Monday, December 31, 2001

Oh, and The Christmas Bounty List...

A heating pad (yeah!)
a video/cd rack
a tv stand
a snowman cocoa set from my niece
a gift certificate to Media Play *happy happy joy joy dance!*
cashews
TWO boxes of orange sticks...mmmm... dark and light chocolate
a CD player for my car (Thanks G!)
Christina Aguilera's Christmas CD (shaddup, Dylan)
chocolate covered cherries
an unknown gift coming back from San Fran w/JJ (I am scared. Hold me.)
Pop and Popcorn
VIDEOS!!! Pearl Harbor, Sweet November, Proof of Life, Tomb Raider
Candles and a wonderful CD of Music from India
Gold hair gel (yes, I wanted that)
hairspray and various toiletries
Two large candles in Vanilla scent.
and LOTS of hugs and loves from everyone!

Looking back, it seems that I have been VERY spoiled! *smile*

Hi, My Name is Forrest. Forrest Gimp...

Christmas was great. At least, it was great BEFORE I fell down the stairs and dis-located my shoulder. So, that gives me about 13 minutes of a great Christmas, since it happened first thing in the morning. I know, I know...I shouldn't leave my champagne bottles on the stairs to trip over. I will have to fire the maid.

I did have a nice holiday, albeit on Darvocet and Soma. Work was quite interesting the day after - I ended up leaving after half a day since most insurance companies were either closed or not answering their calls. And I hurt.

The bruises are going away, though, so I have to look at the bright side!

And, as fate would have it, The Mom gave me my very own heating pad for Christmas. Mrs. Santa is a wee bit psychic I am thinking...

So, here it is New Years Eve and I am catching you all up on the expansive and intensely rivoting life I lead. *Riotous Laughter*

The Mom and I spent the weekend together, Mommy & Daughter bonding, I suppose. We bought a new bed-set (I fell in LOVE with it at the store and HAD to have it). It is a deep blue with gold stars, moons and sun graphics all over. Since I have a pillowtop mattress, the fitted sheet never actually fits, so we cut it up and made pillowcases for my body-pillow, 3 smaller pillows, 2 neck pillows and, get this, a lamp shade cover! I was so domestic, Martha Stewart was in awe. Shane would be proud. We also got matching pillar candles and are planning the valance to match in the same deep blue and gold. It really is lovely. Wasn't planning a blue ensemble, was actually going to do Asian Red, but, hey, my head is in the clouds, it seems appropriate.

What else...what else...Having dinner (and champagne) with a few friends tonight, should be an interesting time. JJ comes back tomorrow night, I hope her trip goes well. And, No, William, I did not raid her closet. *wink* Yours on the other hand...

Well, I hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Years. I'll raise my glass for you tonight!!

Monday, December 24, 2001

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen...

I know I have been a slacker. I am sorry. I should be severely punished for my careless disregard to my reader's needs. Smack me when you see me...

Well, the happy ho ho shopping is done, thank Gawd. I have been enjoying much of the festivities of the season. Friday, we celebrated Jeffiner's birthday by seeing Lord of the Rings. BIG thanks to Dylan for securing 18 some-odd tickets in advance so we could see the 7:30 show together, which quickly sold out. It was one of the best movies I have ever seen, although I was very tired and in a bit o' pain (for some unexplained reason, my back has been bothering me). Plus, I got to see the Jeffie and the Scottie... damn, I like those boys, which was evident by the smackaroo I planted on Jeff's forehead. Life is just better having them around. When I was done there, I met up with an old High School friend who was in town, had some coffee and BAD service at Dee's. Now I remember why I stopped going there...

I am house-sitting for JJ whilst she traipses all over California and Nevada during the holidays. It's been nice to have a place all to myself. Haven't had that...um...ever. G has stayed with me a couple of nights so I am not all creeped out.

Saturday came and went, flying right by me. G and I went shopping for kids...and me, too. We trucked up to VF Factory and were pleasantly surprised to find a very calm and relaxing day. I believe it would be packed with shoppers, but everyone thought like me and stayed home, so it was relatively slow. I picked up a pair of jeans, a pair of khakis, a new cell phone faceplate (in rainbow...what else?) and some bamboo plants for my Serenity Corner in my room. I am a very happy girl. Now my Buddha has shade.

Sunday was great, helped The Mom with the baking, shopping and wrapping, then the Gang gathered at the Poor's home for Spaghetti with Toni's Meat Sauce and Ragu's...er...I mean Lorene's Alfredo Sauce. Ooooh, and the INFAMOUS Toni Garlic Bread...gawd, I was in sheer heaven. I love Italians! The Man Show and South Park were raunchy diversions later in the evening, which I needed immensely. I have to say, time with the friends, albeit not as often as I would like, has been such a joy. Now, if I can only get Rob to bury a pig Polynesian style, my life would be complete!!!!

Today I went into work and was promptly sent home by The Boss (AKA Grumpy Greek Man...I can say that because I am Greek...) at 10:30am. Merry Christmas to me. Met up with the Parents and went to a Christmas Luncheon and now I am back at JJ's place. Tonight is more festivities with G's family.

I have the family thing to do tomorrow, on Christmas Day, which will be very cool and very welcomed. I am quite tired, feeling the brunt of the shopping and get-togethers. But at least I haven't been bored. I think God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is my theme for the day. I need a nap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone! May the Lord Bless You All this Holiday Season!
For Unto Us a Child is Born...

Tuesday, December 18, 2001

And the Tarot Cards Say…

So, JJ and I had our cards read last night. The reader, Kristen, is a beautiful redhead and an absolutely wonderful woman, who is also a Reiki Master and Spiritual Counselor in addition to her expertise in massage and chakra therapies. Yes, I will be her student. Oh, yes, I will….

Anywhoo, the cards had interesting things to say about my life. I won’t go into complete detail, but here are some highlights…The Death card came up as a representative of recent closures (hmmmm), and the myriad of obstacles I have had recently overcome. The cards said I have handled things admirably, conscientiously, and objectively, but I have to start speaking out and setting my boundaries as I re-invent myself. I am overly emotional (duh!) and I need to cry and possibly seek a bit of spiritual or mental therapy (or both) to help me through. “Not to say that you aren’t strong enough, no one is strong enough alone…”

I need to stop being so critical of myself. The Failure and Ruin card came up as my fears and underlying emotional bases, and, as a Virgo, multiply them by 10 THOUSAND, and I guess that is where I am. It’s interesting, just Sunday I was saying to G that I felt like a complete failure, when really, I hadn’t failed at anything. I am petrified of being a failure, but the life in Ruin is all in my head, and not as compounded as I make it myself.

The Love card came up (to me and JJ’s surprise) and the cards are saying that Love is right around the corner, either a deep spiritual friendship or romantic love. I asked if that was wise, considering, and her comment was, “What does Wisdom have anything to do with Love?” We had a good chuckle about that. The next card after than was the Aeon, and Kristen laughed and said, “Wow, well, don’t go moving in right away!” I guess the Aeon and Love combined is something intense and profound. Maybe I’ll find Love in myself. It’ll be about damned time.

And I have Father issues. Not necessarily with my Dad (shut up, JJ), but with taking the reigns in my relationships, and mastering my destiny. Ya think?!

It was quite emotional, and as Kristen and I hugged, I felt very calm and safe and happy that I met her. I even told her I loved her (and, no, not that way) Opening up, I am. Let the universe bring positive change and healing energy.

Oh, and Lorene, I love you, too.

Friday, December 14, 2001

Friday Five (Courtesy of Kathedral)

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? Everything! I wanted to be a doctor (radiology or anesthesiology), a lawyer, actress, singer, director…so I finally settled down with my strengths – and work in a field I NEVER planned for.

2. Do you have any nicknames? Con-con, Constance (which is odd because it’s my given name), Wubba (don’t ask), Tonnie Anne, Triple G-TW (too long to explain) and Goddess (Thank You, William).

3. If you could change something about yourself what would it be? Dance better, do my makeup better and manage money.

4. Have you ever bought anything from an infomercial? No, but G bought Tae-Bo for me, does that count?

5. How do you plan to spend your weekend? Packing, moving, unpacking, drinking champagne (only for medicinal purposes) and vegging out.

Tuesday, December 11, 2001

A Wonderful Funny

Copyright 1998 W. Bruce Cameron
http://www.wbrucecameron.com/
Please do NOT remove the copyright from this essay!

When I was in high school I used to be terrified of my girlfriend's father, who I believe suspected me of wanting to place my hands on his daughter's chest. He would open the door and immediately affect a good-naturedly murderous expression, holding out a handshake that, when gripped, felt like it could squeeze carbon into diamonds.

Now, years later, it is my turn to be the dad.

Remembering how unfairly persecuted I felt when I would pick up my dates, I do my best to make my daughter's suitors feel even worse. My motto: wilt them in the living room and they'll stay wilted all night.

"So," I'll call out jovially. "I see you have your nose pierced. Is that because you're stupid, or did you merely want to APPEAR stupid?"

As a dad, I have some basic rules, which I have carved into two stone tablets that I have on display in my living room.

Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure as heck not picking anything up.

Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, In order to assure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric staple gun and fasten your trousers securely in place around your waist.

Rule Four:
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I WILL kill you.

Rule Five:
In order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."

Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make YOU cry.

Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process which can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places lacking parents, policemen, or nuns. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped up to her chin. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature chainsaws are okay. Hockey games are okay.


My daughter claims it embarrasses her to come downstairs and find me attempting to get her date to recite these eight simple rules from memory. I'd be embarrassed too—there are only eight of them, for crying out loud! And, for the record, I did NOT suggest to one of these cretins that I'd have these rules tattooed on his arm if he couldn't remember them. (I checked into it and the cost is prohibitive.) I merely told him that I thought writing the rules on his arm with a ball point might be inadequate—ink washes off—and that my wood burning set was probably a better alternative.

One time, when my wife caught me having one of my daughter's would-be suitors practice pulling into the driveway, get out of the car, and go up to knock on the front door (he had violated rule number one, so I figured he needed to run through the drill a few dozen times) she asked me why I was being so hard on the boy. "Don't you remember being that age?" she challenged.

Of course I remember. Why do you think I came up with the eight simple rules?

I HAVE A GUESTBOOK!

Even if you made it here by accident, I would still love you to sign in...I am getting hits from Italy, Japan, all over the US and I have NO IDEA who these people are.

Sooo...SIGN IT!!!!

SSSTTTTTRRREEEEEEETTTTTTTTCCCCCHHHHHH!!!

I am finally sitting down, with drink in hand, to fill y'all in on the goings and comings of the day. Drink: Raspberry Chai, courtesy of Beans N Brew, in a Batman coffee cup. Music: Sounds of India, courtesy of Shane and Chet (THANK YOU!! I LOVE IT!!). I slipped and fell in the parking lot of Dan's tonight so my back is screaming in various degrees of pain as we speak. Freakin' lousy timing.

The Pink Room is no more! Everyone thank the universe with me, now. *hhmmmm*.

G and The Mom finished up the painting today, G was given a handsome reward, and The Mom was given a little peace of mind. Paint should be dry enough to start moving in by Thursday, so I will be getting everything ready. Living room is done, need to do the kitchen and bathroom (shouldn't take too long). I want to wait on the bedroom til the weekend so we can get my bed outta there first. That should leave enough room to get my clothes and various items out of there without too much of a problem. G is moving the futon up into the room, which will be perfect for just her.

I found the most amazing comforter set in a beautiful red, adorned with Chinese symbols in gold and black, so I am glad I won't be living in the Pink monstrosity. I think I will buy it, and call 'Rene so she can come over with a bottle of wine, a loaf of crusty bread and my new ham-ster. Yeah, she wants to buy me a ham-ster.

I think I shall call her Angelina....the ham-ster, that is.

Monday, December 10, 2001

Oh, and The Big MMMMMWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (Kissey Sound) of the Day goes to:

Shaun at AT&T wireless. So sweet, so funny, so diluted he knocked $35 bucks off my wireless bill without being asked. I love flirting with male customer service reps. Maybe I haven't lost the touch! *wink*

There is something in the air today...

SO, there seems to be some question as to whether or not I am pissed off at people.

Let me begin.

A: I DO NOT NEED ANYONE TO SPEAK FOR ME. I am a big girl (in many, many ways) and if I have something to say, you can be damned sure I will be the one saying it. Of course, there is always the situation of respect and sometimes a mediator is appropriate. This was not the case.

B: I DIDN'T ASK ANYONE TO SPEAK FOR ME. It was not solicted, and not completely accurate. It was rather strange being at a party and not being in a "couple". This is a new experience for me, and I may have been apprehensive, but certianly not to the extent that was relayed.

C: IF I WAS DISTANT AT THE PARTY IT HAD N O T H I N G TO DO WITH A N Y O N E IN ATTENDANCE, it had more to do with a good friend having problems, and needing a shoulder. Hell, you guys see me all the time anyway, it's not like we never talk. My absence was not a reflection on anyone or anything other than being a friend, as you would all ask me to be.

D: I STOPPED PLAYING GAMES A LOOOOONG TIME AGO, and 'Rene, shame on you for even briefly thinking anything else. Do you remember how bad I am at it? Does the name BARTON ring a freakin' ROOM full of BELLS?!?!! Gawd, if you can't do it right...don't do it at all!! *grin*

So, now that this is cleared up, I can move on.

Work is good, I am a little sore for some reason, had a flash migraine come on suddenly last night, so that wasn't fun. Packed the living room, will do the kitchen tomorrow, and the painting should be completed at The Mom's by then, so, theoretically, I will be moved out by Sunday. Keep your calendars open, I may need some help.

Because Tori Amos is the ONLY other woman I could POSSIBLY refer to as a Goddess...besides myself...

Okay, So I took this three times, and got EXACTLY what I thought I would be...Hopefully JJ will see this and take it as well, since we are both Tori freaks.










Sunday, December 09, 2001

If I were a work of art, I would be Edgar Degas' Dance Class.

I appear soft and gentle, but hide a core of rigid structure and discipline. I work hard and follow orders, because I am determined to succeed, but remain attached to displays of frivolity and maintaining my appearance.

Which work of art would you be? The Art Test




Take the What Cat Are You? test by webkin!

Saturday, December 08, 2001

*Yawn*

A little wine, some good conversation, pretty women...man I love Friday Nights.

Why is it that nothing I plan ever turns out? Last night was supposed to be:
A-Drop off a Christmas Gift to a friend.
B-Pick up boxes to move
C-Pay off G's car (yeah!) and
D-Pack.
Wanna know what I actually DID?

A-Drop off a Christmas Gift to a friend, stayed at friends house, picked up dinner for me and friend and friends' friend, drank friend's wine, got home at 11pm.

Yes, I am avoiding, methinks. I need to get the lead out, and my ass out, of G's place. I am lingering because, in all actuality, I hate change. But I am craving it now, as painful as it is. It's almost like the sore tooth you keep prodding with your tongue, secure in the pain of it, but not committed enough to see the dentist. (Boy, I use alot of dental references in my blogs. Maybe I need a cleaning...)

Wednesday, December 05, 2001

Well, We Are Back

I am having issues. I think the whole breakup thing is getting to me. I think I'll need to be out of here in 2 weeks...my sanity is not at it's best.

When is it okay to date again after a long term relationship? G said something tonight about "scoping out" women and planning her next relationship and I felt the inevitible pang in my stomach. How can anyone even *joke* about that when their soon-to-be-ex-wife isn't even moved out? I know she was joking... but... well... maybe she wasn't. When is soon too soon?

Tuesday, December 04, 2001

Have I Mentioned...

That AT&T is one of my least favorite companies right now? Apparently, the local provider of @Home service, Excite.com, filed for bankruptcy. On Dec 1, all access to @Home service was terminated for the users in Utah.

WHATTHEHELL?!?!

*clears throat*

So, G and I have been unable to access mail, Blog, LIFE for the last 4 days.

It's enough to make you start writing letters again...


Also, a great BIG thanks to my friends for their open hearts and open shoulders to lean on lately. JJ, SMP, JH...you know who you are...

I think I am going to try and get the living room packed tonight, depending on how I am feeling. Although this is happening for good reason, it is still emotionally and physically exhausting. I am probably going to get sick. I've been fighting off the chold/chest ickies for a while, but with a couple of friends being so sick, I am bound to be pushed over to the dark side soon...

I need to check on storage units. I don't want to move all my crap to The Mom's place. Did I tell you she has my room readied for me? Yes. The Pink Room. Oh, Gawd, I hated that room when I was younger, and the thought of it now just makes me want to cry. So, please, if you are in Utah, call me FREQUENTLY to get me out of the house. But use my cell, The Dad doesn't like a lot of calls at night.

Oh, Gawd, did I just say that?

*hits head*

I AM GOING TO LIVE WITH MY PARENTS!!

*deep breath*

It will be okay. I just know it. And I think I found a REALLY cute apartment, perfect for me. I will have an apartment warming: wine, cheese, I may even make baklava if you guys are good.