not realistically) that lately, I have been surrounded by death. I still think of Thomas everyday, and know he would be so happy I am back in New England, where knowing him, he would say I belong. Sometimes I feel if it is way too late for me here and starting another new job, new location. Just a stupid question, why does someone death make us think of everything we should of done in our lives? Is it because, Death is so final and life way too short or am I just trying to bring everything into order because I am hurt?
I saw this story on FOX NEWS.COM this morning and thought it was great. What cracks me up is the burglar actually complained to the cops that he had to clean up his mess. Buddy, You are in someone Else's home in ALABAMA, you are lucky to still be alive. I want to applaud Adrian and Tiffany for making him clean up his mess. It is so devastating to come home and find your home has been violated and you no longer feel safe, it is your comfort zone, so good for you to take it back and not let this lowlife ruin it for you.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A burglar in Montgomery chose the wrong family to mess with, literally.
Adrian and Tiffany McKinnon returned to their Centennial Hill home Tuesday after a week away to find that thieves had emptied almost everything the family of five owned, Tiffany McKinnon said through tears.
"Tears just rolled down my face as I walked in and saw everything gone and piles of trash all over my home," she said.
Adrian McKinnon sent his wife to see her sister while he inspected the piles left behind. As he walked back into the sunroom, a man walked through the back door straight into him, Tiffany McKinnon told the Montgomery Advertiser in a story Thursday.
"My husband Adrian caught the thief red-handed in our home," she said. "And what is even crazier, the man even had my husband's hat sitting right on his head."
Adrian McKinnon held the suspect, 33-year-old Tajuan Bullock, at gunpoint and told him to sit on the floor until he decided what to do.
"We made this man clean up all the mess he made, piles of stuff, he had thrown out of my drawers and cabi-nets onto the floor," Tiffany McKinnon said.
/**/
When police arrived, Bullock complained about being forced to clean the home at gunpoint.
"This man had the nerve to raise sand about us making him clean up the mess he made in my house," she said. "The police officer laughed at him when he complained and said anybody else would have shot him dead."
Capt. Huey Thornton, a police spokesman, said police arrested Bullock at 2 p.m. Tuesday on burglary and theft charges. He was being held in the Montgomery County Detention Facility on a $30,000 bond.
"The victims were lucky in this case to be able to catch the suspect in the act and hold him until police arrived," Thornton said.
He said the case was unusual because generally burglars act while the homeowner is away and are in and out fast so they can quickly sell the stolen items.
The couple said they chose to rent the Ross Street home because it was a quiet place for their three young children to play outside. Turns out it was a bit too quiet — most of the homes near theirs are vacant.
"We don't have any neighbors to help watch our house because it's like a ghost town here except when the church is meeting across the street," Tiffany McKinnon told the Advertiser Wednesday.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A burglar in Montgomery chose the wrong family to mess with, literally.
Adrian and Tiffany McKinnon returned to their Centennial Hill home Tuesday after a week away to find that thieves had emptied almost everything the family of five owned, Tiffany McKinnon said through tears.
"Tears just rolled down my face as I walked in and saw everything gone and piles of trash all over my home," she said.
Adrian McKinnon sent his wife to see her sister while he inspected the piles left behind. As he walked back into the sunroom, a man walked through the back door straight into him, Tiffany McKinnon told the Montgomery Advertiser in a story Thursday.
"My husband Adrian caught the thief red-handed in our home," she said. "And what is even crazier, the man even had my husband's hat sitting right on his head."
Adrian McKinnon held the suspect, 33-year-old Tajuan Bullock, at gunpoint and told him to sit on the floor until he decided what to do.
"We made this man clean up all the mess he made, piles of stuff, he had thrown out of my drawers and cabi-nets onto the floor," Tiffany McKinnon said.
/**/
When police arrived, Bullock complained about being forced to clean the home at gunpoint.
"This man had the nerve to raise sand about us making him clean up the mess he made in my house," she said. "The police officer laughed at him when he complained and said anybody else would have shot him dead."
Capt. Huey Thornton, a police spokesman, said police arrested Bullock at 2 p.m. Tuesday on burglary and theft charges. He was being held in the Montgomery County Detention Facility on a $30,000 bond.
"The victims were lucky in this case to be able to catch the suspect in the act and hold him until police arrived," Thornton said.
He said the case was unusual because generally burglars act while the homeowner is away and are in and out fast so they can quickly sell the stolen items.
The couple said they chose to rent the Ross Street home because it was a quiet place for their three young children to play outside. Turns out it was a bit too quiet — most of the homes near theirs are vacant.
"We don't have any neighbors to help watch our house because it's like a ghost town here except when the church is meeting across the street," Tiffany McKinnon told the Advertiser Wednesday.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Back in New England. I am in Maine, do you know to get anywhere is atleast 30 minutes due to the hotel is on a Penisula, it overlooks Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The colors are amazing right now here, and yesterday was my day off I went for a ride, about 100 miles and it really was only to the next few towns up the highway, but in order just to get there from the hotel takes a good 30 minutes. Staying in a hotel alone not so much fun, my husband should be here by Tuesday, which is good because they are moving me to a cottage. Which is on a dirt road, and all by itself. It would be very scary and very "SHINING" if I was there all alone.
I like Maine, but it is alot harder finding a place to live than I thought. Most of the places I have seen are small, cold an downright ugly. The hotel is shutting down soon, and I really want to find our own place, I will not feel comfortable and settled until that happens. My husband has not even found a job as of yet, so this is just harder than I thought it would be. I am hoping I did not make a mistake moving us so quickly back to New England.
I like Maine, but it is alot harder finding a place to live than I thought. Most of the places I have seen are small, cold an downright ugly. The hotel is shutting down soon, and I really want to find our own place, I will not feel comfortable and settled until that happens. My husband has not even found a job as of yet, so this is just harder than I thought it would be. I am hoping I did not make a mistake moving us so quickly back to New England.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I am in Maine now. It was a LONG Drive up from North Carolina. You would think with (3) people, but I realized that my mom can not see very well at night so she did not drive at all on Friday night. Then on Saturday, she made myself an her husband nervous, so pretty much it was he an I doing all of th driving. Some of the highlights were he hit a Bob cat that ran into the highway in Virginia about midnight on Friday night. Which made me a nervous wreck. My mother's stomach was bothering her the whole ride on Friday another loving aspect of the ride NOT PRETTY. Luckily, her husband has lost all sense of his smell, I unfortunately did not so the windows were wide open at 1am.
We got in late on Saturday night, on Sunday morning it was a beautiful Autumn day, so we went out on his 1957 Wooden Century boat, along with about 10 other wooden boats between 1956-1964, it was quite interesting. It was alot of fun, the boats were beautiful an the people were so enjoying themselves. The boats all have to be out by October 15, 2007 so for them it was a great way to end the season. I was suppose to be looking for a place to live but this was so much better.
I started my job on Monday. I hate beginning a new position, you have to watch an observe the dynamics of your new co-workers an how they intermingle with each other and the guests. I am staying on the property, which closes October 20, 2007 for the season an will reopen around May 14, 2008. It is a seasonal property on the coast of Maine. One building actually from the outside looks like the Inn from 'the shining' an how quiet it is here at night is kind of creeping me out. My husband will not be here for about 13 more days. I sit in my hotel room an do nothing. Tomorrow I am off, so I will do some exploring and have some appointments to see places to move into. I hope we find a place ASAP, so we do not have to get a storage shed and another truck once he is up here.
It is hunting season, something new to me. Hearing alot of gun shots, is always a great way to start my day, as I sit outside an watch the sun rise over the ocean, it just makes my day.
We got in late on Saturday night, on Sunday morning it was a beautiful Autumn day, so we went out on his 1957 Wooden Century boat, along with about 10 other wooden boats between 1956-1964, it was quite interesting. It was alot of fun, the boats were beautiful an the people were so enjoying themselves. The boats all have to be out by October 15, 2007 so for them it was a great way to end the season. I was suppose to be looking for a place to live but this was so much better.
I started my job on Monday. I hate beginning a new position, you have to watch an observe the dynamics of your new co-workers an how they intermingle with each other and the guests. I am staying on the property, which closes October 20, 2007 for the season an will reopen around May 14, 2008. It is a seasonal property on the coast of Maine. One building actually from the outside looks like the Inn from 'the shining' an how quiet it is here at night is kind of creeping me out. My husband will not be here for about 13 more days. I sit in my hotel room an do nothing. Tomorrow I am off, so I will do some exploring and have some appointments to see places to move into. I hope we find a place ASAP, so we do not have to get a storage shed and another truck once he is up here.
It is hunting season, something new to me. Hearing alot of gun shots, is always a great way to start my day, as I sit outside an watch the sun rise over the ocean, it just makes my day.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tonight is my last night in North Carolina. I leave for Maine Friday night. Mom an Husband are flying in to drive up with me. My husband will be packing up our house an moving us around October 21, his dad is coming to drive up with him which makes me happy. I really did not want him driving by himself 900 miles with a trailer hitch on a truck.
I am looking forward to our new adventure an being back in New England an close to the family. I have not decided if I might revise the name of my blog or not. North Carolina was definitely something different for me. Let's face it I am a New England Girl no matter what. My husband of course is planning our next move in 2009. For now, I am going to enjoy where we are, each other an being close to my family again.
REALITY TV:
Rock Of Love: So glad Brett picked Jess, I hope they make it work. She seemed the best fit for him from the show but then again you never do know how they cut and edit on TV do you. Was it not classic or expected for Heather to storm off? I now am looking forward to the Reunion show on Sunday. It will be interesting to see Lacey again an how the other girls are going to react to her after watching everything she did an said to get them off the show.
Beauty and the Geek: SO DISAPPOINTED IN SAM/REBECCA HOOK UP!! Also sad to see Holly & Luke go home, I liked both of them. I do like Will but this mess with his partner hooking up with Sam is going to bite him in the butt. I can not wait for the Make overs, I believe John and Nicole are both going to look incredible.
I LOVE NEW YORK 2 : Give me a break, as if we have not had enough of Tiffany (new york) an her psycho mom...
New Shows: Sexy Dirty Money - WONDERFUL!! Funny, witty the best new show. I love the writing an Peter Krause always good. Watch it Wednesday nights at 10pm.
Back to you - Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton chemistry an supporting cast, this show should last awhile.
Big Bang Theory: Still one of my favorites, my husband and I laughed so much in this week episode, probably because he saw himself in the Sheldon character more an more. (Sorry honey so true)
What have you been watching?
I am looking forward to our new adventure an being back in New England an close to the family. I have not decided if I might revise the name of my blog or not. North Carolina was definitely something different for me. Let's face it I am a New England Girl no matter what. My husband of course is planning our next move in 2009. For now, I am going to enjoy where we are, each other an being close to my family again.
REALITY TV:
Rock Of Love: So glad Brett picked Jess, I hope they make it work. She seemed the best fit for him from the show but then again you never do know how they cut and edit on TV do you. Was it not classic or expected for Heather to storm off? I now am looking forward to the Reunion show on Sunday. It will be interesting to see Lacey again an how the other girls are going to react to her after watching everything she did an said to get them off the show.
Beauty and the Geek: SO DISAPPOINTED IN SAM/REBECCA HOOK UP!! Also sad to see Holly & Luke go home, I liked both of them. I do like Will but this mess with his partner hooking up with Sam is going to bite him in the butt. I can not wait for the Make overs, I believe John and Nicole are both going to look incredible.
I LOVE NEW YORK 2 : Give me a break, as if we have not had enough of Tiffany (new york) an her psycho mom...
New Shows: Sexy Dirty Money - WONDERFUL!! Funny, witty the best new show. I love the writing an Peter Krause always good. Watch it Wednesday nights at 10pm.
Back to you - Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton chemistry an supporting cast, this show should last awhile.
Big Bang Theory: Still one of my favorites, my husband and I laughed so much in this week episode, probably because he saw himself in the Sheldon character more an more. (Sorry honey so true)
What have you been watching?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I love Premiere Week on TV. Since I am a TVolochic, this makes sense. My predications for this season so far, I love the new "Bionic Woman", the lead actresses, are incredible. Michelle Ryan playing Jaime Somers and then you have Katee Sackhoff playing Sarah the first Bionic Woman who has turned bad and will be making Jaime's new found bionics, a huge problem for her.
My other new favorite is a 1/2 sitcom called "Big Bang Theory", it is on right after How I met your Mother, which I always love, then you have 2 1/2 men after it at 9pm. So CBS on Monday nights is wonderful. Big Bang is about (4) Nerds who try to become friends/ or more with the beautiful girl who just moved into their building. These (4) men are so great, Johnny Galecki you may remember from the Rosanne show, he is so good as Leonard an then you have his friend Shelton, played by Jim Parsons who points out the obvious when it comes to relationships with women. I laughed the whole time for the first episode, I hope the next will not disappointment me.
Have you see the Reaper yet? Here is a show with a new storyline. This boy's parents sold his soul to the devil an on his 21st birthday he has to start working for this man. He is an underachiever who actually quits anything that is too hard for him, and the Devil does not take failure well. Ray Wise is a perfect choice for the Devil, he is wonderful in this role. Bret Harrison is playing Sam, you may remember him as the nerdy boyfriend on "Grounded for Life", this role is a good choice, an of course Tyler playing his sidekick "SOCK", will be the one to watch. I was not going to watch this being on CW, an my beloved Gilmore Girls has gone, an they cancelled Veroncia Mars, but it was worth it.
REALITY CHECK:
Still have no idea who Bret Michaels picked on Rock of Love. The rebroadcast is on Sunday night.
Beauty and the Geek: The first team went home Amanda an Tony. I hate that any team has to go home so early, I think next season they should let them be in the house for two weeks before they start the competetion. This season is even more interesting with adding Nicole (girl geek) and Sam ( boy Beauty), you know Sam will be hooking up with one of the Beauties, it will be an interesting season, leave it to Ashton Kutcher to find another way on this show.
Granted the Original was in the 70's where everything seemed more pronounced and definately looking back looks funny not so hard core. I hear it will be on the SCI-FI channel on Friday's if you miss on Wednesday's nights at 9pm.
My other new favorite is a 1/2 sitcom called "Big Bang Theory", it is on right after How I met your Mother, which I always love, then you have 2 1/2 men after it at 9pm. So CBS on Monday nights is wonderful. Big Bang is about (4) Nerds who try to become friends/ or more with the beautiful girl who just moved into their building. These (4) men are so great, Johnny Galecki you may remember from the Rosanne show, he is so good as Leonard an then you have his friend Shelton, played by Jim Parsons who points out the obvious when it comes to relationships with women. I laughed the whole time for the first episode, I hope the next will not disappointment me.
Have you see the Reaper yet? Here is a show with a new storyline. This boy's parents sold his soul to the devil an on his 21st birthday he has to start working for this man. He is an underachiever who actually quits anything that is too hard for him, and the Devil does not take failure well. Ray Wise is a perfect choice for the Devil, he is wonderful in this role. Bret Harrison is playing Sam, you may remember him as the nerdy boyfriend on "Grounded for Life", this role is a good choice, an of course Tyler playing his sidekick "SOCK", will be the one to watch. I was not going to watch this being on CW, an my beloved Gilmore Girls has gone, an they cancelled Veroncia Mars, but it was worth it.
REALITY CHECK:
Still have no idea who Bret Michaels picked on Rock of Love. The rebroadcast is on Sunday night.
Beauty and the Geek: The first team went home Amanda an Tony. I hate that any team has to go home so early, I think next season they should let them be in the house for two weeks before they start the competetion. This season is even more interesting with adding Nicole (girl geek) and Sam ( boy Beauty), you know Sam will be hooking up with one of the Beauties, it will be an interesting season, leave it to Ashton Kutcher to find another way on this show.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Ok, I am now getting really excited about moving. My new place is being great an allowing me to stay right on the property for a few weeks until I find a place. My husband will be down in North Carolina a few more weeks after I leave, I hate that fact but it can not be helped.
They have promoted a girl in my office who so deserves it so now, I am being extra careful to get all my files in order for her, I want her to be a success. I will be training her next week, an then after I leave she is supposely going through (2) More weeks of training. I didn't but then again I had the experience. Some people are a bit skeptical but I believe she will do well an she is only 26 so she could go really far in this career choice. She is a smart girl.
I am ready to go now, an now that things are happening, I am finally getting excited and not so scared I made the wrong choice. My mom will be down next week to help me drive up, she has never seen where we have lived this past year, so I am happy to show her around before we leave. I made a comment to my husband that it will be nice to be settled of course, he wants to move again in another few years, I would like our next move to be Key West, FL which I have stated before. I want to be comfortable so, we both need to buckle down and make some money. We will see, but for now, we are going to the Maine Coast. My head hunter called me today with another opportunity for me, had to tell her nope.
They have promoted a girl in my office who so deserves it so now, I am being extra careful to get all my files in order for her, I want her to be a success. I will be training her next week, an then after I leave she is supposely going through (2) More weeks of training. I didn't but then again I had the experience. Some people are a bit skeptical but I believe she will do well an she is only 26 so she could go really far in this career choice. She is a smart girl.
I am ready to go now, an now that things are happening, I am finally getting excited and not so scared I made the wrong choice. My mom will be down next week to help me drive up, she has never seen where we have lived this past year, so I am happy to show her around before we leave. I made a comment to my husband that it will be nice to be settled of course, he wants to move again in another few years, I would like our next move to be Key West, FL which I have stated before. I want to be comfortable so, we both need to buckle down and make some money. We will see, but for now, we are going to the Maine Coast. My head hunter called me today with another opportunity for me, had to tell her nope.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Something happened to me this weekend at work an I wanted to get it out to the public. Things NOT to do to anyone.
I had a irate client, Director of Football at University of Maryland staying at the hotel I work at, with his team. Now, my niece goes to U of Maryland an loves it. It is a beautiful campus an stellar academic reputation. To be honest in all my years in the hospitality business, I have never handled a Football team an in the South it is "HUGE". My counterpart who deals with the home team on the other side of the hotel, helped me with what they will need, how to handle the buses, what to ask etc..
My contact was this man ( Director of Football), an he was booked back in 2006. He had alot of stipulations, I read everything through, did not want to miss anything. According to his stipulations, they would prefer to go with a hotel who is used to doing Football teams, we do SEC teams not AAU teams, so we knew this was an important piece of business. I had sent him the BEO"s (Banquet Event Orders) which is the document that circulates throughout the hotel, it is VITAL it is correct in order to have a smooth event.
As a client if you do not see something on the BEO, let me know, to make sure it is correct. This man, had seen 100 lbs of ice on the BEO, but it did not state bags. Wouldn't you question it if you wanted it in bags? He also, stated he sees it is a "Continental Breakfast", he MIGHT change that he needs to talk to the Head Coach. He never got back to me. He signed his BEO's as is.
*** STORY ****
On Friday Night, my Banquet Captain calls me around 8:30pm, saying this man is looking for his bags of Ice what bags of Ice? Luckily, she took it upon herself and went an got the Bags of Ice.
Saturday morning, I come in early to make sure we are all set for this breakfast. The front desk calls me an says, there is someone from this group to see me. I come out and this Person:
Proceeds to start yelling at me in the Lobby, that it is suppose to be a FULL BREAKFAST with Chefs for the Omelette stations? I told him, he is wrong. His comment was "NO" we discussed it an the price of the Chef's and where to put them. "NO" you left it with me that you might want to change to a Full Breakfast and get back to me. Keep screaming, I should mention he is Ex-Military an about 5'6, was making a show for his players, so I am sure it did not help that a "Woman" was not backing down an he was not going to bully me.
He went downstairs and our Banquet Chef had taken care of makeing it a full breakfast, NO OMELETTE station but everything else. He proceeds to come upstairs and tell me, " The Chef downstairs is helping me will be 10 minutes", I was so mad, I turned around an said, "Well, I am glad someone is helping you".
He admitted to both my chef's, he should read his BEO's. Yes, you should we give them to you to approve to make sure we did not miss anything. We are all human if we have missed anything let us know, an we can fix it well before you get on the property. We want to be a success an pro-active not Re-Active.
He never apologized to me, he actually kind of threatened that we were awful an won't be back. DID I MENTION THEY LOST TO THE HOME TEAM?
****
This man was disrespectful an it was his own fault. The Hotel did an amazing job, check in very smooth, I even took the Head Coach upstairs myself an ran back downstairs and grabbed his luggage since it was on the wrong bus. The Bellman/Parking Attendants made sure we were prepared for all 4 buses to arrive at once, Housekeeping worked extra hard to make sure the rooms were ready by 1pm, when check out is Noon that is great.
Any issues, were his fault for not reading his BEO"S and he would not take the blame. Hotels work on a system an if you hold back information or do not give us all information that is your responsbility. I wonder if University of Maryland realize what a bad example this man is for representing this school?
Believe me, if I miss something or if it my fault, I will take responsiblity, but I will not do that if you are the one who made the mistake an did not do your job properly.
I had a irate client, Director of Football at University of Maryland staying at the hotel I work at, with his team. Now, my niece goes to U of Maryland an loves it. It is a beautiful campus an stellar academic reputation. To be honest in all my years in the hospitality business, I have never handled a Football team an in the South it is "HUGE". My counterpart who deals with the home team on the other side of the hotel, helped me with what they will need, how to handle the buses, what to ask etc..
My contact was this man ( Director of Football), an he was booked back in 2006. He had alot of stipulations, I read everything through, did not want to miss anything. According to his stipulations, they would prefer to go with a hotel who is used to doing Football teams, we do SEC teams not AAU teams, so we knew this was an important piece of business. I had sent him the BEO"s (Banquet Event Orders) which is the document that circulates throughout the hotel, it is VITAL it is correct in order to have a smooth event.
As a client if you do not see something on the BEO, let me know, to make sure it is correct. This man, had seen 100 lbs of ice on the BEO, but it did not state bags. Wouldn't you question it if you wanted it in bags? He also, stated he sees it is a "Continental Breakfast", he MIGHT change that he needs to talk to the Head Coach. He never got back to me. He signed his BEO's as is.
*** STORY ****
On Friday Night, my Banquet Captain calls me around 8:30pm, saying this man is looking for his bags of Ice what bags of Ice? Luckily, she took it upon herself and went an got the Bags of Ice.
Saturday morning, I come in early to make sure we are all set for this breakfast. The front desk calls me an says, there is someone from this group to see me. I come out and this Person:
Proceeds to start yelling at me in the Lobby, that it is suppose to be a FULL BREAKFAST with Chefs for the Omelette stations? I told him, he is wrong. His comment was "NO" we discussed it an the price of the Chef's and where to put them. "NO" you left it with me that you might want to change to a Full Breakfast and get back to me. Keep screaming, I should mention he is Ex-Military an about 5'6, was making a show for his players, so I am sure it did not help that a "Woman" was not backing down an he was not going to bully me.
He went downstairs and our Banquet Chef had taken care of makeing it a full breakfast, NO OMELETTE station but everything else. He proceeds to come upstairs and tell me, " The Chef downstairs is helping me will be 10 minutes", I was so mad, I turned around an said, "Well, I am glad someone is helping you".
He admitted to both my chef's, he should read his BEO's. Yes, you should we give them to you to approve to make sure we did not miss anything. We are all human if we have missed anything let us know, an we can fix it well before you get on the property. We want to be a success an pro-active not Re-Active.
He never apologized to me, he actually kind of threatened that we were awful an won't be back. DID I MENTION THEY LOST TO THE HOME TEAM?
****
This man was disrespectful an it was his own fault. The Hotel did an amazing job, check in very smooth, I even took the Head Coach upstairs myself an ran back downstairs and grabbed his luggage since it was on the wrong bus. The Bellman/Parking Attendants made sure we were prepared for all 4 buses to arrive at once, Housekeeping worked extra hard to make sure the rooms were ready by 1pm, when check out is Noon that is great.
Any issues, were his fault for not reading his BEO"S and he would not take the blame. Hotels work on a system an if you hold back information or do not give us all information that is your responsbility. I wonder if University of Maryland realize what a bad example this man is for representing this school?
Believe me, if I miss something or if it my fault, I will take responsiblity, but I will not do that if you are the one who made the mistake an did not do your job properly.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I have moved every year since I met my husband which would be 2003. I hate moveing, acquiring boxes, packing/labeling them and of course, trying to figure out if you need that item you have moved from place to place for years that stays in a box or you keep in the closet because what are you going to do with it? You would think with all the moving my husband an I would have "purged" everything we do not want, but I am a pack rat from way back.
Since, I am going two weeks ahead of my husband, I am sure he will be unloading things he knows we do not need, an if I don't see it I can't really be all that upset now can I? I am hoping that this next move will keep us for atleast two years until we can "BUY" our first home. People at my work are very supportive, the housekeeping and kitchen are keeping me in boxes YEAH!! I know that we need them, but sitting in my car is really not achieving the point of actually packing now is it?
At my class reunion, I made it sound so wonderful how many times we change places, jobs etc, when really I am a person who likes to settle down. I talk big, an love to travel to different places but I want a place I can call home, where my stuff is an not in some storage area. I am afraid our stuff when it gets to Maine will have to be in a Storage area for a bit, until we find the right place for us to settle, which means living with mom. I soooo do not want to do that, I will if it will save us some money an work itself out for a bit.
Of course, alot of my co-workers think of Maine under snow from October - May , sometimes I am sure but the last two winters they did not get snow until February where my mom is in Naples, Maine. It is on the Coast and further south. I am sure our first winter up there will be snowy an cold. Would it be any other way? We are now digging out our winter clothes that have been put away for the last two years, we have not needed them down here. I am sure when I am shoveling out the Jeep for the ZILLIONITH Time, I will be wondering why I ever left North Carolina.
I have two more weeks of work, then I am off. My stress level is at a 6.5, by October 5 it will be a 10 if not higher, because I HATE MOVING...Starting a new job is stressful enough, but moving too? And, so far from where we are now.
Since, I am going two weeks ahead of my husband, I am sure he will be unloading things he knows we do not need, an if I don't see it I can't really be all that upset now can I? I am hoping that this next move will keep us for atleast two years until we can "BUY" our first home. People at my work are very supportive, the housekeeping and kitchen are keeping me in boxes YEAH!! I know that we need them, but sitting in my car is really not achieving the point of actually packing now is it?
At my class reunion, I made it sound so wonderful how many times we change places, jobs etc, when really I am a person who likes to settle down. I talk big, an love to travel to different places but I want a place I can call home, where my stuff is an not in some storage area. I am afraid our stuff when it gets to Maine will have to be in a Storage area for a bit, until we find the right place for us to settle, which means living with mom. I soooo do not want to do that, I will if it will save us some money an work itself out for a bit.
Of course, alot of my co-workers think of Maine under snow from October - May , sometimes I am sure but the last two winters they did not get snow until February where my mom is in Naples, Maine. It is on the Coast and further south. I am sure our first winter up there will be snowy an cold. Would it be any other way? We are now digging out our winter clothes that have been put away for the last two years, we have not needed them down here. I am sure when I am shoveling out the Jeep for the ZILLIONITH Time, I will be wondering why I ever left North Carolina.
I have two more weeks of work, then I am off. My stress level is at a 6.5, by October 5 it will be a 10 if not higher, because I HATE MOVING...Starting a new job is stressful enough, but moving too? And, so far from where we are now.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
We are moving to Maine. I am sure, now I am excited but when I am knee deep in snow, it will not be very pleasant. I hate moving, I have started acquiring boxes from work, and trying to get my files in order, so whomever takes over for me will be a bit ahead for the month of October.
REALITY CHECK:
Dick won BIG BROTHER 8, believe me, I did not want DICK & DANIELLE as the last two standing, but in fairness, Dick played the game better than anyone, he an Dr. Will would have an interesting time in that house together. Danielle I truly believe would never have gotten as far if it wasn't for her DADDY. Her Daddy she has not spoken to in years. I do wonder if Eric and Jessica are to have a relationship after the show. I hope they do an update.
Rock of Love: Down to the final (2) Heather the Stripper who is so wrong for Bret and Jess who I think is beautiful inside and out, I think she would be great for Bret but she is really young. Which watching the previews Heather is going to use to her own advantage. Last week, finally saw Lacey the crazy girl go home. After meeting her Dad you can see she is not what she was projecting, she is not a struggling musician, she is a rich girl with a trust fund who is following her latest dream on daddy's dime. The girl is delusional an crazy as anything. I really wish "RODEO" was in the final two, I thought her an Bret's connection was the one the most deep an real out of respect.
NEW BEAUTY AN THE GEEK: My husband and I love this show, we have watched Season 1 & 3, we did not get into Season 2, but Season 4 is turning into quite the show. I can not wait to see more of the Girl Geek and Beauty Man.
REALITY CHECK:
Dick won BIG BROTHER 8, believe me, I did not want DICK & DANIELLE as the last two standing, but in fairness, Dick played the game better than anyone, he an Dr. Will would have an interesting time in that house together. Danielle I truly believe would never have gotten as far if it wasn't for her DADDY. Her Daddy she has not spoken to in years. I do wonder if Eric and Jessica are to have a relationship after the show. I hope they do an update.
Rock of Love: Down to the final (2) Heather the Stripper who is so wrong for Bret and Jess who I think is beautiful inside and out, I think she would be great for Bret but she is really young. Which watching the previews Heather is going to use to her own advantage. Last week, finally saw Lacey the crazy girl go home. After meeting her Dad you can see she is not what she was projecting, she is not a struggling musician, she is a rich girl with a trust fund who is following her latest dream on daddy's dime. The girl is delusional an crazy as anything. I really wish "RODEO" was in the final two, I thought her an Bret's connection was the one the most deep an real out of respect.
NEW BEAUTY AN THE GEEK: My husband and I love this show, we have watched Season 1 & 3, we did not get into Season 2, but Season 4 is turning into quite the show. I can not wait to see more of the Girl Geek and Beauty Man.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Today, it finally rained in Winston-Salem, NC and more than a minute, it has been raining off/on all day long. There even was a Tornado watch earlier today, which kind of freaked me out. Now, they are saying in Lexington, NC there is still a Tornado watch in affect, and the best place to be during one. I am flying out tonight at 6:50pm and I am nervous. Not really for myself except I hate flying in the rain, I dont like bad weather to begin with an then I will be worried about my husband all weekend down here.
I am off to my intereview up in Portland, Maine, I am nervous but my husband and sister both said the same thing. " You know how to do this job an do it well, so just be yourself and let them see your skills." When you want something it seems the more nervous an anxious you get. I will feel better when I land tonight. It is going to be a quick trip, yes, I do get to spend the afternoon an evening with my mom, but it is really just for the intereview. Am I going to be able to go back to snow, cold, WINTER? After, 2 years in the South with really no winter at all, we will see how I will react. I guess I will have to rename my blog if I get this position.
Have you ever been so nervous you made yourself sick?
I am off to my intereview up in Portland, Maine, I am nervous but my husband and sister both said the same thing. " You know how to do this job an do it well, so just be yourself and let them see your skills." When you want something it seems the more nervous an anxious you get. I will feel better when I land tonight. It is going to be a quick trip, yes, I do get to spend the afternoon an evening with my mom, but it is really just for the intereview. Am I going to be able to go back to snow, cold, WINTER? After, 2 years in the South with really no winter at all, we will see how I will react. I guess I will have to rename my blog if I get this position.
Have you ever been so nervous you made yourself sick?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Yesterday,was my 43rd birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! I took the day off from work and my husband and I spent the day together. Due to our work schedules we really only have (1) full day off together and that is Sunday's.
He made me breakfast of Pancakes and Bacon YUM!! Something we usually only reserve for one Sunday a month, so not healthy. Then we went for a long drive to explore our city. We found some new stores and such. We have been here a year now and really only go to certain areas because they are familiar, now that we might be moving up north it seems time to really see where we have been living for the last year.
Winston-Salem, has some wonderful areas, I love the Historic Area, with the houses and porches, restaurants etc. Maine is calling me, more now since Thomas passed. Life is so short, you need to be where you happiest, and closest to the people you love. I fly up on Friday night, my interview is Saturday morning, so the rest of the day is for my mom an I ( mommy and me day) even though I am a grown woman. My mom an I have always gotten along well, my sisters get a bit jealous, but I think it is because they have preconceived notions on how a mom should act, I just know my mom an love her dearly, especially her quirkiness.
It is amazing to me, I am 43, sometimes I still feel as if I am just out of college. September has always been a beginning for me, because of school, but when you are out of school, it still feels that way to me. Every time I have moved it has been end of August, beginning of September. Even this position, makes me want to start right away, because September is half over, silly I know, does anyone else feel that way? I also, wish my mom still took me school shopping for new clothes, to me that was the best. Granted back then in the 70' an 80's your wardrobe was never complete without a stop to Marcus's on Bank Street in New London, CT to get your LEVI'S. Are LEVI's still in fashion? I know I can not wear them now, because I am a bit bigger than my size 5 frame from High School.
Now, Jean shopping not so much fun, it takes a long time to find just the right pair that fits, feels comfortable and not like a big fat pig. I have 1 pair of jeans now, an they are too long for me, but they look great everywhere else. I am going to wear them this weekend up in Maine, because I CAN!! Down here it is still 90' so you really do not want to put a pair of jeans on with a sweater, like in the North for the FALL.
Changes since I was growing up:
We all know the basics, Berlin Wall Came Down, Cold War Ended ( or did it), China.
How about the not so basic, Gay/Lesbian Marriages Legal in more states than just Vermont.
A woman ran for Vice President of the US, lost but it was a big step. Next Election may have a Woman run for President of the US, if she wins she will not only be the 1st woman elected President of the US, her husband will be the first husband an former president himself. How will Bill Clinton due in his wife's shadow?
9/11/2001 will go down in History!!
Obvious changes are the styles, hair, electronics. Growing up, I remember when we got our first microwave, video games were Atari and it was exciting to play table tennis on the TV with just two lines back an forth. Cellphones were huge! I mean in size no one really had one, unless you had money. Pay phones were everywhere, where are they now? Even in "Clueless" she used a payphone to call her brother to pick her up an that was the 90's.
The movie phone booth, are there any phone booths anymore besides in a airport? Computers took up so much space, an you could not exactly carry it with you on an airplane. You could smoke in an airplane and airport without restitution. Non-Smoking sections in a restaurant were the worst an in the back of restaurants in about 3 tables. I think it is amazing how fast the world changes, look around an see what 3 things are different from when you were a child.
He made me breakfast of Pancakes and Bacon YUM!! Something we usually only reserve for one Sunday a month, so not healthy. Then we went for a long drive to explore our city. We found some new stores and such. We have been here a year now and really only go to certain areas because they are familiar, now that we might be moving up north it seems time to really see where we have been living for the last year.
Winston-Salem, has some wonderful areas, I love the Historic Area, with the houses and porches, restaurants etc. Maine is calling me, more now since Thomas passed. Life is so short, you need to be where you happiest, and closest to the people you love. I fly up on Friday night, my interview is Saturday morning, so the rest of the day is for my mom an I ( mommy and me day) even though I am a grown woman. My mom an I have always gotten along well, my sisters get a bit jealous, but I think it is because they have preconceived notions on how a mom should act, I just know my mom an love her dearly, especially her quirkiness.
It is amazing to me, I am 43, sometimes I still feel as if I am just out of college. September has always been a beginning for me, because of school, but when you are out of school, it still feels that way to me. Every time I have moved it has been end of August, beginning of September. Even this position, makes me want to start right away, because September is half over, silly I know, does anyone else feel that way? I also, wish my mom still took me school shopping for new clothes, to me that was the best. Granted back then in the 70' an 80's your wardrobe was never complete without a stop to Marcus's on Bank Street in New London, CT to get your LEVI'S. Are LEVI's still in fashion? I know I can not wear them now, because I am a bit bigger than my size 5 frame from High School.
Now, Jean shopping not so much fun, it takes a long time to find just the right pair that fits, feels comfortable and not like a big fat pig. I have 1 pair of jeans now, an they are too long for me, but they look great everywhere else. I am going to wear them this weekend up in Maine, because I CAN!! Down here it is still 90' so you really do not want to put a pair of jeans on with a sweater, like in the North for the FALL.
Changes since I was growing up:
We all know the basics, Berlin Wall Came Down, Cold War Ended ( or did it), China.
How about the not so basic, Gay/Lesbian Marriages Legal in more states than just Vermont.
A woman ran for Vice President of the US, lost but it was a big step. Next Election may have a Woman run for President of the US, if she wins she will not only be the 1st woman elected President of the US, her husband will be the first husband an former president himself. How will Bill Clinton due in his wife's shadow?
9/11/2001 will go down in History!!
Obvious changes are the styles, hair, electronics. Growing up, I remember when we got our first microwave, video games were Atari and it was exciting to play table tennis on the TV with just two lines back an forth. Cellphones were huge! I mean in size no one really had one, unless you had money. Pay phones were everywhere, where are they now? Even in "Clueless" she used a payphone to call her brother to pick her up an that was the 90's.
The movie phone booth, are there any phone booths anymore besides in a airport? Computers took up so much space, an you could not exactly carry it with you on an airplane. You could smoke in an airplane and airport without restitution. Non-Smoking sections in a restaurant were the worst an in the back of restaurants in about 3 tables. I think it is amazing how fast the world changes, look around an see what 3 things are different from when you were a child.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Where were you? September 11, 2001 - It has been 6 years, but I can still remember that day as if it was yesterday. I was working at the "Inn at Mystic" in Mystic, CT, an there was a group in house having a meeting. My boss called New York at 8:45am to check on our Wedding Show for February an make sure we were all set with the application. All of a sudden, Debra (boss) yells, Paula go turn on a TV right this minute, an was just screaming which was not normal. I was like what channel? Every channel will have it, Have what?
Before, she could answer me, I was standing in front of the TV in one of the guest rooms an saw the 2nd plane hit the World Trade Center, I thought I was just seeing a replay. Then, I ran down stairs an interrupted my clients meeting, they were looking at me as if I was the Devil, How dare I interrupt them. I said, You may want to see this an turned on the TV hidden in the wall, I said, we are being attacked. This group was from all over the world for a week long conference at the Mystic Marriott, and we were only their 1 day off property meeting.
I did not really realize I had said, we are being attacked or why I said it. At this point I just knew even if the news reports were not saying it. The meeting continued but my roommate Thomas called me an demanded I come home, he was not coping well. I left, my boss had a friend who is usually on that flight as a flight attendant out of Boston, but she was home that day, for whatever reason. I went home an Thomas an I sat on the couch all day, watching the coverage, I felt as if my whole world would never be the same. My homeland was being attacked for what reason? When the towers fell, it was as if my stomach had dropped out of me. We cried and yelled at the TV!!
My birthday was the next day and my boyfriend Seth had arranged for us to fly around the World Trader Center. He came over an brought us food and sat with us, we were huddled around the TV not believing what were seeing. It was a surreal day.
Seth an Thomas are gone now, Seth died November 2006 and Thomas a few weeks ago, we supported each other through many things over the year, but that day was one of the hardest. I will never forget Thomas an Seth, an will never forget SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. Today, it has been 6 years, never forget the people who died in the Towers an the Rescue Workers who were trying to save people, who lost their lives and the families they all left behind. Take a moment out of your busy day today, and say a little prayer for them.
Say a pray for ourselves and realize as USA we are never completely safe from other forces trying to take us down. We will Survive and Thrive, which is the best revenge.
Before, she could answer me, I was standing in front of the TV in one of the guest rooms an saw the 2nd plane hit the World Trade Center, I thought I was just seeing a replay. Then, I ran down stairs an interrupted my clients meeting, they were looking at me as if I was the Devil, How dare I interrupt them. I said, You may want to see this an turned on the TV hidden in the wall, I said, we are being attacked. This group was from all over the world for a week long conference at the Mystic Marriott, and we were only their 1 day off property meeting.
I did not really realize I had said, we are being attacked or why I said it. At this point I just knew even if the news reports were not saying it. The meeting continued but my roommate Thomas called me an demanded I come home, he was not coping well. I left, my boss had a friend who is usually on that flight as a flight attendant out of Boston, but she was home that day, for whatever reason. I went home an Thomas an I sat on the couch all day, watching the coverage, I felt as if my whole world would never be the same. My homeland was being attacked for what reason? When the towers fell, it was as if my stomach had dropped out of me. We cried and yelled at the TV!!
My birthday was the next day and my boyfriend Seth had arranged for us to fly around the World Trader Center. He came over an brought us food and sat with us, we were huddled around the TV not believing what were seeing. It was a surreal day.
Seth an Thomas are gone now, Seth died November 2006 and Thomas a few weeks ago, we supported each other through many things over the year, but that day was one of the hardest. I will never forget Thomas an Seth, an will never forget SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. Today, it has been 6 years, never forget the people who died in the Towers an the Rescue Workers who were trying to save people, who lost their lives and the families they all left behind. Take a moment out of your busy day today, and say a little prayer for them.
Say a pray for ourselves and realize as USA we are never completely safe from other forces trying to take us down. We will Survive and Thrive, which is the best revenge.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Reality Check:
Rock of Love:
Brandy M. made a HUGE mistake by telling Heather & Lacey she did not think Brett was for her, I liked her but that was her down fall, have you not learned all season not to trust those 2? It will be quite interesting to see what happens to Heather an Lacey as she basically pushed Heather out of the way an got her alone time with Brett in Las Vegas. I am still pulling for Jess, she has been the only sane one, and classy one this whole time. I can not wait until next week to see him meeting the parents. Also, what do you think Lacey's parents are going to be like with the Crazy Chick?
Big Brother 8
Good for Zach, get Daniele or Dick out of the game. I was really hoping that would happen, they had to know with all their backstabbing this is what it would come down to. I hope Jameka wins POV in order to send at least one of them home an then next week, if Jameka or Zach wins HOH the other one is gone. How dare they say, Zach can't win the game? They have been the most mean spirited and down right devious this whole game what makes them think they can win? It is not over until it is over, Jameka and Zach need to pull it out!! I wish I could see what is happening in the Jury House, especially between Eric and Jessica.
That is the only Reality TV I watched this weekend. My birthday is in 2 days and so not looking forward to it. I am flying up to Maine this weekend for a job interview and hoping for the best. I need to get back to New England this WASP needs the seasons and family close.
Rock of Love:
Brandy M. made a HUGE mistake by telling Heather & Lacey she did not think Brett was for her, I liked her but that was her down fall, have you not learned all season not to trust those 2? It will be quite interesting to see what happens to Heather an Lacey as she basically pushed Heather out of the way an got her alone time with Brett in Las Vegas. I am still pulling for Jess, she has been the only sane one, and classy one this whole time. I can not wait until next week to see him meeting the parents. Also, what do you think Lacey's parents are going to be like with the Crazy Chick?
Big Brother 8
Good for Zach, get Daniele or Dick out of the game. I was really hoping that would happen, they had to know with all their backstabbing this is what it would come down to. I hope Jameka wins POV in order to send at least one of them home an then next week, if Jameka or Zach wins HOH the other one is gone. How dare they say, Zach can't win the game? They have been the most mean spirited and down right devious this whole game what makes them think they can win? It is not over until it is over, Jameka and Zach need to pull it out!! I wish I could see what is happening in the Jury House, especially between Eric and Jessica.
That is the only Reality TV I watched this weekend. My birthday is in 2 days and so not looking forward to it. I am flying up to Maine this weekend for a job interview and hoping for the best. I need to get back to New England this WASP needs the seasons and family close.
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