Thursday, March 29, 2007

Road Rage

Being that I am Greek, and I unfortunately have my fathers temper, it is easily stated that I have major ROAD RAGE. I have always considered myself a good driver, I don't ever feel nervous about driving, and luckily I really haven't been in any accidents (okay Misa I know I know). The one that I was in I rear ended a couple when I was 17 because I was being a rubber neck. Luckily, there were no damages and Misa was in the car with me and was talking to the people and how cute their kid was. It was just a bump really not a full on force CRASH!!!

But today, oooooh this morning, I'm on my way to work and the traffic is pretty normal. I speed up to change into the left lane, because it was moving a bit faster, I check my mirror, look over my shoulder and even have my left blinker on. I start to move over, and the MOTHER FUCKER in the left lane behind me, decides to speed up and not let me in. He basically not only cuts me off, but forces me to get back into my lane and I've already got two tires over the line. Not only am I forced back into my lane, but I have to pretty much slam on my brakes because of the person in front of me is slowing down. If that COCK SUCKER had just let me in (I was going the same speed as he was) all would've been fine. GRRRR!!!! So, I honk my horn and do the WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM LOOK and do you know what this asshole did, he basically laughed at me. OH NO HE DIDN'T. So I get stuck behind this slow poke and I'm seething, but I'm like Whatever. So I go to pay the toll (I don't have a fast pass so I can't just fly through) and do you believe this asshole actually honked his horn at me, and waved. Like HA HA.

Well, he's messing with the wrong woman. I pay the toll, and fly through (now I'm pissed). This probably wasn't the smartest thing, but oh Mario Andriette came out of me. I speed up, and start looking for him, and guess what I did. He thought he was so smart, Ha, I pull in front of him, and slow down (not a whole bunch, to cause an accident I'm that stupid), but enough for him to realize it's me. I just wanted to show him that I'm not some scared woman who doesn't know how to drive, and who can't play with the big boys. He definitely had a look of surprise. He changed lanes and went on his way. I didn't follow him or try to play games, I got what I wanted, him to realize hello I'm back.

But I really wanted to get a picture of his car, to post on the web, just to say, Watch out for this guy. But alas I didn't.

This story reminds of another story involving my father, a girl, road rage, and 3 court dates. I will tell you that another time, I need to get to work now, and I've calmed down a bit. Hope everyone else had a better drive into work this morning then I did.

I Want More...

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

A Child of the 80s

Every so often I get an email about growing up in the 80s or 90s and the last one got me thinking about the things I had or did during the 80s. I thought I'd share some of those things. Some of you will totally relate, and some will say THANK GOD I didn't grow up in the 80s.

You know you grew up in the 80s if:

If you ever watched Fraggle Rock



or Alf


It was actually cool to get up early and watch cartoons.



You wore a ponytail on the side of your head (I swear I never did this).



Played MASH (or MASHO like I did), Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House or Outhouse



You know the profound meaning of Wax On Wax Off



You so wanted to be a Goonie.



You can remember cracking your knuckles and skull trying to master the Klick Klacks.



You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB" (okay so going to admit this, was the HUGEST fan, had posters all over my walls and ceilings).



So those are just a few of the things I remember from the 80s, some of these I can remember doing or having and some I just remember. So now it's your turn to tell me some of your favorite things from the 80s (or things that you remember).

Leave me your list in the comments or post your own.



I Want More...

Down 2.4lbs

Yeah, I'm down 2.4lbs a total of 17lbs. Not bad, considering its been since the last week in October. Slow and steady that's the way to do it. I have to say that this is the first time I actually feel like I'm succeeding in my battle of the bulge.

I Want More...

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Weigh In Tomorrow

Wish me luck tomorrow, I have my weigh in with Weight Watchers, it has been a couple of weeks since I have gone to a meeting and weighed in, because of my second job being short staffed and me volunteering to help out. So I haven't weighed myself in 2 weeks, and I'm really nervous.


I have been going to Weight Watchers with my mom, since the week of Halloween, and so far I'm seeing some results. But it is a struggle, besides being on the see food diet, (I see it, I eat it, just kidding, I do have some will power, but not much). I also have a thyroid problem, from the radiation treatment for my cancer. Cancer the gift that keeps on giving.

But, now my thyroid is pretty much regulated, so I can't use that as an excuse not to try to lose weight. I've been eating much better and drinking a lot more water, but I HATE HATE HATE to workout or go to the gym. I was going for awhile this past summer, but once it got cold and dark I stopped. Again, it is starting to warm up and it is not dark anymore, so NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

We'll see how I do tomorrow and I'll let you know. I think I'm going to start tracking some of my weight goals and high points on this blog. I read a lot of blogs out there from women that are going through the same thing as me, and I get inspired by what they have achieved, and can relate to them when they are struggling. I just want to be healthy and feel good, I don't need to be a skinny minnie and feel all my bones protruding outwards. Ewww that's not sexy people. Wish me luck.

I Want More...

Monday, March 19, 2007

The strangest proposition I've ever had

So a friend of mine, who also I've "hooked" up with in the past, asked me the strangest favor this past weekend. I wasn't sure if I should share it, but then I thought, why the hell not, it's funny and everyone else that I've told was like that's odd, so I figured why not share it with the blog world and see what you think.

Now, a little background, M is an old friend who I've known for quite a long time, and we've on occasion in the past have been friends with benefits. We still joke around and send text and emails that are sexual in nature but it's all in fun. So M has bought a condo and gutted the condo and re-doing everything on his own. Yes he is quite handy. Well about a month ago we were emailing each other and he had said, that when the time comes he would need me to do a favor for him, but he didn't want to get into it now. So I was like, "sure whatever you need me to do". I'm thinking help him pick out linens or curtains for his new place once he is finished. NO that's not it.

On Saturday night, I sent out a text to some friends saying "Happy St. Patty's Day" M being one of those people, writes back, "Thanks, 2nite the Irish in me comes out" to which I reply, "Can that Irish come in me" (oh the scandal). So we text each other back and forth, silly little sexual inuendoes. Then I remembered the favor, so I ask, "Hey what's this favor you want?" He texts back, "Too long to write call me later."

I finish work around 11:30pm and call him up, he's out with friends, and I say, "okay what's this favor you want?" M replies, "you are going to laugh at me, but I'm serious." So now I'm really intrigued. M goes on to say, "as you know, I am fixing up my condo, and I'm pretty much finished with the bathroom, all I have to do is seal up the back wall, and then I'm done, but I realized I don't want to seal the wall until I make sure that nothing leaks from the bath tub, and I was thinking, crap who can I get to take a shower while I'm on the otherside of the wall making sure that nothing is leaking from the tub, and I thought of you." I start to laugh and say, "So let me get this right, you want me to take a shower while you are on the other side of the wall making sure that nothing is leaking, okay??? Can't you just have someone run the water and check to see if anything is leaking?" He says, "well I need someone in the shower moving around, like I would be if I was showering." I say, "You know M, if you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask." He laughes, and says, "No serious I just want to make sure that there are no leaks before I seal up the wall." I think to myself, "yeah because every construction worker has their co-worker take a shower to make sure there are no leakes" {HEY Bubba, why don't you jump in there and shower for me while I make sure it don't leak. Says Hank the construction worker with the ass cleavage}.

Well, needless to say I agree, (sort of) and say, "well if you really need me to do this, I'll help, but there had better not be a camera behind that wall, and all of a sudden I'm on the internet, cuz you know I have a few more pounds to lose." M replies, "no, no seriously I really appreciate this, and I knew that you wouldn't think I was crazy." To which I reply, "Well, I do think you are but I'll still help."

We make plans to meet up, sometime the following week, and I will go over there, and (wear a bathing suit, or just move the shower head around and make sure nothing leaks). I think M is just overthinking this just a bit, and is more worried then he needs to be, but I get his concern, so if I can help I will. But honestly the was the strangest proposition I've ever had, and I've had some weird ones.

I Want More...

Sunday, March 18, 2007

It's been a long week.

So, lot's of things and nothings really happened this week. I guess it all depends on how you look at it.

Let's see shall we start with the weather. Why not, on Wednesday it was nearly 70 but by Friday we were getting close to a foot of snow. Oh yeah, what a difference.


This is a picture of my road outside my house,


and this is a view of my kitchen window.

Driving home Friday night was interesting to say the least. Even though my main work let us out early, I had to work at the restaurant. We were pretty quiet, the only people that came were the plow guys. One of the plow guys Bill, who is a regular came in earlier in the night and we were talking, nice guy. Well, he came back later right when I was about to leave, and thank goodness that he did, because my car was pretty much plowed in the parking lot. I had gone out and started my car, and I had wiped all of the snow off of the car, but then realized oh crap, there is a lot of snow around my tires and behind my car. But I tried anyway, I got into the car, put it in reverse, and vrooom vroooom, it went NOWHERE!!! Crap!!! Then I remember, "oh Bill is here" So I went back inside, batted my eyes, and said, "Bill, you have a plow on your truck right?" (in that sigh...damsel in distress tone). "Why yes I do" replied Bill, "Would you mind helping me get my car out of the snow bank please?" I asked. Bill being the nice guy that he is, said, "Sure" We went out and he grabbed his shovel and very quickly shoveled my car out, and gave it a little push that it needed to get me going. So I told Bill, THANK YOU I owe you a couple of drinks next time you come in.

Normally I'm a pretty self-sufficient girl but Friday night I just didn't feel like shoveling my own car out of the snow bank, so I used the "girlie" card and got someone else to do it. I have to say I really do love being a girl. I know, damn that feminism and being independent crap right now, I was tired.

So then on Thursday I had my root canal, so much fun. I have to say that it actually wasn't too bad. My dentist was very gentle and I didn't even feel the needle for the Novocaine, and OMG he shot me like 8 times, I was numb for 4 hours. It only took about 45 minutes, but I have to go back in about a week for the 2nd part of the root canal, and I can't eat on my right side cuz holy shit does it hurt to bite down. But all in all, it could've been so much worse. I'll let you know what happens after the 2nd part.

On Saturday morning, I got myself a new haircut, finally. See about 1 1/2 years ago, my hair started to fall out because of my thyroid being all screwed up and some serious STRESS. Well, it has finally all grown back and is healthy so I finally got a really good haircut and some nice subtle highlights. (I'm not sure if you can tell in the pictures)

I love the haircut and highlights.

So last but certainly not least, tomorrow (Sunday) I am going to see my father. I am very very nervous. It has been 9 months since we've seen each other about 8 months since we've spoken. Since my Papou passed away he has been calling me more. I haven't figured out if he is trying to manipulate the situation to try to get back in my life or if he has realized his own mortality and wants to actually have a healthy relationship with his kids again. I'm very skeptic and I'm a little nervous. I am going there tomorrow and I'm keeping my guard up. I will go into more detail about my relationship or lack of with my father. It's a long complicated story and I'm in too much of a good mood right now to talk about it. Hopefully things will go well tomorrow and hopefully we can have a normal day. We'll see.

I guess that's about it.

I Want More...

Monday, March 12, 2007

Down with Insurance Companies

So I just found out that my health insurance is not going to pay for some tests that I had done last month. These tests totalled about $3200.00! Yes folks I get to pay $3200.00 for them to tell me that I am doing better then I was doing 8 years ago, and my health insurance company is telling me that because of "pre-existing" conditions they are not sure if I'm considered "coverable" I have to show proof of coverage, (which I have but there was a lapse in coverage due to me moving) so even though I'm considered cured, and stronger now I am still considered HIGH RISK. What a fucking joke. These health insurance companies will find any reason to screw you and not pay a claim. I am infuriated right now (so if I ramble I apoligize).

I will be fighting this all the way, I can guarantee you on that. Oh in my state supposedly they can't ask you about pre-existing conditions but if you have a PPO they can, which is what I have, because you hear about the horror stories with HMOs. What a crock. I've only recently (last couple of years) had PPO because in FL it is better to have them. But now I'm switching back to HMO, I'm just so mad that our Insurance rep that came to our office last month did not give me/us the correct information. So when I called her today she basically said, "sorry not much I can do, you'll have to call the insurance company." I will be appealling this as much as I can because truthfully I just can't afford $3200.00 right now, then who really can? We live in a society where it is impossible for the working class to get ahead. A friend recently read an article that said people born between I think it was 1970s & 1980s are the most indebt age group right now. Basically my generation is in the most debt, and it is getting harder and harder to get out. I finally am starting to get myself out of debt and WHAMMO!!! I'm sucked right back in.

Well there is two things I can do, 1) I can feel defeated and just give up or 2) Fight like hell and even if I don't win, don't let it get me down. DAMN it I want a third option like in Fight Club where they blow up all the insurance/bank companies so all the documents are destroyed, hmmm? (okay just kidding here, don't want anyone reporting me to Homeland Security). I will fight it every which way that I can and hope that I win, because damn if I'm paying for them to tell me I'm doing better and then the insurance company say to me, "well we have to make sure you are insurable." WTF! Anyway, I'm ranting and raving, and I really need to get back to work.
Will keep you posted as to what happens. Oh and to top it all off I too have to get a root canal. But at least they usually give you good meds right???? Happy Monday, and I had such a good weekend.

I Want More...

Thursday, March 8, 2007

How lucky and blessed am I?


This past summer I decided to move back to my home state, after 5 1/2 years gone. I missed my family, friends and the city. What I didn't miss was the cold and traffic. But I'm a little older and a little wiser, so I now try not to let those things bother me as much as it used to. I made a deal with myself, that I would only bitch about the weather during winter, and I made a stipulation with that as well. That I could only really bitch when it was below freezing. Overall this winter has been pretty mild and we've been very lucky. Only this past month has it been so cold that I've been swearing like you wouldn't believe. I can't wait for Spring/Summer (my favorite seasons).



Well, some of my friends from FL (which is where I lived last) have been asking for pictures of where I live now, because I have told them that I live on the water. Every window except the bathroom overlooks the water. I love this place even if it is only temporary (another story for another time). But I finally got myself a digital camera (yeah yeah I know its 2007 everyone has one right?)


I have to say that I am very lucky to live here, I feel blessed and so much appreciated for being able to stay here for a little while. Thank you (you know who you are).I have always loved the water, whether it be a lake, or the ocean. When I have gone to Greece one of my favorite things to do was sleep outside and hear the sea splash up against the beach. It is one of the most soothing sounds you can ever imagine. I think I sleep the best in Greece. Well, I am close enough to the beach now that if I keep my windows open in my room I can hear the surf splashing against the beach/rocks. Unfortunately right now it is too damn cold to keep the windows open, but it is still nice to wake up and see this view.


I Want More...

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Balls Out Jeans

First I want to say Thank You to everyone that has called, emailed and left comments during this hard time with the death of my grandfather. I appreciate all your thoughts and for letting me share with you what I'm going through.

So now I figured I needed to post something a little less heavy and a little more fun. A friend emailed this video to me, it's from Damon Wayans variety show on Showtime called The Underground (I think that's the name of the show). Anyway, this clip/skit is too funny and I had to share it. Now I think this is real, so it might not be suitable for work so be careful when watching. Remember this was done on Showtime and anything goes on Cable. Enjoy!




I Want More...

My Papou

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, it has been a rough couple of days. You see I received some bad news on Saturday night from my father whom I haven't spoken to in 8 months. I was at work (the restuarant) and missed a call from him, and the minute I saw that missed call I knew, I knew why he was calling. My Papou (grandfather) had passed away.

I had spoken to my papou just two weeks before and actually on Saturday morning I had woken up and said, "Oh I need to call him it's been a couple of weeks, I'll call him tomorrow." Because I normally call him on Sundays, and I knew I had to get ready for work I didn't call him right then and there, and now I regret that. But I can't let that eat me away, because I had been calling him a lot more often. Trying to be a better granddaughter and letting him know how much I loved and missed him.

When I had talked to him a couple of weeks ago, I knew he wasn't doing so well, he told me that he was tired, and pretty much couldn't get out of bed. I told him he had to try to get out of bed, even if it was only to go into the kitchen to eat. He wanted to see me and I wanted to see him, but he lives in Greece and I just didn't know when I was going to be able to go see him, and now I feel like I could've found a way. Would've Should've Could've, I feel sad, guilty and lost. He and I had a special bond, as did my Yaya (grandmother) and I, she passed away 2 years ago from Uteran Cancer. We always joked that the reason my Papou lasted as long as he did was because my Yaya was keeping him alive so she could have some peace and quiet in heaven to enjoy her afterlife. I guess she finally said, okay I've had enough fun, you can come be with me now. Though he had a big heart and lots of love, he was also a stubborn, know it all Greek man. But you had to love him for his convictions even if they were WAY off.

The weird part of all this is that we've had a woman who lived with my Papou to help take care of him for quite awhile now. I guess on Saturday night when she went to sleep she had a dream that my Papou blew her a kiss goodbye and left. She woke from the dream went to check on him and he was gone. Talk about do do dee dee (insert Twilight Zone music). I'm glad though that someone was there, so he wasn't alone, one thing about the Greeks you are never alone. Not only does the family rally around you, but the neighbors as well. He had a long life and was loved. I will miss you greatly Papou. But I know that you, Yaya and my Vaari (grandfather in Finnish) are watching over me and making sure that I am okay.

Note to reader: I will be posting a memorial for the three grandparents that I have lost and would like to share this with you. Please come back to see what I've written and some pictures I will post of them.

I Want More...

Friday, March 2, 2007

My Visual DNA

I was emailed this site that tells you about who you are by the images that you pick. It soooo worked for the most part. To view my image profile and to complete you own, click on the link below.


I Want More...