Katrina

Katrina has come and gone from the south leaving a path of destruction...It is really sad to hear about all of the looting...I guess that people looted Walmart and took all of their gun collection...that is really scary to me. My prayers are with all that have been affected by Katrina. Here are some pictures I've found from MSNBC that I wanted to share...

These dolphins had to be moved from their aquarium to this hotel pool to ensure their safety

Here is what is left of a highway

That's a lot of water....

Poor dog...

Scary...

That's crazy

City view

The Anti-Spam

For those of you who are like me and are battling spam check out this site:

Word Verification

Hopefully this will stop spam or at least reduce the amount of spam I get and hopefully it will help you too.

It's Friday, I'm in Love

The title has nothing to do with this post...

Anyhow...I'm feeling political today. I don't want to ruffle feathers, just randomly talking.

I've been looking at some sites and am inspired to become more involved somehow.

Political Humor

Catholic Democrats


Democracy Means You

I've been told before that when I grow older I'll become a Republican....HA! Each day that seems less and less likely. How can a group that is all about preaching God be so materialistic and full of hate at the same time? Of course this isn't true of all Republicans, this is just from what I've seen on TV and on message boards but it makes no sense to me... I don't understand why Democrats would be considered 'traitors' or 'America Haters' just because we disagree with Bush. I disagree with some things Janell does but it doesn't mean I love her any less. And just because I disagree with Bush doesn't mean that I don't like America. I think it's healthy to have these opposing opinions though otherwise we'd be worse off...who'd keep people from going too far? I've read where it seems as though there are people who feel that, "if you aren't with us you're against us therefore you must die" and that is a scary mentality to see.

A couple of months ago I tried to read a book by Ann Coulter....wow.....every single page was oozing venomous hatred. I couldn't get halfway through even though I really really tried to. ::shivers:: To me it is scary to know that there are so many people who read and agree with her. It seems so narrow minded.

Anyway, I just wanted to update. Have a good weekend.

PostSecret

PostSecret is an ongoing project where people mail in their secrets or confessions anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. It can range from random little things to deep dark secrets. Some are funny while others are shocking.

I love PostSecret. I try to check it every Sunday. It's funny how I can read some and relate. It's even funnier when I can read one and think that I know who wrote it. For example I read one that said "I tell people I'll pray for them but I never do" and the handwriting looked just like it belonged to someone I knew. I doubt it was that person but it was funny.

I haven't sent anything in just so everyone knows.

So anyhow, if you have a moment you should check it out.


PostSecret

Additional Postcards

And then even more

Google Geek

Those who know me know my love for all things Google....well, Google has (finally)just launched their instant messenger service: Google Talk. I am excited to use and it get rid of my MSN messenger. However here are things that I don't like so far: no emoticons =(, no file transferring, no cool little "What I'm listening To" thing.
Oh well, Google Talk more discrete plus, if I want to make a phone call via the internet I can do it through Google Talk...not that I ever will. Anyhow, just thought I'd share my excitement for Google Talk. Have a good day.

It's a Little Bit Funny...This Feeling Inside

However, this funny feeling is kind of icky.

Teacher's are human too, I always thought I've accepted that...that is until I heard about a recent engagement of one of my favorite high school teachers.

I always looked up to Mr. Barber. He had a way of teaching that drew students in and made things interesting. I was sad that I only had him for a summer school session. He changed the way I look at things. My friends and I would stop by and say 'hi' to him throughout my senior year of school. After talking to him I found out more of his story, the heartbreak, his brush with the priesthood, his rise to become a teacher. I admired him very much. He was a very smart man.

Today I found out that he is engaged...that was fine but then I found out that it is to one of his former students. A girl who is 2 years younger than me. A strange feeling washed over me, he is engaged to a girl who is about half his age. All of this makes me wonder: Who made the first move? Was it hard to start calling him Daniel instead of Mr. Barber? What do her parents think? I know none of this is my business, but I can't help but imagine the awkwardness of it all.

Overall, I am actually happy for him. I know he was lonely. Some friends and I used to joke about fixing him up with people. Anyway, he is a good man and deserves all of the happiness in the world...so into the abyss I send out a congratulations to Mr. Barber and his future bride!

I Love The 80's: Strikes Back!

In honor of those who have mentioned 80's hair styles and such before, this is for you. I am glad that I was still a kid when I was in the 80's I don't know how people could deal with all of the teasing and hairspray. The worst I had to deal with when I was younger was the side ponytail...and that was bad enough for me. I showered right when I got home but I can still smell the hairspray in my hair!

There I am with my 80's hair.

Janell with her 80's hair.

Look at that hair...Front Row: Andrea, Cyndi Back Row:Me, Brookes, Janell

More of the same

Here is our dance floor...there was some break dancing going on.

Apathetic

I skipped out on choir practice Tuesday because I didn't feel like going. I'm thinking about quitting all together. It felt nice not to be in a hurry and to actually have time to relax. I am also finding that I am tired of my second job. I really miss being able to sit and do nothing after work. Sure, free Greek food is nice and all but it isn't nice to have to tell someone something 10 times and they still don't understand or if they do understand they just don't do it anyway. It is really frustrating. I find myself dreading it now.

I would love to just quit each of those three things (2 choirs and a job) and just be happy but I can't just walk away. I feel bad when I miss a day of church or work. I know I can be replaced easily, but I still feel bad. =( The guilt keeps me there but I don't want to wake up dead(yes, wake up dead)one morning from the stress.

I know I've been complaining about choir for a while, but I'm at a point now where I don't really care if I sing in these groups or not. I'm not really enjoying it anymore...(No Laura, I don't want to sing at the Newman Center) Anyhow...blah. That's all I can say right now because as for work, the extra money helps and as for choir I'm too wimpy to just quit but I will not just disappear as I've seen others do. I have to just suck it up for now I suppose.

Orkut!

I just found another thing that Google has been testing: Orkut. It is like Myspace or Friendster but I guess it's more grown up (members are supposed to be 18 and older). It is by invitation only and I found someone to send me one. I'm excited to see it because I love all things Google so far.

Anyhow, I don't know if I'll have friends on here anyway, but I just wanted to have access to it since it's by Google. If anyone else is interested in it let me know and I'll invite you!

YIPPEE!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANELL!! I LOVE YOU! =)

I am very happy that you were born! I hope you have a great day celebrating (other than doing your mom's yard work)

Plumb - Nice, Naïve and Beautiful

She’s only known heartache and pain
But she’s never known pain like this
She stands alone defending her name
When all that she’s done is be who she is
Well is it so wrong to be who we are
When all she’s done is fail

Cause she’s so nice, naïve and beautiful
Why does she get taken advantage
Why does she live in a world so cold
She takes advantage of the nice, naïve and the beautiful

Cold is the throne of her hardened heart
No one has seen the softest part
Day after night she holds an ache
And won't budge to show this secret place
Well is it so wrong to hang on to hurt
Maybe she could set it free

Cause she’s so nice, naïve and beautiful
Why did she get taken for granted
Why did she live in a world so cold
He took advantage of the nice, naïve and the beautiful

If you’ve been there you know
If you’re still there hang on
We’re all dealt our lumps of coal
What you do with it can turn beautiful

Well there’s a life outside of this madness
And there’s a face behind every scar
But there’s a love overflowing with gladness
Get out of that place that’s restraining your love
I said get out of that place
that’s restraining your love

Random

You know what's funny? Sometimes I get so engrossed in checking everyone else's blog to see if they've updated that I forget my own sometimes. So here is some randomness that is happening in my neck of the woods:

Today we are celebrating Laura's 21st b-day which was yesterday...That means no more drinking behind dumpsters for you! You can do it in public without reprimand! ;)

Sunday is Janell's 23rd B-day...It's a little anti-climactic. I think she has all of her gifts already. It's also on a Sunday this year which means we can't party all night...Maybe we'll party Saturday night, who knows? Maybe we'll do some bar hopping.

My mother has been worrying me. One day she's in NY and the next she's in CA. She doesn't know where to go. The funny thing is that she is still paying on child support from when my dad had me and my brother...I offered to help pay for it...That's funny. I'd be paying back my dad for raising me (and taking advantage of the welfare system). Maybe I should ask my dad for a loan and give it to my mom...then it'd go back to him and she'd be in the clear.....but then I guess I'd be in the hole. Damn.

My brother finally got his license a couple of months ago...and a week ago he got in an accident. He's okay but the bad news is he had no insurance. He said he didn't know that it was required. I just looked it up from the CA DMV and it looks like his license will be suspended...That sucks. I know he's in a tough spot so I offered to help him pay for the damages...I hope my mom and brother don't take me up on the offer for money at the same time because then I'll need the help.

Anyhow...that's my update. Have a good weekend!

A New Point Of View

I love being able to look at the world in new and fresh ways...but this is crazy. My neck is stuck sideways...it hurts so bad. I can hardly move it. I have an appointment at 2 today and hopefully they can help.

I had to miss church yesterday because of it. I can't really cantor with my head sideways grimacing with every movement. That could scare people.

Anywho, that's all for now...wish me luck and healing!

UPDATE:

So I walk into the doctor's office and take a seat. The nurse goes through the normal steps (blood pressure, pulse, asking why I'm there, etc..) I sit in pain waiting for the doctor to arrive. She walks in and I slightly move my body to see her. She takes her seat and says, "I notice that you barely turned to look at me, should I be offended?" (drum fill: ba doom boom chhhhh) ha...ha...so it turned out to be a muscle spasm...she said it could take anywhere from a week to months to heal completely. (Yippee) She gave me a print-out of stretches to do and prescribed Tylenol (ha) and Flexeril (a muscle relaxer) for me. Hopefully it will all be better in a couple of days!

Turn! Turn! Turn!

To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


I had a whole bunch of stuff to say but nothing will come together. Timing in the world boggles me, but that being said let me say this:

Congratulations to Megan & David for your blessing. I pray for your health and for the health of the new baby as well.

I might add to this later, but for now, this is it.

Wrong, All Wrong....Well...Somewhat

I discovered my truth. I've been living a lie. I'm not the same person I thought I was yesterday. Why, you ask? I received my birth certificate in the mail yesterday and made a discovery:

I've been spelling my middle name wrong on everything. Even my social security card is wrong. According to my birth certificate my middle name is Lyn...What's that about?? I called my mom and she said they just did it wrong. Not only is that wrong but her name is wrong on there too...Linda (it's Belinda) and her maiden name is also spelled wrong. I verified with my brother as well to make her that my mother's real name is Belinda and her maiden name is Ocenada (not Oceanada)...So either I was adopted by my mother from a lady named Linda Oceanada or there is a mistake.

You might be asking, "Crystal, why didn't you ever notice this before?" The answer is funny...My mom wrote in the other 'n' in my middle name. I guess I never questioned it. I was in total shock when I saw it yesterday. You might also say to me, "It's one letter, get over it" and to you I'd say "Shut up" lol. My name on my license, credit cards, social security card, apartment lease, health insurance and everything else I have under my name with "Lynn" as my middle name and I really don't want to change all of that.

So, I've contacted the County of San Francisco and they are sending me a form to amend my birth certificate...Hopefully it won't take forever to get...

How I Spent My Weekend:

Friday: Megan turned finally 21 on Thursday. Janell and I decided that we would treat her and her husband to dinner at my second job, Opa. I don't really eat there that often but the fillet mignon was REALLY good and everyone really enjoyed it.
(Really good strawberry daiquiris as well)

After that I had to go home to change for bar hopping. We started at the Harrah's Carnival Bar which is outside. It was soo hot. The go-go dancers are funny. Drinks were expensive but we expected that. Next we went to the NY,NY and went to Nine Fine Irishmen. That is a fun place. The music is fun there. There was a lady who was doing an Irish jig and that was cool. Buttery Nipples are good. However we noticed that the birthday girl wasn't drunk yet so we moved on. The last stop was The Bar at Times Square, which is a piano bar. $10 to get into a bar!!?? Damn...Megan was lucky it was her b-day and also I kind of wanted to see this one. It wasn't bad, but I am very happy that I wasn't going to sing on Sunday because everywhere we went we had to scream to be heard. The loud party/bar scene isn't my thing, but it wasn't too bad. When Janell and I were leaving we decided to play Megabucks...she tried to no avail, when I got my turn I won $160, so that was nice. It paid for the night.

Saturday: When the alarm went off I didn't want to get up, but I knew I had to...Laura was going to be picking us up to go camping in a couple of hours and we hadn't packed yet. So...rather than go into detail I will tell you things I observed or learned while on the trip:

A 60% chance of rain doesn't guarantee a heavy downpour (maybe just a light sprinkle for 5 minutes)

13 year old girls feel that they NEED make-up in the woods

Mallets can be used as pest control...even from bees

It's a hatchet, not an axe (and no, you can't bury it)

13 year old girls go camping to talk on their cells phones and compare the strength of their signal

It's hard to start charcoals in the wind (but just give it time and viola, burgers & hotdogs)

Outdoor bathrooms are scary, but at least there was one

Camp fires are fun

Gin Rummy is fun to re-learn

It's fun to take morning walks in search of firewood

Even if you forget to bring things (like hamburgers, utensils, firewood, charcoal and lighter fluid) it works out somehow

Rocks are hard to sleep on

It was fun camping. We should do it again for sure. Thanks for inviting us Laura! It was nice to meet your friends they are fun.

Sunday: We left camp and thought about taking a hike, but HA. We were sore from the rocks (except for those who slept on air mattresses). We headed back for Vegas and ate at IHOP where we had horrible service and were forgotten in the corner. Once again Julia was asked if she was my sister...(it's just the skin tone Laura). Janell and I got home and relaxed until 6. Then we went to celebrate Megan's birthday again but this time with her family. We taught her to gamble. Janell and David played Black Jack at the tables. All in all, Janell and I broke even again which is fine with me. My contribution was turning $2 into $10.

So that was my weekend. The only thing I'm sad about is that I didn't get to sing at church. It was the group I still kind of like to sing in. Maybe I'll like it more when Tina joins up :) We'll see which one she decides to join..maybe she'll sing in both like me. Anywho, I need to get to work lol.