The Pope
Circle I Limbo

Greens
Circle II Whirling in a Dark & Stormy Wind

Bill Clinton
Circle III Mud, Rain, Cold, Hail & Snow

Libertarians
Circle IV Rolling Weights

Democrats
Circle V Stuck in Mud, Mangled

River Styx

Republicans, Uday Hussein, Qusay Hussein
Circle VI Buried for Eternity

River Phlegyas

Saddam Hussein
Circle VII Burning Sands

Osama bin Laden
Circle IIX Immersed in Excrement

George Bush
Circle IX Frozen in Ice

Design your own hell

Bush needs a reality check! Unemployment in CT is NOT down!!! Check out this news story on unemployment in CT from CTNOW.COM I was laid off 8/30/02 and I am still searching for a job. Of course, when I was searching out of state, unemployment was a problem nationwide and no one was hiring. Now I have a new apartment with a 1-yr. lease and it appears CT's economic recovery is going in the opposite direction.

Loving someone hurts too much to ever fall for it again! Someone always gets hurts and I'm tired of being the one crying.

Pledge of Allegiance Rant!

Recently my mailbox was inundated with e-mails insisting the Pledge of Allegiance wording "under God" should remain and boycotting companies that refuse recognize this wording. Since I refuse to inflict my beliefs upon friends and family, I thought a response in my Blog would be a more appropriate venue for voicing my opinions.

While listening to the news one day, I heard the ORIGINAL, Pledge of Allegiance. What we recite today is not the original pledge. I searched and found a history of the Pledge of Allegiance . The words "under God" were added to the pledge in 1954 when the Knights of Columbus (a Roman Catholic organization) campaigned to create a combination pledge AND public prayer.

I was raised in a devout Roman Catholic home, complete with enrollment in Roman Catholic schools. As a non-practicing Roman Catholic, I do not believe the words "under God" belong in ANY government documents. Whatever happened to the separation of Church and State? Then again, as a Roman Catholic we are taught our allegiance is to God. So why are we pledging to a flag? In my opinion that is no different than worshiping a golden calf.

One reason settlers came to the “new world” was religious persecution. What right do we have to force others to pray to a God they may not believe exists? Not everyone believes in the same God, or even in a God. This is a case where “majority” does not rule but the premise for which this country was founded DOES rule. That premise is RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. I, for one, will not force others into adhering to MY religious beliefs!

As for the flood of e-mails, I will not respond to each. However, I will respond with a link to my Blog. If friends and family do not care for my opinions, then they should not force theirs upon anyone else.

I'm finally all moved into the new apartment and very slowly getting things unpacked. Saturday, I went shopping for a new bed. Now I'm waiting for it to be delivered and set up today.

While out and about saturday, I was looking for matching shower and window curtains. I have come to the conclusion they are a figment of my imagination! At Walmart, I decided to settle on a pleated shade with a burgundy valance that will match my current shower curtain. Now Walmart is not on my list of favorite stores, I shop there ONLY as a last resort! Saturday's experience reminded me why I hate this store!! First, there were no shopping carts available. The store was crowded but the employees had atleast 50 carts tied up with merchandise they were moving around. My philosphy is, if you want me to buy items, provide a cart so I can carry them! Second, were the screaming kids running rampant in the store. Parents, watch your kids, not everyone thinks they are adorable. Third, inconsiderate shoppers blocking aisles, cutting you off without so much as an "excuse me". Fourth, when I went into the store, my patience was almost non-existent. By the time I reached the checkout lines, waited for 10 minutes and the line still had not moved, my patience left completely. I threw my hands up, said "Fuck it", leaving my cart, in line, I walked out of the store - empty handed! I could understand if this was the first time I had this experience at Walmart, but it's not! Every time I have gone into this store, I have the same problems. Are all Walmarts like this?!?!?! This particular store is located next to Buckland Hills Mall. The area department stores (Ames, KMart, Bradlees) have all closed because of losing business to Walmart. The only deparment store left is a KMart in a neighboring town. Yes, I went to that KMart and from the looks of their shelves, they won't be around much longer.

You know that nice hot bubble bath I was looking forward to? Well it didn't happen!!! I discovered there is no plug for the tub! So, I was going to use the handheld shower head and at least get clean. Imagine my shock when I discovered I also have no HOT water!!!

For dinner, I am making a VERY STONG Margarita, curl up in front of the TV and call it night already!!!

How Not To Move

1. Do not get up at 5:00 AM to be ready for movers at 8:00 AM. They rarely show up on time!

2. Do not have your phone disconnected until the day AFTER your move!!!

3. When scheduling a move for 8:00 AM, expect the movers to show up between 9:00 - 10:00 AM. If they haven't show up by 10:00 AM, CALL THEM, unless you don't have a phone handy. In that case, knock on doors until you do find a working phone.

4. When calling the movers, make sure they have a phone number to return your call after they find the dispatcher (he was unloading MY truck). Of course, it didn't make any difference, but atleast I knew WHY they were late. Apparently a house closing fell through on friday and they couldn't unload the truck until Monday morning.

5. When the movers finally arrive at 2:00 PM, and there are only TWO guys, instead of FOUR -- JUMP, SCREAM, THROW A TEMPER TANTRUM -- anything until you get the four people you are paying to move you!! Your hourly rate does not decrease simply because they sent you 1/2 the manpower.

6. It takes two men (hustling their butts) 3.0 HOURS to move 4 rooms, 150 yds. to the elevator, 2.5 to 3 rooms down the elevator and another 100 yds. to the truck! Finally four more guys show up and it takes 6 men, 1.0 hrs to move 1 room down the elevator and the 100 yds. to the truck. Finally it takes 1.5 hrs for 6 men to move 4 rooms, 30 ft. from the truck into the new apartment!

For those of you doing the math, the move STARTED at 2:00 PM and ended about 10:00 PM!!!

Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time they finished! I had cleaned as much of the apartment as possible, while they were moving furniture and boxes. After finding shower curtains and hanging them over the windows in the bathroom and den, I called it quits for the night. Located my pillows and blanket and fell onto the futon mattress. Well, being exhausted still doesn't turn off the ears when sleeping in a new apartment for the first time. I woke with every little squeak last night.

About 6:00 AM, I crawled out of bed and started the coffee brewing (yes, I KNEW where that was!). While having my coffee, I got my computer and TV set up and ready for the cable guy (no, not Jim Carey) arrive this afternoon. At 8:30 or so, I was back out the door and ready to finish cleaning the old apartment and bring Smokey (the kitty) to the new apartment. Today was spent washing walls, floors, cabinets, breaking down and trashing unused boxes, loading the car with all the cleaning stuff I needed for today and the kitty! I got back to the new apartment about 2:30 PM and I have been very slowly locating needed items for bathroom, kitchen etc.

The cable guy showed up about 3:15 (YIPPEE) and got everything set up for my TV and internet. It's now after 6:00 and I think I have earned a nice long soak in a hot bubble bath!!!

Move II

Move II

In less than 24 hrs. Manchester Moving & Storage will empty one apartment and fill another! Currently, my waterbed is in the process of draining :( I wish I could say I had peaceful sleep on my waterbed one last time but I didn't. My wrist (carpal tunnel) was hurting when I went to sleep and my neck hurt when I woke up. I'm getting too old (no comments!) to keep changing apartments.

Marsha & Becky stopped by yesterday to help pack up the kitchen. Even after tossing out items I don't use, I STILL had 4 very large boxes filled with dinnerware, stemware, baking pans, platters and pots. There is one box just for kitchen utensil and cutlery!! Looking at those boxes someone might get the idea, I like to cook and love kitchen items. I'm probably one of the few women that would drool over getting a gift like a microwave or toaster oven...

When Marsha & Becky left, so did Binky. I haven't heard from Marsha yet, but I do hope Binky is adjusting to her new home. We know Binky will hide for atleast a couple of days, only coming out for food and litter box. She probably did a little exploring last night, while Marsha was sleeping.

Debbie called yesterday with good news for me. Demitasse has a home!!!! Debbie's neighbor has a pet sitting service and also a cat. At the moment, she is puppy sitting a Golden Retriever, in her home, otherwise Marhsa would have dropped Demi off last night. Instead, Debbie will pick up Demi later today.

Hey Victoria, I've found a great diet and exercise program --- MOVING! In the last 2 weeks, I've lost 10 lbs. without trying. Of course, it will probably find me as soon as I'm done moving.

Well, I'm back to finishing up the packing while the bed is draining. The more I have packed, the more the movers will move and the less I have to move in my car!!!

The Move!

So much is going on with my move that I don't know where to start. My packing is still not complete (I hate moving). Yesterday I signed the lease and picked up the keys. For the security deposit, I needed a bank check. While I was at the bank, the teller needed my driver's license. When she handed it back, she asked if I knew my lic. had expired two months ago. I thought my renewal was in 2004 and DMV never notified me that it was up for renewal this year!! Oh well, add another item to my "To Do" list but it won't get done until after I move!!

While looking over the lease, I noticed in big letters "NO WATERBEDS". Before my landlord bought the apartments, there had been a problem with termites. The termites are gone and the building is sound but he doesn't want to chance the weight of the bed. He hasn't had the time/funds to replace the hardwood floors. He didn't think to mention it before (not a lot of people have waterbeds) and it never crossed my mind when looking at the apartment. Next week, I get go buy a box spring, mattress and frame. Oooo I just realized I need to buy sheets as well. You see, for the waterbed, I bought only flat sheets, they work much better than waterbed fitted sheets.

On a slightly happier note, my new landlord felt bad that I have to go out and buy a new bed. He agreed to let me bring Smokey & Demi to the new place until I can find homes for them. I still need homes for two kitties!!!! Both cats are extremely affectionate and love anyone that gives them food or plays with them.

Smokey
Spayed female, age 13/14?, tortoise shell/tiger cross, double paws in front, likes to have her belly rubbed, always hungry and very talkative.

Demitasse (aka Demi)
Spayed female, age 9/10?, grey/white/orange calico, very affectionate, likes to sleep on top of someone,
loves having her ears scratched.

You are The Cap'n!

Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any man that stands between them and the mantle of power. You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate. Not that mindless violence is the only avenue open to you - but why take an avenue when you have complete freeway access? You are the definitive Man of Action. You are James Bond in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. Your swash was buckled long ago and you have never been so sure of anything in your life as in your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off their head if they show any sign of taking you on or backing down. You cannot be saddled with tedious underlings, but if one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.

What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!

Pete :)

This weekend, as with every weekend since meeting Pete, was fabulous! Friday night, we went to Cafe Downtown in Willimantic, where I got to listen to Pete perform at an open mic. I can't begin to describe how I felt while he was singing except to say, eat your heart out ladies because his backpack is in my apartment!

While Pete was recording on saturday, I went to visit my parents to pick up a small water pump for my waterbed and empty boxes! I visited with my parents then drove to Darryl & Debbies (brother and sister-in-law) to get more empty boxes. Now I need to bring everything inside and FILL those boxes! Needless to say, I did no packing this weekend :)

We went for a drive in the country sunday afternoon and Pete played the demo CD from saturday's recording session. It sounds great!!! I can't wait to hear the final mixes for the CD.

NEWS FLASH!!!

I’m moving – again! Yes, folks I’m moving to a smaller and less expensive apartment not far from my current location. It’s a ranch-style duplex with work-in kitchen, dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms, ½ cellar and washer/dryer hookups. God, how I’ve missed my washer & dryer these last two years!!! This afternoon, I arranged for the movers to be here on July 28th and will be in the new place that night.

On a very sad note, I can’t take my kitties with me L If anyone you know, would like one or all three cats, let me know!!! I need to find good homes for them before I move. All 3 cats are indoor cats, females, spayed and have had their shots. Smokey & Demitasse are very friendly and cuddly to anyone that feeds them and/or scratches ears and rubs tummies. Binky is also very affectionate but she’s afraid of strangers and hides from them. She does come out of hiding when she feels “safe” around the person but it would take a couple of days for her to feel safe.

Famingos

This past weekend was spent in "party mode". Dinner out friday night to celebrate Karl's birthday. Saturday was the big 5-0 celebration for Victoria. A few weeks back Karl had posted pick flamingos on his blog and it's been a running joke ever since. For Karl's birthday gift, I searched way too many stores, and finally found the "original" pink lawn flamingos for him. I also bought two strings of pink flamingo lights, for Victoria's birthday party and we hung them on the porch.

While at the party several people asked how I became obsessed with Pink Flamingos. Several years back people in the "elite" cruising groups kept insisting Carnival cruisers are nothing more than "trailer trash". Carnival being the KMart of cruise lines. Well, I and many cruising friends, are big Carnival fans so we made light of it as well. I don't mean to offend anyone but pink flamingos are to many of us, one tackiest lawn ornaments around. A good friend, Arline, has swamp land for sale in FL where we hope to build our "Carnival Retirement Village" (CRV for short). I've already been promised statues of St. Patrick at all CRV entrances to keep away snakes (ewwww). Pink flamingos on every lawn will be mandatory. The high ground will cost more and have the greenest lawn, simply because it will be over the septic system. I'm certain you all get the idea of what the vision is for the CRV. That's where my obsession started.

Now to understand WHY I happen to own 4 pink flamingo beanie babies and one lawn ornament, you'll need to go to my web page. I purchased none of these flamingos. The beanies were all given to my by cruising friends!! The lawn ornament came from a co-worker at Internation Paper.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARL!!!

Today one of my "best buddies" subversity turns 41! Stop by and wish him a Happy Birthday. At the moment, flamingos are flocking to his blog and leaving their droppings in birthday wishes.

What would you do with $250 MILLION? Well that is the jackpot in tonight's Powerball drawing and I have my tickets. Aside from the obvious of hiring a financial advisor, I know I would set up trust funds for my nieces and nephews. Give some to my parents and brothers. I'd also be very nice to my friends (yes, I KNOW who they are). Since I'm currently renting an apartment, I would buy land, probably on the coast of Northern Maine, and build a house --- a very very large house. My love of cruising would be enjoyed thoroughly on a custom build yacht, complete with captain, crew, chef and waitstaff. Oh yeah, I'd probably charter a Carnival cruise ship for all of my friends to party on for a week!!!!

So, what would YOU doo with that kind of money?!?!?!

Ok, I’m being harassed into telling about a very special someone that has come into my life recently. I don’t like to “kiss and tell” so I won’t put Pete on the hot seat by naming names and telling all. Let’s just say there is a big smile on my face that was put there last Wednesday and has grown steadily since then!! We’re enjoying each others company and taking it as slow as our hearts will allow.

Something special for my friends. As you know, July is National Eye Care month. Do yourself a favor, and take this simple vision test - an early test for cataracts - simple to do and it's actually fun to take!! Remember, cataracts know no age boundary; young and old can have this "preventable" eye disease.  

All I can say is this is turning out to be one hell of a fantastic 4th of July with LOTS of fireworks. A certain someone has put a big smile on my face.

Ahhh today’s job interview that never happened. That’s right it never happened!! You see, at some point you MUST open your eyes to all the things keeping you from doing something. It took me awhile and ¼ tank of gas but I finally surrendered to the “powers that be” and returned home.

My alarm was set for 6:00 am, but I had difficulty getting to sleep. Let’s just say a “certain someone” was on my mind, so I reset the alarm for 7:00 am. My cat, Smokey, being true to form, woke me before the alarm went off. Anyway, I dragged my exhausted butt out of bed, fed the cats, had coffee and got ready for my interview. According to Yahoo directions, it would take a little more than 1 hour to reach West Warren, MA, I gave myself 2 hours and included at stop at the bank and gas station. While at the gas station (full service) the owner decided he was in a “chatty” mood today. Now I go to this station all the time and he’s pleasant but never chatty. Today, I got to hear about his arthritis, foot surgery, broken back, allergies… well you get the picture. Being nice, I listened then told him I must be going since it was getting late and I had a job interview. Finally I’m one the road and still have 90 minutes to make it to the interview.

Having a “lead foot” I needed to be cautious on the highway because of the Holiday tomorrow, police are out in force today. I’m driving up Rt. 32, admiring the beautiful scenery and looking for a McDonald’s, BK “clean” gas station – yep, I needed the facilities! All along I’m watching the clock in my car clock tick off the minutes. At last I can’t wait any longer and pull into the first gas station I see. As luck would have it, they don’t have restroom!!!! The attendant asked where I was going, I told her I was heading North on Rt. 32, to West Warren (remember this information). She said, no problem, right after I turn on to RT. 67 there is an Xtra-Mart that has restrooms. I thanked her and went on my way. Well, I headed out on Rt. 32N and continued on. Relief was in sight! Another gas station, hmmmm why didn’t the attendant mention this one. Oh well, who cares, it was relief for my bladder, which was about to burst open!

Well this station is apparently very popular since it’s at the exit for the MA Pike and has a Dunkin Donuts inside. I needed to make two trips around the parking lot before I created my own parking space. Managing to walk with crossing my legs was difficult but I easily spotted the restroom sign and sprinted across the store. That’s when I found it was in use! I knocked to let the person someone was waiting, then paced and paced and paced. At last a flush!! Awaiting anxiously for the door to open, I waited, and waited and waited. Then another flush – WTF is going on!! I knocked on the door again, LOUDLY and a faint “just a minute” came from the other side. Mind you, all this time, I’m still mentally counting the minutes and pacing! The door opens and the little blue haired lady is standing in front of me, politely telling me there is no water to wash my hands!!! Needless to say, that was the least of my concerns as I just about ran her over.

Back on the road again, I turn the next bend in the road and there's McDonald's and Wendy's. Oh well, make a mental note for the next time I drive that road. Now I’m getting stuck behind every “Sunday driver”, oil delivery truck, sight-seer that could possibly be out. It’s now 10:45 and I’m starting to wonder where the hell is Rt. 67, I haven’t seen any signs for it. Figuring it must be just ahead, I continue on. Wanting to see the beautiful scenery and frantically looking for a street sign to verify I’m going in the right direction. Finally it’s 11:00, time for my interview, and I’m still on Rt. 32N and can’t find any signs of life around! I pulled off the road and searched the map that Pete gave me (THANK YOU PETE!!). That’s when I discovered I must have missed my turn about 15 minutes BEFORE!! Quick U-Turn and head back the way I came. Well, I found those slow-pokes were traveling in BOTH directions and always ahead of me!

When I finally get back to where I think I should have turned, I discovered there are no signs for Rt. 67 and I had already PASSED my turn when I stopped at the first gas station. I would love dearly to stop back at that station and do some “kick ass” for not suggesting might be going in the wrong direction. At that point I was already 30 minutes late for the interview and still hadn’t actually found Rt. 67. Sometimes, you just have to give in to the “powers that be” and pray they are trying to tell you something.

To quote a song "Oh What A Night" let's just say, I had a very enjoyable evening and leave it at that :)