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The ripened years

I was listening to the radio on the way to work this morning, and the topic of age came up. Apparently there’s been a study done to determine ‘the best age’ to be. The little wheels in my head started spinning and for whatever reason, the number 28 popped up. The actual result was 46.

It was explained that 46 is the ‘Gateway to the Golden Years’. Well, that philosophy in itself kinda turns me off. I mean, I know the golden years are gonna happen, but I honestly don’t know of anyone who looks forward to them. Furthermore, it certainly wouldn’t top my list of explanations why 46 would be ‘the best age’. Anyway, they went on to say that 46 is the time in life when one seems to be most settled – usually having a loving spouse and children (yes they really said this), a house, and a good career. In conclusion, persons of this age are overall the most financially stable or content.

Well. As the old song by Meatloaf goes – Two outta Three ain’t bad. (Cough-cough)…in my case, two outta five. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful as hell for those two outta five.

In any case, the above interpretation at least shines a different light on how I feel about the current age I’m at. Although it’s not gonna make me anticipate my ‘golden years’ any more, I think it’ll at least make me more grateful for the present. And, I did get a chuckle or two out of writing this blog. 🙂

Posted by  |  January 6, 2010 | Categories: Opinion, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Lucid Delusions

More dreams last night. But bad ones, bad bad. I’ll detail the worst one.

A good friend of mine’s husband was accidentally ran over by a car. My daughter had driven the car that took him down. She didn’t know she’d hit anyone and freaked out when she was told. The guy, to which I’ll give a fictitious name of Steve, had a few people standing over him. Those people were traumatized by what Steve looked like, and quickly moved away from him.

Steve was left all alone laying on what had now turned into a dirt road in my dream. Not even thinking about it, I ran up to him and knelt down beside him. It quickly hit me what was so traumatizing about his appearance. The entire left side of his head was missing. He was obviously in shock and I realized he would be expiring soon. He was still attempting to get up and was speaking in words that couldn’t be understood. I did my best at making his last few moments as calm as possible, holding him and cradling his head in my arms – and the blood, my God all that blood. It didn’t matter to me though, what was of utmost importance was him having someone there with him during those last few moments of his life.

Flash-forward to another scene in the dream, where Steve was alive and walking around. He still was missing the large portion of his skull, though it had now healed. At least this provides a little consolation to an otherwise horrible Stephen King-flavored dream. I won’t even attempt to interpret this one.

Addendum:
Ironic as it may be, I just received this link in an email from my father-in-law, who doesn’t even know about my dream and does not read this blog. Dirt Roads

Posted by  |  January 5, 2010 | Categories: Dreams, Thoughts | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Dream weaving

I had the strangest set of dreams last night. If you’re thinking ‘oh no, not another one of those dream interpretation blogs’ you’re absolutely right on.

I dreamt I was outside, standing in front of what I believe to have been either a clothesline pole or some sort of large yard stake. A carefully constructed spider web was built on this, stretching from one end of the T all the way to the center. It’s hard to explain, but it was the thickest web I’ve ever seen. Using my forefinger and thumb I tried to pry it away, but it was so sticky and would not budge. It got stuck to my fingers a time or two, but I was never able to pry it from whatever it was adhered to. I remember looking constantly for the spider, anyone who knows me is well aware that I am terrified of spiders. But the spider wasn’t there, or at least never made an appearance.

From dreammoods.com
To see a web in your dream, represents your desire to control everything around you. Alternatively, it could suggest that you are being held back from fully expressing yourself. You may feel trapped and do not know what to do or where to go. The dream may also be symbolic of your social network of acquaintances on the world wide web.

This also got me to thinking about the Indian dream catchers. Could this dream have anything to do with those? I don’t believe so. Dream catchers have a woven web in the center – to catch and filter the bad dreams away from the child. And when the feathers moved while the child slept, the parents knew that beautiful dreams were entering his or her reality.

More often than not, a spiders web symbolizes responsibilities or something we feel caught up in. As the interpretation above states, it could express moments when you feel trapped, inhibited, or otherwise feel unable to move… as in a spiders web. I also feel it could possibly represent getting ‘spun up’ in a certain situation. An overall broader analogy could signify entanglement and the general complexities of life.

I do pay close attention to my dreams, suffice it to say that it’s actually saved my ass a time or two. I read somewhere that dreaming is a vital function of life. Although I’m unsure of the authenticity of that statement – I believe they do serve some sort of purpose, and occur for a reason.

Photo courtesy of vladstudio.com

Posted by  |  January 4, 2010 | Categories: Dreams, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Regroup thyself

Well I was up very early again this morning. The sun’s rays shining through the blinds made it too inviting to hang out in a bed.

Upon arriving home yesterday, the only thing on my agenda was to take a nap. A long one. Instead, from out of nowhere came this burst of, shall I say it… could it really be… Energy?? Boy, has it been a long time since that’s happened. Usually when a burst of energy hits it’s due to an event that’s triggered it. In any case, I took full advantage of my little adrenaline gift.

My little Camille was SO glad to see me. You see, it’s Sunday morning now and she’s still attached at my hip. She literally won’t let me out of her sight – from room to room, she’s there. And so vocal, I really wish I knew what she was trying to communicate to me. As in previous trips I’ve taken, she hopped on top of my travel bag and looked up at me as if to say “You’re not goin’ nowhere else mama, unless I go with ya.”

I got busy with unpacking, which is such an easy chore for me. What takes me a whole day to pack I can unpack and reorganize in 10 minutes flat or less, cosmetics and toiletries included. Plus, I needed to get my bag tucked away in the closet since Camille associates it with me leaving (I’m serious). From there, I got a few loads of laundry started, stripped the bed and put clean sheets on it, and cleaned my bathroom including tub and shower curtain. I know I said this about sweatpants yesterday, but whoever invented Clorox Cleanup with Bleach is a God. I basically use it for all my cleaning, and it works. I could be a spokesperson.

Christmas tree and decorations still out. Oh no, I can’t have that. Now this is something I always dread, although, like unpacking, it’s much easier than the actual decorating. I got everything packed back up and placed in the utility room until that time rolls around again in about 300 some-odd days. But that’s not something I’m gonna think about tomorrow or any other time soon.

I’d laid meat out in the fridge last night knowing I was going to cook my infamous chili. Before I’d even bothered to take a look at myself in the mirror this morning, I was chopping onions, peppers, garlic and the like. Chili is one thing I’m good at, no questions asked. I love making use of the various ingredients, with the end result all coming together in an ever-so-tasteful hot blend, oh yes, Hot. A friend and I were talking this morning about having ones chili hot enough. She told me of when she was at the beach and brought her son back some hot sauce called ‘Ass Blasters’. She said it came packaged in a little wooden outhouse box. Needless to say, I’m still cracking up over that one!

With the thermometer outside right now stuck at a mere 23º F, I believe this today to be a stay-inside, maybe movie, maybe book, but definitely hot chili and lovin’ on my furbaby day. 🙂

Posted by  |  January 3, 2010 | Categories: Miscellaneous, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Tomorrow’s come

Well that day is here. It’s Saturday, and it’s time to go home. We just finished breakfast and got back to our room, and to say it’s cold is an understatement – it’s a brisk thirty degrees outside. The workers in the restaurant were all abuzz about the weather, talking about what an oddity it is for ‘these parts’. For the next five days, the forecasted lows are supposed to be in the lower twenties. Glad I won’t be here for that.

Got up around 6:30-ish because my bf wanted some good shots of the sunrise, seeing as how this is the first time we’ve actually seen the sun come up here. They did turn out to be some gorgeous shots.

Not much to do today in the way of loading the car since we pretty much got all that knocked out last night. We are still being entertained by the early morning Dolphin Show from up high. They are putting on quite the grand finale for us – cresting the top of the water while blowing out water, even making splashes now and then with their tails.

I gotta say that, aside from myself of course, I’ve never seen someone love the ocean so much as my guy. Even now as I write this, he’s on the balcony giving me updates every so often. He cannot keep his eyes off the sea, waves and fish. To see it through his eyes these past few days has been precious – almost like seeing it for the first time all over again myself. It has made me appreciate it that much more.

We’ll be on the road soon. We will, however, be leaving a large piece of our souls here on the shoreline.

Until next time….

Posted by  |  January 2, 2010 | Categories: Beach, Holidays, Ocean, Travel, Vacation | Leave a comment

Same state – different State of Mind

It isn’t the easiest thing to do, typing on this phone. In fact it’s still damn near impossible for me, I’ve just never gotten used to it. But after going two days without writing, I’m about to go into DT’s. And I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing.

Happy New Year to all. We rang in the new year of 2010 last night. It doesn’t seem possible, but here it is…

So it’s Friday, and we’ve been at the beach since Wednesday. It’s been a blast. It has for sure been a very needed getaway. The weather has been cooperative for the most part, the torrential rain ended Weds. evening.

The walks on the beach have been the best. There’s something about the ocean that can change one’s entire state of mind; a kind of cleansing or washing away.

We’ve watched fireworks at Broadway, eaten at some great restaurants, enjoyed long walks on the beach and even squeezed a nap in. Made glo-bracelets (and halos) and lit fireworks, with K getting burned once in the process. We even met up briefly with a dear friend and colleague for the fireworks at Broadway last night. The multiple dolphin sightings have been awesome too, but those are some tough moments to capture on camera.

We’ll head home tomorrow, but I’ll put off thinking about that until later. No sense in subsiding the current state of mind just yet. As Miss Scarlet would say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

Posted by  |  January 1, 2010 | Categories: Beach, Ocean, Travel, Vacation | Leave a comment

Sea ya!!

We’re at year’s end once again. Somehow, this doesn’t seem possible – but yet here we are.

I’ve written so much about my year 2009 as well as 2008 in past blogs, that there’s really not much left to cover in that area. So instead, I’ll pan forward and tell you my plans for bringing in the New Year.

Me and my guy are heading to the coast for several nights over the New Year holiday, we’ll leave tomorrow morning. I can’t tell you how forward I’m looking to it. We both need the getaway (and I won’t tell you how long it’s been since he’s had a real vacation). The weather forecast isn’t the brightest and best – but after all, we are in the middle of winter.

We’re like two little kids getting ready to go on a summer beach trip. His bag was already packed last night, and if it weren’t for last-minute laundry mine would have been too. We already have an intinerary set, such as where to watch the fireworks on New Years Eve and possibly visiting the aquarium.

I’m looking forward to just to being able to breathe the ocean air again. Our room is oceanfront, and up high – a little slice ‘o heaven in my book. My camera is currently at home resting up for it’s future assignment.

I did install WP on my iPhone, so I plan to try to post some sort of update from there. I don’t think it’ll be a big surprise to anyone when I say that blogging won’t be topping the ole’ priority list, though.

Happy New Year to all!!

Posted by  |  December 29, 2009 | Categories: Beach, Ocean, Travel, Vacation | Leave a comment

New Year, New Beginnings

2009 – a colorful year it’s been for me. In addition to my love for the ocean, there’s actually a hidden reason behind why I chose my particular banner picture, which I pasted a copy of below.

Color.

Those who know me know that my ‘word of the year’ chosen to represent 2008 was Monumental. 2008 was my year of change, a change that required an extreme strength and perseverance – the type of strength I thought never could exist in me. For this reason I believe the word Monumental to be ever so fitting for that year.

I find it just as fitting to associate the word Colorful with my year of 2009. In this little rainbow prismatic year of mine, I’ve basically created a complete series of making mistakes and learning from them. But never mind the mistakes I’ve made, or the repercussions from them – I still have to look back and smile, at all of it. I’ve come to realize how I’ve grown and have been made a better person now, by just having been associated with some new people that came in and out of my life.

I look at it this way. 2008, the last half of it anyway, started out as a shockwave. Fast-forward to sorrow, self-pity, and finally moving into that godforsaken lonely empty feeling. As I moved into 2009, the search was on. For what… I didn’t know. I was however reaching out for something, with arms wide open. I found that, like a butterfly who had just discovered her wings, the world was mine for the taking. The territory left unchartered was endless. So many opportunities, and so much lost time. Nope – the objects I landed on weren’t always in my best interest. I’ve taken much from these experiences though – through weathering the storms and learning some pretty hard lessons. I’ve found that it’s how we react and learn from our mistakes that will determine our success in life, or lack of it.

Hmm. Can’t help but wonder what my word of 2010 will be.

Banner picture for 2009

Posted by  |  December 28, 2009 | Categories: Thoughts, Writing | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Breather

Yeah I’m breathing again. It’s nice to have the hustle and bustle behind me, I feel somewhat relieved. Not meaning to sound like Scrooge or anything.

Yesterday was nice. We did my boyfriends family’s Christmas at his Mom’s house, who supplied us with good food and good fellowship. These folks make me feel comfortable, almost as if I’ve known them for years.

We got back to our side of town and exchanged our gifts to each other while having a few drinks. I’ve gotta say, this man ‘o mine WAY overdid it with me – I’m not used to being spoiled like that.

Today I plan on seeing what Dad is doing, I still haven’t seen him for Christmas. At least the rain is gone, we actually had flash flooding in some areas around here. The bad news is the rain is forecasted to return during our New Years beach trip next week. Crossing my fingers tightly in hopes of that one going the other way.

Posted by  |  December 26, 2009 | Categories: Family, Friends, Holidays | 1 Comment

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas, everyone. It is literally a torrential downpour out there this morning, but it’s ‘warm’ in a sense, and we need the rain. My plants are lovin’ it.

We had a truly awesome Christmas Eve here last night. It was quaint, with the guests consisting of my daughter, my Mom and her husband, and my guy. The meal turned out great, although I admit I did stress over it just a bit. Although the turkey was initially uncooperative, it turned out very tender and tasty.

Everybody got here around five-ish. I popped open a bottle of pinot grigio, while the guys opted for a beer. We all sat around the table and talked for an hour or so before dinner. My daughter has such a good sense of humor that we were all constantly kept in stitches (umm she gets that from me, haha!).

The event of the night happened when we ‘let’ Camille (my spoiled cat) open her gift that my boyfriend had gotten her. It was one of those spring-loaded tunnels with a window with which to climb in and out of, and even has touch-sensored lights that go around the darn thing!! She LOVED it, and we got a lot of laughter out of watching her play with it.

When everybody left about nine, my daughter and I popped open a fresh bottle of wine and opened our gifts to each other. We really had a good time together and I’ll have to say her being here has made my Christmas. Additionally, she taught me how to use a traditional wine bottle opener. Big smile! A little into the evening her Dad started texting her. He’s in CO for the holidays with his girlfriend and her family. I know he’s missing her something fierce, and I really felt for him in that way last night. He’s never been away from her at Christmas, and well, that’s one thing that will never change – that girl is both of our hearts. Even with us now having parted ways, let’s face it – she’s the one thing that we will always have in common, and share a deep understanding of within each other.

It’s Christmas morning now, and I’m getting ready to cook a light breakfast and wake my lil’ 21-yr old up to get her stocking. This afternoon I’m going to my guy’s Mother’s house where we’ll visit his family, and I’m looking forward to that. Tonight, he and I will do our Christmas back at his house. A beautiful Christmas it was this year – much better than the last. I may still get over to Daniel Stowe and see the lights before it’s all said and done.

And oh, I forgot – another first happened for me last night when my daughter talked me into using my dishwasher for the first time here. I’ve lived here a year and a half and didn’t even know if the thing worked. Come to find out – it works quite well. 🙂

Posted by  |  December 25, 2009 | Categories: Family, Holidays | Leave a comment

Christmas Eve

This will be a short and to-the-point update, since my guests will be arriving in around 3 short hours.

Christmas Eve is at my place this year. I’m enjoying the thought of it, that is until I get an uncooperative turkey breast who doesn’t want to roast sitting up like a good boy, but instead is lazy and wants to lay on his side. I just gave up and decided to let him have his way, we’ll see how it turns out. There will be plenty of other dishes to enjoy if his little nap turns out to be the demise of our main dish.

I braved the annual last-minute rush at Walmart this morning, yes on Christmas Eve. I got there at 8am and it really wasn’t bad at all. I had my six errands done and was back home by about 10:30. Not bad, all in all. If our paychecks had gone in yesterday like was planned, I wouldn’t have had to do all this running around today. It kept me on my toes though, and I thank God that my check went in at all.

My babygirl is spending Christmas with me this year. It’s only been about a year and a half since her Daddy and I split up, so really we’re still kind of green as to how to re-tradition the holiday events. I have clean sheets on her bed – clean comforter and the works. Extra fabric softener added to the wash has the whole room smelling good. But, if she decides to sleep with me tonight that’ll be fine too. The extra room does tend to get a little drafty.

Tomorrow afternoon I’ll go over to my bf’s mother’s place, where his family will be gathering. I’m looking forward to that and I know he is too.

Gentle readers, I wish for you all a very Merry Christmas. Let’s not forget to wish Jesus a Happy Birthday!

Posted by  |  December 24, 2009 | Categories: Family, Holidays | Leave a comment

Group Effort

Nature fascinates me, I think that’s obvious. All of us at the office have this in common. It’s my opinion, I know but – it’s a wonderful thing to have in common. We’re blessed with huge windows that span approximately 12′ wide or more, enhancing our viewing pleasure to begin with. It’s all way too inviting.

About 10am on a Tuesday morning, from the hallway window most of us had already noticed more than a herd of Canadian geese headed our way from down the road. Okay, I know Canadian geese aren’t usually a favorite, and are often considered a hindrance. But, we’ve more than adopted all of the wildlife surrounding us and, well – I have stories. Some funny, some sad. On this day the group consisted of many more than I was able to get in the picture – more up on the hill to the left… and MANY more to the immediate right of me, on our lawn.

Amazingly enough, even being geese, these little guys were truckin’ quickly down the road. I ran back to my spot for my camera, then came the long sprint to the front door, and outside to the road even further. My coworkers stood guard from the front window. 🙂 Once I got within snapshot distance, it was SO funny… out of that long line of geese (so much more to the left and right of the camera that I couldn’t capture) they just STOPPED, with each of them turning their profile view to me. They were moving along so quickly…. but they just halted. It was hilarious, and this is how they appear in the picture.

This afternoon, I was talking to my 21-yr old daughter who was running a 100 degree fever, sick with a bug at home. I spied 6-7 deer outside my window (once again). Our ‘code’ at work for a mass deer sighting consists of yelling ‘DEER… DEER… DEER… DEER…’ until all the other employees have safely made it to the window. I ended up interrupting my daughters conversation to sound the deer alarm. I do think she understood our outlandish antics. 🙂

Posted by  |  December 23, 2009 | Categories: Animals, Work | Leave a comment

Christmas funds

I heard a story yesterday that disturbed me. Someone I know was out Christmas shopping, and rode by one of those payday loan institutions. The line apparently went down the sidewalk – where an estimated 40-50 people stood in line. Hearing the story I quickly got a visual of this, and it broke my heart.

These establishments are nothing more than glorified loan sharks. Once a person ‘enrolls’ in one of these ‘loans’, they get locked in and basically have to pay the establishment each week just in order to be able to keep the remainder of their check. It’s a vicious circle, and is very difficult to get out of.

It’s disparaging to hear that, in this day and time, this is what a good many people are having to resort to in order to buy their kids or families Christmas. Something’s gotta give in this economy.

Posted by  |  December 22, 2009 | Categories: Miscellaneous, Opinion | Leave a comment

My first day of Winter is colored Amber

Ever since I can remember, the color amber has signified Winter to me. Being an earth-toned color loving person, it’s no wonder that it has become a favorite of mine. But it’s more than just a color to me – it’s a compilation of the senses.

The Sight. A pale yellow, sometimes reddish or brownish, translucent. The ambient glow of firelit nights…

The Smell. Breads baking. Perfumes are even named after amber, I have one. The aroma always represents the essence of winter.

The Taste. Peanut butter cookies. Cinnamon-banana bread.

The Touch. A loved ones caress. Being wrapped tight in their arms while giving sweet kisses.

The Sound. The quietness of snow falling. The gentle popping and crackling of a fire.

I need only to close my eyes to avert my imagery over to a warm winter night in front of a fireplace, snow falling outside – to sense amber. To become conscious of my senses… and of all that exists around me that is beautiful in Winter.

Posted by  |  December 21, 2009 | Categories: Miscellaneous, Thoughts | Leave a comment

Welcome Winter… 3 days early

Snow all around us. Well, not here – I seem to sport an invisible shield that prohibits any snow from landing within 50 miles of me. But, pretty much all the areas to the north and west of us did get it… ALOT of it.

My bf and his brother took off yesterday morning to pick up their nephew from WCU and bring him home for the long Christmas break. Needless to say they got stuck up there in the mountains. They were lucky enough to get a hotel room. I say lucky because his local news stated that literally thousands of people were stranded, and most of the lodging is now full. Last time we talked, the accumulation had reached 13 inches, and snow was still coming down. He has high hopes of coming home today, but unless they open that main highway back up, I’m afraid they’re gonna be disappointed.

One thing I found really funny about the situation had to do with his brother. Of course I won’t mention any names, but I find it so hilarious that I do have to include it…

Brother J spent the night with him so they could leave early that next morning for the trip up. Since he arrived at his house nearing bedtime, he was already dressed for bed (wearing his pajamas). I was talking to my bf last night, and asked if everybody was warm, had taken their coats, had food to eat, etc. – and couldn’t help but joke about brother J, saying I hoped he’d brought those pajamas with him. Come to find out, Bro J decided to wear the pj’s on the trip, thinking they weren’t gonna be needing to get out anyway. He got stranded in the mountains with pajamas as his main articles of clothing. On the bright side, he did think to take a pair of boots. LMAO

Hell I can’t really say anything – I recently took a trip up to a snowy set of mountains with flip-flops as my only footwear.

Posted by  |  December 19, 2009 | Categories: Thoughts, Weather | Leave a comment

Let it snow… please?

Snow is in the forecast later today. Possibly.

It would be a good time for it, I think, although I know there are plenty out there that would beg to differ with me. It’s a Friday, we could leave early from work and have the whole weekend with which to play and recoup. Everyone here at work, boss included, is stoked about the possibility. Knowing that we both like to sling our cars around when it snows, my boss is even joking about which of us will land the best doughnut in the parking lot.

I remember as a kid (back when it used to snow every single winter) the snow days were magical to me. I’d grab a friend or two and head out on the journey. Every place transformed into someplace new and enchanting when a fresh blanket of snow fell! We’d take our lunch and snacks with us when we headed out, because of course everything tasted better in snowland. The forest looked magical – the beautiful limbs and trees resembled something out of a storybook. The streams and brooks appeared as though they came right off a painting, so clean and crisp. The hills we would find were enormous, and more treacherous than they could ever be when they were ‘snowless’. The entire day was a true adventure, and we always made it last as long as we could, often not returning until dusk. I rode past one of those hills about a year ago. It was so little, I couldn’t believe it. I found myself wondering if it had eroded. 🙂

I hope those memories never leave me.

Posted by  |  December 18, 2009 | Categories: Thoughts, Weather | Leave a comment

Authenticity

What does it take to be at the point in your life of finding someone real and genuine? After talking with a friend about this last night, I’ve done some more thinking on the subject. Dangerous, I know. 🙂

I honestly think some people never reach this point, and that is very unfortunate. Oftentimes in the younger years, people concern themselves with qualities in a mate that carry little significance. How much wealth they may have, whether or not they are of ‘trophy’ status, etc. I’m not saying these things shouldn’t matter at all – it just shouldn’t lead the search. Way too often you give up the true and sincere qualities of a person for these things.

If you do reach the point of seeking the real and genuine person, it’s usually in the later years of your life, and could come from being in a very hurtful or damaging relationship that’s ‘shed light’ on these very qualities that really matter in a relationship. Being real and genuine covers a big ground. Honesty, integrity, loyalty… lends the ability to love, totally and completely. In searching for the ‘right thing’, it also makes you a better person.

Posted by  |  December 17, 2009 | Categories: Love, Opinion, Relationships | 1 Comment

Tiger’s EX?

I’ve avoided the subject so far, at least through writing. But I heard a little break of news this morning that I’ve been wanting to hear since this whole ‘story’ broke.

Wife to leave the golf great?? Well, I don’t believe this will be a shock to anyone. The disturbing story of the infidelities, in which numbers seem to increase daily, has consumed media headlines for weeks now.

One thing is for sure. Two lives are never to be the same. What of the mistresses, you ask – and their lives? I don’t know and really don’t care, to be honest. Being the big girls they are, they knew full well what they were getting into.

Tiger will go on and, eventually, move on as the story fades into a little piece of history. There’s really no choice for him, he’s at the bottom now – this will be a true test for him to pick his self back up and move forward, hopefully having learned from his mistakes. That’s about the nicest I can be when it comes to him, though. After all, he is the one who ‘made his bed’.

Elin, however, has her work cut out for her. I don’t know her or what she was like before. At the very least I’m picturing a beautiful vibrant woman who was slammed full of self-confidence – who has now been reduced to someone that’ll have trust issues for the rest of her life. The sheer humiliation of what she’s enduring is heart-wrenching to the public that doesn’t even know her. Any person – be it a man or a woman, who has ever had to endure the pain and humiliation of a cheating spouse can empathize with her. I simply cannot imagine though, the mass quantity of these ‘instances’.

I hope, for her sake, that it’s true she’s leaving. To move on from this horrible set of events in her life, allowing her to eventually find someone who will love her the way she deserves to be loved. Apparently that’s a rare find nowadays.

Posted by  |  December 15, 2009 | Categories: Life Struggles, News, Opinion | 1 Comment

More pre-Christmas

Thank goodness for a weekend, it’s time to regroup. Or recoup. As I look outside my window, the barren limbs look so lonely. Just a few leaves remain on the tree I’m gazing at. I wonder how they’re still holding on, and for what. 25 degree weather starts the mega-early morning of this Friday, with Saturday’s forecasted low not being much warmer.

I forget how much I take summer for granted. Shorts and a tank or tee, rushing out the door and sliding my toes into my rainbow flips. How much easier life is! Getting up on a Saturday morning and having my bagel on my balcony while sitting cross-legged in the chair, gazing out over the greenery. So much more time spent outside.

C’monnnnn, Spring. I anxiously await you.

Fast-forward to Sunday. It sleeted last night for the first time this season. Still pre-Christmas, lest I forget. Today I braved the masses at the mall, and since I didn’t attempt a mall in the big shitty city (my grandmother’s words), it actually turned out okay. Actually more like a visit to the mall on any other average day.

Today we were en route to the mall and a funeral procession halted us. In respect, as one should have, we pulled over to the side to wait for all to pass. All the cars around us waited as well. This reminded me of the fact that smaller towns respect funeral processions while the big towns always contain your everyday idiot that’ll ruin it. A such disrespectful event took place during the procession of my stepfather… one that I’ll never forget, and much regret. But, I’ll save that for another blog.

Posted by  |  December 14, 2009 | Categories: Miscellaneous, Weather | Leave a comment

Surf’s up in Hawaii

Quicksilver Competition Pics ’09
Probably seems like a continuance of yesterday, and I guess it is, in a sense – just not about dreams. The ocean and marine life are however my favorite subject, so I could talk about it to no end. As long as I have my internet access with which to do my research, so as not to appear an idiot. Hope that generates a LOL, regardless of it being at my own expense. 🙂

The past couple of days, I’ve been consumed with the story of the huge waves that are hitting Hawaii. Because of these colossal waves, the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau competition was held for only the eighth time since the contest’s inception in back in 1984. The surf had to reach a 30-40 foot height wave requirement in order to even put that contest into place again. As I would expect, the spectators amounted to more than 20,000 for the event. Several beaches in Oahu and Maui were closed due to fears of possible tourist drownings, with the island officials warning them of the possibility of being swept out to sea.

As I’ve said before, the ocean is my favorite thing in the world. Favorite place in the world, state of mind, yada yada. But it will always demand respect. From the danger of it’s own strength, down to the perils the life that resides in it brings.

I love Shark Week on Discovery. Most recently, there was a special on the Nat Geo channel that I wanted desperately to see, but missed – so my boyfriend dvr’d it for me. It involved the capture and release of a gargantuan Great White. The platform created off the side of the huge vessel was suited especially for the temporary capture, as well for a successful release. My God, the hours it took just to tire that thing out to even attempt to ‘land’ it on the platform. The hook that was required to make the catch…. well, that’s a whole other story.

I can’t look at a surfer without these magnificent animals creeping into the old thought process. As I look at the pictures from the above link of the Quicksilver competition, I find myself creating scenarios in my head of what could happen. My Mother and I used to be fearless while in the sea, often venturing beyond the breakers and hanging out on our floats for hours. I had a couple of friends who had the fearless trait along with me when it came to venturing a good distance into the ocean. We honestly didn’t think a thing about it, it was like being in a pool. Was it courageousness? Absolutely not – it just never entered our head that it could be dangerous. Not sure why, really, at that time…. because I do think about it now.

Those who know me already know I have the utmost respect and admiration for professional surfers. They are a special breed. Fearless, adrenaline driven, dedicated and well – something I’ve always wanted to be. Simply said.

26-year old Greg Long won the competition. This is just a small piece from his post-competition interview, but it’s the piece I most love: “It really is about the wave and celebrating the ocean. It’s what we do: go out there and ride big waves. The respect and camaraderie in the lineup you don’t find in too many places in the world, and this event really encapsulates everything that’s great about surfing: the friendships you make in the water and looking out for one another.”

With that, I’ll leave you with another very interesting website I found, link below. The part you’ll be directed to actually details shark attack incidents from this year back, the ones around the Hawaiian islands anyway. For each incident, it lists important details such as depth of the water, clarity and what the person was doing. I’ll be keeping my eye on it to see if any new attacks were reported during this most recent competition in Hawaii.

http://www.hawaiisharks.com/incidents.html

Posted by  |  December 10, 2009 | Categories: Sports, Travel | Leave a comment