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The Red Velvet Ant

I’ve witnessed one. And I’ll never forget that day. Nor will I regret killing it.

I was telling a couple of friends of the story yesterday. It still tops the chart of the most interesting insect I’ve ever seen, and I told them had I been blogging back then there would’ve certainly been a 4-5 page blog about it. I figure, better late than never!

Several years back when I still lived at my old house, I pulled up our steeply inclined driveway and there it was. A little over an inch long, there was this monstrous-looking bright red and black striped segmented body taking a gingerly walk on the driveway. I got out of the car and immediately ran inside for the bug killer (sorry folks – if I had a do-over I’d reach for the bug-killer again). Back outside, this ‘thing’ had made it’s way over to the edging in between the driveway and our well-manicured lawn in an attempt to hide.

The monster’s coloring was so bright it looked fake, but I was quickly reminded wasn’t once it started charging me. The hairs were long and fine, and looked so soft, like velvet. I dared not get to close because the thing ran so fast towards me, I would’ve probably had a coronary if it had reached me and stung. I had to get closer to even start spraying, and when I did what I heard about made me faint. The thing was screaming. Later, upon reading up on them I found they do this when threatened. Well, I was threatening it all right – I’m just glad this thing didn’t know how scared I was. I finally got close enough to start spraying the bug killer – at first it didn’t phase the creature.

Once it started working, I didn’t let up. (All God’s creatures? Nuh.)

The ‘red velvet ant’, also called a ‘cow killer’ is actually a wasp, and is a member of the Mutillidae family. The female is wingless, which is what I encountered. They range in size from 1/8″ to a little over 1″. The two largest ones are the Satan’s (appropriately named, wouldn’t ya say?) one being black with a yellowish-white abdomen and the other red and black. The males have wings but no stingers, while the females have stingers but lack wings. Don’t let the looks deceive you – even though they look soft and silky, the heavy outer covering of body functions as a suit of armor and can only be penetrated with great difficulty.

These ‘ants’ (remember though, they’re wasps) vary in color. On the west coast, they are generally white, central America, they appear orange and black, and on the east coast (primarily the southern states) they are bright to crimson red and black.

Cow killer

Posted by  |  April 2, 2010 | Categories: Animals | 42 Comments

Carnivorous ways

May I present to you… ((drumroll, please))… slimeball no. 6,283,937.

Monogamous, synonymous, monotonous. RIDICULOUS.

Sex Rehab. Really? This rehab shit is really getting old. The refuge of the politically incorrect. How ’bout scumbag rehab? Is it possible to rehabilitate a scumbag? And if he needs to be in a sex rehab, then so do all the other little skanks of his that continue to surface – because they are the other 50% of the problem.

Fan support for the slimeball? Please spare me. Keep in mind that this person does NOT represent Harleys, or biking in general for that matter. So what that you’ve got biking in common?! Go out and get yourselves a real role model – hey, here’s a clue: maybe someone that has morals? Tell ya what I’m a big fan of – every dog has it’s day. And today, dog, just ain’t yours…

This doesn’t even deserve a spot on my blog, add in the fact I’ve already written about it. So, now that I’ve had another rant I’ll move on to bigger and better things! How about those iPads? Talk about bigger and better. God I want one so bad my mouth is watering. You can actually get a nicely equipped one for about the same cost as a laptop now. Unfortunately, the money isn’t there, and probably won’t be for a while. But if it was….

…I’d have one sitting pretty in my hands by 10:00am this Saturday, which is approximately one hour after it makes it’s official debut at the Apple store. Hey, I can dream can’t I?

A brand new month, wow! As loseusual, I don’t know where the last month went. One thing I do know – I don’t want to be saying that about the summer in a several months. I want this summer to last forever.

So now onto the subject of my blog today. What? You thought it was about Jesse? Nah – truth is, I love meat. I mean, I literally crave it. I could so never be a vegetarian. Besides, those little vegans running around out there look so unhealthy. And unhappy. A big fat steak, roasted chicken or hamburger is all it takes to (temporarily) make ole’ Bon a happy girl. Okay I just had to get that out.

What has been deterring my carnivorously happy ways lately is all the recent news we’re hearing of the manner that many of these animals are raised and slaughtered. I honestly can’t watch shows on the subject. I’ve started buying the organic meats (all-natural, no growth inducers, farm-raised, grain-fed, etc.) whenever possible. It is a little more expensive, but they say if half the population would do that it would force these mass producers to implement stricter measures for raising their livestock.

Last but certainly not least – today is my Daddy’s birthday! Here’s a man who was fortunate enough to have been assigned a birthday on April Fool’s. 😆 He’s always taken the jokes about it rather well and has definitely enjoyed pulling his share of pranks on his birthday. Anyway, I love and respect him very much. Happy Birthday to you, Daddy!

Posted by  |  April 1, 2010 | Categories: Entertainment, Food, Opinion, Rants, Relationships | 1 Comment

The Shark Whisperer

I love marine life. Sharks in particular amaze me – seriously, every single thing about them. I’ll get engrossed in a tv special about them in a split second. For this reason, I wish I’d done better in school and went on to excel in marine biology. Either that or writing, my two true loves in life. 😀

I watched what was actually a rerun of a special the other night where CNN’s Anderson Cooper had the amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of free-diving with professional “Sharkman” Mike Rutzen. Free diving. This means cageless. With Great White sharks.

The Great White is by far the most dangerous and powerful shark known to man. It always blows me away to see how massive these sharks were, so witnessing a human being free-diving with them is quite remarkable. Click here to see the 13-minute special aired on CBS’s 60 minutes.

It seems that I’m always learning something new about sharks – guess I can attribute this to the interest factor in that I’m always paying attention! First, contrary to what some people believe, they are not blind or even partially so. Mike said that they actually like to make eye contact with humans! Can you imagine making eye contact with a Great White up close and personal? Also, a sharks eyes are not black, they are actually blue. As he and a great white swam past each other while making eye contact, he pointed the color out – and you could even see the sharks eyes turn to him. The sharks seem to ‘like’ him. Um again, these are Great Whites – the same predator depicted in the movie Jaws!

Mike searches for curious sharks... which he calls 'players'.

Now, he doesn’t just free-dive into any old Great White infested waters, mind you. He ‘feels out’ the sharks beforehand – deciphering their ‘personality’ or ‘current mood’. This is how he will decide if the shark is what he calls ‘a player’, an endearing term he uses to describe a curious shark. With all the criteria in place – in he goes.

Mike “Sharkman” Rutzen owns and operates his own dive company off the coast of South Africa called Shark Diving Unlimited. For a nominal fee you’ll be able to cage-dive, allowing you to safely observe the sharks for yourself (you’ll just need to travel to Africa to do it with him). I can’t think of a single thing in life more awesome than the opportunity to do this. Along with his faithful and professional crew, he operates the business with his vessel Barracuda – a 12.5 meter Lee Cat specifically built for Great White shark cage diving. Her twin hull makes her extremely stable… admittedly by SDU, a good thing to keep in mind if you’re prone to sea sickness! With a maximum of 21 clients each trip, the back deck is spacious with an upstairs viewing deck that offers a great vantage point to watch the action. All diving equipment, towels and picnic lunch are on board, as well as all required safety equipment including two 15-man liferafts.

Michael believes that he is able to decipher the body language of great white sharks – and proves his theory by altering his own body language to maintain control of the interactions. By making his body smaller, he can attract a curious shark; by making himself bigger in the water he can deter a confident shark. His golden rule is to ‘stand your ground – because everything that swims away from a Great White shark is potential prey’.

German filmmaker Ralf Kiefner made a wonderful film about Michael free-diving with Great Whites. The film is called Beyond Fear and was broadcast on National Geographic. Since the release of the film, Michael has become known world-wide for his unique understanding of Great White shark behavior.

By free-diving with these magnificent creatures, Michael hopes to increase awareness of the many shark-killers out there that still exist, as well as promote the ‘gentler’ side of sharks. He believes this to be a crucial step in the right direction in changing the public’s negative image of these majestic predators.

In his native South-African accent, Michael jovially states that he’s always felt he will be one of  those who die at a younger age. When asked why, he replied, “Well you know… I smoke too much, drink too much, and I like to drive my car really fast.” AC asked, “But it won’t be from a Great White?” to which Michael replied with a sly grin, “Naw”.

Information and photos derived from www.sharkdivingunlimited.com

Posted by  |  March 31, 2010 | Categories: Animals, Entertainment, Nature, Ocean, Photography | Leave a comment

Psyche

The local news here in the big city this morning – 2 adults, 2 children dead in apparent murder-suicide. My God. I can’t help but wonder what kind of situation could preempt a horrific act like that. It’s in a ‘good’ part of town, too – which I realize of course means zilch. The entire country world has gone to hell in a handbasket, as my Mammaw used to say.

The human mind is a delicate thing, I suppose. More and more people out there just seem prone to “snap”. I used to have road rage on occasion, I admit it – but now? No way. You have no idea who’s in the car next to you or whether they’ll blow your head off just for reason of you pissing ’em off. We have to worry about this for the upcoming generation, our children. Just leaving the house anymore will put your life in severe danger.

We also had a full moon last night.

On another, more positive note – I get to see my guy tonight. 🙂 We recently made a deal to spend time together at least once during the work week. Now that it’s officially Spring, that shouldn’t be too hard. I find myself wanting to spend more and more time outside.

The end of the week, starting with Good Friday, begins our holiday of Easter. Easter is defined as the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

Today however starts Passover. Many people don’t know the meaning of this Jewish holiday (yes I more than realize I’m not Jewish). Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian Pharaohs, during which time the Israelites were subjected to backbreaking labor and unbearable horrors, God saw the people’s distress and sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message: “Send forth My people, so that they may serve Me.” But despite numerous warnings, Pharaoh refused to heed God’s command. God then sent upon Egypt ten devastating plagues, afflicting them and destroying everything from their livestock to their crops as well as killing their firstborn. While doing so, God spared the Children of Israel, “passing over” their homes—hence the name of the holiday. Pharaoh’s resistance was broken, and he virtually chased his former slaves out of the land. It is said that the Israelites left in such a hurry, in fact, that the bread they baked as provisions for the way did not have time to rise. 600,000 adult males, plus many more woman and children, left Egypt on that day, and began the trek to Mount Sinai and their birth as ‘God’s chosen people’.

So there’s your history lesson for the day. Interesting stuff.

Posted by  |  March 30, 2010 | Categories: News, Opinion, Religion, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Good Monday

This was a good weekend. Friday night we went out for mexican and ate out on the covered balcony for the first time this year. We had it to ourselves as it was a little nipply nippy out there, especially as the sun went beyond the horizon. It was still nice, though – a little prelude of the good times to come this summer. Saturday, I went to my guys house where he surprised me with a bottle of wine and a homemade salad to top all human salads… I mean this thing was the bomb. Anything and everything you can imagine, a true color wheel. Red onions, black olives, green and red bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, block cheese, green onions, and cubed chicken and turkey. In addition, he had went out and bought the movie New Moon for us to watch that evening. Sunday afternoon, my daughter and I tested out the newest fleamarket in our area, called Trader Marc’s. A totally-indoor fleamarket sized to epic proportions. I really liked this place – the inside was well-organized, a good variety of different items, and well – it was just ‘classy’ compared to any other fleamarket I’ve ever been to. I really was impressed. Even more impressive to me were the vendors theirselves. We spent more time talking to the vendors than we did shopping. A happy bunch, they were – all so talkative in their (mostly) southern drawl. Oh how I do love a good southern drawl…

A severe set of storms ran through last night. With it came tornado warning after tornado warning. Hail, the whole nine yards (minus the tornado, thank God). The greenery is becoming oh so abundant as the sun continues to rise this morning.

A four-day work week this week! Yay… I’m fortunate enough to have Good Friday off. So far the forecast calls for sunny and temps around 80. I think can live with that.

Happiness, definition from Wikipedia… A state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.

The image used for happiness?

Just thought I’d throw that in there. 😉

Posted by  |  March 29, 2010 | Categories: Food, Miscellaneous, Thoughts | Leave a comment

22 years ago

Doesn’t seem possible it could be that many years, but it is. My little girl is 22 today.

I often think back to the time before her birth. She was comfortable right where she was at, inside me. Originally scheduled to be a Pisces, she decided to stay put for three more weeks deeming her a headstrong Aries. I was desperate to see my new baby, which led to my insane decision of taking a couple servings of Castor Oil to throw myself into labor.

It seemed like I was in the hospital a week, but it was only about two and a half days. I’ll never forget it. When I went in, the trees were barren and winter-like. No leaves, no hint of anything. On the drive home from the hospital with our new baby, the trees were full of leaves. It was as though a new season had been born for her and her alone. For this reason, I will forever associate her with Springtime.

She was a happy baby – and a happy child. So many things about her are the same as when she was little. Her smile, her laugh, her loving ways – her beauty. She will be walking across the stage to graduate college in two short months. Four years of diligent hard work has paid off for her. She’s the kind of person who will be successful at whatever she does. I’m not saying this because she’s my daughter, that’s just how it’s always been.

Several months back I posted a poem that I wrote for my daughter when she was about 3 years old, found in a lost journal. She’s read it before, but I’m gonna post it again here. No other day more fitting than her birthday.

My Julia….
It seems so many years
Since the day when you were born
I’m blessed I feel, as I recall
there will come many more.
You’re more than I ever asked for
So innocent and true
Already my dreams are answered
If there’s nothing else you do.
Believe me, bug, that when I tell
My dreams of you to some
They know, as I, that you’ll succeed
That you’ve already won.
(2-27-92)

Posted by  |  March 27, 2010 | Categories: Family, Holidays, Poetry, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Weeks end

Dinner at the Japanese restaurant last night was fantastic. Not only was the food excellent, but as I’d wished we got a comedian for a chef. Even as young as he was, he was professional as well as entertaining. And, my daughter thought him cute “for a japanese guy”. I caught a cucumber in my mouth for the first time, my daughter caught one in her well-endowed rack, and my guy got a sake drench. 😀 My Mom and her hubby enjoyed theirselves too.

So it appears that I won’t be making a career out of writing happy birthday on cakes. It was hilariously illegible. Hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? And in this case – the taste. Which if I do say so myself, was delectable.

 

Everything is so green outside. It’s like looking at a picture where the artist decided to lightly dab bright green paint on the tips of the barren branches. Beautiful. New. Fresh. Welcomed.

Ah, breathe it in. While you can – because pollen season will be arriving soon.

I had to get on the big scale again at work today because I still didn’t believe yesterday’s reading. Of course it read the exact same – a teeter between 132.5–133… it still seems unreal to me. Although it’s going much slower than the 2008-2009 weight loss, it’s happening nonetheless. For that, and today being Friday, I am grateful.

We’re gonna try and get that picnic and hike in this weekend. So far we’ve been juggling ideas on where to go. I personally want to go as far as possible. ♥

Thought for the day... Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle never know.”  ~Charles Kingsley

Posted by  |  March 26, 2010 | Categories: Thoughts, Weather | Leave a comment

Mindless ramblings

March is packed full of birthdays for me. Today is someone I know’s birthday. I can’t think of who, though. I guess I’ll just put my faith in those facebook reminders and hope for the best.

I weighed in a day early today because, well – because I could. We’re going out to eat tonight for my daughter’s birthday (Saturday), and I know I won’t be working out. The scales teetered between 132.5–133 lbs!! So I’ve lost 1.5 lbs this week alone, only through diet – I can’t really say I’ve worked hard at exercising this week. I’m thinking, just think what the results might have been had I worked out too! So, total weight loss now is at 8 lbs. Can’t wait to get back under 130… I’ll feel like a contestant on Biggest Loser overcoming one of those number hurdles.

I’ve gotta reroute a bunch of wiring from my computer at work today. This is only part of what I’m dealing with.

Pardon the little piece of past there, the top of a cheetos bag. You have no idea how much I’m dreading this. It’s about a decade’s worth of poorly routed wiring – with all the dust I’m sure I’ll be a bag full of sneezes by the end of the day. That old G4 goes to the graveyard too, it’s been inoperable for a long time. Got a new hard drive this week (1 TB – wow feels weird even typing terabyte), so I’ll need to reroute 3 hd’s now. Once everything’s done, it’ll be well worth the effort.

Looking so forward to dinner at the Japanese restaurant tonight! These guys really put on a show – not to mention such good food. Then there’s that added bonus of getting a chef who’s not only able to juggle fire well but is a good comedian. 🙂

Everything is so green outside… what’s already been blooming is starting to change over to green and I love it. It’s almost like a fill-in on what’s been missing all this time, when the leaves come back. I love green, especially that ‘new’ green. Spring Euphoria – that’s what it is. Yeah.

Posted by  |  March 25, 2010 | Categories: Health, Technology, Thoughts | 1 Comment

Feather light

I am light as a feather this morning. Almost all of me. My mind. My soul. My whole sense of being.

Hey, did you hear about Mark Sanford and John Edwards being on the same democratic ticket for 2012? Mark Sanford will handle International Affairs, while John Edwards will take over Domestic Affairs.

Bah-da-BAH!! 😀

Although this joke’s probably old by now, I’ve gotta admit that I still find it funny as hell. Hey, if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. Gotta lighten up sometime.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Ever thought about that phrase? It simply means ‘those of similar interests stick together’. I believe it to be something more like birds of ‘like feathers’. There are many varying opinions as to the origin of the phrase, and after doing a little research myself I’ve decided to just pout and settle with “a proverb of undetermined origin.”

People tend to be drawn to others with corresponding interests. They can also be attracted to persons with alike beliefs, morals and standards for living. On the high side, morale is generally high in these type groups. On the low side, certain traits and characteristics, if taken to the extreme, can be a very bad thing. Take terrorism, for example.

I see a big ole’ flock o’ DoDo’s up in Washington. Spotted ’em all the way from down here.

On another note, there is one thing that is not feather-light this morning. My heart is heavy for three of my friends, each of which has a parent in the hospital. Only one of these cases has a ‘good’ prognosis for the father. The other two, one mother is on life support and the other mother has had lung cancer spread to her brain in what is now a stage 4. I simply cannot imagine what these friends are going through. It’s simply incomprehensible to me, to lose a mother or father. I pray that God will lift my friends and their parents up.

Just another slap of reality to remind us that our time here is indeed so short. To do our very best to be happy, enjoy the time we do have – and  love like crazy.

Posted by  |  March 24, 2010 | Categories: Humor, Political, Thoughts | Leave a comment

The hues of blue

I dreamed a little dream last night. It was the most pleasant dream ever, and seemed so real. I dreamt I was happy. 🙂

On my drive in this morning, the sun had yet to reach the horizon. This caused the lake to take on that ‘neon’ blue look about it – simply gorgeous. If you’ve ever spent the night on the water and wake the next morning at dawn, that’s the color of water I’m talking about. There’s really no other way to describe it, just as there is no name or description worthy enough. It is by far my favorite.

And the sky this morning? Carolina blue baby, at it’s best. We were threatened with a nip-freeze last night, it was 33 when I left for work and my fingers are crossed that it didn’t get any of my new or old plants on the balcony. I have babied some of those plants all winter long and to lose them now would be a real travesty.

I cannot believe it’s almost the fourth month into the year. This absolutely blows my mind. Where is time going and why is it going so fast now? The weeks are flying by – I’ve stopped wishing for the weekends because it’s BAM and they’re here anyway.

Blue is still the hue.

Now, on to my rant. I’m only gonna do this once. So… seeing I’ve got one shot I’d better make it count.

Who the hell decided to vote on the Sabbath anyway? Let me guess. And Prez-o justifies it by saying “we cannot waste another moment”? Give me a freaking break.

So let me see if I’ve got this right. I get to continue paying for healthcare while others, including the illegal immigrants, get it for free. I must surrender my bank account number to the government allowing them full access to garnish wages should an unforeseen event result in my not being able to pay.

Yeah! This justifies what I was told about Prez-o all along! “We the people” who work, get extra taxes pinched out of our paychecks to accomodate those who don’t, or won’t, work. Makes a whole lotta sense. Hey, works for him, doesn’t it? Here’s a few more key issues I have a problem with.

JUDGE KITHIL points out these prominent issues of the newly imposed HCR:

** Page 50/section 152:  The bill will provide insurance to all non-U.S. residents, even if they are here illegally.

** Page 58 and 59: The government will have real-time access to an individual’s bank account and will have the authority to make electronic fund transfers from those accounts.

** Page 65/section 164:  The plan will be subsidized (by the government) for all union members, union retirees and for community organizations (such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now – ACORN). • Update: As of 3-23-10 ACORN is reportedly closing it’s operations… well well. One thing’s for sure, they’re no longer needed for rallying in the healthcare reform area…

** Page 203/line 14-15:  The tax imposed under this section will not be treated as a tax.  (I’ll need to have this one explained to me…)

** Page 241 and 253:  Doctors will all be paid the same regardless of specialty, and the government will set all doctors’ fees.

** Page 272. section 1145: Cancer hospitals will ration care according to the patient’s age. (Excuse me? “Ration”?)

** Page 317 and 321: The government will impose a prohibition on hospital expansion; however, communities may petition for an exception.

** Page 425, line 4-12: The government mandates advance-care planning consultations.  Those on Social Security will be required to attend an “end-of-life planning” seminar every five years. (Death counselling.)

** Page 429,  line 13-25:  The government will specify which doctors can write an end-of-life order.

HAD ENOUGH YET????

** Finally, it is specifically stated that this bill will not apply to members of Congress.  Members of Congress are already exempt from the Social Security system, and have a well-funded private plan that covers their retirement needs. If they were on our Social Security plan, I believe they would find a very quick ‘fix’ to make the plan financially sound for their future.

If it ain’t good enough for you baby – then it ain’t good enough for me. Plain and simple. Oh yeah, I forgot – I no longer get a choice, do I?

Silly me.

Posted by  |  March 23, 2010 | Categories: Health, Political, Rants, The Angry American | Leave a comment

Crystal Blue Persuasion

Diamonds are formed from ugly rocks under great pressure. The pressures of life can cause us to transform into something strong and beautiful. As well, it can cause a complete and total meltdown of body, mind and soul.

I sit here with a glass of wine beside me, my cat by my side, lights dimmed. The flame of a candle dances near me. It’s nighttime and my body is preparing for sleep, though I don’t want to sleep just yet. I want to bask in the last night of my weekend freedom – and immerse myself in the peace the heavy rain in the background brings.

I don’t want to become me again until tomorrow.

I’m safe here.

Outside, it waits. This country I so loved and respected has been all but completely consumed by vile and contemptuous beings – who hide under the title of government. They are the beaks that slowly pick the last bit of meat from my ribs as I lie helpless, alone. And so, it waits. They wait. For me.

I hide.

I won’t think about the stress of life or the liars, the manipulators and the cheaters who lie in wait immediately outside my little sanctuary in the sky. The fresh smell of spring night air is still being ushered in from outside an open window. The rhythmic sound of the falling rain is my audio for the night – I need no other sound.

I will dwell on my endless blessings. I will drive into work tomorrow and apply myself wholeheartedly, still. I will forget about all the evil that has transpired in the course of my lifetime, leading up to this very moment in time.

I will embrace in myself that which cannot be stolen or lied to.

For now, here… I’m safe.


Posted by  |  March 21, 2010 | Categories: Political, The Angry American, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Spring is here

Finally. Day one of Spring! Well, I’m just so excited… I can’t even put it into words. Forecast here is sunny all day and high of around 76 – simply optimal.

There’s so much I want to do today that everything’s a bit scrambled in my mind. Knowing that it’s supposed to rain tomorrow isn’t helping any – it puts an odd sort of urgency on the list.

Thought I’d share one of my favorite poems since it’s on the subject of the day – Spring.

For winter’s rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

~Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837–1909)

This is representative of how I feel. Which is Hooray, Spring…  I’ll just call her Daisy. 😀

Posted by  |  March 20, 2010 | Categories: Poetry, Weather | 2 Comments

Head thoughts

What are these guys thinking. Just WTF ARE THEY THINKING. Yes, I am absolutely on a tirade. This is another truly unavoidable rant for me so I’ll go ahead and say click off now if bad language offends you.

Will there ever come a time when these men stop thinking with their penises. Note I used the word these men – meaning I am not referencing all men.

Sandra B appears to be the freshest victim of infidelity within a marriage. Here’s a very independent woman who previously stated on many occasions she’d never marry – and didn’t until she was 40. A strong female – she’s also credited for being funny, kind, and down to earth. All this is quite refreshing and rare for a Hollywood star. Because of these qualities, along with that beautiful smile and contagious laugh of hers, most of America has fallen in love with her. Oh did I mention she’s  gorgeous? There’s your bonus.

So while she’s busy working to earn an Oscar on the other side of the continent, her husband Jesse aka scuz is busy porking a tatted-up biker porn skank.

Geez, why the name-calling, Bon?

Because I can. Now before anyone gets their panties in a wad, NO – I don’t have anything against tattoos. I don’t have anything against bikers, either. I do however have something against a homewrecker aka skank. Have any one of you seen pictures of this ‘woman’?? If not, please google, and feel free to let me know if  the logic of my slang name-calling is not founded. Pretty damn simple! A tatted-up biker porn skank. I don’t buy her little story that she believed “He told me he was no longer with her, that they weren’t even living together”. C’mon – a REAL woman knows there comes a time in your life where you have to put your big girl panties on and check up on these guys. ‘Cause guess what? They lie.

Although realistically speaking, does this one even deserve a slot in the lie category? Sandra was filming in Georgia… and staying on site there while filming. So the “I’m no longer with her, we aren’t even living together” was a great workaround. He’s a sly one, that scuz is. See, the scuz knew the skank would buy into what he told her in a way that benefitted him. And, in the long run, her too. Because if she wasn’t rich before,  she’s gonna be now.

Homewrecker. My personal opinion is that she sought him out, admittedly having sent him pictures in hopes of getting a modeling job there at that infamous West Coast bike company of his. I’ve had to deal with one such skank in my own personal life, for which I credit my ability at being able to spot one now.

So. Say she did seek him out. He bit. Trust me, I’m not blaming the skank any more than the scuz. To me, they’re both equally at fault – at the most hurtful and devious act one can commit against their partner in a marriage. Which is why they’re a scuz and a skank.

All the money in the world can’t buy happiness for ‘these men’. For them, true happ-penis apparently comes from having the best of both worlds, or hell maybe three or four worlds. This means having a good woman at home as well as a side-serving of one or more tramps. Is it some sort of power thing with these men? Seriously, I wish someone would explain it to me. Because I still don’t understand the risks they take, the lies they must tell to accommodate the risks, and the good women they end up destroying with their selfish acts. I guess I’ll never understand it.

Bon, why do you care? It’s Hollywood stars, you don’t know them! Why do you concern yourself?

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of the infidelity stick in your marriage, male or female – you’ll empathize with others that endure the same. Celebrities are much more widely publicized, and if you’re a fan it makes it all the more personal to you. My opinions written here are just that, my own opinions – just like the time I wrote of my empathy for Elin on Tiger’s many indiscretions.

Unless something monumental breaks on the recent woes of these two, my opinion’s not gonna change. All I’ve got to say is, JJ my man – you just gave up the best thing you’ll EVER have. If it wasn’t apparent before, it is now – you never deserved a woman like that in the first place.

Posted by  |  March 19, 2010 | Categories: Hollywood, Life Struggles, Rants, Relationships | 1 Comment

Remember When…

The song always gets to me. I think it does most people – well okay, maybe females are a little more susceptible. Guess it’s because whatever point it takes us back to was a time where we were blissful and happy – a particular time in our past that is no longer around. Remember the past?

Click here to play it in the background.

Where does the song take you? C’mon, I know you’ve heard it before. To what realm in your life do you find yourself being transported back to whenever you hear it? Childhood? A past love? Your children?

For me, it’s all of the above.

My childhood. The friends I had… the good times and memories of when everything was so much larger than me – and seemingly magical. My family played a very big part in my life. It was always made clear to me how much I was loved, and wanted.

Past love? Well, I can only speak of one… the one of my past life, my 20-year marriage. Things were so good for the first half, or more, which I think he’d agree. After so much had happened, time revealed that there was no possibility of mending the extensive amount of damage. Irreparable. Be ever-mindful of your words and your actions, my friends – for the old saying is true. You can NOT take these back.

My child. The biggest blessing of my life. I look back to see I that took for granted the devine granting of a child. I admit it. That sweet voice, I can still hear it. The pitter-patter of those little feet. The wonderful week-long vacations that we were able to take when she was younger, much thanks to my Mom and StepDad. Those loving hugs, a sweet-smelling angel holding on tight… never being the first to pull away. She’s an adult now, getting ready to graduate college in 2 months. I’m left with only memories of those young years. The most precious memories.

Most of all, it reminds me of how much of my life has gone by now – and how I’m starting over at this late age. Okay, maybe it’s not that late in life yet, but enough so that over half of it has already been lived. Somehow it all seems very surreal, even now. Funny how things in life change and evolve over time, without you realizing how significant the end result will be. And I realize now that sometimes, looking back is a part of life.

Remember when?

Posted by  |  March 17, 2010 | Categories: Family, Music, Relationships, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Luck o’ de Irish

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

I’m not one of those once-a-year Irish pretenders, truth is dat I’ve actually got a good bit ‘o Irish blood runnin’ through me veins… anyway… take a shamrock wit ya fer luck…

 

Anyone acquainted with Ireland knows that the morning of St. Patrick’s Day consists of the night of the 17th of March flavored strongly with the morning of the 18th.

 

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover? You don’t want to press your luck. (Bah-dah-BAH…)

 

 

May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.~Irish Blessing

 

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.~Irish Blessing

 

There are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were. 😀  (Hey, I didn’t make that up!)

In the Life of Bon, I got a helluva lot done yesterday. After work I ran a few errands. When I got home I got a bathroom cleaned and the linens washed, cleaned and rearranged my balcony to better accomodate the pre-Spring clutter, and switched out my closet from winter to Spring. That last feat took upwards of 3 hours. It was so worth it though – everything looks so much better and I have a little more order. This morning, my car was filled with 4 bags of nonsense to dispose of.

I noticed this morning the critters are already out. By critters I mean bugs. Ugh. When I went out the front door this thing that resembled a miniature dragonfly mixed with a fly swarmed my face. Apparently I invaded it’s home on my front door.

But you’re still welcome, Spring. Any time.

 

 

 

Posted by  |  March 17, 2010 | Categories: Holidays, Humor | Leave a comment

Freak of nature

Some things in life run unbelievably short of what my mind is able to comprehend. Things. Like Tidal Waves. Mega-scrapers. Terrorism. Sharks. Adultery. A faulty sort of bend in reality is how I feel about these things. Even though life is continually reminding us of their true existence, the full perception of them never seems to develop within my brain. I think that’s why I like to write about these things, bring them to the surface. My fears.

Yeah. All of them seem to fall into that same category. My fears.

I wrote about the  Burj Dubai when it opened. It’s another massive architectural feat that I can’t read or see enough of. I’ve wanted to write something on the Skywalk since I started blogging –  but I think it must blow my mind so much more so than the average person, that I’ve just never been able to convey my thoughts into words. I’ll give it a grave attempt now.

How about this one:

Picture source: Skywalk Website (www.grandcanyonskywalk.com)

If you were presented with the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon and walk out on the glass skywalk, would you? Or should I ask, could you? Keep in mind, this ain’t no stroll across the mile-high swinging bridge, my friends.

If asked the question above I would respond quickly with a firm no. I personally would be unable to walk even one small step onto the platform. No way, no how. If I were forced, my heart would most certainly fail me then and there. This would be the ultimate test of my own fear of heights, resulting in Epic Fail.

Then again, my fear of heights surpasses that of most others. I abhor the word fear – always have. Rather, I like to think that I’m altitude-challenged. 😀

Situated on the Hualapai Indian Reservation (pronounced wä’lə-pī’), this remarkable achievement in engineering was constructed with more than a million pounds of steel beams including dampeners that minimize the structure’s vibration. It was designed to hold 72 million pounds, withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake 50 miles away, and endure winds in excess of 100 mph. The horseshoe-shaped walkway juts out about 70 feet into the canyon.

It has been estimated the walkway could carry 822 people that weigh 200 pounds each without overstress, but maximum occupancy at one time is limited to 120 people. (The question has been asked, just how comfortable would you be walking alongside 119 other people on this thing? Again, just a personal observation…)

I have to keep reminding myself these measurements are in METERS. Picture source: Skywalk Website (www.grandcanyonskywalk.com)

The Skywalk is commissioned and owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe. According to Hualapai officials, the cost of the Skywalk was $31 million. Future plans for the Grand Canyon Skywalk complex include a museum, movie theater, VIP lounge, gift shop, and several restaurants including a high-end restaurant called The Skywalk Café where visitors will be able to dine outdoors at the canyon’s rim. The Skywalk is only the cornerstone of a much larger plan by the Hualapai tribe, which it hopes will be the incentive for a 9,000-acre expansion to be called Grand Canyon West. This development would precipitate the growth of a 100-mile stretch along the canyon’s South Rim. The vast addition would include hotels, restaurants, a golf course, as well as a cable car to ferry visitors from the canyon rim to the Colorado River – an area which has been previously inaccessible. All this blows my mind… I especially cannot fathom which piece of land they might choose for a golf course.

A short doable 2 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas, this magnificent framework promises a sure thrill for the not-so-faint-at-heart persons unlike myself. A flat rate adult admission of around $30 allows access to the Skywalk, where you may ‘hang out’ as long as you like up until closing. You know – hang around, have some casual conversation, file your nails, do a little barfing. That type of thing.

Click for a short video that showcases the sheer height of the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Total elevation: 4825 ft. / 1471 m (estimated)

Sources: Wikipedia and Official Grand Canyon Skywalk website


Posted by  |  March 16, 2010 | Categories: News, Travel | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments

Things that Matter

I was listening to the song Things that Matter by Rascal Flatts, and thinking about the lyrics. Such a simple song with a vast meaning.

Things that Matter… things that don’t. I was in the kitchen getting Camille’s food out and dropped the container. Nothing was spilt, but a profanity slipped out just the same. Did it matter that I’d dropped something? Nope. Didn’t matter. Even if I had spilt something, just wipe it up.

Things that Matter… things that don’t. The life I now live. Being content and at peace, and knowing deep down that my decision to live alone was the right decision. Does this matter? Yes, it does.

Time ain’t on my side… Don’t want to leave this world with Why Didn’t I? Why Didn’t I? Yeah, Why Didn’t I?

People in life who desperately try to tear you down. Do they matter? No. They do not.

Family and friends who are and always have been there for you… These are the people that Matter.

Sometimes I take on this world by myself. Thinking I got all the answers, don’t need anybody’s help. Well God was right there waiting for me all along…. To fall down on my knees, surrender all.

Things that Matter… things that don’t.

Posted by  |  March 15, 2010 | Categories: Music, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Beautiful Long Day

It’s here. The Sunday that begins all those long warm days of Spring and Summer. And it’s beautiful outside… hence my title.

I’ve had such an awesome weekend, with the exception of one minor set of female issues I’ve had to deal with. It was actually so bad yesterday that I had to cancel plans to go out with my bestfriend and her husband, and I so hated that. The symptoms are definitely getting worse as I get older. The only silver lining I currently see in this is that in a couple of days I’ll actually be okay again for a whole month. Hopefully. But enough about that.

Had an awesome dinner last night with my guy’s family at a local Mexican restaurant. I love these people. They’re kind, funny, and REAL. I’ve written blogs about being real, so most people already know how important that particular trait is to me. And of course no amount of begging beforehand prevented me from getting pinned with the traditional birthday sombrero.

Stayed over at my man’s house last night, and brought Camille again. She’s done just wonderfully this time! I’m confident that she’s getting used to being scooped up and carried over here.

I plan on getting some spring cleaning done when I go home today. Things like ceiling fans, air return vents and the like have been suffering greatly. Prepping up for the old ‘achoo season.

If I could get away with posting a pic of my guy laying here right now gently caressing Camille, I would. It’s the sweetest thing. 🙂 She’s getting ready to talk about that smell of bacon and eggs cooking again.

Last day of the weekend. Everyone make it a splendid one.

Posted by  |  March 14, 2010 | Categories: Pets, Weekend | Leave a comment

Fast forward

Do you know how long it’s been since I ate a morning bagel on my balcony? You remember how much I love that, right? Again, do you know how long it’s been?? Seriously, it’s been a long time… got to do it this morning. With not even a hint of cold. I’m lovin’ life.

This weekend starts my favorite time of year – the beginning of daylight savings time. We get to

Yeah I know, we lose an hour. But it’s so worth it! Because…

Oh, how I long for those lonnnnng

again. Watching as the sun touches the horizon, listening to the birds’ sweet chirps telling each other goodnight. To be kissed on the neck by a warm breeze, and lulled to sleep by the crickets.

Two words first come to mind when I see this picture. Summer. And, Happy.

 

I’m so thankful that Spring is finally here. Okay, for the most part anyway. I know the legal announcement doesn’t come for another week or so… I’ve waited several months for that, guess I can wait a few more days.

It’s spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

~Mark Twain

Posted by  |  March 13, 2010 | Categories: Weather, Weekend | Leave a comment

A quickie

42 today, I am. Happy Birthday to me. 🙂 I’ve had so many birthday wishes on facebook that it’s overwhelming to me. Makes a girl feel real good.

Not much to write about today – maybe it’s because I haven’t had my morning dose of news yet. Instead I’ll post a link to my Mother’s blog in which she made me the topic of today. I’m very blessed to have such a wonderful and talented Mother, and her blog for today actually made me cry when I read it.

Click here to go to Mom’s blog.

Posted by  |  March 12, 2010 | Categories: Family, Thoughts | Leave a comment