Charm Bracelets and BBQ

“Generosity and perfection are your everlasting goals.”
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This was the fortune cookie I received in my lunch on Friday, and how appropriate it was. It pretty much sums up the weekend nicely.

Friday night, we picked up my wedding ring from the jeweler (had the prongs fixed) and walked around Cottonwood Mall. Lindi picked up a couple new X-box games and I got a guide for my Matrix game. Maybe I’ll be able to play it! We ate Mall Food for dinner, nutritious and healthy for sure, then ran home and the two of them played games while I began to read “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” That seems to be the usual – they play and I sit with them in the living room and read. It’s a weird sort of family time, but it works for us.

Saturday morning was the first morning in days I was able to sleep past 6am, and I was pleased as punch. I snoozed, laid in bed, watch TV, and realized that I was not on any painkillers, muscle relaxants, even a lidocaine patch. I was quite pleased with myself.

I got up and baked two cakes – the first, a double layer Devil’s food (just for Toni) and the second, a triple layer checkerboard cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting. Both cakes were for the wonderful annual MEAT FEST to be held at the Netzler’s home.

In the midst of baking fury, my sister dropped by with my AVON – and my charm bracelet watch! I was able to put all my personalized charms on the band AND have a watch at the same time. It is really cute. And so is my sister.

Lindi got home from work (late and tired) and decided it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to be social that evening, so I went stag, but I wasn’t short of company. The whole crew was there (sans Chet – get better!) and I enjoyed chatting with everyone. The food was SPECTACULAR, very tender pork, chicken and beef, juicy bratwurst and wonderful ‘Toni Signature’ Tuna Salad and Potato Salad. The cakes tasted good, but the checkerboard cake didn’t survive the trip very well – it was pretty messed up. But it was half gone by the time I left, so that’s a compliment. Dana made some wonderfully rich brownies that were amazing, and I’m sorry I didn’t grab a couple for my sweetie at home, but Toni had her covered with a To Go plate of Beef and Pork… and Tuna Salad – her favorite. Thanks, Toni!

Wonderful food and conversation. I can honestly say it’s not a party until I hear Jer-Bear say “Can somebody tell me why I don’t have my pants on?” Yup. Another successful par-tay. Hopefully, another mini-get together planned with a showing of “Waiting for Guffman”, popcorn and pedicures and the Breeze/Ricketts residence. Can’t wait!

Sunday was a completely relaxing day. I made my honey breakfast in bed, we took the phone off the hook and stayed in bed all morning and afternoon. I can’t remember the last time we were able to lock the world away for a couple of moments. We took some salmon out of the freezer and made a salmon appetizer for Sunday dinner that went over very well with Lindi’s family that evening. It was a version of a “drunker salmon” made with brown sugar, butter, salt, garlic, onions and Guinness…. Nummy.

Lindi and Sarah are enjoying the Xbox immensely. After Sunday dinner, they played X-box together while I finished up “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” It is an amazing book – and short. I highly recommend it. Very uplifting and thought provoking.

Which brings me back to my fortune cookie. Generosity and perfection are your everlasting goals. I can see generosity as one of my goals. I try and be generous with myself, my time, my energy, my money… I find a lot of pleasure in being generous. There’s a lot to be gained by it, as odd as that sounds. Perfection on the other hand is something I’m not too sure about. In work? Yes. In other things? No. I don’t expect perfection in my house, friends, family, spouse or children. Everything is flawed and it’s the generosity of spirit that allows us to be who we are despite our faults.

After the events of the past week and after speaking at great length with my wife and some others, I have come to the decision that I have been from one extreme to the other in the past 10 years – doormat to raging bitch… all with the express purpose of one thing: to be loved.

The lesson that this week has taught me is probably the most significant lesson I have learned: I love myself more than I love anyone else. It’s not a selfish thing, it’s more of a respect thing. I can’t give person A anything that I don’t have for myself.

I put out some energy over the weekend, sincere and honest, loving and nuturing, full of friendship and understanding. If that energy is returned in the future or not is of no consequence. I have plenty of people in my life who love me at this stage and are willing to support me at this point in my journey. Lessons learned will not be lost. While enjoyable, another person’s energy is not necessary for me to continue.

There are always forks in the road. Maybe this is one I should take. You never know, it might be worth the adventure!



Drink of the day: Vanilla Cafe
CD on the Playa: Maroon5 Songs About Jane

A Short History Lesson on the Privilege of Voting...

The women were innocent and defenseless. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive.

Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of "obstructing sidewalk traffic."

They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.



Thus unfolded the "Night of Terror" on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.



So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

HBO has released a new movie entitled "Iron Jawed Angels." It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that we could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have our say. This should be required viewing of all American History Students in the US.

We should be ashamed to say we needed the reminder.

Comments about the film include that of Wendy, "One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie," she said. "What would those women think of the way I use--or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn." The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her "all over again."

It is jarring to think about Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.

The doctor admonished the men: "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity."

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women.

Happy Thursday!

Working hard and catching up, on so many things.

Went to my dr's appt today, things are looking good, next week, I will probably be cleared for physical therapy.

Had Crown Burger for lunch. Mmmmmmmmm. Crrrooooowwwnnn Burrrrrrgeerrrrrrr....

Strangest thing I've been nicknamed this week: "Eggplant" - due to my choice of color of shirt. (Yes, I did quietly explain that in some parts of the country, "eggplant" is a derogatory term for a person of full African decent, to wit I was given the blank blonde female Mormon stare. Nevamind, Sister Barbie....)

Two weeks to my birthday, and still no plans. *sigh* Lindi told me she's not good at this whole Birthday Thang. That's okay, I would just like to do something. Dinner, movie, something. I love my birthday.

I know! I will bake a cake! (SMILE) And get my tongue pierced. Wait, I will bake a cake, fly Tre out for my birthday kiss, THEN get my tongue pierced.... there we go!

Love out to the future father of my baby - Lindi is hoping we have twins so we can split them between the houses. You need to come over for a fish fry soon and we will gossip and do pedicures.

My thoughts are with L. Rest and wait, do what's right for you. Love and energy out to you.

Kinda How I Feel...

Well I thought about the army,
Dad said, son you're fuckin high.
And I thought, yeah there's a first for everything,
so I took my old man's advice.
Three sad semesters,
it was only fifteen grand.
Spent in bed I thought about the army,
I dropped out and joined a band instead.

Grew a moustache and a mullet,
Got a job at chic-fil-a.
Citing artistic differences the band broke up in May,
and in June reformed without me, and they got a different name.
I nuked another grandma's apple pie
and hung my head in shame.

Been thinking a lot today.
Been thinking a lot today.

Ohhhh, I think I'll write a screenplay.
Ohhhh, I think I'll take it to LA.
Ohhhh, I think I'll get it done yesterday (aww shit).

In this time of introspection.
On the eve of my election,
I say to my reflection
God, please spare me more rejection.
Cause my peers they criticize me,
and my ex-wives all despise me.
Try to put it all behind me,
but my redneck past is nipping at my heels

I've been thinking a lot today.
I've been thinking a lot today.
I've been thinking a lot today.
I thought about the army...

Drink of the day: Iced Mocha
CD on the Playa: Ben Folds Five The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner

What a Day!
Work has been pretty crazy, trying to catch up from the vacation, getting my stove and disposal fixed, fightin' with my doctors, feeling worn out and run down. Last Wednesday, I had my Epidural Spinal Injection, and I am starting to feel better from it, more strength in my legs, but I still have breakthrough pain at night. I have Lidocaine Patches for the daytime, but I can only use them up ti 12 hours a day, so they are no good to me at night - I need them while I am working. Can't really be on pain meds at the office. I can't seem to get through to either of my dr's that I still need my pain medication - neither want to prescribe it for me. Don't worry, I have an appt tomorrow with my spine dr. He's gonna get an earful and it will all get straightened out.

Looking forward to the Meat Fest this weekend and to seeing all the crew. Haven't seen everyone since the Christmas party in January, so this should be a blast. Bakin' cakes, Devil's Food for Toni and one other - either cream cheese or red velvet. Either sounds lovely!

Had a wonderful phone call from a lovely person this morning and ironed a lot of old issues out. It was a really postive thing and I look forward to continuing the conversation tonight when I get home. We can then discuss sharing of energy and me having his child! *wink*

I promise to be more blog-attentive. I've just been feeling overwhelmed and need a tiny break from the day to day. I appreciate all of you coming here, even if you don't comment. Love and vanilla wafers to all of you!

We’re BACK!

Alaska, Seattle and Vancouver were AMAZING! I can’t say enough about our vacation. I think a 7-day cruise was long enough to enjoy, yet we did want to come home when the time came. If you’ve never been on a cruise, I HIGHLY recommend it for your next vacation.

Some highlights of our trip:

Lindi and I flew to Seattle Saturday night. We met up with my long-time friend Alicia at the hotel (and it happened to be her b-day) so we headed out to Aztec for dinner to catch up. It was wonderful to see her again, and to see the both of us are much happier than the last time we met up back in 1995.

Sunday Morning, Lindi and I jumped on a shuttle bus and we drove to Vancouver, anticipating a nice 2 hour delay at the Canadian border. Typically, customs requires all bags be removed from cargo and each person has to get off the shuttle bus and go through customs. We were extremely lucky – there happened to be a traffic jam, so two Canadian Immigration officials jumped on our bus, talked to a couple of people, and we were gone in a matter of minutes. That made us 2 hours early to board the Norwegian Sun!

We went through all of the processing of getting on the ship and were stunned by the beauty of it. It was literally, a 12 story hotel on water. We were given a “key card” and that was how we were to pay for everything on board – no cash allowed – which actually made it really easy to keep track of expenses. Our room was small and Lindi and I each had twin beds, but we had a BIG window, and, frankly ,we were just grateful to be there.

The food was amazing! Norwegian Cruise Line has a unique offering called “Freestyle Crusing”. You can eat in one of their 10 restaurants or eat at their buffets, which weren’t half bad at all! The restaurants don’t allow jeans or shorts after 5:30 and only two nights were designated as “formal”, so we were able to enjoy their exquisite fare as often as we’d like.

While on vacation, I tried for the first time:
Escargot (loved it!)
Paté (hated it!)
Caviar (both pink and black – I liked the black better)
Swordfish
Mahi Mahi
Two different styles of “cold” soups
Watercress tea sandwiches
Alaskan Beer (whut whoo!)
Grand Marnier Soufflé (never had any kind of soufflé)
Chocolate Sushi

The first night, we all met out on the desk and talked, drank beer and just relaxed with the family and Lindi and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset alone. We didn’t see Sarah a lot, as she was involved with the Teen Program on board, and they kept her very busy. She met a lot of great kids and had a wonderful time.

The first day, we were at sea all day, and we decided that night would be our family formal night. We all dressed up, had formal pics taken, enjoyed champagne and caviar and were seating in the main dining roo, where I met the second love of my life, Marzena. She is from Poland and could be Angelina Jolie’s little sister. (Lindi can verify this) She filled my water glass and I stopped breathing. She was very gracious and our paths crossed a few time on the cruise, and I have a picture of us together. Big Sigh.

Tuesday we hit Ketchikan, where I departed the ship early to go fishing. I shared the boat with Joe from New Mexico, Brenda and Rob from Canada and Allen from Australia. Hijinks insued, and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We all hit it off and became fast friends, sharing home addresses and I even developed my disposable camera on board to make sure Allen had pictures to take home with him (his camera didn’t advance so he had no pictures at all) and made an extra set for Brenda and Rob. The fishing trip was successful, and Joe and I, the Americans, split the boats catch (as it was too expensive to ship for the others) and we each ended up with 26 lbs of filets of fresh salmon and halibut! My parents received the Fed Ex’d shipment only 2 days later! Lindi and Sarah spent the day shopping.

The evening’s highlights included an Art Auction, which I got to view an actual Picasso and a pencil hand-signed Salvador Dali. Beautiful artwork – way out of my price range, but hey, there was free chamapgne. I did walk away with two aroma-therapy massages with full facials for Lindi and I at $60 each, which was an incredible deal.

Wednesday was Juneau, and man, was it beautiful! Large forest covered mountains on either side of a cute Park City like town. Shopping was wonderful, diamond shops and fur traders, totem poles and Alaska Fudge. Sarah and Grandpa got brave and took the tram up the side of the mountain while Lindi, Grandma and I sat and rested. That evening we enjoyed a very funny comedian, Bud Andersen.

Thursday was Skagway, another beautiful city. Sarah and the grandparents took a 3 hour train ride around the mountain and from what they said, it was beautiful. Lindi and I did some more shopping, then rushed back to the ship for our scheduled massage! We enjoyed a relaxing massage and facial, then as we were leaving, our ship was rounding Sawyer Glacier, so we grabbed the camera ran to the top deck to take pictures. We drank hot cocoa (I had coffee with Grand Marnier) and enjoyed an amazing spectacle of thousands-year old ice wedged into the mountains, small ice burgs in the water, waterfalls on the mountains, even mountain goats! The temperature dipped to the 40’s which was the lowest it had been on our entire trip (we had been enjoying 65+ weather). The scenery was amazing! As we rounded the island and put the Glacier to our backs, we were joined by a couple of whales and dolphins who came along for the ride!

It wasn’t unusual to see jumping fish, dolphins or whales blowing out of one of the windows at any given time. It was quite astounding now that I think about it.

Friday brought the town of Wrangell – an old Alaskan town the way it used to be. Very limited shopping, so the three of us met up with a cousin and traveled to the Petroglyphs on the coast, which are so old, no one can date them or figure out what they mean. There, I was able to actually touch the Alaskan waters for the first time, to feel it’s healing energy and peace. We then traveled to the Rainbow Forest, a rainforest, and while the others hiked her trails, I sat and communed with the beauty around me.

The four of us headed back to port and stopped at a local shack – literally, and had freshly caught and prepared whole dungenous Alaskan Crab. It was awesome! $10 and a picnic bench, Lindi, Jessie, Sarah and I enjoying fresh crab – the best meal I had the entire trip!

That evening, we had another family dinner and enjoyed one another’s company.

Saturday was a full day at sea, heading back to Vancouver. We enjoyed a Chocoholic Buffet (EVERYTHING made out of chocolate – it was the most amazing display I’d ever seen!), a putting contest, a vegetable carving display, and some shopping on board as well as gambling in the casinos. Lindi won quite a bit! That night, the two of us had a romantic dinner in the restaurant alone, accompanied by three baby Orcas outside our window and a gorgeous sunset.

We were very sad to depart on Sunday morning, but all was well as we left the ship with our trinkets and pictures (730 in all) and headed back to the port to catch our Shuttle bus to take us back to Seattle where we spent the night and flew out Monday.

Obviously, there are so many highlights and stories to tell, and I am sure I will put some pics on here, but just suffice to say the vacation was wonderful, I wasn’t in a lot of pain (I had my moments) and I loved everything about Alaska.

THANK YOU to all who posted here while I was gone. You are THE BEST!!!!

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Now, as you can tell, our gracious hostess is quite the fan of Ms. Angelina Jolie. My brother is as well. He owns a cardboard cutout of her as Lara Croft. But do you know what's happened? It's been kidnapped!

The soulless fiends left a ransom note demanding an endless supply of chimichangas in return for Lady Croft's safe return. A resolution is expected within the next couple of days, but, really, the important question is: how should my brother get the kidnappers back? We need some high class pranks here, people. This is serious business.

If at all possible, suggested pranks should avoid illegalities and/or intentional injuries.
G-Fry


Drink of the day: Tabasco
CD on the Playa: Coheed and Cambria: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

Hanging Out


That's ZOT'S, one of my all time favourite hangouts. It's a 24hr coffee shop/ internet cafe/ laundromat in The Marigny (the neighbourhood right next to the French Quarter here in New Orleans). A lot of great people work there like Ian the so-hot-it's-tragic gay-guy with ever-changing hairdos (at the moment it's a blonde mohawk... not to attractive, but his face makes up for it), Melissa, whose appearance is unremarkable except for her shaved head and who gives the best hugs ever, and Cameron, who doesn't work there anymore but was hands down the most beautiful human being I have ever seen.

The best thing about ZOT's is the bathroom. It's pretty normal - a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, but it has a few things about it that make me smile. Firstly, there are huge paintings of dinosaur fossils on the walls. I like peeing near dinosaurs. Secondly, there are gold fish in the tub. Big gold fish and plants and every once in a while you get lucky and there's a frog.

If you ever come to New Orleans, make sure to go to ZOT's. It's the best place to hang out.

~T

p.s. I have no idea why I'm babbling about this. But still, ZOTs rocks, and they make a great Yerba Matte.
Drink of the day:
CD on the Playa:

The Most Interesting Things...

Ever have all your pubic hair shaved off by someone else?
It's weird.

Ever watch a grown man shave off all his pubic hair?
It's even weirder.

~T

Get Bloggin', Bitches!

Get Bloggin', Bitches!

Now, when I got my e-mail informing me that I was clear to start guest bloggin', I remember there being a shitload of names at the top. Hell, it was even carbon copied to Ev. But there just doesn't seem to be much guest blogging action, now does there?

I suggest...no, I demand that these other guest bloggers get crackin'. Tubbs and I can only hold down the fort so long with Geoff's interspersed hate-filled, ultra-radical right wing political rants/bragging posts help. We need some fresh blood, ya'll.

Come out, come out, wherever you is...
G-Fry




Drink of the day:
CD on the Playa:

Knock It Off, Lunchbox!

Knock It Off, Lunchbox!

There's two semi-new upgrades of programs that I just can't stand, and I don't see why everyone keeps on getting them. I mean, just because they're upgrades doesn't mean that they're better. In fact, I think that both of these actually suck more than what I've got already.

Windows XP. Let's deal with that first. I can't stand the stupid thing. The look is okay. Kinda roundy for me. But the biggest thing that pisses me off is that everytime I walk away from my machine for a while, I have to log back in. Damnit, computer, if I wanted you to log out, I would tell you! Don't do it for me! When I turn my screen back on, I want to see the desktop, not a button I have to push! Damn!

Now, for the "upgrade" on AIM, which is, for you old folk, AOL Instant Messanger. The smilies are more annoying (a feat on its own, actually), the layout is aggravating, and, most importantly, STOP TELLING ME EVERYTHING MY FRIENDS ARE DOING! If I wanted to see every action my buddies happened to commit, then I'd sit and stare at my buddy list! Stop popping up those damn messages!

I had to freakin' delete a buddy 'cause they kept coming and going!
G-Fry


Drink of the day: Pissy Juice
CD on the Playa: Taking Back Sunday - The Union

Had a Good Day
Today, I feel something like this:



...just thought I'd share that.

Can't Touch This

Can't Touch This

You know a problem with guest posting? Sometimes, you'll get started on a post, and then find that you like it so much, you'd like to keep it for yourself. Such is what happened to my actual post for today. Sorry, yo.

If it makes you feel any better, you can go to my place and check it out.
G-Fry


Drink of the day: Um...Water?
CD on the Playa: The Used - Buried Myself Alive

I Need A Hug

If you've been following on my site you know that I've been having some issues with race lately. Here's the short story.

I went to this guy's house. I go in his room. There's a HUGE confederate flag. This is a problem for me. I'm black. I ask him about it. He says he's proud to be a southerner. I ask him what he means since he's from Arizona. He shrugs, we go on with our day. I go home. I stop hanging out with him. Why? Because I'm insulted and hurt and, frankly, pissed to high heaven.

I stopped hanging out with him. At first it was slow. I just wouldn't ride with him someplace or go by his house. Didn't invite him over. Now, if I know he'll be where all my friends are hanging out, I don't go. If he shows up and is going to stay, I leave. I'm cordial. I say hello, I'm not rude, but I don't mess with the dude.

My other friends in this circle, who are all, by the way, white (and one's jewish) don't understand why I can't just "suck it up" and complain (especially the jewish friend... go figure, I thought he'd have my back on this one).

So, I just got cursed out because I didn't want to go over to someone's house because he was there. Because I'm giving the guy a hard time by, well, staying my ass at my house so I don't call him an ignorant ass red-neck etc.

Give me a hug. Maybe two.
~T

Drink of the day: Anger
CD on the Playa: Malcom X's Plymoth Rock speach

The Big Things.

I never have nothing to do. There's always something. Yesterday, I boned the Dog Snot out of my girlfriend, then went back to playing PlayStation while she cooked me dinner.

I finished Splinter Cell. I can't remember when I had that much fun last.

The Little Things

Sometimes it's great to have time to do nothing. Yesterday, The Boyfriend and I spent 25 minutes in the shower brushing our teeth and spitting on eachother.

It was more fun than I've had going out in months.

~Tubbs of A Little Tub o' Sauce (formerly NotSoSaucy).

Flippity Floppity Counter Attack

Drink of the day:Maple Syrup
CD on the Playa:Won't you take me to......Waffle Town!

OUTTA HERE!!!
Leaving on a jetplane tonight to be in Seattle, tomorrow I will be on the Norwegian Sun cruising the Alaskan Waters. I have invited a slew of guestposters to keep you entertained.

And, in departure, here's a special post, just for Geoffrey...



MISS ME!

Virgo Horoscope for 8/2 - 8/8

Right now, you're able to cope with any stress you feel. You'll meet interesting people if you attend trade shows or conventions. Help those less fortunate. You will feel great if you can do a friend a favor. Don't listen to friends who aren't totally aware of your situation. You are particularly skilled at dealing with others, in fact, this good influence lasts for the entire week, so milk it for all it's worth. Others are very receptive to you. They are agreeable. Yes, it is true there is some tension with neighbors and siblings, however you will come out on top. Relatives may try to burden you. Don't let them take advantage of your good nature. If you can't help, tell them why and don't feel bad. Start thinking of yourself for a change. Your nerves are shot and your patience deteriorating. It's time to make changes to turn your life around. Residential moves may be necessary if you wish to eliminate the problem. This horoscope provided by Astrology Source. Learn about your inner self, friends, and lovers.

Get your free blog ready horoscope for this week at
Blogthings.

Not a Happy Camper

There are these little red boxes on every floor of my building. Fundraising boxes for the U’s Scholarship Fund… filled to the brim with $1 chocolate bars. Milk chocolate, Chocolate with Caramel, Crispie Chocolate, Chocolate with Almonds. And just one single dollar. I think I’ve picked up enough of those things to have the damn scholarship named after me.

Anywho, I sit down after my healthy lunch of a turkey wrap (tomato tortilla, no condiments, fresh herbs) and decide to splurge on a Diet Coke and a couple of pieces of chocolate from a new fundraising bar. I run to the Deli downstairs, pick up said treats and head up to my desk.

I haven’t had a Diet Coke all day, been a really good girl. Coffee this morning and water in the afternoon. I am excited, nay, THRILLED to drink aforementioned soda pop. I open it, take a nice, big swig and swallow.

Ew.

It doesn’t taste right.

Now, it’s not flat. It’s not over carbonated, it’s not over syrup-y. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s ice cold, doesn’t smell funny. I shrug my shoulders and move on.

I open my chocolate bar, break off a piece and pop it into my mouth and let it melt on my tongue.

I might as well have been sucking on rubber cement for all the pleasure it gave me.

WTF?!?! My two most favorite things in the entire world aren’t tasting good. No fizzy refreshment, no creamy satisfaction… I’m at a loss.

Until I remember that my doctor said one of the side effects of my new medication is that some items (like SODA and CHOCOLATE) taste funny. Um, yeah, he was right.

No wonder one of the other side effects of this medication is that people lose weight.

Damn.

Still SOOO Much to Do!

Plans for the trip are coming along nicely. Bills are paid. Prescriptions are filled. Bags are (semi) packed. House sitters are arranged. Guest-bloggers are invited. Sarah leaves tomorrow for the drive up with the Grandparents, so Lindi and I will make the flight to Seattle and the drive to Vancouver on our own.

I am nervous, but very excited. This is the first major trip I have taken since 1997 when I traveled to Boston, Seattle and LA after winning that radio contest. My health has fluctuated since then and I am concerned, but certainly not enough to worry too much about it. I have medication, and if all I do is relax on the ship – so be it. There’s nothing that says I have to go into any port.

Besides, I am looking at this as a belated honeymoon for Lindi and I. Yes, the child will be there, but we don’t mind.

I am rather surprised at this very moment to be able to say Lindi and I have been married 10 months and been together as a couple for over 2 years. It seems this time has simply flown by. Don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of problems, but I still know in the back of my mind that Lindi is there for me and that the love we share isn’t found just anywhere.

I suppose most of you have heard the latest about the Lori Hacking case… if not, the Tribune has a good article on it. Makes me sick. Seriously.

Oh, and for those of you who doubted John Kerry’s bravery in the battlefield, (Geoffrey) here’s a copy of his Bronze Star Recommendation. I think it speaks for itself.

Excellent News!
I had my appointment yesterday with Dr Petron, the top ortho specialist at Red Butte Sports Medicine. He did a full examination of my back and we reviewed my MRI together.

It is his conclusion that my herniated disc at L1 will heal on it's own and that it has actually improved over the last 6 months. (Yaaaay!)

However, my pain is coming from another disc at L5/S1 (closer to the tailbone) which is bulging and irritating the nerves that control my right leg.

He did say this would heal on it's own, but not without help.

I am scheduled for a nerve block injection on August 18th. Under fluoroscopy (X-ray) they will inject the nerve in my spine that is causing my pain with Lidocaine and Cortizone, which, almost immediately, will begin calming the nerve and getting the inflammation down. Once the nerve is calm, I can begin strengthening my legs, walking, bending, exercising, etc. He has also started me on a new pain medication that targets nerves directly, so that will help much better than being drugged out all the time.

Best news - NO BACK SURGERY!!! The procedure I am having is considered a surgery, but I will be up and walking the same day and back to work the next day (God willing there aren't any complications).

I wanted to thank each and every one of you who have been so kind to me while I have been in such pain the last year. I appreciate all your love, understanding and friendship and I will keep you posted how I am doing after my spinal block on the 18th. Yes, I want flowers, cards and candy! :)

The plans for Alaska are coming together and we are so excited. If I don't blog before I leave, love out to everyone and if you send me your physical address, you might get a postcard (hint, hint)!

Why is it so cool to be Catholic?
That's what someone asked Lindsay today. Odd question...

This weekend was just a mad whir as we try and get things together for our cruise. Friday night, we laid low at the house and began the sorting of the clothes, did laundry and just generally tried to plan our attack. Lindi and Sarah worked on Saturday, so I had lunch with a friend, and we ended up going to see The Manchurian Candidate, which was odd, but awesome. Saturday night, more plans and laying low at the house, since Lindi had to be to work by 4am for month end. Sunday, Sarah had a friend over to help her pack and I went shopping to get things we needed, shoes for me, underclothing for the other two and sundries. We then headed over to my parent's house, as my father wanted to see us before we left, and then we went out to Carvers for dinner with Lindi’s family to celebrate Hers, Beth’s and Lindi’s Mom’s birthdays for July. Beth’s parents were in town, so I spent most of the evening talking with Beth’s father Mark, who is always a delight to be around.

We leave this Saturday for Seattle, spend the night, then drive to Vancouver to meet the ship on Sunday. We will be gone until the 15th where we drive back to Seattle and spend the night again, then fly home the 16th. Sarah will be driving up with her grandparents, so Lindi and I will be on our own for the first leg of the trip, so that will be nice to have some alone time together in Seattle.

Sooo… It looks like I may need some guest bloggers, or at least people to hold down the fort while I am gone. Email me and let me know if you are interested!! :)

And, yes, I know my birthday is coming up. I have no idea what to do for my birthday this year. I know I want to get my tongue pierced, but I haven’t met the pre-requisite set by Tre, so I’m not sure if she’ll let me *wink*. I want the Inman clan to go with me to the Greek Festival, but I’m not sure which day/night. I’d like to have people over (not on the scale of Lindi’s party, mind you) but my place is small and it might be colder in September. Maybe dinner out or a movie? Ooooh, Catwoman…. I’m kinda up in the air. Suggestions?

Quick note: I know I took one of my entries off my blog. After much thought, I decided to keep some of my feelings on the matter more private, as some people who read it thought it was about them, and I certainly didn’t want to explain myself over and over. If I didn’t talk to you about it directly, then don’t worry about it.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDI on her raise and being a Manager for a year. I am proud of you, honey!!

I Am a Bigot!!
Whut Whoo!

I have always wanted to be one... and this guy thinks I am.

My response below has been sent to the Tribune.

Before Chuck Keilman (Forum, Aug 1) starts calling me an ignorant bigot regarding my opinion about the LDS Church’s stance on same-sex marriages, perhaps he ought to "get informed" himself.

The LDS First Presidency issued a statement on July 7, 2004 in which it directly stated that the LDS church "favors a constitutional amendment preserving marriage as the lawful union of a man and a woman." This is easily found on the church’s website: www.lds.org.

Unfortunately, Chuck, you seem to be ill-informed about matters of your own Church and should do a little research before declaring someone a bigot.

Regardless, their statement crossed the line between guiding the members of their church in faith based matters as a non-profit organization and instead made a political statement in direct conflict with the regulations of the IRS. For this, they should not continue to receive non-profit status.

I am sorry if you feel my opinion was ill conceived. Perhaps you should take your concerns up with members of the First Presidency.

Connie A. Anast
Murray, Utah