suntawrites

Third Time's A Charm...

2009-11-08T18:43:00.008-06:00

The third move within Florida since moving to Florida in June 2008.
If I never move again, I would be 100% fine with it.
Moving is incredibly stressful & painful - especially when you're moving from a 3rd floor apartment home to a 2nd floor apartment. Haha!
First off, Stray Cat had way more fun than I did with the move...

After everything was out of the Lakeland apartment, I took a day off to clean it like a crazy person & have the carpets professionally cleaned. It was a grueling 8 hours, but hopefully, time well spent to get back the security deposit in full.
So... I went from this awesome vaulted ceiling'd kitchen that I truly appreciated to... This tiny older styled kitchen (as in countertops & appliances aren't new or anything fancy & the floor is not tile, but linoleum):

From this 30X22 dining/living room space:

To this:

From a 13X11 master bedroom with lotsa light:

To this miniature version of a master bedroom with a mini window to boot :) :

But the second bedroom, which will be used as both a guest room & home office (upon the purchase of a much needed computer desk) has a bigger window:And, although, the new apartment's balcony isn't as big or open as the old one, Stray Cat adores it just the same, & if he's happy here, I know I will be:
This was a very smart move. It's closer to work. It's a lot less money per month. The savings will allow me to get a new car soon, as well as fulfill the long-list of household necessities like a microwave, a bed, a new cell phone, and... and... the list keeps growing & growing.
A new year is fast approaching, a new outlook has been required of me, & with that, I am forever grateful for what I do have & what I have learned along the way.

**In way more exciting news, my dear friend, Tanya, got married on November 7th, I was honored to be included in the celebration. I have created a web-album of the beautiful day. The weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding - breezy, sunny, & cool. A mere 75-78 degrees in Orlando, Florida. Simply perfect. Congratulations Tanya & Carl!

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be - The Beatles.

"Freedom comes when you learn to let go"

2009-10-11T19:01:00.006-05:00

Music is a huge part of my life.
In my head, there is a soundtrack to my life, which includes artists like Tori Amos, Pearl Jam, U2, Ani DiFranco, John Lennon, Alanis, and many others.
You know how songs can just SPEAK to you? Or, it’s as if the writer has stolen a story out of your life & has created a song that you alone could have written so easily? Well, over the past few days I have been unable to stop listening to two of Madonna’s songs, “Frozen” & “The Power of Goodbye”. They are so poignant & they completely have a new meaning for me than when they were originally released.
You see, I have been carrying around something for many years. It’s something called hope & I just realized there is none of it left. I have come to the conclusion that hope is merely just delayed disappointment. Problem is, I have been hopeless all of my life. Hopelessly romantic. Hopelessly wishing all of the time. Hope hope hope.

Yesterday, my colleague, Sheri, who is currently on maternity-leave wrote the greatest thing on my FB page, “Keep smiling! I miss seeing your smiling face! You make everyone around you happy Assunta!”.

I walk around all day with a huge smile on my face, appearing to not have a care in the world. For a long time, I have proudly worn the nic-name, “Susie Sunshine” and have made it fit me. Despite any adversity I may face, I constantly look for the good, hope for the best, pray for guidance & I smile. Despite what may be going on in my world, or in my head, I am always smiling. Always finding a reason to laugh. Always wanting to laugh.
So, yes, I travelled the road less travelled & gained some valuable lessons. Since moving to Florida, I have lost 40 pounds, and cut off a foot and a half of my hair. Lost some other stuff too, but rather talk about what I’ve gained. No need to focus on what’s lost.

New haircut, bangs could be a little straighter, darn Florida humidity. My natural hair colour is practically back!

Since my preteen years, I have had the propensity to over analyze everything causing chaos. Causing undue stress, undue worry, countless tears. My brain never used to shut off, think think think think. It’s my most annoying feature and something I’ve battled with.

Since 2001, I’ve been practicing yoga & meditation. This has helped greatly with my mind antics. But I am entering a new stage of my life.
And it will be simple.
No analyzing.
No over thinking.
Just be.
It just is.
It is what it is.
I have declared no more delusions of self.

And about what it is I have been hoping for & longing for for so many years, I have learned that the other side hasn’t been doing the same – for them, these years brought reflection, healing, & getting over it all, once & for all.
So I shall do the same.

Frozen - Madonna
You only see what your eyes want to see
How can life be what you want it to be
You're frozen
When your heart's not open
You're so consumed with how much you get
You waste your time with hate and regret
You're broken
When your heart's not open
If I could melt your heart
We'd never be apart
Give yourself to me
You hold the key
Now there's no point in placing the blame
And you should know I suffer the same
If I lose you
My heart will be broken
Love is a bird, she needs to fly
Let all the hurt inside of you die
You're frozen
When your heart's not open
If I could melt your heart

The Power of Goodbye - Madonna
Your heart is not open, so I must go
The spell has been broken...I loved you so
Freedom comes when you learn to let go
Creation comes when you learn to say no
You were my lesson I had to learn
I was your fortress you had to burn
Pain is a warning that something's wrong
I pray to God that it won't be long
Do ya wanna go higher?
There's nothing left to try
There's no place left to hide
There's no greater power than the power of good-bye
Your heart is not open, so I must go
The spell has been broken...I loved you so
You were my lesson I had to learn
I was your fortress
There's nothing left to lose
There's no more heart to bruise
There's no greater power than the power of good-bye
Learn to say good-bye
I yearn to say good-bye
There's nothing left to try
There's no more places to hide
There's no greater power than the power of good-bye
There's nothing left to lose
There's no more heart to bruise
There's no greater power than the power of good-bye

Morris County New Jersey Girl Exiled To Polk County Florida

2009-10-04T13:35:00.014-05:00

Making decisions as a responsible adult can be very tedious.

I never had financial concerns until I owned my own business & the economy crashed. Seemingly, I have been confronted with my present reality multiple times upon living in Florida for 16 months.

It is pretty clear I need to purchase a new vehicle. Not the vehicle I want, like a Pontiac Solstice or a Jeep Wrangler. Nope, I must be a responsible adult & buy the vehicle I need – like someone else’s beater car or an economy car like a Hyundai or Kia. Need & want have never been two polar opposite words in my lifetime.

With age comes wisdom, or so the cliché claims.

Yet, I can’t help but feel like I am living my live backwards - - - having been able to drive a new car at 17 & being able to buy a new car 7 years later when that first car was totaled in an accident, to fast forward to 12 years later & I can’t just go into any car dealer & buy whatever the heck I want.

Reality hits like a ton of bricks & I realize the errors of my ways.

Economy schonomy. Could’ve would’ve should’ve & here I am today.

Thinking about buying a Hyundai or a Kia. In addition to this predicament of my baby, Gabby the Cabby, falling apart literally at the seams… my apartment lease ends on November 11th.

I can’t write enough good things about where I live. I love it here. It is luxury living with lots of amenities. A beautiful layout – huge, clean, safe, so quiet with a great view from the balcony… Stray Cat & I are very happy in our place of rest & relaxation.

It is located 40 minutes from work – being from the Northeast, it is not out of the ordinary to have a 40 minute commute. I do not mind the drive at all – my drive in pumps me up & prepares me for the day ahead –my drive home allows me time to decompress from the day’s events…. Thing is, it is $50/month in tolls & a ton of gas (currently, it’s $2.50/gallon). Plus, the rent. It is too much for just me & Stray (considering he doesn’t bring home any bacon!).

Again, this situation lends itself to me feeling I am living life in reverse. Prior to moving to Florida, I had not lived in an apartment since 1999 (that was the scary store front dump in Pompton Lakes my father flipped out about); from there, I moved into an amazing old Vic in Stirling, NJ, right on the main street which I adored. From Stirling, I moved to Searsport, Maine, into a stupid-big old farmhouse. Well, wait a second, after Maine I lived in the husband’s friend’s guest room - - - so maybe... maybe I am not going in reverse.

I went off on a diatribe about this whole debacle over the phone to a friend in New Jersey, who made me feel so much better by declaring a “DO OVER” for my life, rather than seeing it as “going backwards”. Yet, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by this mind-numbing decision making – one thing at a time – first, a new less expensive apartment closer to work - - - once that’s decided upon & the move is made, then, second will be the new (to me) vehicle purchase.
There you have it.

That’s my life as it is NOW. I can do anything temporarily. Clearly, I’ve survived far worse.

One of the many buildings in the complex: My kitchen:

(Stray is not allowed on the counter - but i had just finished mopping the floors & his food bowls were up on it - so of course, he helped himself!).

My living room:

My dining room:

Hallway leading to the second bed & bath: The second bedroom is currently packing quarters:

One of the reasons I liked this place so much was these really cool "nooks" for stuff in both bedrooms. Oddly enough, as cool as they are, I never used them the way I antcipated for plants or decorating or the like... haha!

Sliders lead to a balcony: This is the view:

Maybe the sun will shine today. The clouds will roll away. Maybe I won't be so afraid. I will understand everything has its plan. Either way. - Wilco

"Chunk it!"

2009-09-20T13:55:00.004-05:00

Golf.
I live in Florida.
Golf is a favorite pass time.
Being that my father has been doing work for years for the USGA Museum in New Jersey, I have been exposed to all-things-golf since childhood. Other than miniature golf & occasionally going to the range to shoot a bucket, I've never had the desire to play on a course - although, I've been extremely fortunate to visit some of the most beautiful courses in the Northeast & I have quite the collection of clothing sporting the USGA emblem (thanks Mom & Dad!).
During the past 16 months of living in Florida, I have been asked countless times to come play. Dare I admit that although I absolutely will play any sport, I am not very good at anything other than basketball & tennis - liking to play any sport doesn't actually equate to being good at any of 'em. Plus, I am extremely competitive & I get frustrated easily. Hence why golf was never a first choice sport for me to learn.
My brother-in-law, Mike, really enjoys playing - insists it's addictive & insisted that while living in Florida I should at least try it once. I've been told that if I hate it, I'd never have to go back - - - but that the funny thing about golf is that even if you initially hate it, ya' wanna try again to see if you fall in love with it...

Luckily, I have met through work the most wonderful person, Vickie, who happens to be an avid golfer. She's been playing since she was 5, played in high school & competed in tournaments for years. She, due to the kindness of her heart & not due to insanity, offered a while ago to teach me how to play. My first "lesson" was on Saturday. Our mutual friend, Wendy, who also has never played, joined us for the outing at a local country club.

(Vickie & Wendy)

We practiced at the range first thing in the morning, before getting into our golf carts to complete 9 holes.

Vickie is an amazing instructor, her knowledge & expertise were a huge help to me. First thing I've been doing wrong all these years? I have been holding a golf club my entire life similar to how I hold a baseball bat - oops - sorry, grew up in a huge baseball playing & baseball loving family... haha!

It turned out to be an exceptionally hot September day, but despite the heat, we truly had a marvelous time. I tried very hard to not take it too seriously & the three of us really had a lot of fun playing together.

Vickie generously told us two newbies that we did extremely well for our first time out on a course. We played only 6 holes (due to timing & the heat), I scored a 47, while Vickie scored a 30 & Wendy scored a 40. Of course, I came in last, I was not surprised - haha! :)

My two favorite things about my first golf course experience: driving a golf cart (I had entirely too much fun driving it) & the use of the phrase "chunk it!" (golf lingo describing a poor shot where the player hits the ground behind the ball and moves the earth to a greater extent than the ball itself - um, I proudly am extremely good at this!).

(Vickie)

(That's me in my new favorite ride)

Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle - Author Unknown.

Holy $hit! I'm 36!!

2009-09-13T11:52:00.012-05:00

Unfortunately, I must start this post with sad news. I was notified the week of Kismet's death that dear Zoe girl, the German Shepherd I used to live with was diagnosed with cancer. Without going into personal melo-drama on the blog site for the whole wide world to read, it is worth mentioning that she hasn't lived with me for a while. It is with deep sadness to report that she had to be put down on August 23rd. She was a loving & wonderful dog. Incredibly gentle & kind. I am grateful that she was in my life for the short period that she was, she brought great laughs to my heart & soul. Memories that will last the rest of my life. Stray Cat absolutely adored Zoe.
The Friday of my birthday weekend, I went to Maryann's, where she blew out my hair phenomenally, in a way I can never do in the Florida humidity - or maybe it's because my straightener is a piece of crap & I need to invest in a really good expensive one. She took this photo of me there, proof that I always have way too much fun with her... LOL.

The Saturday of my birthday, my cube-mate, Lynda, invited me over for dinner at her house to celebrate. Lynda & Rick are my friends that saved me when my car battery died in the beginning of August. It never matters where you move to, whether you like the area or not, as I am convinced you make your own happiness despite any adversity you face & I believe you will always be blessed with angels. Lynda & Rick are two of mine.

They surprised me by inviting two of my girl friends & their families to join us for dinner. So instead of it just being the 3 of us, Lynda & Rick prepared a huge feast for the 9 of us. It was a beautiful evening of conversation, sangria, delicious food, & of course birthday cake.

This year Disney's theme is Celebrations. Anyone who registers their birthday at Disney's website will get a certificate to get in the park of their choice for free. If you remember, all I wanted for my birthday last year was a day at Epcot Center. You may also recall, that while living in Maine, it was pretty much a pre-requisite for me to be convinced to move to Florida. Haha! Well, I never did get to go last year on my birthday, so this year, I am thrilled to tell you that I did indeed get to go!

I happily spent five hours of the day at Epcot completely alone. I had no idea how I would feel about that - I was unsure if I would be uncomfortable or self-conscious. Gratefully, I was just happy. It was quite liberating to get to the front of ride lines and proudly declare, "ONE" when asked how many in my party. Ya' know the song, "One is the loneliest number"??? I disagree, cuz, sometimes it's just f'n fabulous.
Mid-afternoon, I met up with Dawn & her adorable daughter, Katie. Dawn & I have known one another since childhood & have reconnected due to FaceBook. It was so great to hang out with her & Katie for the remainder of my birthday at Epcot. Her & I haven't seen one another since H.S. graduation day in 1991, so it was so cool to catch up & we all had such a fun time together at Epcot.

We even got to meet Princess Jasmine! Hehee:

And we all ate one of these crack pretzels from Norway - delicious!!!

Two days later, I was on a plane to NJ. A very awesome birthday gift from my parents, very spontaneous.
Since I had not been to my parents shorehouse since the summer of 2004, my parents wanted the whole family to spend the Labor Day weekend there. This trip was the longest amount of time I have spent in NJ since moving in 2005. Typically, I only visit for 2-3 days & I drive my mother crazy by being a "social butterfly" seeing my friends. Bringing me to LBI would eliminate that worry - haha! :)
Of course, the first night in NJ, my SHU-gals came to my parents' house, & we all went out to celebrate. It was the coolest thing in the world to see them - this was the first time in 13 years that all 6 of us were together.
I look horrible in this picture, but they all look friggin' beautiful so I had to share it:

(L-R back row: Stacey, Me, Cheryl, Jeanette; L-R front row: Denise & Corinne)

The following day, my sister Tina Maria & her family could not join my family on LBI, so she & I & her two children, Emma & Tyler, spent the day in Manhattan. It was a fun-filled day trip, where we walked around Times Square, went to Toys R Us, Hershey's, the M&M store, Starbucks, & ate lunch at Junior's. We took the train in & stopped in Summit to visit my Uncle at work. It was a stupendous day - no exaggeration.

The next morning, I was off to Long Beach Island with my parents. It was a glorious weekend down the shore. It was a happy time spent with my parents, my sister, Marcella & her family.

In this post, I have only included a select few of the tons of photos taken during the trip, if you are not on FaceBook & you would like to see my entire photo album please e-mail me & I will send you a link to view the photographs.

It was great to be home, to see the SHU-girls, to spend time with my family. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the rest of you all while I was there. It was a very quick visit & there wasn't a lot of time beforehand to plan anything. The next trip, I will know well ahead of time so that we can plan to see one another.

"I lived a million miles of memories on that road. With every step I take I know that I'm not alone. You take the home from the boy, but not the boy from his home. These are my streets, the only life I've ever known, who says you can't go home" - - - "It doesn't matter where you are, it doesn't matter where you go. If it's a million miles aways or just a mile up the road. Take it in, take it with you when you go, who says you can't go home" - Bon Jovi.

Miscellaneous updates, well overdue...

2009-08-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

On June 27th, I had a bunch of my hair cut off & had it bleached blonde. A shade I used to always go to in the summer - but it's been a long 4 years without it & a much needed change.

Come fall, I'll go to a more of a brownish hue...

I dunknow if you can tell by the above photo, but I have finally reached my goal weight. What I always termed as my "fighting weight"; ya' know, the weight I was when I entered SHU in 1991! A weight that I have been on & off, but mostly off, since gaining that dreaded "Freshman 15!". It's a weight that I have never stayed at for longer than a month or two... until now. I was determined that in my 35th year of life, I'd finally quit smoking & once again be my "fighting weight" - a weight I plan to stay at for the rest of my life, give or take 5lbs. :)

Here is a before photo. It's not very pleasant - so use caution...

Yes, I am at a Pizza Hut, of all places - not by choice, it was for a church fundraiser, I swear it! I am very proud to report that I am 40lbs lighter since I moved outta Maine.

On July 2nd, this "karma" balloon was given to me by a colleague. I need all the happy karma available at this juncture in my life. Love it!

On August 7th, which happens to be my SHU-Gal, BFF, Corinne's birthday, the darndest thing happened. Gabby the Cabby did not start in the parking lot. AGAIN. She did not start on August 1st, & luckily, my friend's husband installed a new battery for me, & Gabby started working again great! But, then, less than a week later, I am trying to leave work to start my weekend, & she doesn't wanna budge!
I got to the Auto Body Shop around 5:30 that evening. They assumed it was the alternator, I was adamant that it was not! The mechanic called three car rental places for me - only one had a rental left. He drove me to a the car rental place, and it is much too long & boring of a story to write here.
But know this - the body shop swore my car would be ready by 1pm the following day (which was the day I had scheduled to cremate my dear sweet Kismet). And the car rental place closes at 12 on Saturdays, & they are not open on Sundays.
The only rental they had available for me was, get this, a Dodge Dakota. Me, in a Dodge Dakota. A girl that drives an itty bitty convertible, in a Dodge Dakota.
Well, for over $60 a day, I gladly pull out of the car rental place, in hopes of only needing it for ONE day.
Here the Dakota is in all it's glory:

The damn thing actually drove beautifully, but I am not a girl in a pick-up truck, by any means. I am way too in love with itty bitty Gabby to ever be purchasing one for my daily usage.
The following day, was something I was dreading all week long. To cremate my nonjudgmental companion of nearly 15 years.
The crematory was really fabulous, & the owner handled Kismet & I with such empathy & compassion. I can't even begin to express my gratitude.
While I was at the crematory, the mechanic called me to advise that it was Gabby's ignition switch, that it would cost close to $400 & he assured me she would be done by 1 so that I could return the Dakota by 12 without an issue.
So, my rental was returned by 12, the rental guy drove me to the body shop. And, there I was, at the body shop until nearly 7pm. They could not get Gabby fixed. They kept running into all sorts of technical issues.
Luckily, the mechanic drove me home that evening, & picked me up Monday morning to drive me to work.
But I was car-less for a weekend since there wasn't a car rental place open.
I was furious.
But, happily, I got Gabby back on Monday evening, & she is running like a champ again. Just in time to start driving me to car dealerships, because, Friends, it seems it is time to be buying a new car. She's been good to me for 12 years, I can't ask for anything more from her...

On a sad note, August 8th, my dear Kismet's ashes were presented to me in this way:

The scroll is his death certificate with his actual paw print on it, accompanied by a lock of his hair tied in an adorable little bow. His name is engraved with his dates of life on the plaque on the urn. So, now, not only is he forever in my heart, but wherever I move to next, he will be coming with me.

On August 19th, I got his name & dates of life tattooed on my left side. I chose my side because that's where he always was. The crown represents his nickname of "The King", because he was the king of any house we've ever lived in.
I considered getting his paw print tattooed on my left foot, since during the last 3-4 weeks of his life, he had lost a lot of his sight, & he would step on my left foot daily. This was adorable to me. But it being an exposed tattoo caused me some second thoughts on it - so I am keeping the idea on the "back burner", for now.

Lastly, on August 20th, I am so thrilled to report that Corinne & her family were in Florida!! We all went to Animal Kingdom. It was a phenomenal time, & so good to see them!!! Since I do not (yet) have permission to post photos of all of us, I will leave you with these two.
Here is a statue that was in the park. Maybe I just have a dirty mind or something, but it didn't seem appropriate or child friendly (to me). LOL!

There is always something to learn, every day, & here was something for me. While living in Maine, I would always see signs for "Bat Houses For Sale" & I never researched what it was all about, but was always curious to the "WTF" factor of "why would one need a bat house, exactly?".

Well, give it up to Disney to answer my question!
While in the "bat sanctuary", there was this poster that taught me why people need bat houses. It is a natural way to save farmers' crops, rather than using insecticides, bat houses promote using bats to save crops. Who knew this?? Anyone??

Lifetimes are catching up with me, all these changes taking place, I wish I'd seen the place, but no one's ever taken me. Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away... - Pearl Jam's "Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town" (one of my top 5 favorite PJ songs, but if you had me to list them all, the list would be way too long, because practically every song of theirs is a favorite, btw!).

Kismet 12/31/1994 - 08/02/2009

2009-08-07T20:22:00.008-05:00

My dear sweet Kismet’s health began to deteriorate rapidly since the end of June – he could no longer jump onto my bed to sleep, which of course, depressed me to no end. I would carry him on to the bed, and he would stay only for a little while, and fuss to let me get him down or jump down on his own worrying me to tears if he hurt himself. I built a little “staircase” for him to climb – but that was fruitless, because he never even tried to use it. Instead, he claimed the living room floor under or by the coffee table as his new sleeping area.

This is how a beautiful relationship began and sadly ended:

On New Year’s Eve, 1994, dear Kismet came in a box without a top from my college sweetheart. We spent New Year’s Eve canoodling this little itty kitten, which my college sweetheart thoughtfully had named, Kismet.
Kismet is the French word for “fate”; and it was indeed fate that the little kitty was found sitting on top of my boyfriend’s tire when he went to leave to come to my parents’ house in Millington, New Jersey.
Kismet was a stray cat born on Staten Island, New York. I reminded Kismet often of this, so he knew I knew he was a very tough cat from the streets of Staten Island!
A year after his arrival, he moved in with Corinne & I in Madison, New Jersey. Here, he drove our downstairs neighbor nutso by rolling a tiny ball up and down the long hallway throughout the day. It was here that Kismet’s affection for window perches began, as well as, Corinne’s unknown allergy to cats! Kismet moved back in with my parents for about 6 months before I moved to Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.
While living in Pompton Lakes (1997-1999), in a street front apartment, he escaped a few times and trotted down the street thinking he was the King of the Neighborhood. It was at this apartment that his life-long habit of waiting for me to get ready in the morning began. He hated it if I closed the bathroom door and insisted on being right next to me whether in the shower (he'd sit at the edge of the tub!) or at the sink. He had an amazing talent of being able to open any door I closed without locking.

In 2000, he & I moved in to a beautiful old vic on the main street in Stirling, New Jersey, where he once again became an indoor/outdoor cat. Only allowed outside once I got home from work. He loved being outside tormenting birds, and he was also found multiple times walking the sidewalk as if he was a pedestrian. He thought he was a very smart cat.
While living in Stirling, he got into a very bad cat fight with a raccoon – he had multiple stitches and had to wear one of those Elizabethan collars for the remainder of his recovery. From that day forward, he wasn’t very anxious to get outside to play, and became a predominant housecat.
In 2005, he moved with me again, this time to Maine. Where we drove together from New Jersey in a very packed Ford F150, all the while he sat on my lap, with infrequent leg stretches where he’d perch his front legs onto the door so he could look out the driver side window. Adorable!
Upon arriving to our new home, an enormous farm house, he was thrilled to explore! He would run the length of the house and go up and down the steps as if it was some kind of cardio workout. He liked having so much space. His constant habit of sleeping in my bed began to dwindle as he had so many rooms to choose from! He’d start the evening with me, but within a ½ hour or so, he’d be gone to explore or sleep elsewhere. He especially liked being allowed in Abbracci after-hours to explore it and to sneak up to the extremely large attic where there was always stuff to amuse him.
While living in Maine, he started to vomit after eating, each and every time. His once chubby self, started to get frail. The vet gave him 7 months, tops, to live and diagnosed him with hyperthyroidism.
This was in April of 2007.
Right after his diagnosis, Stray Cat was added to the family, and I was overly concerned that Kismet thought he was being replaced already (because at this point I officially turned into the crazy cat lady)!
From Maine, he took the treacherous journey to Florida in June 2008, that you all read about here.
Since he was already ill at this time, I was especially concerned on how he’d handle the long trip. Also, with the addition of a nutty kitty named Stray Cat, there was that alpha male cat fight always ensuing.
Kismet lived in Ocala, Florida for four months, and he had lived for 10 months in Lakeland, Florida. He was incredibly flexible and resilient.
Without going into personal baggage on my blog sight, there was a lot of tension at home that I know Kismet and Stray Cat could feel. I know he knew I needed him just as much, if not more, than he needed me. So, I truly believe that low and behold, he hung on as long as he did for me.
Last week, I thought for sure it would be the end – I even spoke hours on end about it over the phone with my sister, Tina Maria, and my mother.
I kept telling Kismet stories about his life, as if I was a crazy person. I am quite certain he was thinking, “Mom, I didn’t lose my memory!”
This past weekend was the first weekend ever that I was out every night. I was barely home at all.
Saturday, August 1st began my official Birthday Month Celebration, and I started it right by going to the pool for the first time in a long while. After coming back in from the pool, I spent very little time with Kismet, as I had to shower for that evening’s plans.
Saturday night, I had planned to go to a church service in Winter Haven with Lynda & Rick, and when I went to leave, my car wouldn’t start because my battery died. I immediately felt it was a sign that Kismet was going to die too. I do not know why I felt this way, but it was a gut reaction I felt.
I called Lynda, and she quickly came up with a solution. Her husband saved me by installing a new battery for me – yeah, the blessings in my life. They drove that night, in any case, and from the beautiful church service, we spontaneously went to a local bar for a karaoke contest that her 23 year old son was going to be in. I had told the kitties that I’d be home early to hang out – latest 9. Not knowing that my evening would be extended to a local bar, and that I’d arrive home around 11pm.
I had an excellent day & evening, it was a fantastic start to my birthday month. I was exhausted upon arriving home, and Kismet was sleeping near the coffee table. I had pet him for a bit and told him I was too tired to hang out and how I wish he’d stay in bed with me cuz I hated leaving him alone in the living room for what was now turning quickly into a month!
He didn’t seem to have a care in the world, and he was purring beautifully. He has a purr very different from that of my previous cats or of Stray. His purr can become extremely loud – like insanely loud, and it is adorable. I also promised him that I’d clean him the following day.
I have these cat/dog wipes I use to clean him up since he couldn’t clean himself anymore.
The next morning, I woke up early to do laundry, clean, and do yoga. While running around in the house, he was still in the same spot as the last evening, and it was the first day he didn’t holler at me for food. This was a clear sign that things were not going to get any better for him.
I basically forced him to come into the kitchen and try to eat, but he only had a tiny bit, when normally he eats like a house in one sitting. He hid under the baker’s rack, which made me all but crazy and I pleaded with him to come out. Once he did, Stray attacked him feverishly, and I was at my wit’s end scolding Stray Cat.
This was the second day in a row that Stray tormented Kismet and it broke my heart. I scooped up Kismet and held him for a long while, talking with him about what an awesome cat he was for the past nearly 15 years. What a kindred spirit he truly was, and I thanked him for his constant companionship, attention, and love. I told him I was sorry that Stray Cat kept tormenting him, I explained that Stray didn't realize he was sick and all Stray wanted to do was play with him.
Kismet looked at me like I was nuts, like he was saying, “No, Ma, Stray knows I am dying – he’s done playing with me”.
I left both cats, sitting quietly under the kitchen table, to go food shopping. An hour later I returned, and Kismet was laying, sleeping under the coffee table. I was only home for ½ hour when I had to meet my friend, Wendy, for a movie. I kissed them both goodbye and told them I’d be home soon and that we’d hang out more later. I told Kismet I’d clean him and pamper him once I returned. They seemed content with this.
Around 5, I arrived home, and immediately sat on the sofa, leaning over to pet and chat with Kismet who was still laying under the coffee table. Anneliese left me a message while I was out, and I returned her call within minutes of getting home, while petting Kismet. A few minutes passed, and I moved from the living room to the bedroom.
I was on the phone for probably over an hour, when I went into the kitchen to make something to eat. When I walked by Kismet, he was still under the coffee table, his eyes were open, I can’t remember if I patted his head when I walked by (I typically do), but I fear I didn’t because I was just gonna grab something real quick and go sit on the sofa again to be next to him while I ended the phone call.
While at the kitchen counter, speaking with Anneliese, I had this horrible gut instinct to go check on Kismet. I walked back into the living room, and he was not there, I ran into the bedroom, and found he was laying on his side under the bed, with only his bum and tail hanging out for me to see. He was motionless.
“Kismet just took his last breath”, I said to Anneliese in a complete state of shock and disbelief.
I hurriedly hung up with Anneliese, and took Kismet into my arms.
He passed away while I was talking on the phone.
I feel so guilty and sorry that he died while I was on the phone. I feel horrible that I never got to bathe him like I told him I would.
I worry that he thought I didn’t need him anymore or that I didn’t care anymore.
Neither are true.
My heart is truly broken over this.
It seems really stupid to write it. But it’s true.
I have a daily calendar at work with quotes that was given to me in 1992 by my friend, Monny. When I got to work on Monday, I checked Sunday’s quote, and it was, “Never put off until tomorrow the hug you can give today".
How poignant.

I have way too many memories over the 15 year relationship to just mention a few would be ludicrous. But in a vain attempt to shut up at this point, here are “just a few”:

He had an incredible meow, I sometimes swore he was saying, “Ma”. My father would make fun of me for talking to Kismet like a human, but when Kismet would respond to me, my father would laugh and say, “That sucker talks back to you!”. Towards the end of his life, he had an intense appetite. As soon as I arrived home, he would yell/meow at me to feed him. You see, he could only have soft food this past year, and could no longer digest hard food. So the soft food, if left in a bowl for him to graze on would get eaten up by the Stray Cat. Kismet was hysterical to me, if I went in to the kitchen at any time, other than the last week of his life, he would incessantly follow me there – at my feet yelling for food.
If both cats were asleep, and me starting to walk to the kitchen awoke their appetites, Stray Cat would ZOOM by frail little Kismet, nearly knocking him over in the race to the kitchen. Kismet would look at him with this “scared cat” face, with a hint of complete annoyance, as if to say, “You’re gonna get old too, Bucko!” Yet, he’d keep his gait at a slow and easy pace, and I’d always wait for him, to give him a loving pet, and a thoughtful word – never ever feeding Stray Cat first.
Kismet, he always made me laugh and smile.
Some of my favorite memories of Kismet include when my grandmother, Nonna Frances, would hold him and pet him. My grandfather, Nonno Frank, would tell her to stop fussing over the cat because cats cause diseases. I know that my grandparents are taking good care of Kismet in heaven now.
If I was over visiting my parents while Kismet was living with them, Kismet would meow at my father for food and my father would tell him, “See? You know who takes care of you now!!!”
When my sister, Tina Maria, would take Kismet to the vet where she worked and they would all tell us what a handsome and good boy he was. How Tina Maria helped me learn so much about cat-care and how amazing a caregiver she was to him. She was the first person I called after his passing, and she gave me calm directions of how to care for my sweet boy. She also let me wail for a long time as I couldn’t contain myself.
Before my sister, Marcella, & her husband, Mike, cat sat for me, Mike insisted my cat “sucked” because he didn’t like anyone else but me. But then, Kismet stayed with them for a week while I was on vacation, and Mike & Kismet bonded – Mike kept repeating what a cool cat Kismet was. And even started all of us singing, “Kizzy Kizzy Cocoa Puff”. Which helps me smile to this day.
How while living with Corinne, I was still training Kismet and how Corinne would make fun of the way I scolded Kismet by saying, “BOLD” in a stern voice. I think this still makes Corinne crack up.
How sweet Kismet would fall asleep on my chest, and while living in Stirling, if I didn’t wake up to the alarm clock, he would pat my face ever so gently with his paws. This was the cutest thing ever and I always wished I had it recorded. He would always fall asleep on me, mostly on my chest, belly or feet, and if I moved throughout the night, he would follow where I’d go, remaining on me the entire time – he had excellent balance, and was extremely loyal to staying with me throughout the night.
Hilarious to me, not so hilarious to any bed partners.

For all of you who had the pleasure of meeting my wonderful Kismet, thank you for the love you afforded him, even if you (like PJ and others) would insist, “Your cat sucks!” cuz he only “liked” me… haha! He was a tough cat, born with a heart murmur, which caused him to be incredibly “jumpy”, just like me, his mother…
He was the perfect perfect son, friend, and he was an incredibly handsome orange tabby with the most beautiful green eyes.
He was my one and only, Kismet. He will live in my heart forever...

May he rest in peace.

“If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.”

Almighty God,
I was fortunate to receive the gift of Kismet from You
Now that he has left this life, please help me cope with my loss with strength and courage.
I know that my beloved companion no longer suffers, and will live on in many fond memories.
He has enriched my life, and I pray that I may enrich the lives of others.
Amen.
Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation Click here to view web album...

Your prayers worked before - - -

2009-06-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!
My dear friend, Julie, had to have an emergency heart surgery & C-section this past weekend. Luckily, she & her baby are recovering nicely at a hospital in NYC. PLEASE keep her & her family in your prayers.
Please welcome Maxwell Jules (a great strong name for such a strong boy)!

A couple of days later, my colleague, Vickie, had her first child, also a boy. She & her husband named him Jackson (another strong & awesome name!). I am thrilled for her & her family. PLEASE say a prayer for them as well.

In other news of the week, I did "repair" as best I could Gabby with the canvas boat cover repair kit I bought.
My colleague, Lynda, said it looks like duct tape - dear Lord, isn't that wonderful? I don't want to be judged by the way my vehicle looks, but now, I am quite certain there are a lot of people out there thinking I am a total dirt bag.
Humph.

While walking Zoe this week, I found this amazing little frog! Adorable.

And, the cat play house purchased months ago, is finally being used... Here is Stray Cat enjoying his new view... Too cute!

Ten months ago, I had requested your prayers for a friend - please know he has recovered phenomenally and is doing excellent.
Your prayers for him worked, so I am confident they will be powerful for Julie & her family and Vickie & her family.
Thank you.

Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at that time. - Oswald Chambers, Minister, 1874 - 1917

From NJ to Florida Via Maine: One Year in Florida, A Review.

2009-06-06T19:00:00.013-05:00

June 6th marks the one year anniversary of our arrival in Florida.
Guess I can no longer consider myself new here.
Do you recall the trials experienced getting here? My posts of one year ago seem like a lifetime ago. Here are the highlights of the past year:

1. On June 2nd, 2008, we left our big farmhouse in Maine practically empty - with the exception of some bakery cases left in Abbracci.

On that rainy day, we began our trek to Florida with the F150 packed to the hills.

2. We made it to NJ safe & sound & enjoyed a quick visit with my family & three of the SHU-gals.

3. We stopped in NC after NJ, for another great family visit before heading to our final destination. Of course, we had truck trouble, which caused us to stay in GA before completing our journey.
Upon arrival to Ocala, Florida, things were not as we had hoped... including the devasting disaster of our ABF Rental Truck - where nearly all of our belongings were damaged during the move.

And, of course, the shipment of my VW didn't go free-of-issues, either.
But I refuse to digress...

4. After we got settled in, during that first month we did get to site-see a bit, which included Daytona, Clearwater (off of Tampa), & Universal Studios.

5. In between working for the folks we were living with & writing articles for an online paper, I got a job at the local mall, where, fortunately, the people I worked with were absolutely fabulous - making my "shifts" bearable.
All the while I continued interviewing for that much needed full-time job. Dunknow if you all recall but the one I thought that was "in the bag" with my previous employer fell through.

6. Thankfully, people like to visit Florida, so I had some great visits over the year. My Aunt & Uncle, Cheryl, Josetta & her family, Marcella (my sister) & her family, Anneliese & Laura, & BFF PJ.

7. Luckily, I got re-hired by my prior employer (1995-2005) & began my new career as an Auto Insurance Underwriter in late October.

8. I successfully completed a 5 month training course for this new job, while becoming friends with the wonderful employees I was training with.
Maria, the fashionista I posted about previously who introduced me to delicious Chipotle & pampered me with a pedicure at Christmastime; Lisa, she always makes me laugh, & she can read my thoughts just by looking in my eyes (scary!); Chad, the gregarious singer who will be getting married by year's end; Ben, the best dressed employee - he has the smarts of a future Forbes lister with a girlfriend who is just as smart & sweet; Ashley, the perky one I competed with at the "group" interview, luckily she has been recently placed on the team I am on; Brian, he teases me for all of SHU's failing sports - he drives a Hummer, although he looks more like he should drive a BMW or a Mustang (sorry! That's just what I think!).
And our beloved teachers, Jeanne & Terry. Of course, you can never judge a book by it's cover - Jeanne, at first came across downright mean to me but ended up being just the sweetest woman ever; Terry, who not only helped me with my Underwriting training but has greatly assisted me in my weight loss goals (he aspires to be a Fitness Trainer).
I wish I had a group shot of all of us, as I would include it here (with their permission).

9. I live in an absolutely beautiful apartment complex with lots of lux, including a gorgeous pool area.

10. I have had some crazy hair-raising issues, to say the least...

11. Recently visited Sandy Key Park Beach off of Tampa & it was just glorious. I adore living close to so many different beach areas...

12. Found two awesome ice cream shops: Bruster's & Cold Stone Creamery (c'mon, you didn't actually think this list would not include food!?). Bruster's has an awesome saying, "It will make your tongue jump out & slap your brains"!!!

13. Looking forward to the year ahead & grateful for all the past year taught me.

Be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. -Buddha

P.S. If you noticed, #10 is missing. It is: "I have had some crazy hair issues, to say the least" - but I've wasted too much time trying to get it to post correctly with the photos & all... For some nutso reason my spacing is all weird on this post & #10 is mysteriously missing... Ugh! Sorry folks! :)

I just want a cupcake!!!

2009-05-31T09:43:00.006-05:00

One of the things I miss about NJ, of course, has to do with food. Whether it is specific restaurants I miss, or certain groceries I used to buy which are somehow unavailable here in Florida.
Case in point.
For two weeks I have been craving like nutso Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes. Ya' know the kind with the cream inside & the squiggly decorative white icing on top? You must know what I am talking about?
Well, at most Gas & Sips in NJ (the little shops adjacent to gas stations), they carry small packages of these delightful cupcakes. You get two for under a dollar or something like that, when I was a kid, they were like 50 cents. Do you know what I am talking about?
So, since I've joined Gold's Gym, I have been eating like crazy. Dunknow what that is all about but I was determined to treat myself to a f'n Hostess Chocolate Cupcake. I stopped at a local convenience store, a CVS, & a gas station market. To my utter disbelief, no one carried the small Hostess pack I was craving.
WTF?
On my way home from Gold's, I stopped to get gas, I went inside the market (of course) in hopes to find what I had been looking for for TWO weeks.
They didn't have Hostess, but they did have a Spanish version.

Looks exactly the same, right?

When I got home I opened it in anticipation of devouring the yummy chocolate cupcakes. They were totally identical to Hostess.

Except... in taste... one bite... and I was running to the nearest garbage can.

Um, may look the same, but didn't taste the same. Dry, hard, & the chocolate tasted like chalk.

I guess I wasn't meant to have a cupcake after all. Had to settle for an apple.

Humph.

No day ends if it makes a memory. -Jackie Erickson

Where Did The Week Go?

2009-05-24T18:09:00.007-05:00

As desperately as Florida needs rain right now, I am just about sick of it - it rained all week long & most of last week, too. We've been hit with insane thunderstorms & lightening like I've never encountered. Horrible driving conditions.
Speaking/Writing about driving & rain. Here is an update on the status of a 1997 VW Cabrio, known as Gabby the Cabby.
The storms have not been kind to dear old Gabby.
The rip that was somewhat harmless at last post about it has turned into a full blown catastrophe...

Um, yep, you can stick your hand right through the roof & get into the back... Lovely! See that there blue towel? It is attempting to catch the rain in a futile way to protect the leather backseats... Um, not working all that great - with all the rain we've been having, the towel gets soaking wet & I have to change it every day. Great!

I called multiple shops to figure out if this is fixable, of course, I've been told by all that it is not. I called a local upholstery shop for a quote on replacing just the exterior cover, & when the man got back to me with a price, he said, "Only $850".
Hmmm...
So, instead, I have recently ordered a canvas cover repair kit from Bass Pro Shops, it's for boat covers & the yard of canvas only comes in one colour - gray! Fabulous. Looking forward to the UPS man to deliver it in hopes of not letting Gabby suffer too much longer.

In brighter news, I recently got a raise at work! Wahoo!

Since there will be a wee bit extra money in the ol' paycheck, I have broken down & joined a gym.

I went 5 times this week & attended a few classes. My favorite being Zumba, the instructor was amazing - so full of energy. The music was great & my dancing, well, a little rusty... but oh, so much fun! :)
For some reason, I shied away from taking photos inside the gym, but did take this one of the woman's locker room. Haha!
It is quite a nice gym, with a woman's only section, a cinema room with cardio machines (where you can watch a movie while you work out!), a large weight lifting / cardio room, sauna, tanning beds, a juice bar, & of course, a merchandise area where they sell items like tanks, t's, shorts, etc.

I'll keep you posted on how I do. Since I kicked my exercise routine up a notch by going to a gym, I somehow can't stop eating - so, I didn't lose 1 pound this week... growl... I am very close to my "goal" weight, but fear I may eat all the way back up the scale... LOL.

Has this ever happened to you before?
Every week I purchase a Sunday paper, mostly in part because of the coupons. For $1.25 for the paper, I get approximately $5-$10 worth of coupons each week. Today, I bought the paper - & oddly, there were no coupons. Not one flier. Annoying.

Have a great week, Everyone!

Give me such courage and I can scale the hardest peaks alone, and transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone. - Gail Brook Burket, author.

My First Introduction to Downtown Orlando

2009-05-17T18:36:00.011-05:00

Yesterday, I went to Downtown Orlando for the very first time. Being relatively new to Florida, anytime anyone mentioned "downtown" to me, I foolishly assumed they meant "Downtown Disney". Oops! My bad! Honestly, I had visited Florida over a dozen times before moving here, & I only knew the "tourist" Orlando & never realized there was a "Floridian" Orlando.
For those from New Jersey, think Summit. Think the Ironbound section of Newark. For those of you in Maine, think Portland.
Maria, & I volunteered to work at the Florida Music Festival. Our day started off with lunch at that wonderful burrito shop she introduced me to in January. Chipotle. Yum.
Then, off to the festival.

I saw some cool buildings:

Our employer had a booth set up at the entrance where we were giving away Ipod speakers, & entering folks into a contest to win an Xbox or a Macbook. For those of us not working the booth, we walked around as a "Street Team". It was a fun event to volunteer for. In the background played some wonderful local bands with awesome names like Shady People, & Don't Forget to Feed the Kids.
We had the Xbox hooked up at the booth so people could play...
Maria:

Our duties started at 2 & ended after 10pm. But the event was to go on well into the evening...
We were so busy I didn't take many good photos. Although, Kate texted me & requested I take a self-portrait to send her. Here it is with all my frizzies out from a 103 humid day.

Of course, there was something there to remind me of home & my SHU-Gals.

We ate dinner at a sandwich shop called Jimmy John's, where I had my first Italian sub since Abbracci, well, Jimmy John's doesn't put pepperoni on their's - but it was good nonetheless.

They had a great sign I really appreciated:

Totally reminded me of that line in "You've Got Mail" that Meg Ryan says "People are always telling me that change is good. But all that means is that something you didn't want to happen has happened".
Isn't that a fantastic line?

So, all-in-all, it was great night, with great people, at a great event. And now I can say, "I've been to Downtown Orlando"... and it's not Disney's.

We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. - Charles R. Swindoll (American Writer & Clergyman)

My first introduction to the Florida love bug.

2009-05-13T18:09:00.010-05:00

I am not talking about the Jonas Brothers' song here.
I am also not talking about the 1968 movie with the Volkswagen Beetle.

I am talking about a bug that swarms during the month of May in Florida.

Have you ever seen these things?

I had my very first introduction on Saturday.

As I happily walked to the pool, towel & book in hand, I imagined myself relaxing on my comfy soft towel, & upon getting too hot taking a nice swim in the pool's cool water.
To my utter excitement, there was absolutely no one at the pool.

It was 10:30am, a balmy 90 degrees, very little wind, & lots of humidity.
Humph I think to myself. What are all those little flies doing? They were all swarmed in one area by the lounge chairs.

Odd, I think.
I walk over to a chair, get myself all set up, when suddenly I am surrounded by a swarm of these little flies as I am shooing them away from me, another woman walks into the pool area, & says simply, "Love bugs - they don't bite - they are just annoying".
She calmly opens her towel, places it on the lounge chair she has chosen, & lays down. Her eyes are closed, & the love bugs follow her. They are on her legs, her arms, her face, her belly. She doesn't even twitch.
In total amazement, I say to her, "How do you do that?"
She says, "I ignore them."
She lifts her head up & places her sunglasses on her forehead, inspecting me.
I have bugs on my legs & I am trying to take photos of them for you all to see.
With quiet assuredness, she speaks again to me, "You aren't from here, are you?"
I shrug my shoulders & ask, "Is it that obvious?"
She then sits up & explains it's Love Bug Season & they'll go away soon. They'll come back again come September.

Oh Joy.
With that, I decided to go swimming & forego sunbathing until the Love Bugs retreat.

Since I am determined to have a nice tan, this love bug encounter is making the tanning salon look more & more attractive to me!

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year. But eventually, it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. - Lance Armstrong.

I am copying Jules...

2009-05-02T19:06:00.006-05:00

You all have heard me speak about my awesome friend, Jules, well, she just blogged about a website where you can have fun with photos. And I couldn't resist sharing it with you all because it is hilarious!
I was planning to just post about Florida-life with some new Florida photos - but these are way more comical...
I couldn't resist:

Never thought I'd see a corny tattoo of me on anyone!! Haha!

Check out the website, PhotoFunia, to create masterpieces using your own photographs.

Happy May, Everyone!

There is hope for the future, because God has a sense of humor, and we are funny to God. -Bill Cosby.

Hairy & Weighty Updates...

2009-04-26T14:21:00.008-05:00

I will start this delayed post with a funny bumper sticker I saw.

Hilarious!
Update on my hair situation, here I am the night before my haircut:

The fabulous Maryann at Salon 04 was correct. I dyed it myself each month brown, & now, at the fourth month it is brown. I finally have all that icky black out of my hair. Yet still, every time I see a woman with black hair, I want it. Especially if she has those funky magenta red highlights in it - but now I know full-well that that is not a look for me!
So, here I am today, with brandy new highlights professionally done (for the very first time). Maryann cut off about two inches & framed my face with fringes, only trimming my bangs because I want them to grow out. Come summer, the humidity here will not permit me to straighten them every day...

Who knows what it will look like curly!?! Haha!

Update on a weighty issue:
I have made a contract to myself to be at my goal weight by June 5th.
I have put photographs of Shape Models on my bathroom mirror for inspiration.
Since I can't afford to join a gym I have been intentionally exercising five times a week, plus walking the dog, plus swimming on the weekends.
Of course, since I absolutely have an addiction to all foods with absolutely no nutritional value, I am eating cautiously, only allowing one "cheat" a week. Which totally sucks, to say the very least.
Since moving to Florida, I have lost 20lbs & have 17 more to lose. It is disgusting to me that I gained a total of 40lbs while living in Maine. I know how it happened & why it happened & I proclaim to never let it happen again.
Praying to God for willpower, for it is something I have struggled with my whole adult life.

You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is. -Ellen Degeneres

Top Ten Reasons Easter is My Favorite Holiday

2009-04-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

1. Jesus.

2. Spring.

3. The colours of Easter - the pastels of yellow, purple, & green.

4. Russell Stover Strawberry Cream Eggs (also available at Valentine's in the shape of a heart). These are a holiday addiction that began years ago, when I worked at Jason's Hallmark in Warren, NJ. I used to eat one of these every single day during the Easter season, and in February, during the Valentine's season. They are absolutely heavenly. (They are also available in Raspberry, and are equally as yummy!)

5. Russell Stover Pectin Jelly Beans. These jelly beans always bring a huge smile on my face. Great memories of working at Jason's Hallmark, where, oddly, bags of these delicious jelly beans would somehow always "break" - causing me & all of those working to have to eat them! If you have not had these incredible jelly beans, go, go by a bag right now - they are truly the best jelly beans on the planet.

6. Childhood memories of three bright coloured Easter baskets lined on top of the fireplace hearth. My sisters and I would dig through the plastic grass to be sure we got every jelly bean and mini chocolate egg!

7. My mother's Easter feast - all scrumptious: Prosciutto, Cheese, Sausage & Salami and the mouth watering Pizza Gain (also known as "Easter Pie" or "Pizza Piena" -an Italian tradition, prepared only for Easter) as appetizers. Then on to the courses: Italian Wedding Soup, Pasta & Meatballs, Lamb, Salad, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Bread, Wine, Fruit and an insane array of desserts - some of which are only baked at Easter. Making us all wait all year for special Easter cookies and cakes. Mmm Mmm Good!

8. Cadbury Mini Eggs. I was working at Video Junction in Warren, NJ the first time I ate these hard candies filled with soft chocolate. Video Junction also sold those really salty ripple potato chips. Well, in April 1991, I realized that those really salty ripple chips tasted amazing alongside Cadbury Mini Eggs. Seriously, try it - buy a bag of Ruffles (which are not nearly as salty as the cheap 25 cent no-name brand bags sold at the video store!) and buy Cadbury Mini Eggs. Eat them together and you will be amazed at how good it is! Do it soon, as Cadbury Mini Eggs are only available at Easter. Just one more reason Easter is my favorite holiday.

9. Bunnies.

10. The symbolism of the egg. Easter eggs not only symbolize rebirth, and rejuvenation, but immortality as well, particularly due to the resurrection of Jesus, who rose from a sealed tomb just as a bird breaks through an eggshell. In the early Christian calendar eggs were forbidden during Lent. This made them bountiful and exciting forty days later. Decorating eggs with bright colors was originally done to honor this celebration.
Certainly, even a non-believer would think these facts are cool - wouldn't they?

Happy Easter, Everyone!

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. ~Charles M. Crowe

Why is life getting too busy to post?

2009-03-27T17:51:00.012-05:00

Hello Friends - My last post was entitled "A Week Late" as posting each week is getting harder & harder, unfortunately. The new job requires me to be on the computer 8 hours a day, so once I get home, it's the last place I want to be. Sorry!
Sadly, not only is it negatively hampering my posting here, but my writing articles at Associated Content, & let's not forget the awesome novel in my head that I haven't worked on in nearly 5 months! Yikes!
Any home computer time is currently spent searching for a PT job as my FT job is not really allowing me to make ends meet. Ugh! I see a glimmer of light @ the end of the tunnel, but it's just not close enough for me to go out & get anything other than necessities. Needless to say, I detest living like this, as it's been going on since Abbracci.
Ugh, I want to delete this whole post as it is not as bright & sunny as usual.

I will leave you with this: Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going to John's Pass, a sweet fishing town. It was a typically phenomenal Florida day - a day made for enjoying the sunshine...

Go Pirates!

I enjoyed browsing through a puppet store. When I was little, my sisters & I used to put on puppet shows with the neighborhood children & force our parents to watch - all of the time.

The little red head looks a bit like me when I am dancing, right PJ?

I dig the little orange head's t-shirt: "God is awesome!"

I do believe this here bird put on a show just for me:

P.S. Yes, I did dye my hair again two weeks ago, & it doesn't look any lighter or different! GROWL! Hopefully, within the next month or so, I will get to go back to the salon & get pampered & get it fixed professionally.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss

A Week Late...

2009-03-14T08:03:00.002-05:00

I skipped last week's blogging because there wasn't much to post. No news is good news, right?
After my phenomenal February, it was time to hunker down come March.
March is the month that marks the end of my "new" job training. It marks the month where I will eventually leave my cozy comfort zone of being on the "training team" & be part of a new team come the 19th. I can not believe how long it sounded when the trainers first told us "newbies" that it was a 20 week training period. And, now, oddly, the 20 weeks are coming to an end. Five months had never gone so fast in the past & here I write to you on the cusp of the last few days of being in my "training unit".
As you know, I am one of five employees new to the Underwriting Department. Most of our training was spent in a classroom, where our two esteemed teachers taught us the details of the job. Towards the end of the training, we got to perform our duties at our temporary cubicle (pictured in a previous post pre-decorating & the arrival of a computer), with the great comfort of having our two teachers available for constant interruption with our many questions.
These fellow employees have been a great source of laughter in my life. I am so saddened that these are our last days working together as a team. We will soon be separated as each of us are assigned to different managers & units.
My luck is a blessing as the manager I have been assigned to is an ex-Northeast Zone employee who used to work in Learning & Development (the Department I worked in prior to moving out of New Jersey). For this I am grateful.
This weekend, I plan to relax by the pool after all the laundry & cleaning is done. I also plan on dying (gasp!) my hair, in hopes to get back to a normalcy of brown I have not known since December! LOL.
Stay tuned, I am hopeful my next post will be a thrilling one! :)

I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen. - Frank Lloyd Wright

Visiting with friends from away...

2009-02-28T10:00:00.001-06:00

February has certainly become the month of friends visiting.
It has been a true delight to do touristy things in my new state & to spend quality time with friends.
Anneliese & Laura came to visit from Maine. Back in Maine their driveways are filled with snow, the heat is on full blast in their homes, & they wear layers & layers of clothes. They arrive in Florida to bright, warm sunshine, & a low temperature of 60 degrees, but a high of 80. It is wondrous.
Our visit began in Tarpon Springs, Florida. A Greek Community of sponge diving boats, soap making & Greek cuisine galore. We walked the streets, & chatted away, we window shopped, & filled our bellies with authentic Greek cuisine.
It was an incredible day.
Here are some highlights:

In a Greek Bakery, I found Plain Kok:

Chocolate Kok:

And... if that wasn't tempting enough, there is also Double Chocolate Kok:

Imagine my disappointment to learn the Greek word for pastry, "kok", is pronounced "coke"...

Our visit continued the next day, at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. The warm sunshine heated our cheeks, the hot pavement aided our weary feet as we walked all day long admiring all the beauty of the zoo's landscape & the array of animals living there.

Our girl talk was filled with laughter, tears, & the excitement of gitty teenagers.

It is without a doubt, between my visit with Cheryl from SHU, & the Ladies of Maine, that I am truly blessed with amazing women in my life.
I am so very fortunate to have such strong women to call my friends. And, am so glad I have moved to a state where so many people want to come visit me! :)

Here are the photos of our days together, I created a web-album of the weekend... beautiful memories.

Maine Girls In Florida...

We need only travel enough to give our intellects an airing. - Henry David Thoreau

A sight for sore eyes...

2009-02-23T17:56:00.010-06:00

It was on a brisk Sunday in February that I filled the tank of my VW, bought a granola bar & bottle of water & began to drive a two hour journey to a beachy touristy town I had never been.
One thing is for sure - Florida is flat. These photos were taken every 1/2 hour of my journey:

My girlfriend of over 17 years came to Florida from New Jersey to visit her parents - as they live in Boynton Beach.
I can't get over that it has been 17 years since we met as freshman @ Seton Hall University.
She is one of the 4 SHU-Gals I write about often - we 5 all met freshman year as we all lived in the same wing of the dorm - we have been friends ever since. One of the main reasons I miss NJ so much is because of the monthly get-togethers I no longer get to take part in. They are a tradition we started many years ago. The visits are always filled with hilarious reminiscing of our college days as well as catching up on new things life brings us. Each of us live very different lives, but always, always, we will be friends, no matter where life leads us. I am so grateful because my moving to Maine, & now to Florida has not changed the friendships at all - just a little distance between us - but our foundation remains solid & steadfast.
We both drove halfway to meet at an outlet mall - it was fantastic to just hang out, catch up, & walk around "window shopping" as no actual spending occurred - an anomaly for both of us!
Here are some photo highlights of our visit - the fashion here is quite different than the Northeast...

Check out this lovely "nightgown" - cough cough:

The sticker on these pants reads "Feel Inside" - we were tempted to purchase the pants just to wear them without removing the sticker!!

It is after days like this that I know I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. Thank you, Cher, for a remarkable visit - I love you!

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. - Author Unknown

I HEART LAKELAND!

2009-02-15T15:28:00.004-06:00

On a glorious Saturday afternoon, I found myself with absolutely no plans... It was 83 degrees & sunny in Lakeland, Florida - without a cloud in the sky. I contemplated going to the pool since my tan has faded. But, instead, I opted to explore my new town - first stop Lakeside Village - an outdoor mall. All my favorite stores in one place, surrounded by beautiful landscaping. When I have the money to spend, I will gladly be coming back to shop for real!

Can you read that sign, everybody?
Hello? J.Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, & Bath and Body Works all on one sidewalk - yes, this certainly is a wonderful place!
Then, there is my "ol' pal Victoria" which couldn't make me any happier!

Then, I went off to the Public Library, which overlooks a most beautiful lake, if I had taken more photos, certainly I would include them. I was so awestruck at the beauty, that I was annoyed at myself for not bringing my Pentax. All I had was my camera phone, & alas, only one photo to share with you all. Not the best, obviously:

The library is gargantuan! I spent nearly three hours exploring, & happily took out 4 books.

It is official, I HEART Lakeland!

This week concluded my involvement in the Fitness Study I wrote about previously.
Here are the end results: I lost 1 3/4 lbs, 1.3 body fat, & my BMI went down .4 - not too shabby for not changing my diet at all.
So, this week starts the real deal - nutritionally changing my lifestyle & kicking up my exercise regimen a notch. There is a fitness center on the property where I live that I work out 3x/week, & I will continue to do yoga every day like I have been - but, I am now considering joining a gym.
We'll see!

Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown

Update #2: Curves & Hair.

2009-02-07T10:25:00.010-06:00

CURVES:
I completed my second week at Curves - the fitness trainer is phenomenal. I have learned so much about cells & exercise - it has been extremely fun for me.
Plus, I feel great.
It is doubtful that I will join Curves once the fitness study ends. I enjoy classes & doing yoga much more than the circuit-training that Curves offers.
They weighed me in 4 weeks ago (when I had went to see if I qualified for the fitness study I wrote about previously). I am exactly the same weight. Exactly. Not one pound lighter.
But, I do believe I have lost inches. I believe this because I fit into two different pairs of pants that I haven't been able to wear in nearly 4 years! I am not saying I looked good in them, nor do I remotely look like I looked 3-4 years ago when I wore them all of the time - but at the very least, my wardrobe is slowly expanding & I haven't bought any new clothing!

HAIR:
Thanks to all of you who voted in my reader's poll.
Personally, I was teetering between: "Do it yourself" (put in a toner & dye over it) or Every 4 weeks dye it brown, & in three months, finally have brown hair.
I went to Maryann's salon on Thursday.
She didn't think my hair was in that bad'a'shape, & she also calmed my nerves about going bald - insisting my hair wasn't thinning at all.
I did not have her dye it or put highlights in it. Instead, I just got a really good cut. She cut off 4 inches of dry damaged hair & gave me fabulous advice about how to get it back into good condition since I hadn't been taking care of it for so long while living in Maine. (One pro haircut in 3 years is actually not good for your hair at all - if you have long hair like mine, it is recommended to get it cut every 2 months to keep it strong, thick, & healthy).
Maryann is sincerely an Angel On Earth. I am so fortunate to have randomly popped into her salon - she is so sweet, very generous with her time, & very talented. She charged me significantly less than the amount suggested on her salon menu.
For as long as I live in the Winter Haven area, she has a customer in me. That is for sure!
This was my hair before the wonderful haircut:

Straggly, clearly unhealthy. And, oh, BTW, that's what color it is now - a very mousey black.

Here it is after the cut... she blow-dried it straight for me - - one reason I like getting haircuts is because I can have straight hair for a day or two - - a nice change & a great treat for me! And, something at this length I leave the pros to do:

How can I control my life if I can't even control my hair? - Author Unknown.

Update #1: The slow death of a 1997 VW Cabrio...

2009-01-31T09:36:00.006-06:00

Yes, I am the original owner of the vehicle I currently drive.
I purchased it quite spontaneously after someone rear ended me on September 11, 1997, & totalled my 1990 Pontiac Sunbird - which, BTW, still had some major gitty-up to it. I hadn't planned on buying a new vehicle at that time, but after the accident, I had no choice.
So, on September 27, 1997, I brought my purply blue baby girl home - I named her Gabby. Gabby the Cabby.
Cuz, I am a dork...
[If I still had a computer scanner I would insert 4 adorable photos here that BFF PJ took of me on that beautiful September day that we brought home Gabby. It is very cool to have these photographs of me standing in between my two cars - the :( crashed :( Sunbird & the newly purchased VW.]
My father had always taught me that vehicles are not good investments - that they are a necessity. This is very true. We all know this as a fact. Hence, why I am 35 & I have only owned two cars...
He thought I was crazy to buy the VW, he thought it was such an expensive car, & was unhappy that I didn't go with an American Company. But, obviously, I bought it anyway.

I finished paying off the VW 8 years ago. EIGHT YEARS AGO.
In 2001, I had a great paying job, lived in a beautiful house in Stirling, NJ, & clearly, would have been able to purchase a new car & be able to pay a car payment without issue. But, there was no reason to buy a new car then - Gabby ran great - she was mechanically sound - & she was PAID FOR. At that time, I, instead, set automatic withdrawals out of my paycheck in the same amount as my car payment & put it into a savings account - thinking that when Gabby decided to stop, there'd be money available to buy a new car...
Fast forward to 2008 - past all the insanity of leaving said job in 2005, leaving that home in NJ, & driving said VW to Maine. Where I would then live for 3 years & own a business (which is where all $$$ went to - so previously mentioned savings account is currently non-existent). Where the VW would barely be used. Until June 2008 when she was put on a huge car-transporter to be shipped to Florida.
That's when the S began to hit the fan.
Remember how she arrived to me w/ bald tires? Then the door handle broke off?
I use the VW all of the time now, driving it 19 miles one way to work M-F (I found a shortcut that cuts off 3 miles!).
It all started with a small rip @ the seam of the convertible top - remember? But, as the weather changed & winter in Florida came with a vengeance - it got bigger...
Off to Advanced Auto Parts. 1... 2... 3... 4... times.
Nothing I buy seems to work...
First try: glue - which made a horrible mess...

Then, electrical tape & duct tape - neither worked at all...
I went back for a final time to the parts store - looking for 100 mile tape or a fabric fix kit - not finding either.
I will have to call around to see if there's anyone in town who does this type of repair.
Final try will be the salvage yard to see if I can buy another top & replace this one.
I need this car to keep going, darnnit!
Despite looking like total white trash with no moldings, a ripping interior, a broken handle, & now a ripped top, Gabby the Cabby still runs like a champ.
Thank you, God.

The car has become... an article of dress without which we feel uncertain, unclad, and incomplete. ~Marshall McLuhan, Understanding Media, 1964

Readers Poll - Your Opinion Matters! :)

2009-01-24T16:34:00.007-06:00

Well, since this was a slow-event week, I really have no new news to report. Which brings me to my latest indecisiveness - what to do with my hair!?!

On Thursday, I stopped at that salon in Winter Haven that I mentioned in a previous post, & the owner, Maryann, suggested I make an appointment for a really good hair cut. It is true, it's been well over a year since I had my hair cut professionally.

But, what I really want help with is what to do with the actual colour of my hair.
I am teetering between 2 options. But, I will share with you all of the choices...

Currently, my hair is a very mousey black - with crazy reddish roots coming in.

According to Maryann, putting a toner in it to lift the black out would be extremely damaging as I would have to dye it immediately after. She said it would take approximately 3 years for the damage I would cause by doing this "double process" to grow completely out (that is, if I want to wear my hair as long as it is now).

Now, dear readers, I have been wearing my hair halfway down my back for a long time - over 4 years - so maybe it's time for a change. I cut bangs last winter for a little change, but maybe I need more of a change...

Maryann also said another option would be to just dye it brown every four weeks, & in about 3 months, I'd finally have brown hair...

Alternatively, I could just bleach my hair blonde (which I typically like doing for the summer, although, I haven't done it since 2004), which wouldn't be as damaging as doing the "double process" with the toner lift & dye over. In any case, other than leaving it alone, the other choices would force me to cut a huge chunk of my hair off, to cut off all that damaged hair (I wouldn't go shorter than a chin length bob, although, I would be more inclined to cutting it shoulder length).

So, readers, I ask you your opinion... and... I thank you for voting on it!

All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment. -Richard Bach (American Writer)

A Week Of Blessings...

2009-01-17T07:07:00.009-06:00

It has taken me a bit longer than I would have wanted it to – but things at work are starting to click in my brain, whereas my focusing skills are finally working again.
The beginning of my training was rough, most days I would be in a classroom, with an attention span of zero, & my sleep deprivation causing me to have huge issues with remembering the simplest things. As excited as I was to get back into Corporate America, I soon realized that owning a business & all the stress of everything that had occurred over the past three years made my brain, quite possibly, turn into mush.
Since I have great expectations of myself, I felt that I wasn’t meeting these challenges at my new job with the vigor required to be successful at it. This past week was an epiphany of sorts – everything was coming together – finally. It had been accumulating at a very slow pace since Christmas, & I, of course, continued to beat myself up wondering what could be wrong with me. My brain? Can stress make you stupid? Ya’ can’t fix stupid!
Our trainers had other obligations, so our classroom learning had to be postponed until the 19th. So, since the 5th we newbies have been working all day at our desks. The goal is production numbers – working tasks in queues – ya’ know the saying “counting widgets”? Well, I am living it. And because things are finally connecting for me & making sense, the new job is working out to be just fine.
Thank you, God.
I got this postcard in the mail over the weekend.

I called to find out what it was all about… very nondescript gym information & I had wondered if it was a circuit training type place like the Curves Chain. I had never been to this type of gym, as I am much more interested in classes: yoga, kick-boxing, aerobics, dance. In addition to weight lifting on my own.

Regardless, because of my timorous tendency, I didn’t even ask the woman on the phone if it was Curves… she didn’t answer the telephone “Curves”, so per usual, I assumed it was a different type of woman’s fitness center, like a typical gym.She explained that the gym needed 50 volunteers for a 21 day fitness survey – as long as I was qualified to participate – I would be required to meet with a personal trainer 3x a week for a 30 minute workout, and over the course of the 21 days I can use the gym as much as I like, with all the benefits a paying member would be entitled to.
Sounds awesome, right? I instantly made my first appointment to meet the woman, fill out paperwork, get measured, weighed, & let it be determined if I qualify for the study.
On Wednesday night of this week, I happily rushed to change into comfy gym gear at work, and drove nearly an hour to the stated gym. Upon arriving to the strip mall where it was located, low & behold, it was a Curves.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
According to the health chart on their wall, I am within my recommended weight for my height & age, so I worried I wouldn’t be able to be part of the study group. But, alas, I am 24.9% body fat (LOL), so, yes, I do indeed qualify. As if by looking in the mirror I had any doubt!!
During the hour & a ½ at Curves, I learned all about the 30 minute workout, & how it exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories. You get what you put into it, & like anything else in life, if you don’t work hard, you won’t get results. It is a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching.
That night, I completed the workout & was pleasantly surprised that it did kick my butt! I still would prefer an aerobic class over it, but heck, for 21 days, I would be glad to be doing something like this – free of charge! The circuit is made up of resistance machines that work every major muscle group, & the trainer explained it’s about exhausting the muscle, not tearing it the way a weight lifter would… the whole thing was very intriguing to me – so, of course, I agreed to be part of the study.
Initially, I thought I would have full use of the gym for 7 weeks, since they declared on the postcard that it was a “21” day survey / “3x” a week… possibly this error on my part is proof of my atrocious math skills – but they meant it is 3 weeks long 3x a week; you can use the gym all 21 days of those 3 weeks.
Humph, that was a bit disappointing, but not enough to damper my spirits about the idea…More on this as it progresses. My three weeks begin on January 26th… stay tuned!

I ended this beautiful week with a slice of Heaven found in Orlando, Florida. Thanks to my new colleague who is in the training unit with me, Maria. Maria is a young spitfire, with great fashion sense, a strong spiritual attitude, & the singing voice of an angel. For Christmas, she treated me to a night at a fabulous spa where we both had a Hot Stone Pedicure.
OMG. I don’t even know where to begin.

The place was gorgeous.
For those of you in the Orlando area, who are in need of some pampering, check it out here.
We had the most luxurious pedicure ever – it included a paraffin wrap that was spectacular.
I chose a happy & bright orange polish, while Maria chose a deep brown – our nails came out beautifully.
It has been so very long since I pampered myself like this, & I appreciate so much Maria’s generosity & thoughtfulness.
As I get my life back on track, I can’t wait to get to the point where I can have a spa day at least once a month – whether for a massage, a pedicure, or just to get my hair done by a professional – these little things are not to be taken for granted. We must all pamper ourselves once and a while – it is imperative to have some “ME” time logged in to the schedule. To meditate, to reflect, to sit back & enjoy life’s pleasures.
Heaven in Orlando, Florida can also be found at Maria’s favorite burrito shop…
Where we gorged ourselves on a burrito bowl & a burrito, jam packed with rice, corn, sour cream, guacamole, beans, cheese, and spicy seasoned steak. Holy God, it was so delicious. I can’t wait to go there again! Go there if you haven't already: Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Made me miss Charlie’s Bay Wrap in Maine - But otherwise, a completely fantastic find.
Thank you Maria 100x, thank you!

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. -Charles Dickens, English novelist (1812 - 1870)