When I was young, people that were different, scared me and that's the truth.

Though it shouldn't have been that way, it's a fact. I have a cousin who is about 8 years older than me with Downs Syndrome. When I was 4 years old, at my Grandparents 50th anniversary party, she scared the heck out of me. For no reason what-so-ever, I was scared of her. She didn't DO anything to me. I was just scared. She was different. Back in those times (OK, I'm talking about the late 60's early 70's, NOT the pre-historic times), people with Downs were not asually in the mainstream population. My Aunt Joyce, my cousin Barb's mom, was told when Barb was born, that she should send her to an institution, because Barbara would never be able to walk, talk or function. Well, thank God my Aunt Joyce didn't listen. She worked relentlessly with Barb, and because of that, Barb learned to walk, talk & be productive, all of the things that the doctors said would happen, NEVER HAPPEN!!!

My cousin became semi-independent. She works, and has worked for years; she is a productive member of our society. Today she lives in what would be classified as assisted living. Not bad for for a baby that supposedly would have never walked or functioned & should have been either aborted or sent to an institution at birth...Anyway, I watched a documentary tonight on HBO about a married couple who have been deaf since birth & then decided that at age 65, they should have cochlear implant surgery. Afterward they could hear some sound, but not the same way we do, at least not all of the time. They could hear talking, but were not able to decipher the words. Some sounds were deafening while others were minuscule. Watching that program mesmerized me!

There is a good reason for that... I work with a deaf guy and he has a cochlear implant. I always thought that he could hear a lot, at least more than he let on to. After watching the HBO program, I wonder, "How much does he really hear?" I know everyone is different & there was a lot of screeching involved, and, I also know, he hears just 'noise'. So let's bring it on!!! What do you hear/sense? Our voices, our tone of voice, the revving of the engine...

Truthfully, there is no 'Can You Hear Me Now?'

A Letter To Mr Crist

Dear Mr Crist,

I did not vote for Amendment 1 but since it has passed, I now have to deal with the circumstances.

Please excuse my lack of enthusiasm over the grand celebration of my property tax being reduced by approximately $61.00 a year, because my home is not in the 300k + value range that will actually benefit from the property tax break.

My husband is a county employee. He works for the parks department which is the first place the county has earmarked for lay offs. This year there were no pay raises. (Prices on everything have skyrocketed, but no pay increase) Now because of amendment 1 passing, he is in jeopardy of losing his job. Which would mean that we would lose OUR HOME!!! Do you know that there are no less than 3 houses on my street in foreclosure? And this is before your precious amendment 1!

In the last several months, due to the threat of Amendment 1, I have seen many of my government employed friends lose their jobs, and then their homes. How is this a benefit?

I have a child in the school system. The Pinellas county Superintendent has proposed cutting teacher salaries by 2% as well as closing schools. We will lose assistant principals, counselors and many necessary programs including those that help troubled students (the ones that REALLY need help). How is this beneficial to our future? Think about it, who is going to be 'in charge' when you get old? When we all get old. Why are you messing with the educational programs? And don't you dare say you aren't, because that is exactly what has happened due to your precious Amendment 1 passing.

I ask you to please, do us all a favor and be a governor for ALL of the people in Florida, and not just the privileged!

Today in the St Pete Times Metro section there was a headline, "Tight Budget? Not For Everyone", which told about you approving $2.5 million in the state budget for CW Bill Young Institute of Government for a St Pete College to also be led by US Rep Bill Young. It is going to be fully funded by the legislator. WHY??? I don't want my taxes, which I pay faithfully every year, going to that.

How many children in Florida do you think will go to that college now that the money that funds to our public school system is cut to the bare minimum due to the passing of amendment 1?

OMG!! People are losing their jobs left & right. We are losing public services left & right...HELLO?!?!?

CAN ANYBODY HERE ME?????

Christians-R-Us

First of all, I want to say that I am going to write about something that occurred at work today.

Second of all, I truly believe that religion & politics should never be the topic of discussion at the workplace, unless, of course it is about a politician who screws half of the high-priced hookers in DC & gets caught or the discussion is about some *ssh*le church pastor who gets his rocks off by molesting innocent children.

Third of all, I know that the co-worker with whom I had the discussion knows about my blog & will probably read it, but I still feel the need to express my feelings on the subject. I know that he is a Christian and will respect my views.

So, here is what happened:

I went into the break room to heat up my lunch. One of my co-workers was studying for a bible class. I asked if he was working toward a degree or if the class was for is own personal knowledge. He answered knowledge. The class was on the book of 'Revelations'. I have always been intrigued by the book of Revelations and the many different interpretations of it. As a matter of fact, that is not the only part of the bible that has intrigued me.

I told him that I thought it was an interesting book, and how various religions interpreted the passages differently. Talk about a mistake. I broke one of my own rules, "Never discuss religion in the workplace". However, it was not my intention to piss my co-worker off, only to discuss. But he got a little huffy, then asked more questions, to which I honestly replied... so it went...back n forth...back n forth... Then he said one of the worst things you could say to me, which was, "That makes me question your Christianity". Hello!!! What??? Are you serious?

I grew up in a VERY Catholic family. All 3 of my mom's brother's were priests. For 12 years I went to Catholic school. My mother was 'Mrs Catholic Daughter of America' for crying out loud! In other words, I was force-fed Catholicism from the day I was born. I was taught that the Bible was written by man but 'inspired' by God.

So, being the sceptical person that I am & also having been screwed by men, I have questioned that part. "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"; "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"; "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"...written by man...

Let's see, how many 'men', in this world, who have been 'called by God' have also been inspired to molest children??? Hhhmmmm...can we count them on one hand? How about two hands? No?? Let's face it, there are too many to count. So that is one reason I question the Bible.

Also according to the Bible, homosexuality is forbidden...it is a sin. So I ask, does that mean that anyone who is gay is evil & will not be allowed in 'Heaven'? The responses I have received were not favorable. So again I ask, what happened to, 'We are all God's children'? Isn't that in the Bible too??

When I was younger, religion was forced on me to the point that I rebelled. I did not want to go to church. I was a Christian, but not necessarily Catholic. Then my family experienced a tragedy, my Dad got cancer...and died. There it is! Lights out...the worst day of my life, because I completely lost my faith. How could that happen??? Why??? He was a great person who deserved to live!!! After the funeral, heartbroken, I hardened, clearly there was no God, He didn't exist, there was no after-life, when you died, you were gone...the end. Then really came my nightmare, I went on a 2 year rampage of self-destruction. It ended thru a professional tragedy that turned into a saving grace...I got laid-off, I moved to Florida & I slowly rebuilt my life.

It took me YEARS to regain my faith and believe in God again. It has been a struggle each and every day. I have built a new life for myself. I have married my soul-mate, had the daughter I never thought I would, sadly lost another daughter(RIP), gained a son, a daughter & 2 grand children and unfortunately lost my Mom(RIP).

The funny thing about writing this is that even though I wrote quite a bit about events in my life regarding religion, I haven't even touched the surface of most of the issues that haunt me to this day. Maybe I will, someday...

Inside I do not feel I should have to say this but, I think that other people might need to see it, so here I go, "I do believe in God. I believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I also believe that we are ALL His children & are ALL welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven" (Unless of course, we choose otherwise)

sign the blue paper

When I got home today, my 10 year old daughter, who is in 5th grade, pointed to a blue paper on the kitchen counter & asked me to sign it. I said, "Sure, I'll sign it later", then continued unwinding from a tiresome week of work.

Well, it has been many hours later & I have finally read the blue paper. It is a notice from her school that states my child will be studying the subject of human growth and development. Then it lists several elements of the course such as body changes during puberty, reproduction, pregnancy & the birth process. In other words, my daughter will be taking 'sex education', for 3 hours a day, for 2 days.

I must say, this threw me for a loop. I have always been open & honest with my girl about these things. I know that I have talked to her about almost everything in that respect. Still, I expected the sex education classes to start in middle school not elementary school!!

After closely examining the blue paper, I have determined that there isn't a designated signature area, only a place to insert my daughter's name & my name. So I guess that means that she will attend sex-ed whether I approve or not.

Now I know why Ryann was trying to get me to sign the blue paper without looking at it!!

It's My Party & I'll Cry If I want To

Wooo, hoooo!!! It's my birthday!!!

Today is my birthday. I am so excited. I always make a big to-do about it because it is the only day out of the whole year that is mine! Usually, I do what I want; I get what I want and I feel special.

Unfortunately, I have to go to work today, so there goes the 'all about me' plan...

Tonight I will go out to dinner with my family. It will be fun...but for now...I think I'll cry...

My Day, then Hers

My favorite day of the year is April 17th. That's my birthday. It is a very special day. I think it should be a holiday, which sometimes it is in Massachusetts. (Patriot's Day)

There is a reason that I always make a very big deal about my birthday. I love being treated like it's "all about me".

Mom's birthday was April 18th, the day after mine.

What Are Teachers Supposed To Teach?

If you have read my blogs in the past then you will remember the tirades I have had regarding the property tax issue in Florida.

Well, the f'ing amendment passed. Governor Charlie Crist, who by the way, does NOT own a house in Florida, called it a victory. I ask, "For Whom"? Not him obviously, as HE DOESN'T PAY PROPERTY TAX!!!

But the good news is my property tax will be reduced by approximately $66.00 a year. The bad news is my husband is a county parks worker who was just informed that their workforce will be reduced by more than 33% by September & if he still has a job then his job will be part of a roaming crew. In other words, he will be required to travel to any park within the county on any given day whenever 'they' say so. ('They' being the suits that have no fear of having to roam away from their comfortable offices in Clearwater.) It sucks, some of the parks are over an hour away from the park where he currently works.

Okay, the amendment passed & we have to live with whatever happens. I can accept that. What I do not have to accept is what happened at my daughter's school today.

There was an article in today's St Pete Times about county park workers losing jobs due to the tax cuts. So when I got home, my daughter, who is in 5th grade, said she had to talk to me and she pulled out the article in the paper, which she highlighted. "Look", she said. "This is about Daddy's job, he's going to lose his job". I asked where she got the article and she replied, "From my teacher. He gave it to me because I told him that my Daddy worked for the county parks department". Then she refolded it & put it back in her backpack.

I am pissed off at her teacher. He shouldn't have given her that article. My husband & I are well aware of what may be in store for him because of this amendment passing. We have been for months. We should be the ones to explain the situation to our daughter, not her teacher! AND, it wasn't necessary to do explain at this time!!!

Why would he think it is okay to upset & worry a 10 year old?

NOTE: I asked Pete if Ry had showed him the article the teacher gave her & explained why. He said no, but that explained why when he picked up Ry today she asked if he still had a job!!!!!

AGAIN W-T-F??? (That phrase comes up ALOT)

Teach what you are paid to teach!!! Leave the other stuff to the parents!!!

Count Your Blessings

I freak out almost every day because I could not live up to my Mom's expectations. Her last request to me was to keep the "family" together. I took that seriously but it did not happen. To me, family is everything, blood is thicker than water. I tried, but unfortunately, my family does not feel the same way.

I moved to Florida 15 years ago with my dog Micki (RIP). I only knew 1 person. Everything happens for a reason.

I ALWAYS count my blessings!

I Hope You Dance

Lee Ann Womack really said it all in her song, "I Hope You Dance". When I listen to that song, I have mixed emotions. First, I wished I'd danced. Second, I really wish I'd learned to dance.(joking, of course)

Seriously, the song delivers a great message about not sitting back & missing out on the great things that life has to offer. That is a lesson well learned...

So let's just dance...

Our Anniversary

The first time around, I had a big wedding in a church, with a big reception following. That didn't last. I always said, I would never marry again until, I moved 1424 miles away from home and met Pete. He was annoying. Always in my face & never left me alone. No matter where I was when I looked around, there was Pete!! (go away!)

Over a period of several months, everytime I went out, Pete was there bothering me. One Friday night, I finally agreed to meet Pete the next evening which was Saturday, if he would go away. Pete agreed and I thought I was in the clear. Then on Saturday...I was bored and decided to go after all, even though I was more than an hour late, he was anxiously waiting for me! We have been together ever since! How hot is that??

The first week I really new Pete, he told my BFF that he was going to marry me! I completely rebelled. No F'ing way was I going to get married again! Well...

We got married on my parents anniversary, which was February 16th. I figured that date worked well for them...so it should really shine for us. And it has!

I love you Babe, Happy Anniversary!!

"Beads...give me Beads!!!!"

Well, here it is, a day or so after the big game and the Patriots lost the Super Bowl...oh, CRAP!!! I heard all kinds of crap at work, but I will always take it with a grain of salt.

Then, all of a sudden, it's Mardi Gras, YEAH!!! Wooo!! Hooo!! There's a parade and celebration. "Beads, give us beads" rings out from the crowd; I'm not talking 'bout New Orleans, but Dunedin. I brought my daughter & her friend to the parade, then we met up with my bff & her family. My strategy for getting beads was just holding my arm up.

We all had a great time...Yelling, "Beads...give me Beads!!!!"

all-time record

Well, it's finally here, Game Day!


The Patriots are going to play against the Giants in the Super Bowl! Our main objective is to win the Super Bowl. If they fail, then at risk would be the all-time record.


If the Patriots win, then they become the best team ever!

If the Patriots lose? Sorry...but not an option!

One Game Away!!

I grew up in Newtonville, Massachusetts. I am the youngest of five, attended Catholic school, and learned from my Dad the art of snoozing in front of the TV on a Saturday afternoon watching the Red Sox. To this day, watching baseball on TV knocks me out.

I am a strong person, my mother taught me that. I stand up for my beliefs and I cannot stand for any injustice.

Though I live in Florida now, the Patriots are and have always been my team. As with the Red Sox, I used to watch the Patriots with my Dad, but back then it was only for away games, as they never sold out the home games so they never were on TV. Talk about a sorry *ss team! Then when they finally made it to the Super Bowl, as a wild card team, they played Chicago. It was horrible! Even Refrigerator Perry scored a touchdown!! It was pitiful!

Now, the Patriots are rocking! We are one game away from football history. I proudly wear my Patriot's shirt & display patriot decals on my car. Every week I hear, "The Patriots suck!", "I hate the Patriots" or "They cheat". Before, when the Pats sucked, no one ever said anything. So I ask myself, "Where were these insulting people when, during the super bowl, Refrigerator Perry was running across the goal line?" Did they say the same thing about the Patriots then? NO, I don't think so!!! They were probably were laughing at the Patriots!!!

One game away!! One game!!

So, who's laughing now?????

This is life...It's either 'what the f...?' or 'Thank the Lord.!'

This is my life. Everyday I thank God for the life I have, then say, "What the f...?"

I thank Him for my loving husband, then say, "What the f...?"

I praise Him for blessing me with intelligent, healthy & sensitive children, then say, "What the f...?"

I rejoice in my Grandchildren, then say, "What the f...?"

Everyday I revel in the knowledge that I will always cherish this moment, then say, "What the f...?"

So, Thank the Lord for what the f...!!!!!!

"Mom, why did you do that?"

Well, it's 2008 Woo Hoo!

Earlier tonight, we went to a child friendly block party. Every year we go to the same block party and we have a blast. The kids run wild, and the adults have fun.

Well tonight, there were a lot less people there than usual, so my attention was fixated on my daughter (10yrs old) and her friends, who are starting to become 'boy crazy'. They were all chasing the boys around in the dark, as usual for New Year's Eve. There I am trying to monitor where each girl was located in comparison to every boy! What an outrageous task! I made quite a few busts, and I know that my mission was accomplished...because my daughter complained, "Mom, why did you do that?"

Awesome role models...NOT!!!

My daughter is a tween. She watches the Disney channel & Nickelodeon . I have always believed that those are the channels that she can watch without restriction. The programing is tween friendly. Then I hear about nude pictures of Vanessa from "High School Musical" on the internet. After that, I hear that Jamie Lynn Spears, the star of "Zoey 101", at age 16, which is a show that my girl loves to watch, is pregnant. OKAY! Awesome role models...NOT!!!


It's scary now-a-days having a young daughter, whom I know that no matter how much I tell her to be good, careful & watch out for the "Big Bad Wolf", will exert her independence, which is one of the personality traits she inherited from me. I have to make sure that she is careful & watches her actions.


First it was nude photos of Vanessa, then it was Hannah Montana concert tickets at no less than $200 a pop, and now Jamie Lynn Spears, 'Zoey 101', is pregnant???


Welcome to the Magic Kingdom of W-T-F!

Holi-days are melancholy-days...

At least that is what they should be called, and for a good reason. It is a time for love, peace & joy. A time to remember all of your loved ones; your family & friends. And I do remember...Courtney, for example. She would be 23 this year.

As a child, I remember waking up early on Christmas morning...seeing the tree with presents under it. I remember the excitement of ripping open the paper and getting the one doll or toy that I really wanted. Then the other present was always pajamas or some other clothing. There were usually 2 gifts each, most of the time, not including the stuffed animals, and the gifts were cherished!

This is the time of year that I miss my parents the most!

I love you & miss you Mom & Dad!

...and so this is Christmas...

"...So this is Christmas, and what have you done, another year over, and a new one just begun... And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun, the near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one without any fear."

John Lennon was cool. He always openly professed his beliefs to the world and used his celebrity to help broadcast his messages of peace and love. Besides that, he was my favorite Beatle...

During the holidays, please remember to be kind, patient & courteous.

His message was LOVE!

Let It Snow!

"The competition is on!"; that should be the motto where I work. We are competitive when it comes to obtaining clients, and even more competitive when it comes to internal contests.

Now, this year my department "Rocked" the Halloween decorating contest, we ruled (No-one else even came close), so I figured, we proved our point, we never have to compete again. But no!! 'Tis the season', which means, of course, that there is a contest at work, the "Best Holiday Decoration Contest". I work in corporate accounting. My department is full of analitical people. We think. We have ideas. We obsess. We are perfectionists. So, obviously, as always, we will overcome (when will they learn?)

"WWWHHHHHAATTTT?"

A typical answer to an ordinary question on any given day..."WWWHHHAAATTT?", "WWWHHHYYY?" or...silence...

She is 10. She hears what she wants to & ignores everything else. She says she is a tween. She watches the Disney channel & is influenced by some of their programs, I am not.

If she is on the phone with a friend, & I interrupt to tell her to do something else, she whines, "OOOKKKAAAYYY".

I can't stand the attitude, I don't want the tween, but I love the daughter, to death.