It's Been Awhile

Wow. 
I just don't write anymore and that makes me pretty sad. :( I've become rather lazy as of late. As a customer service representative for a wedding album company, dealing with coworkers and customers for 40 hours a week really does take a toll on me. Literally, I come home after 430pm and sleep on the couch til about 9pm, then I wake up for 2 more hours and then go back to sleep for good. Such a life I know it. 

I need to do more with my life. But, I constantly make excuses that naturally prevent me from doing so. What's my excuse for today? The weather. It is fall. The cold, damp, fall just before winter has arrived and I hate it. I miss the cool, brisk, autumn air with orange, yellow, and red leaves lining my streets. It was as if life in the form of fire burst from their stems and lit the way. Now, they are barren beings that scrape against the steel sky. I told you, cold weather needs to suck it. 

What can I update whoever reads and also doesn't read this? Hrm. My Mom and I saw Theresa Caputo live at the Genessee Theater in Waukegan last Sunday and it was truly an amazing experience. :) I don't know what I think about this life, let alone the after life, but I know something is there waiting for us. Not golden gates and angels dressed in white, but we are all made of energy. I just happen to think this energy continues on long after we leave our physical bodies. Do I believe people can talk to the dead? Well, after her show, yes, now I do. I have always believed in ghosts, spirits, demons, all of it. Why not? Who can say it isn't real? I find it all fascinating. 

Theresa Caputo is a phenomenon. She read people and shocked them in to tears. I don't think these folks were actors. Not the way they were crying and reacting to her comments. Their stories were awful. It really puts things into perspective. It did for me. I thought losing my Yia Yia and my Dad 3 months apart from each other in 2009 was bad enough. But these poor people lost family members to unsolved murders, suicides, accidental death, illness, etc. Some could not find closure and if one woman can say one personal, completely unknown thing that the rest of the world will not know... and it makes someone feel better? If it brings them the peace they need to know their loved one although no longer with them in this plane of existence is ok somewhere else? I don't really care. That's good enough for me. 

I adore the woman. :) Her Jersey tough attitude and her sparkly silver Minolo heels reeled me in. She is a force to be reckoned with that's for sure. I would love to have a private reading with her. Not only to test her to see if she is the 'real deal' but maybe to find my own closure. Yes, my Dad left this earth well loved by his family for sure. But there are still days where I am haunted by his passing. I assume this is naturally all a part of grieving, and I've read over and over again everyone does it in their own way. 

What else? Well, this week was pretty big. The Northeast had an awful super storm tear up the Jersey Shore as well as significant towns in New York State. She was called 'Hurricane Sandy' and the bitch packed a punch. Some lost their lives, some lost their homes, and some lost so much more than that the week she ravaged the coast. I have never seen a storm like that before. I can't help but think it means something else. We are damaging this planet in more ways than one and destroying the climate. Is this part of it? I think so. Storms lately have been insane. They are far more violent and take far more casualties than I can recall. It's our own fault.... that's for sure. Everybody needs to donate to these folks out there. They need it. I wish I could donate more. Next paycheck and I think I will. :) 

President Obama (my vote included) has been elected for a 2nd term to serve this great United States. I couldn't be more proud of our country and the people for making the absolute right decision. I know the economy has a long way to go, but the POTUS came in to office at the worst possible time. I hope in the next four years he is able to restore jobs back to the families that have been out of work for so long. Back to the people that really need it the most. I believe he can do it. :) President Obama is an inspirational leader, and I can't wait to see what he will do for all of us. :) 

My Mom had a Halloween party for her birthday this year and it rocked. :) It really cheered her up and that is all my sister, aunt, and I want for her. We want to keep her happy and in good spirits every year for the rest of her birthdays. October is a very rough month for my family. So any little drop of happiness if we can find it, we hold on to it. For sure.

Ok, I'm getting tired now. I am coming down with my 2nd sinus infection for the year, I can feel it in my head and in my face. My brain literally feels heavy. Fun shit, I know. 

Bed time soon enough. 
                                    

Theresa Caputo- 'The Bigger the Hair, the Closer to God'

The POTUS, The FLOTUS, and family :)

My wonderful family for my Mama's birthday.

My ISU gurls and boy- Tabitha (Little Red Riding Hood), Wes (Blind Ref), and Amanda (Hippie Girl) all made it

Another day of whiners awaits me. One day I will be where I am supposed to be. Wherever that is the big man upstairs only knows.

It's Been Awhile

Wow. 
I just don't write anymore and that makes me pretty sad. :( I've become rather lazy as of late. As a customer service representative for a wedding album company, dealing with coworkers and customers for 40 hours a week really does take a toll on me. Literally, I come home after 430pm and sleep on the couch til about 9pm, then I wake up for 2 more hours and then go back to sleep for good. Such a life I know it. 

I need to do more with my life. But, I constantly make excuses that naturally prevent me from doing so. What's my excuse for today? The weather. It is fall. The cold, damp, fall just before winter has arrived and I hate it. I miss the cool, brisk, autumn air with orange, yellow, and red leaves lining my streets. It was as if life in the form of fire burst from their stems and lit the way. Now, they are barren beings that scrape against the steel sky. I told you, cold weather needs to suck it. 

What can I update whoever reads and also doesn't read this? Hrm. My Mom and I saw Theresa Caputo live at the Genessee Theater in Waukegan last Sunday and it was truly an amazing experience. :) I don't know what I think about this life, let alone the after life, but I know something is there waiting for us. Not golden gates and angels dressed in white, but we are all made of energy. I just happen to think this energy continues on long after we leave our physical bodies. Do I believe people can talk to the dead? Well, after her show, yes, now I do. I have always believed in ghosts, spirits, demons, all of it. Why not? Who can say it isn't real? I find it all fascinating. 

Theresa Caputo is a phenomenon. She read people and shocked them in to tears. I don't think these folks were actors. Not the way they were crying and reacting to her comments. Their stories were awful. It really puts things into perspective. It did for me. I thought losing my Yia Yia and my Dad 3 months apart from each other in 2009 was bad enough. But these poor people lost family members to unsolved murders, suicides, accidental death, illness, etc. Some could not find closure and if one woman can say one personal, completely unknown thing that the rest of the world will not know... and it makes someone feel better? If it brings them the peace they need to know their loved one although no longer with them in this plane of existence is ok somewhere else? I don't really care. That's good enough for me. 

I adore the woman. :) Her Jersey tough attitude and her sparkly silver Minolo heels reeled me in. She is a force to be reckoned with that's for sure. I would love to have a private reading with her. Not only to test her to see if she is the 'real deal' but maybe to find my own closure. Yes, my Dad left this earth well loved by his family for sure. But there are still days where I am haunted by his passing. I assume this is naturally all a part of grieving, and I've read over and over again everyone does it in their own way. 

What else? Well, this week was pretty big. The Northeast had an awful super storm tear up the Jersey Shore as well as significant towns in New York State. She was called 'Hurricane Sandy' and the bitch packed a punch. Some lost their lives, some lost their homes, and some lost so much more than that the week she ravaged the coast. I have never seen a storm like that before. I can't help but think it means something else. We are damaging this planet in more ways than one and destroying the climate. Is this part of it? I think so. Storms lately have been insane. They are far more violent and take far more casualties than I can recall. It's our own fault.... that's for sure. Everybody needs to donate to these folks out there. They need it. I wish I could donate more. Next paycheck and I think I will. :) 

President Obama (my vote included) has been elected for a 2nd term to serve this great United States. I couldn't be more proud of our country and the people for making the absolute right decision. I know the economy has a long way to go, but the POTUS came in to office at the worst possible time. I hope in the next four years he is able to restore jobs back to the families that have been out of work for so long. Back to the people that really need it the most. I believe he can do it. :) President Obama is an inspirational leader, and I can't wait to see what he will do for all of us. :) 

My Mom had a Halloween party for her birthday this year and it rocked. :) It really cheered her up and that is all my sister, aunt, and I want for her. We want to keep her happy and in good spirits every year for the rest of her birthdays. October is a very rough month for my family. So any little drop of happiness if we can find it, we hold on to it. For sure.

Ok, I'm getting tired now. I am coming down with my 2nd sinus infection for the year, I can feel it in my head and in my face. My brain literally feels heavy. Fun shit, I know. 

Bed time soon enough. 
                                    

Theresa Caputo- 'The Bigger the Hair, the Closer to God'

The POTUS, The FLOTUS, and family :)

My wonderful family for my Mama's birthday.

My ISU gurls and boy- Tabitha (Little Red Riding Hood), Wes (Blind Ref), and Amanda (Hippie Girl) all made it

Another day of whiners awaits me. One day I will be where I am supposed to be. Wherever that is the big man upstairs only knows.

A Wedding and A Graduation

Hey folks, not sure if anyone reads this, but whatever.. I felt like blogging tonight.... so... now, I am. I recently went through the toenail surgery I posted on a few weeks ago... it was actually postponed after my friend's wedding. I had the surgery May 29th, and I won't lie.. it sucked ass. I took a special 'relaxation pill' to quell my fear/anxiety of the needles about to enter the bones of my toe and foot. :( My sister also stayed in the room with me.... which I appreciated greatly. She could tell from my shaking arms how petrified I was of the pain about to hit. Even though it made her nauseous... she stayed. And, I love her for it. :) I now have half of my left big toenail gone.. it looks disgusting.. and will probably take some time to heal fully. I hope I can wear cute sandals/heels this summer... maybe I will once I feel less self conscious about my wound. We'll see.

My wonderful friend Sara married her high school sweetheart, Ethan- Memorial Day weekend. :) I couldn't be happier for those two. They finally tied the knot after dating for a total of 8 years. Are you kidding me? After a few months I start to feel claustrophobic in relationships.. and they manage to keep the honeymoon phase going before and most likely after the actual honeymoon itself. They are disgusting... hahaha.. but, in a good way. The lovey dovey thing I could never imagine feeling for anyone else... I show love in a different way. But, I cried when I saw my high school drama buddy in her beautiful white off the shoulder dress. She looked magnificent. The make up and the happy 'glow' brides seem to bestow on their special day played a big part in it all I'm sure. There is nothing more rewarding then feeling happiness for someone else. It is a great feeling to step outside of your own selfish thoughts and feelings... and wish the best for friends, family, and others that you deeply care about. As a self proclaimed cynic on love itself.... I guess there is hope for some of us after all. And, these two certainly proved it. I was honored to participate in the wedding as her bridesmaid. It was my first time after all! :) Although, it was an expensive venture... still worth it never the less.

What else do I have to report on? Well, I now started full time with the company I was originally temping for as just a measly receptionist. I am now a customer service representative.... yet again. So far so good... I have been training for the last couple of weeks and just received my computer today. Of course, none of the programs I need to do my job actually work... so, I'm still behind and need to find alternative ways to catch up fast. That's life I guess. I'm just glad that this position will eventually do more for me than any other I've held in the past. After my 60 day probation period is up... I qualify for benefits. And, once I turn 26 this year... that's something very important to consider. For serious. I am still super grateful to Obama for allowing me to stay on my Mom's health insurance plan for as long as I possibly could. My health took a serious decline since my Dad passed.... for obvious reasons... and I'm slowly getting better and learning how to eat right and take care of myself more. You only get one life and one body to live it in.... so appreciate it all.

My little sister also graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. :) We are all so proud of her, she also maintained an outstanding GPA and graduated as a National Scholar. She was accepted into the Master's Program for Architecture Studies at U of I and will return this fall for her first year as a master's student. If my Dad could just see her now.... he would be so, so, very proud of his youngest daughter. <3

Enjoy a few pictures from the wedding and my sister's graduation. You didn't think I would put any up of my toe did you? Hahahaha..... no, that would be nasty.

That's all she wrote.

A Wedding and A Graduation

Hey folks, not sure if anyone reads this, but whatever.. I felt like blogging tonight.... so... now, I am. I recently went through the toenail surgery I posted on a few weeks ago... it was actually postponed after my friend's wedding. I had the surgery May 29th, and I won't lie.. it sucked ass. I took a special 'relaxation pill' to quell my fear/anxiety of the needles about to enter the bones of my toe and foot. :( My sister also stayed in the room with me.... which I appreciated greatly. She could tell from my shaking arms how petrified I was of the pain about to hit. Even though it made her nauseous... she stayed. And, I love her for it. :) I now have half of my left big toenail gone.. it looks disgusting.. and will probably take some time to heal fully. I hope I can wear cute sandals/heels this summer... maybe I will once I feel less self conscious about my wound. We'll see.

My wonderful friend Sara married her high school sweetheart, Ethan- Memorial Day weekend. :) I couldn't be happier for those two. They finally tied the knot after dating for a total of 8 years. Are you kidding me? After a few months I start to feel claustrophobic in relationships.. and they manage to keep the honeymoon phase going before and most likely after the actual honeymoon itself. They are disgusting... hahaha.. but, in a good way. The lovey dovey thing I could never imagine feeling for anyone else... I show love in a different way. But, I cried when I saw my high school drama buddy in her beautiful white off the shoulder dress. She looked magnificent. The make up and the happy 'glow' brides seem to bestow on their special day played a big part in it all I'm sure. There is nothing more rewarding then feeling happiness for someone else. It is a great feeling to step outside of your own selfish thoughts and feelings... and wish the best for friends, family, and others that you deeply care about. As a self proclaimed cynic on love itself.... I guess there is hope for some of us after all. And, these two certainly proved it. I was honored to participate in the wedding as her bridesmaid. It was my first time after all! :) Although, it was an expensive venture... still worth it never the less.

What else do I have to report on? Well, I now started full time with the company I was originally temping for as just a measly receptionist. I am now a customer service representative.... yet again. So far so good... I have been training for the last couple of weeks and just received my computer today. Of course, none of the programs I need to do my job actually work... so, I'm still behind and need to find alternative ways to catch up fast. That's life I guess. I'm just glad that this position will eventually do more for me than any other I've held in the past. After my 60 day probation period is up... I qualify for benefits. And, once I turn 26 this year... that's something very important to consider. For serious. I am still super grateful to Obama for allowing me to stay on my Mom's health insurance plan for as long as I possibly could. My health took a serious decline since my Dad passed.... for obvious reasons... and I'm slowly getting better and learning how to eat right and take care of myself more. You only get one life and one body to live it in.... so appreciate it all.

My little sister also graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. :) We are all so proud of her, she also maintained an outstanding GPA and graduated as a National Scholar. She was accepted into the Master's Program for Architecture Studies at U of I and will return this fall for her first year as a master's student. If my Dad could just see her now.... he would be so, so, very proud of his youngest daughter. <3

Enjoy a few pictures from the wedding and my sister's graduation. You didn't think I would put any up of my toe did you? Hahahaha..... no, that would be nasty.

That's all she wrote.

Today Is The Day...

I get a 2nd surgery on my big left toe. :( I tried to take matters into my own hands, caused an infection so bad I couldn't sleep and had to go on antibiotics for 10 days straight. Now, the surgery that was supposed to stop the problem of the phantom nail.... shall be re-enacted tonight. I was told I am in the 5% group that the surgery doesn't work the first time around. Well, it better work the 2nd. Because:

That's for sure. :(

More happy stories to come later...

Today Is The Day...

I get a 2nd surgery on my big left toe. :( I tried to take matters into my own hands, caused an infection so bad I couldn't sleep and had to go on antibiotics for 10 days straight. Now, the surgery that was supposed to stop the problem of the phantom nail.... shall be re-enacted tonight. I was told I am in the 5% group that the surgery doesn't work the first time around. Well, it better work the 2nd. Because:

That's for sure. :(

More happy stories to come later...

A Trip, A Change, A Thought or Two

A few close friends from college and I just returned from an amazing spring break trip to Las Vegas. :) It's the first time I have been back to the city of sin and I'm old enough to enjoy all of the fine things it has to offer. I gambled a bit, and in total won no more than a dollar. I never said Lady Luck was my friend, or on my side for that matter. My friend, Kate on the other hand... put in $20.00 into one slot machine and came out with $200.00! We were all jealous, naturally.

I loved the weather out there, the party like atmosphere, and in general, people are so much friendlier out west than in my neck of the woods. And, not presumptuous at all. Just talkative, helpful, folks! I would love to move out west... maybe Washington, Arizona, or California, I'm tired of the flat lands and the cold, harsh, winters I have experienced most of my life in the Midwest.

My friends and I ate delicious food, had wonderful yard long daiquiri's and margaritas from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville! Tabitha and I went to the Body Museum at the Luxor on the strip. The Luxor is one of my favorite hotels. I add that to The Flamingo (we had a chance to experience their pool), and The Golden Nugget (right off Fremont St. that's where we stayed to save money).

The Body Museum was by far one of the most fascinating exhibits on the human body I have ever seen. The body is a well oiled machine when all of our cells multiply correctly and keep us healthy on the inside and outside. But, when cells mutate, chromosomes change, and organs begin to behave on their own accord. It seems that the body can become a prison of sorts. I see this with my aging family members, and it's painful to watch. That's for another blog, though.

Vegas has a lot to offer. You can sit at the pool drinking the tastiest beverages I have had in a long while (they make them strong, of course), you can walk and shop along the strip, explore the amazing hotels during the day and at night. There is so much people traffic, that people watching is a sport unto itself. I could be entertained in just observing the different types of folks that venture to the city of sin. And, they do come in all different shapes and sizes!

My girls and I (Tabitha, Kate, and myself) took a 'special class' that I dare not mention too much of here. (in case of potential employers prying eyes, or past coworkers, what have you ;). I will say it was a feminine powered class and it let our inner 'kittens' out! It gave ladies the power to own their bodies fully and maintain control. This is something I need to work on myself. I have control of what I want to do. No one else can force you or put you in situations that you're uncomfortable with. That goes for dealing with creeps ladies! NO MEANS NO!!! Anywho, it was fun. Just saying.

Kate, her boyfriend- Morgan, and I (Tabitha sadly took an early flight out :( spent our last day at The Flamingo pool. It was too cold for comfort, but the heat that day was off the charts, so it cooled our bodies from the dry desert air. We sat poolside for hours sipping from hot pink plastic cups, and dancing to the dj's fun music. It was opening day for the pool, so it was pretty busy. We met an amazing group of people there! They work for an internet company based out of New York. I don't want to mention their name, just for privacy purposes. But, if any of you read this... you guys were super friendly, and we really wished we could've stayed an extra night to hang out with you all. :D They seemed like a fun crew to party with. :D

I was pretty depressed coming back to IL. Gray skies, and cold air awaited me. Gross. Something has got to change eventually.

I also have a new temporary position with a company that sells wedding albums. Again, I will not mention the name here. I am the front desk receptionist. So, I'm basically the first line of defense when it comes to incoming phone calls, as well as greeting the customers when they come in to pick up the albums. So far, so good. I'm just glad I have a job right now, and am able to pay off those nasty student loans that will loom over my head for many years to come.

I guess that's all I feel like writing about right now. Enjoy the pics. Feel free to comment, question, whatever.

That's all she wrote.