Midnight Walk

Headed out for my midnight walk. I found another wall graffiti I want to photograph.  Sweet dreams.

Another Pictorial

Sometimes, I don't have any words.  I'm extremely unhappy, but trying to make the best of things. So, I find that it's easier to express myself in pictures instead of words, so here we go.  But first, here's a video:

I started my night out with Neil Diamond again.  Then, I progressed to John Cougar and Amadeus , before I headed out.

Here's some pictures from last night and today:

 Last night I had dinner with my grandparents.  My super sweet grandmother put on a super sweet spread!!

L>

Tonight, I created a memory wall for all the fun things Roger and I have done.

 I finally hung the picture Roger and I bought last weekend with the oriently Madonna and Child

I

 This is an icon I found last weekend at Fans and Stoves.

 This is from the local bar I went to tonight that had 4 bands on tour from L.A. and Washington.

This is wall graffiti from the communal bathroom.

 Ditto

Ditto

Wall art from the bar.










I would wish you a Happy Tuesday, but I'm not sure that it is....

I love this song......

This is one of my favorite songs ever!!!!! Here's the first three stanzas of the lyrics.  Sad but beautiful.



You say you wander your own land
But when I think about it
I don't see how you can
You're aching, you're breaking
And I can see the pain in your eyes
Says everybody's changing
And I don't know why

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

You're gone from here
And soon you will disappear
Fading into beautiful light
Cause everybody's changing
And I don't feel right ........

Lillys Frillys

I've been trying to build a website, but it's not going as quickly as I hoped.  So, in the meantime, I need to start sharing my inventory!

Check out my 2nd blog- Lillys Frillys!  lillysfrillys.blogspot.com

Lunch with Neil

Since my husband is on his second vacation in five months (not sure why I never get one of those), I decided to have a nice lunch with my friend Neil Diamond.  Look out Roger, you have competition........

Hot August Night?!?!  I believe you!!!

Don't worry.  I'm not bitter.  I know I'm not really invisible. :)

Here's a Sunday song:

Jesus Heals

This proves it- Jesus heals!!

I found them in an antique shop.  I don't quite think they are antiques though..... Amusing.

Good Fortune

Here's my fortune from dinner.  I knew I was on the right track~

Rent

I just heard this song when I was in the shower:


And, even though this song is supposedly about a "kept lover" who stays in a relationship because it's comfortable, I still love it and it always reminds me of Roger and I.  But, it has a different meaning for me.

When I met Roger, my finances were SUPER tight.  I had been a single mom for 17 years with no child support.  It's wasn't easy to get by and I had a lot of debt.  In a sense, Roger changed that "I'm so poor" mentality I had built up.  I had never stayed in a 5 star hotel before or ordered exactly what I wanted from a menu.  But it wasn't about the money- it was about the frame of mind.  Roger and I could be equally happy if we had nothing, but he taught me to not let money run my life.  And, he also helped me find ways to have fun and enjoy each other without money.  Plus splitting household finances helped me find financial light and took away a burden that would have put a strain on our relationship.

I taught Roger a thing or two, too!  For example, he now knows not to go to the convenience store and buy an $8 item when you can drive two blocks further and buy it for $2 at the grocery store!  :)  We are saving money for our Grand Adventures for the next 60 years!

So, here's my favorite line from the song: "Words mean so little and money less, when you're lying next to me."  Don't criticize it, just listen and enjoy!  And while you're listening, think of all the ways your life is rich!

Private Schmivate

This internet business if for the birds, and I ain't no bird.

Out of sheer boredom, I finally broke down and Googled myself today. HUGE MISTAKE.  I'm lucky- I have a very unique name.  In fact, it appears there's only one other person in the U.S. who MAY have my name as a middle name.

So, I typed it in... D-O-A-N-Y-E-L-L-E enter.  Up popped 21 pages! I can't image how I would have muddled through if my name was Amy Smith!

So, I looked at every link.  Fortunately, I already knew what a lot of them were, because I guess each time I post on this site, it creates a new entry.  So that took care of @ 110 links.  But the others, oh my Lord!  I had no idea!

People can see all my pics posted on Intagram, what I've posted an who I follow on Pinterest and Etsy, recipes I posted and food diaries I logged into Live Strong, warm wishes I made for friends on their wedding registries, articles of me in newspapers I've never seen, my address, political affiliation, and voting records- down to the fact of if I voted early or not, funny little inspirational pictures I looked at, videos I liked on YouTube, and the list goes on!  I had no idea everyone can see how old I am, pictures of me and see my address.  It even shows my divorce from Alex's dad 19 years ago.  Sigh........

I guess it's a good thing I'm not into porn or racist jokes or taboo things..... That would have been hard to explain!  Ha!

Well, happy Saturday.  I walked for 4 hours last night, so I'm going to see if my legs will move today so I can go see some more of the world.

Check you later!

Here's a Saturday song:

Happiest Bliss

TGIF

Happy Friday!

Here's a Friday song:


Well, after 3 days of not sleeping, I decided I need to show myself some love, and make the most of this being alone-business.
Tonight, I'm going to hang out with my friend, Stella A. and do some cleaning of the apartment and my mind.
Something interesting I learned today is that you can make a left hand turn at a red light on a one-way road if you're turning on to a one-way road.  I hit up the policeman who works in the the police station in my GROCERY STORE, to ask him to clarify the law for me.  Very useful information.
Today I worked really hard.  I like a challenge- it gives me adrenaline.  Thank God for stimulation!
Here's a picture of the nice sunset that greeted me when I got home!

I also decided today that I'm going to start a side business and find a homeless person to employ as a helper.  I need to do something to satisfy my creative hunger and also my desire to make a difference in the world.  I passed the food line on my way home from picking up Stella and realized that I have so much to give and maybe I can make a difference in at least one life.

So, here's to my next 10 days of solitude.  I hope I find peace and can finally sleep!

Thank you to the 65 people who read my blog today.  That means a lot to me and motivates me to continue to pour my heart out to the unknown.

Muwahh!

Hubba Hubba Husband!

I miss you Roger!  I hope you're reading this.  I can't sleep without you!  I can't wait until you come home.  I'm sending you kisses, kisses, and more kisses!

Here is a great picture from our trip last weekend. Safe travels my love. Muwahh!!!!

Happy- A Synopsis

Today I watched a documentary called Happy on Netflix.  I learned some interesting things.  I know it's long, but to me, it's interesting.  And in case you don't have an hour and fifteen minutes to watch, I'm breaking it down for you... :)

• Happiness generally works like this: 50% of your level of happiness is determined by genetics- it's how you handle adversity. 10% has to do with circumstances- how much money you make, where you live, etc. That leaves the other 40% as choice.  That means we have a pretty good chance to improve our happiness level by the actions we choose to take every day.  And, it's important to constantly adapt and change things up, even things as little as the route you take to work, to increase your chance of happiness.
• Happiness stems from Dopamine, which is produced by the brain.  One of the best ways to produce it is by physical activity.  You're body decreases the production of Dopamine as you get older.  If it decreases too much, you end up with Parkinson's Disease.  However, you can do things to stimulate the production of Dopamine.  One of the best ways is by physical activity.  The best way is to be creative with your physical activity by trying new things.  Example: http://austingorillarun.com/. Cooperation is another way to increase Dopamine.  When you cooperate with others to achieve a goal, it can give you the same high as cocaine.
• Flow is a term used to describe the synergy you feel when you do something to exert yourself, for which you have clear goals, and you challenge yourself for no specific reason.  It's not for money, it's for self satisfaction.
• One of the key elements of happiness is being able to recover from adversity quickly.  Everyone has adversity, it's just a matter of how long you let it keep you down.
• Income and wealth in the U.S. has almost doubled in the last 50 years.  However, the level of  happiness in Americans has remained about the same.
• Don't be on the hedonic treadmill- where whatever level of wealth or possessions you have, you adapt to it and want more.  This is one of the biggest factors to prevent happiness.
• Money buys happiness only to an extent- up to the point that your basics are covered- food, shelter, etc.  It was determined that people who earn $50,000 per year are significantly happier than those who make $5,000.  But people who make $50,000 were found to be equally happy to those who make $500,000.
• Studies of the happiest people show that without exception, all of them have the support of close family and friends.
• Extrinsic goals: money, image and status.  Intrinsic goals: personal growth (trying to be who I really am); trying to have close personal relationships, and a sense of community.  If your goals are extrinsic, you will not find as much satisfaction in life, as you would if you focus on intrinsic goals.
• Japan is the least happy country in the world.  They are so eager for success they are working themselves to death.  They even have a term for this- Karoshi.  
• Bhutan is a country that is not focusing on economic growth and gross national product, rather, they are trying to maximize gross national happiness.  They believe their citizens may not be rich, but they can be content and happy.  They don't exploit their national resources to earn money for their country, if it means they lose a forest, or it causes loss for the people.  They have rules for dress, culture, and architecture.  This is a new movement for them.
• Denmark is known as consistently the most happiest country in earth.  There is a strong sense of community.  Education is free.
• We all need something bigger than ourselves to care about.  Working as part of a community helps us focus on what we have to offer to others instead of focusing on the things we don't have in our lives.
• Happy people function better, they are healthier, they live longer, and they are more productive.
• The Guinness Book of World Records shows that there's a disproportionate number of the world's oldest people in Okinawa, Japan, (despite their record of being the most unhappy nation!).  (I read yesterday they have over 17 people who are older than 100!) The residents attribute their health and longevity to working hard on their farms, eating dinner together, spending time with family, drinking Sake in the evenings, and going to bed early. They have strong traditions that bring people of all ages together regularly. And, they do not believe in doing harm to anyone. Their sense of community is so strong, that they cremate all of their dead, and put them in one communal coffin, because they are all "one family."
• To laugh is important.
• Play, having new experiences, having friends and family- these are the things that make us happy.
• And last but not least, compassion leads to happiness.  It is in our blood from birth, throughout our whole lives.  Spending two weeks meditating on trying to be compassionate can physically change your brain and increase your happiness.

Stay happy my friends!

Bitter Sweetness

I woke up crying this morning.  Roger was leaving for two weeks in Peru today to take care of some business.  I miss him while I'm at work for 8 hours, so I dreaded what it would be like for two weeks without him.  So we said our goodbyes, and I tried to be strong as I left for work so he could have a good time and not worry about me.

All I could think about is how alone I will be.  I have no friends or family here, so who am I supposed to talk to? Who is going to make my breakfast and lunch in the morning, and stand at the door waving and blowing kisses as I leave?  Who is going to greet me after work with a hug and a kiss and little dance?  Who am I going to eat dinner with and watch TV with and snuggle with?

Then, I came home after work and found the house plastered everywhere with sticky notes about how much he loves me, and reminders of our plans for our future, and reminders to be strong because he loves me so much.  This is one of the sweetest men I know.

So while I will be super lonely without him by my side, I have a hundred loving reminders of how much this man loves me and I know he will miss me too.  How lucky is that!?!

I love you Roger.  Safe travels. XO

Our Little Trip

First thing Saturday, Roger and I found a great antique store in Atlanta, Airport Antiques.  I found an interesting painting that featured an oriental Madonna and child.  The owners were very friendly, the store was  well organized and stocked, and the prices were very reasonable.

Oh, and before I forget, here's the cool hotel toilet I was telling you about.  You just pull the little knob on the top straight up to flush.

Then, Roger and I went to Little Five Points.  It reminded us of Long Beach or Echo Park, in California.  We started out at an estate sale in one of the most beautiful (and largest) houses I've ever been in.  The house was left as if someone had just inhabited it yesterday.  Clothes in the closet, paper napkins and dishes in the kitchen cabinets, linens in the closets, newspapers in stacks on the floor.  One occupant had been an architect and a photographer. The house even had a dark room.  The mistress of the house had ballroom gowns and furs.  The children had ornate dollhouses and flowered quilts. The experience was awful and overwhelming.  Their possessions were strewn everywhere. I kept thinking that I  don't want to die and have people rummage through my things and discard them in a pile.  I felt a deep sense of despair.  We left with a brass piano music box that plays Dixie and a coat rack.  The items will be well loved in our home and we will remember the house with each use and imagine what the original owners must have been like.

The Library and a room in the Basement.










We also found a fun store called the Junkman's Daughter. They had oddities and funky clothes and shoes- new and used.

After that, we hit the road and headed to Cherokee, N.C.  We went to Harrah's Casino to look around, but it was smokey, expensive, and we were tired.  We had a hard time finding lodging because there was a huge mudslide that closed the roads to Gaitlinburg, so a lot of travelers were stuck.  So, we ended up in a dump called Drama Inn.  The bed had hair on the pillow cases (and the toilet wasn't so trendy), so I dragged in our blankets and pillows and we slept on top of the comforters.  However, it worked out o.k. because it was cheap and convenient.  Oh well.  It was also situated smack on a river, so we had a nice view in the morning.  After we checked out, we headed further into the Great Smokey Mountains to look for snow.  We didn't have to go very far!

Roger had never seen snow, so he was like a kid.  We also found a waterfall.  We'll always have good memories of this.

Roger's big (snow) ball.

Waterfall

 Icicles

 Roger and I

A random snowman we found it the woods!  It was about 8 inches tall!

Another pic of us

 A grizzly bear named Lizzy in a shameful bear zoo.  They were in such small concrete cells.  Pathetic.  But, she is beautiful and she likes apples.

 How!  An Indian statue in Cherokee.  My grandparents took me here as a child.  Good memories.

Check out the elevation!













Then, we headed home.  We arrived around 11:30 last night.  This morning, I was greeted by the blooming Lipstick Plant my grandfather started for me.  I keep it in a light bulb planter he and I made together.  So pretty.  Happy Monday.  Have a great week!

Stop #1

Stop #1 is Days Inn Airport in Atlanta. We got a pretty good room for $49. There was the coolest toilet ever. I'll try to add a pic but I'm on my cell, so I might have to do it later. Anyway, from our stay here, I learned that planes take off or land at the Atlanta airport every 29-60 seconds.
Now, we're off. Happy Saturday.

A New Adventure

When I got off work, Roger and I decided not to go camping this weekend. Instead, we packed our bags, got in the truck, and decided to pick a road. We need some time to regroup, relax, and enjoy each other without distractions. So we're on  I75, headed to Chattanooga!  And another first, we got an audio book- Dran Koontz's 77 Shadow Street.
I found my happy groove again!

It's Friday!!!!!

Well, I finally woke Roger up at 1:30 so I would have someone to talk to. He was gracious enough to talk to me until 3:30. At 5 I was awakened by children arguing and crying and it made me so mad, because the homeless shelter dumps people out at 4:30 or 5 in the morning. It was 45 degrees. Where are these poor kids supposed to go before they go to school? How are they supposed to stay awake during the day? It upsets me to think about it.

Anyway, something happy- My honey and I are going tent camping this weekend.  Yippee!!!!

Loneliness

Today, I feel a profound sense of loneliness.  (Every time I hear the word profound, I visualize my mother secretly smiling as she once told me the story of how one of her high school teachers told her she was profound.  She was very proud of that.  She, like many other people I know, still relish high school memories.  I, on the other hand, try very hard to forget high school.)  Anyway, as usual, I digress.

So I spent all day at work, not saying a word, and no one noticed me.  The only people who acknowledged me all day were the receptionist and the parking lot attendant.  I got home, and there was no concierge at the desk.  Roger and I went out and had a drink, and no one paid attention to us.

Then, we went to bed, and Roger went to his dreamland where he, too, dreams of high school, and his family, and his own personal ghosts.

So, at midnight, I went for a walk.  I still couldn't find anyone to talk to.  There were no homeless people, no security guard, no anybody.  Where is everyone?  I don't really talk to my family.  I'm not in close contact with my friends.  And my son is in his own world. The silence is deafening.

I don't really have much to say.  I don't want to talk about the world, or politics, or the news, or money, or work, or family.  I just want to talk about something mindless and happy.

Even here on my blog, I ramble on, most days, and there is silence.  I know people read this, because I can watch how many views I have. I don't see any names, but I know the views come from far off places, like the Philippines, Russia, and Germany.  But no one says a word to me.

So, I tried to take a scalding hot shower to scrub off my loneliness, but it didn't work.  I scrubbed my teeth.  I put on fresh p.j.'s but the feeling is still here.

I guess I'll just go listen to music and try to think about what happened in peoples lives to inspire them to write their lyrics.

And one last thought- why does everybody do the same thing? We all get up at relatively the same time. Most everyone eats three meals a day.  Everyone watches some t.v. and browses other people's lives on the internet.  Everyone is so eager to talk to people who are not in front of them and ask about their lives, but people can't talk to each other face to face.  Then, everybody goes to bed at the same time, after everyone brushes their teeth, of course. It's stupid.  You don't need 8 hours of sleep.  You don't need three meals a day at the same time everyday.  You don't have to watch the news in the morning and before you go to bed.  Why doesn't anybody try to live outside the box?

Nevermind.  No one is going to answer anyway.

Good night, or good morning, rather.

Happy Ads

I just realized the local newspaper has a section called "Happy Ads" in the classifieds. It's empty.............

Jesus and the Pin-up

What's wrong with this picture?  I was trying to request a free bible, and right before I hit 'Submit', I noticed an add at the bottom of the website for a pin-up postcard.  Weird!

Anyway, today was day three of the stinky cabbage soup diet.  I don't even care anymore.  Today was stinky cabbage soup + fruits + vegetables - corn - potatoes - bananas = misery.  Tomorrow is stinky cabbage soup + bananas + skim milk = more misery.  Sounds like constipation to me.  Maybe that's meant to counteract the wicked diarrhea that's the number 1 side effect of this diet followed by ravenous hunger and a gross (gross meaning large, not yucky, but yucky works here, too) feeling of dissatifaction.  That's o.k. When I weighed this morning I was down 5 1/2 pounds.  We'll see what the scale says tomorrow.

Here's a song:

Stinky Cabbage

Roger and I are on day two of the cabbage diet.  Not fun.  Day one was stinky cabbage soup and all the fruit we wanted except bananas.  Today was stinky cabbage soup and all the veggies we could eat, plus one potato, and no corn.  Tomorrow will be stinky cabbage soup plus all the fruits and veggies we want, but no bananas, corn or potatoes.  Can you hear my stomach growling?

All I can say is I'm glad the yoga teacher didn't sit on my legs this week, after two days of cabbage soup.  As retaliation for last week's incident, he squatted by my head to push on my shoulders and pooted a little in my face.  It took all my self discipline to not burst out laughing and tell him he wins......

Anyway, I got a free deep tissue massage at work today.  Hurt so good...... (My boss still goes days without acknowledging me.)  Sigh........

And last, Roger and I are making new plans.  Jacksonville doesn't seem to be working out very well for us.  We don't feel so bad now, though, because through last night's news cast, we learned that  Jax has the 5th worst economy in the nation.  No wonder there's so many BEAUTIFUL abandoned buildings.  If only, if only......

All I can think of tonight is pizza and Oreos.  I wonder what day I get to eat those with my stinky cabbage soup......

Here's a song.

Late Night Walk

Roger and I watched two good movies today:  Red Lights, with Sigourney Weaver and Robert De Nero, and La Vita es Bella (Life is Beautiful)- of of my all time favorites.

Then we went on one of our late night walks.  Lots of people were sleeping in the street tonight, since it's warmed up a little.  Most of the people we passed told us "Hi."  I love late night adventures.  Here's two pictures.

Thank God for Weekends

Roger and I went to see Django last night.  Great movie, though horribly violent.  I expected this, however- it is a Quintin Tarantino movie.

I ditched my diet last night.  After 12 days of Atkins, and almost no progress, I wanted some movie theater popcorn and a Kit Kat bar.  My self discipline is horrible.

In 30 minutes, I'm going to wake up my Honey Bunches of Oats and we're going to Cars and Coffee (an RX7 gathering).  We were going to take a concealed weapons class today, but decided to wait until next weekend.

After spending the week trying to help my son figure out what he should do with his life, I think Roger and I are getting Wanderlust.  There's so many places to travel.  We can store our stuff, grab a suitcase and wander the globe......  Decisions, decisions......

Anyway,  I hope you have a great weekend.  I have a stinkin' suspicion it's going to be a great one!!!

Here's a song:

Two thoughts

1) I found the best way to cook Brussels sprouts.  Fry 3 strips of bacon and remove from pan. Add some olive oil.  Cut the Brussels sprouts in half.  Put in pan.  Add some olive oil on top.  Add 1 chopped shallot and salt and pepper.  Cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add one cup of chicken broth.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Put on plate and crumble bacon on top. Eat.  (Super Yummy!!!)

2) Today I was thinking about all the good things that have happened over the course of my life.  Off all those things, this is my favorite, most cherished memory..... The night I met Roger, at the Bad Brains punk rock concert, after I introduced him to Alex and he disappeared for a minute to go get the items he bought from the T-Shirt stand, I told him Alex and I had to leave.  He looked like a lost puppy dog.  "Do you two want to go get something to eat?", he said?  "No, we have to go.  We have a long drive (from Ft. Lauderdale to Jensen Beach) and we have work and school tomorrow.", I said.  This is the best part......  Then, he gently reached down, put my face in his hands, and gave me the most gentle kisses ever on each of my temples. He stood there and watched as we walked away.  Sounds like a mushy romance novel, but that was one of the sweetest moments of my whole life, and I'll never forget it.

That's it.  Have a good night.  Bye for now.......

Update

Well,  I've obviously made no time for an update so far this week.  My new job is draining because I work with women, and women are drama queens.  My son is draining, because he's paralyzed with fear about what he should do with his life, so he is doing nothing.  My diet is draining because I'm doing everything I can to lose weight, and I'm only losing like 1/2 a pound a day.

The rest of my life is perfect and happy.  I started a yoga class on Tuesday.  (Confession:  I was in happy baby pose- holding my knees while laying on my back, and the male instructor sat on my legs and I quietly farted.  He moved on to the next person pretty fast....I don't think he'll do that next week...)

Roger and I also started a class on Wednesday called Basic A- it's to learn about the Episcopal religion.  And, the great part is we get to ask questions and no one will raise an eyebrow (at least not in front of us).

And, today is my grandmother's 80th birthday.  I'm so lucky because I have both my grandparents and they have such a special place in my heart.

And, my husband got his hair cut this week, and he's so handsome!  And, he's nice on top of that, and put's up with me.  And, he's patient with my child. He tells me he loves me and I'm beautiful, and his goal in life is to make me happy. And, he doesn't let me wash dishes, because a year ago I left a speck of food on a plate. And he loves my family.   What more could a girl ask for?

Life is good.

Here's a song.

My Ninja's Are Better Than Yours!

I just got Roger really good!

He was in the shower, and I waited until he was washing his face, and I slipped my arm in and turned the water to freezing cold. I could then see his outline stand up, look around, then start saying, "Holy Shit, Holy Shit."

I think I peed my pants laughing so hard....  I'm afraid his Ninjas might retaliate......

Today is Going to Be Great!

Today is a going to be a great day!  I'm sure of it!!!

I slept well.  I know this, because every time I rolled over, my joints popped.  This is a great thing because this only happens when my muscles are totally relaxed.  I was relaxed!!! Yeah!!!

And, I woke up to someone walking down the street whistling "More than a Woman", from the Saturday Night Live soundtrack.

And, then, I checked my phone, and I had a hopeful text from my son.  He's never hopeful- usually just gloomy.  So this, too, is great!

So, Happy Saturday.  Let your light shine.

P.S.  We watched a great movie last night, called "Butter" on Netflix.  Check it out.  It's funny, has a good cast, and off the wall.

Here's the song of the day.

UCF is Jacked Up

This is in no way meant to be offensive to anyone who attended UCF.  I'm sure it's a great school.  It's just that we have had a rotten experience with them.  Here is our story.

My son, Alex, graduated high school with an A.S. degree in business.  His GPA wasn't great and he didn't participate in community activities, because he didn't want to go to college.  As his final H.S. year was ending and he started seeing his friends leaving or preparing to leave, he quickly changed his mind.  He didn't have any scholarships and missed Bright Futures by .5%.  That being said, I also failed in that I could never afford to pay for the prepaid scholarship plan, so I was of no help to him.

Now, if he had graduated with an A.A. degree, he could have transferred into any state university.  But having an A.S. degree, the universities require 60 credit hours.  He had 57.  So, he decided to move to Tampa and take a class at Hillsborough Community College while he was applying to UCF.

He was accepted, and he was told to go to orientation on January 3 & 4.  He also had to pay $50 so I could go with him.  He also paid $250 to apply for student housing.  The deadline for that was December 7th.  He met the deadline.

As of Wednesday, January 2nd, Alex still had not been assigned a dorm room.  He was still on a list.

So, long story short-  1) he had to pay for housing before he knew how much his tuition would be; 2) he couldn't sign up for classes until he went to orientation three days before classes were due to begin; and 3) apparently, when he applied for housing, the agreement said that he would pay a $1,250 penalty if he chose not to rent a dorm room.

So, the school wanted him to move into the dorm room this Saturday, start classes on Monday, and they'd figure out how much we owe and how much financial aide he's awarded in the next two weeks.  And "I don't have to worry," because they'll work out a payment plan for me any day of the month I choose for somewhere between $500 and $1,000 a month.  Bullshit.  What kind of process is that?

It used to be you met with a counselor first and figured out what you wanted to study, then applied for financial aide to see how much you would receive, then picked your classes, then went to orientation and started a week later.  I think this is bunk.  So now since we've backed out because he doesn't qualify for grants and I don't want him saddled with a crazy amount of student loans at 8% interest, we have to pay $1,250 for them to NOT rent us a room.  Otherwise, his first credit item as a new adult will be a collection account.  Let me repeat, BULLSHIT. Sigh.

So, now, I'm going to think about something happy to write.  Just give me a minute.

O.K.  I thought of something.  Remember my post bashing Home Depot for reporting me past due two months after I paid off my account?  Well, they really didn't care about the complaint I filed, or the letters I wrote them, or my credit bureau dispute.  However, when I sent them a copy of my post on my blog and a snapshot of how many views I had, I received a letter from the President of the credit department advising they changed their reporting to remove the negative reporting.  Go me!!!    So, thank you for reading my blog, which helps my numbers.

Here's the song of the day. (I'm pretty sure when he says, "D.C.'s in the house," he's referring to me!!)

Bad Karma

I fear for those who refuse to show sympathy or empathy towards others.  To me, this lack of emotion is bad juju, and Karma is a bitch when she comes around. I'm just saying.........

Useless!!!!!!!!

Last night was rediculous.  I planned to go to bed by 10:00, so I could be asleep by 11:00, and get a full 8 hours of sleep.  Nope, didn't happen. 

I made it to bed on time and Roger and I started watching a movie.  After 30 minutes, I kept hearing yelling.  Roger didn't hear it until I made him mute the T.V.  Then, we went to investigate.  My neighbor was having a party- again.  So, we unmuted the T.V. and resumed watching our movie.  At eleven, I tried to sleep, but all I could hear was yelling and music.

At 11:39, I tried to called the concierge, but when no one answered, I remembered they leave at 11:00.  So, I conned my wonderful husband into getting dressed and going to find the security guard.  The said guard informed Roger that there was nothing he could do, that we could call the police.  What!?!?!?  USELESS!!!!! Here's where I need anger management.

So, I pull out my computer and look up the non-emergency line for the police department.  A very nice officer offered to send someone out.  Well, we live downtown.  That's where all the cops are.  We pass at least fifty (who eye us suspicously) every time we go for our evening walk.

So, I put on my clothes and run to the door to peep through the eye hole.  Five minutes pass.  Ten.  Fifteen.  Twenty. Thrity minutes. I need anger management again.  Well, this was USELESS, too!!!!!  Finally, now that the peep hole had made a permanent indention on my face, I decide to give up.  I decide to call the concierge's desk again and leave a message about what was going on so we could talk about it when they were open.  When I dialed, the police answered.  They somehow got in the lobby, but had no way to access any floors, because of our super dooper security system where you have to have a key fob to access only your floor on the elevator.  Shit.  I told him we'd come down and bring him up.  So, my wonderful husband went on his second mission of the night.  Roger is such a trooper! 

When the cop was ready to knock on the neighbor's door, Roger and I went inside and tried to share the peep hole again.  I didn't end up seeing anything :(. 

So, long story short, the cop pounded for a minute, the neighbor opened the door, came out, and quickly shut it behind him.  The cop told him to lower the music and the voices, then he turned around and left.  The neighbor then had to knock for a minute or two to get back in.  How weird is that?  The cop doesn't think it's suspicous that the guy didn't want him to see the inside; and he didn't wait to leave until the noise volume was under control?  Whatever.  The party immediately died, and I finally got to sleep around 1:00.  End of story.

So, today, I conquored day two of my diet.  I can tell I'm getting a little grouchy, because earlier I wanted to go punch the homeless man who was standing under my bathroom window, singing as loud as his little lungs could sing.  Normally, I like singing.  It makes me happy.  Not tonight.  Grrrrr. 

Anyway, there's no song for today.

Happy Wednesday!

A Quiet New Year

Roger and I had a quiet day.  I mananged to clean out one dresser.

This afternoon, we went to see Les Miserables.  Two thumbs up.  I managed to avoid the buttered popcorn, since Dr. Atkins and I will be friends again. Thank God for whipped cream!  Oh, yeah- go see the movie.  It's long, but worth it.  My friend from Canada gave me the soundtrack in 1990, when we went to school in France.  I listened to it a million times, but I had never read the book or saw the movie, so I just had a vague idea about the story plot.  Seeing the movie filled in the blanks for me. I'm sure lots of awards will be given to the actors.

Also, I managed to stay calm and pleasant all day.  I only slipped once, when I flicked off a bus driver who saw us coming, then pulled out and blocked the highway while he stopped to ask directions.

Happy Tuesday.

Happy New Year

Happy 2013!  This is the end of a chapter (2012) and the beginning of a new one.  I hope everyone has at least a glimmer of hope that this year will be better- that we have new opportunities.  The chance to try new things, establish new habits, reach new goals.  There is some mental block about doing any of these things on December 21st, or December 30th.  I think 99% of men decide to wait until January 1st- that magic day that's sure to make a difference.

Regardless, hope and optimism are critical for our survival.  So, write your goals/aspirations down.  This year, be determined to keep up with your goals- to track them and see them through.

Today, on January 1, 2013, that is my goal.  Here are my New Years Resolutions:

1. I am going to transform my body.  I am going to lose weight, tighten and tone.  I going to ingest better things for the sake of my health.
2. I am going to learn Spanish.  I am going to establish a schedule so this can be accomplished. I don't want to be the odd man out anymore and wonder what people are saying, only to get the abridged version when someone explains.  
3. I am going to establish a personal style.  Many, many people have a signature look.  My mom's friend always wears blazers.  My husband always wears rock t-shirts.  My new niece always wears a flower in her hair.  A girl at work, always wears a funky watch.  I'm am going to come up with something that identifies ME. Oh, look!  There that girl who always wears green shoes!  Just kidding.
4. I am going to be-friend a homeless person.  My understanding is there are around 5,000 homeless people in Jacksonville.  I hope to find one that I can help on a recurring basis.  There's no reason I can't provide someone with food, clothing, shoes, or an occasional shower.  Maybe I can help someone get on his/her feet, or help a child.
5. I have a website called Lilly's Frillys.  I bought the domain name last year (sounds weird saying that!) so I could have an online store for antiques, crafts and collectibles.  I've done nothing with it since then.  This year, I'm going to list my items and establish my business.
6. I am going to be efficient and organized.  Roger is frequently frustrated with me because I cant find my keys, or my purse, or my fill in the blank.  I am going to purge my purse and donate clothes I don't wear.  I will take pictures of that swivel stick, flyer or napkin that reminds me of some event then toss it.  I will go through my cabinets and rubber tubs and determine what I've never used.  Every thing will have a place.  I will also remember people's birthdays, so I'm not always apologizing for being a bad friend or relative.
7. I am going to learn to stabilize how I project myself.  I have a wicked temper, yet I am also very very insecure.  So, how I project myself is all over the spectrum.  Sometimes, with my family, I loose my cool and yell or scream.  I frequently use these opportunities to say hurtful things. When someone I don't know is an jerk to me, I see red, and fume for hours.  For example, at the Waldo Inbred Flea Market this past weekend, I was taking a picture of foul that were packed in a disgusting cage.  This redneck asshole thought it would be funny to sneak up and tip the cage to scare the birds, and me!  Well, this prompted mean comments on my part and frustrated me for at least an hour.  On the other hand, when I meet new people, I over-humble myself.  I'm the girl that's always nice and compliments people and always volunteers to fetch the coffee.  I look down when I walk and always say I'm sorry.  I'm sorry your paper's stuck in the copier.  I'm sorry I was in the way when you came plowing in the elevator.  I'm sorry I have to climb over you in church because you chose to sit at the end of an empty pew. I don't want to be this person anymore.  I want to be confident, and consistent, and neutral.  I want to be quick and aware of what's going on around me.  I want to be feminine, and funny, and have a high likability factor.  However, I also want to be mysterious- I don't want to be everyone's friend or have everyone know my life story either.  

So that's it.  That's the master plan.  Seven little things to improve my life.  I can do this.  You can encourage me, or at least silently cheer me on.  In the meantime, in 2013, may we all be healthy, wealthy and wise.  

Here's the first song of the year.