Friendships

I have maybe 3 people in my life that I call my best friend. When you think of the term best friend you think about middle school and high school. I used to have tons of "best friends", but as I grew older I realized that they weren't really my best friends but an merely acquaintances.

I am an EXTREMELY private person when it comes to what I tell people about myself or my life. I feel that people "betray" my trust more often than not. The 3 people who are my best friends probably don't know the "full" me. Does that make me a horrible person? I like to think not, but I do think there is something a bit abnormal about that. There are days that my life just downright sucks, but I never tell anyone because I don't trust anyone with my "secrets", my thoughts, or my feelings. It is takes a lot for me to share with anyone. Writing in a blog is a stretch for me.

I have issues with how much information is too much. I think everyone in their life should have ONE person they can tell ANYTHING to and not worry about it getting back to your "community" of friends/acquaintances. I don't think I have that one person in my life. I have my 3 "bests" that I tell certain things to, but one of the 3 may know certain things the other 2 don't know or vice versa. Is that weird? Am I a paranoid person or just a distrusting one? I think that it is a sad statement in my life that I don't have one person I trust with "myself". It isn't like I have this secret life or exciting life, other than my usual drama.

I guess I shouldn't worry about it because it has gotten me by for 37 years, 11 months and 21 days.

Hello...My name is...and I am an internet ADDICT!!

I have come to the realization I am an internet addict. Yes, really I am. Since I have moved into my new place I have been without my DSL for 3 weeks. Let me just say the withdrawals have NOT been nice. I have been cranky, miserable and just generally unpleasant to be around. I didn't figure it out until last night that this was the reason I have been so unhappy.

I have SBC for DSL service and let me tell you I have given them a piece of the little bit of mind I have left. WHY does it take 3 weeks to transfer my DSL service from one place to another? Why are you advertising DSL service, knowing full well that it takes 2-3 weeks to get installed? I have been talking to supervisors and managers and they all have the same answer..."I don't know." Well, why don't you know? See? See how bad off I am? I have complained so much about not having DSL, SBC has given me a 3 month credit for DSL (once the MF is on), dial up free, and a "special" price of $12.95 per month. That STILL didn't make me happy, but I took it. I have been using dial up and all it does is frustrate the hell out of me. I feel like I am back in the 1990s with the 24kbp and you thought that was fast. UMMM NOT! I keep getting kicked off line, the service is so slow, that I have just said forget it. I am so miserable when I am at home.

One SBC manager called me up yesterday and said my DSL was up and running yesterday. I got so EXCITED! I was thinking about all the web pages I needed to go to (because some of them are blocked at work) and emails I need to write. And what happened? NOT A DAYUM THING!! NO $%&* DSL! IT WASN'T ON YET! I was and still am pissed about it. But I am trying to not call today because I might lose ALL control and go off on EVERYONE I talk to at SBC. Don't tell me the dayum thing is on and get me all hyped, just to get let down! Okay...see? I have to calm down.

I have to have my daily internet fix. I have to have internet access at work, at home, on my PDA, and on my cell phone. If it isn't working in one of those places, then that throws my whole world off its axis. I am one of those people that would be escorted off the premises because I have too much internet usage. I am writing this post at work and praying no one comes into my office until I am finished. I can't help it! I am seriously addicted!!

Anyone know of a twelve step program?

My DAILY Drama

I am in my car at 6:45 am this morning to go to work. I have an hour commute to and from work everyday. It is a sacrifice I am making so my daughter will have the chance of not being a dumbass. Yes, I am talking about schools. But that is not why I have drama. I have realize that I cannot exist without my daily dose of drama. My life would not be complete without something coming up on a daily basis.

Today my drama was two flat tires...at the same time, on the same side. I was on the main intersection by my house when they both blow out. So that means two new tires I cannot afford, but have to get. Oh and by the way, I am driving my grandmother's BMW, in which I learned how to drive, so that tells you how old it is...Well maybe not. :) At least I am riding in something. As I am sitting in the car, after my frenzed call to Triple A, I realize I am not upset or panicked. Typically, I am whining and complaining, moaning and groaning about how life is unfair to me and ONLY me. Yes it is ALL about me! Just kidding!! I was so calm it was almost frightening. I had 2 passersby ask if I needed help. That made me feel so good, even though they could have been serial killers, but just the thought that they stopped. I made a good decision in moving to the 'Burbs.

Then a HOT policeman stopped and offered to have me towed to where I needed to go. Once again, what a nice town! I had been waiting an hour and still no tow truck driver. Mr. Foine Ass policeman waited with me. So I call Triple A back and the chick I had spoken to previously had all my info jacked the hell up. But still THAT didn't even phase me. Any other time I would have been yelling and cursing at the lady even though it wasn't HER fault the other bitch messed up...opps...I regressed. So I calmly give her my info AGAIN and Mr Tow truck driver shows up in 15 mins. So I get the Grey Goose (yes that is my name for the car) towed to a tire place and proceed to get her 2 new shoes.

It hit my budget hard and that would have set me off before, but as I have stated...it was just my daily drama! No worries mon!

Weather Pixie

It ain't working cuz it is hot as HELL outside today and it says 82 degrees...ummm yeah where is that cuz I want to go.

What's In a Name?

I "borrowed" this from my friend Marissa. Thanks for sharing Mari!

Kimberly is the #24 most common female name.
0.504% of females in the US are named Kimberly.
Around 642600 US females are named Kimberly!
source namestatistics.com

Kim is the #118 most common female name.
0.178% of females in the US are named Kim.
Around 226950 US females are named Kim!
source namestatistics.com

I thought Kimberly would be higher up on the list. It seems like EVERY girl I was in grade school with was named Kimberly or Kim. We had to go by our last names in class. It really sucked at times. I used to want to go by my middle name, but my teachers could never pronounce it. So I was stuck with the last name.

Work

I had always said I would never really talk about work on my blog. I didn't want the IT police coming to my office and escorting me off the premises. But I just have to talk about work today. I am a benefits manager and my company went through open enrollment for benefits. It lasted 2 weeks. Now I am receiving all the forms back from everyone. My company has about 900 employees and I am used to handling an enrollment of up to 6000, so I thought 900 should be a breeze. WELL, WHAT KIND OF DAYUM DRUGS WAS I ON to think that?!

This has been the worst open enrollment I have ever experienced. First, this place is stuck in the 20th century. Can we get some electronic "paperwork" instead of tons of paper? Everything is on paper. The poor, suffering trees. And people wonder why we have an ozone problem! Opps...got off on a tangent. Second, I have a Human Resources ASSistant that doesn't like to work. She was to help me get the packets mailed out, did like 10 and left the rest for me. Once the enrollment forms arrived back from the employees, she was to help me enter the information into our payroll system. She did 20 of those and said her hands hurt and she was tired. WHAT??!!!

Oh, just a little background on her...she has rheumatoid arthritis. I am VERY sympathic to medical illnesses, as I have experienced some myself. But she just plain doesn't want to work. She constantly talks about her arthritis...ENOUGH ALREADY! I am here to work! She was told BEFORE enrollment stated that she would have to step up to the plate and help me more than she has been. She said no problem. Well...Houston we have a problem!

I have been staying late at work trying to make sure all the benefit information is in to all of the carriers, doing data entry into our payroll system and this cow leaves work on time everyday and she is TIRED?! Yeah right! My eyes are going crossed from looking at the computer screen today. I have keyed in 450 enrollment forms. And she has done none today. I guess I am just going to have to put my foot down and say "You do 100 of these by Tuesday or we have problems!" The HR managers are afraid of her because of her arthritis and ADA...but I'm not...she has not requested any accomodations for her arthritis and she knew what she was getting into when she took the job. I know I sound like an unsympathetic beyotch...but can I just have someone who takes work as seriously as I do?

Third, the employees are really DUMB! They don't change their address when they move. Don't you check your pay stub or pay check? It has the address on there. That is why you didn't get a packet. Open enrollment is OVER people. DON'T call me saying you forgot! Well, I forgot to put in your information! We have been sending out annoucements for a month, before and during the enrollment period. Don't tell me you forgot and you want to send in your form or want me to send you a form. TOO BAD, SO SAD! IT AIN'T HAPPENING! What part of that isn't clear? That is why it is called open enrollment period!

Thank goodness it is a 3 day weekend because I might have to go postal on people! Get your bail money together! Trina, brush off those criminal law books!! I am on the EDGE, so don't push me OVER! :)

Names

K	Kind
I	Innocent
M	Misunderstood
/
C	Creepy
U	Useful
B	Bold
A	Appealing
N	Natural
D	Dashing
I	Influential
V	Virile
A	Appealing

I got this from my chica Karla. Thanks for sharing Karla. I think it is mostly true, but I don't like the "dashing" or "creepy" parts!

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

Me... a RADICAL??

You are a Radical. Right on!


What kind of Sixties Person are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

When did I become a radical? Reese, where do you get these things? LMAO!

My Two Favorite Rooms

My Livingroom


My Bathroom

Well I am finally all moved into my new joint! I still don't have internet service and I freaking HATE SBC, but that is another story. These are my two favorite rooms in the whole place, my livingroom and my bathroom. Both are places of relaxation for me. I am looking forward to many nights of long baths and cable tv! Please excuse the boxes, but you get the picture.

I am really happy with my decision to get this place. The commute in the mornings aren't bad so far. Coming home is another matter, but it is okay because I know my livingroom and bathroom are waiting for me!

MOVING!! Part III

Daddy comes over to help me move the rest of my crap into my new joint! I should have known this would be an ordeal, because my dad is my dad. I want to just hurry up and throw the crap in the back of the truck and be done with it. No, not him. He wants to put things in the truck a certain way. So what should have taken an hour or two at most took 4 hours...just loading the stuff on. I love my dad and I appreciate his help, but my nerves were wreaked.

I had to return the UHaul back to the place by 4:30 the same day because the place closes at 5 pm on Sundays. It was 3 pm and we were just getting to my new place. By the way, my mom came with my dad, but all she did was complain how hot it was and to turn the AC on. Why turn the dayum AC on when we are going in and out. Doesn't that go against some parent rule or something? Or do you not do it when it is on THEIR bill?

So of course, my parents get to the new place and they have to take a tour. Meanwhile the clock is ticking. So my dad is pointing out all the problems with the place, ie., paint peeling, etc. I don't freaking care at that point. I just want the shit off the truck and in the house or the garage or someplace...just OFF the freaking truck. So I remind my dad, gently, we have to get the truck back. Well then we waste another 5 precious minutes while he goes off on a tangent about how NO ONE told him the fucking truck had to be back at a certain time. I didn't want to remind him that he was there when the man said it so I left that alone because he would have really exploded. I know I am making like my dad has anger management issues; he doesn't , he is just passionate about certain things.

We start unloading the truck. My mom is talking decorating tips and I don't have time for that crap either. So she is trying to tell us where to put everything so it looks nice. Ummm Mother can you just move so we can put this shit down? So we are at 4:15 by the time we get ready to leave. Then guess who shows up? The CABLE man. So I tell him where I want it installed and then leave Mom in charge.

We leave to take the truck back. But we have to put gas in it and it is a diesal. Umm there are NO diesal gas stations close by...so we drive for what seems like forever and we find one. Put the gas in and make it back to drop off the truck with 5 minutes to spare.

Still no phone service!!

MOVING Part II

The movers arrived today. Why did I have to get Black man with an attitude and didn't want to work? He complained from the minute he walked in into my old place. He talked about how much stuff I had. Hell I know how must shit I have...I packed it! He begins to tell me what he is and isn't going to move. So I immediately get on the phone to his office and tell them WTF?!! You send this man and his buddy to move me and he tells me he isn't going to do it. So she has to get him straight. Then he starts throwing shit around and just being an all around asshole. The guy working with him was embarrassed you could tell, but Black man was his "boss".

I don't want to be too confrontational with this man because he basically has my stuff hostage on his truck. They get everything packed on the truck. We take off and we go to the new house. We wait and wait and wait for the movers to show up. They show up at 2 hours later. Now mind you I moved to the suburbs, but I didn't move 2 hours away from my old place....30 minutes MAX. So I get on the phone calling the office, again, saying WTF is taking so long?!! So they show up 30 minutes later. They arrive and refuse to take the stuff off the truck before I pay them. Mr. Attitude says you owe us $100 more dollars because you have 50 boxes over the estimate. So I said why is it $100 more now when you said it was $1.00 more per box extra. So in essence it should only be $50 more. So once again I am arguing with this asshole about my shit and money. I am calling the office AGAIN asking them why is he trying to rip me off. The office confirms I only owe $50 more. Mr Attitude was trying to the extra $50. I mean I can't believe how shady people are. I would have given him the extra $50 as a tip if he had had a better attitude and not try to rip me off. I pay them. They bring the stuff in. Disassembly and assembly were part of the price. The assembled some things but not others. By that time, I didn't give a shit...I just wanted them gone.

I go back to the old homestead and realize...THE MOVERS LEFT A BUNCH OF STUFF!! So I start to actually ball my eyes out because I have no more money and no way to get the stuff moved. So I call my parents, who by the way are moving to Puerto Rico. I don't know how many times I have to say it to finally believe it is true, but anyway. I am crying saying they left a bunch of stuff and they won't come back without charging, etc. My dad, who is a very volatile Cubano, says "call those muthafuckas back and tell them to come get the shit!!!" Finally, after I get him calmed down he says, "okay I will help you get the rest of your shit!" So tomorrow is UHaul day!

To add insult to injury, my PHONE doesn't work at the new house yet!! SBC sucks, by the way, but I have no choice in phone companies. Okay, I am getting off on a tangent. I have been using my cell phone for the past 3 days as my only means of communication. So no internet...I am at my parent's house writing this!!

This has been the WORST move of my life! When will it be over?!!

MOVING! Part I

Tomorrow is moving day for me. I cannot tell you how much I hate moving. Packing is a horrible word that I wish I could afford for someone to do for me. I am sitting here amongst all my shit asking myself, "Where in hell did all this come from? How does it all fit inside my two bedroom place?"

I am so tired. I worked all day today and I am coming home to do more work. I know I am procrastinating even more by sitting here writing this, when I should be packing. I know I will be up all night. I have to say my daughter has helped me so much during this process. Overall, she has packed without complaint while I am at work, but I know she is tired too.

Okay, I am going to try to finish it all up tonight. Movers are coming between 8-10 am. Shit is it going to be hot tomorrow??!!!

Celia at the Smithsonian

Celia Exhibit at the Smithsonian


Celia Embracing the World


Celia's infamous Cuba dress

I went to see the exhibit of Celia Cruz at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. This exhibit was the BEST exhibit I have ever seen. It had music and video as well as her dresses and photographs. The music moved you to laughter and to tears, all in one place. I was dancing and singing along.

This woman was amazing. She created fashions that were way ahead of her time. The shoes she wore were gravity defying. This exhibit explained words that are used every day in Hispanic Culture, Sabor and Azucar. It was all done with such accuracy and care. You can tell whomever was the curator of the exhibit really admired Celia as a person and her career as entertainer.

Cuba for the night!

Marissa looking lovely at the Embassy


Cuban Diplomats


Kim and Ines(A Cuban Diplomat)


Kim and Mari drinking Mojitos


Mari and Kim inside the Embassy


Chandalier in Ballroom

I went to Cuba for one night. Well the Cuban Interest section of the Swiss Embassy. It was a beautiful place. When we arrived there were protestors, shouting, "Shame on you!" and it took me aback for a minute because I forgot that I was going to a Cuban sponsored function. As I walked into the building, I thought of Elian Gonzalez for some odd reason. I believe this is the place where his grandmothers tried to convince his Uncle to give him up. Well, that is another story.

My friend Marissa attended with me. We went up the ornate staircase to a beautiful ballroom. It made me think about the parties my grandmother described she went to when she was young.

The mojitos and other cocktails were flowing. Marissa made a friend of a man that looked like he was 90 and he was making mojitos. And man was he making the best mojitos on earth. He called her "Mulatta Linda". It was really very cute. I think he was making our mojitos stronger than anyone else's because after my second one, I had a DEFINITE buzz going on. There were all kinds of Cuban foods...Ropa Vieja, moros y cristianos, yuca y ajo, and arroz con leche.

The band started playing. They were surprisingly good. I hated it when they took breaks because I wanted them to keep playing. Some man grabbed Marissa to dance. She was a dancing Mami all night long. Although she will deny it. The Cuban Diplomats danced and enjoyed themselves. It was so great to watch them. There were several couples there that reminded me of my parents when they dance together. There was dancing, drinking, salsa lessons, drinking, and dancing and drinking.

It was a night that helped me forget about the difference in politics that the U.S and Cuba have. It was just a night to have fun and have a little freedom to experience something new but yet VERY familiar to me.

Literally climbing into bed!!

I'M BORING!!

Barcardi Mojito

I have just come to the realization that I have become a boring person. When did it happen? It happened when I wasn't looking. I used to be so much fun! I used to have so much fun! Did parenthood do it to me? Did work and responsibilities do it to me? Or maybe age? I am an old broad now! Hell that snuck up on my ass too! I will be 38 in July. When did I get so old?

How do I capture my "fun" self back? I try to force myself to go out and have fun. Why do I have to "force" myself to go out and have fun? I have no energy. Just tired all the time. What I want to do is just come home and crash and nobody freaking talk to me! SILENCE! I have become anti-social too. Oh wow! I need an intervention.

So I am forcing myself to go to Washington DC this weekend to go to a party at the Cuban Interest Section. I am excited about going, but the ACTUAL getting there seems like such a chore. I know once I get there I will have fun and be glad I went.

Pass the mojitos and let the fun begin!!

Travel Channel

Tahitian Huts

I am addicted to the Travel Channel! Samantha Brown, reporter for the The Travel Channel, has my dayum dream job. How do people get these kind of jobs? Do they go to school for this? Look at Rich Steves. He is the European travel guru! He didn't even go to college. Do they get front money from the travel fairy? Tell ME! I need to know these things. lol Samantha goes to the most fabulous places to "test" out hotels. She stays in the presidential suite,has fabulous massages, eats great food, all for free!! She can be a bit corny at times, but shit I can overlook that just seeing the places she goes. While I am watching, I am thinking man I could have said that much better or I would have done this instead.

I mean, do people actually HAVE jobs like this?! If so, may I have one too? Can I just travel and test out hotels and get paid for it too? Okay, I know, I am asking for way too much, but I can dream!

It's Official !!!

Backyard


Kitchen

It is finally official...the house is mine to lease. I am so excited! We are moving on June 25th. I have had the movers scheduled for a month now. Finally, I have an address to move my stuff into!

I have been stressing over house or apartment, apartment or house. Now that it is official, I am thinking back, why was I stressing so?! I have had MAJOR stomach issues the last few weeks. Dayum why do I let this kind of shit affect me so?! It all seems so simple now that it's over. I still don't have all of the deposit, but I know in my heart this will all work out. I am not going to worry so much about it anymore. I say so much because I am, by nature, a BIG worrier. :)

I have this deep seeded fear of being homeless. I have never been homeless before, but I used to be a social worker with homeless people. I have had executives with companies as my clients, making 6 figures a year, that lost everything due to losing their job or a vindictive ex-spouse, men and women. That has always stuck in my head. Seeing someone on the top of their careers, then down and out, living on the streets. So those images are forever in my head.

I love the kitchen in this house. It has plenty of cabinet space. I need that because I have a lot of pots, pans and kitchen gadgets. I am hooked on Pampered Chef stuff. :) I also love the backyard of this place. It has a huge patio, so I foresee lots of barbeques here.

IT IS OFFICIALLY mine to live in!! YAY!! *clap, clap, clap* :)

TV

Kevin Hill Cast...DAYUM Taye you FOINE!!

I am going to be a little silly and petty right now. I am a TV junkie among my other flaws. Blame it on my mother. That is what my daughter is going to say about me in a few years too. :) I have to have the TV on to study, to read, to cook, to do anything. Yes, I can study and process what I have learned with the TV on. If it is quiet, I get extremely restless and can't concentrate. I am sure there is some psychologist that will say that I really didn't learn anything, blah, blah, blah!

Here is what I want to know. I just want to know who the hell makes the decisions about what is going to be on TV each season. It certainly isn't anyone who knows what they are doing. I was reading in the Dallas newspaper that all my favorite shows are being cancelled for the fall. My main one (aside from Desperate Housewives) is Kevin Hill. KEVIN FINE HILL!! ARE they freaking NUTS?!! I mean c'mon! Why is it when there is a show on about a Black man or woman even, they take it off the air. The Black person has to be down and out and on welfare for the show to be successful. And no I don't mean the dayum Jeffersons or the Huxtables! Yeah I loved the Cosby Show and it showed us in a great way, but is that the only show that we will have that will be successful? I mean does White America think there aren't any professional Black men or women? Do they honestly think that we don't exist?

So they decide this fall to cancel Kevin Hill. Here is a show with a professional Black man, professional Latino man (Jon Seda is fine as wine in the summertime), and professional women. This was a good show. But do they keep it on? HELL NO!! Yes, people, I feel strongly about this show! When will we have a show that portrays Latinos and Black people in a positive light? Did they even give Kevin Hill a chance? I am just pissed off right now. I looked forward to a new season of Kevin and Damien getting into trouble and getting others out of trouble. I looked forward to seeing Kevin progress with Sarah. Learning about his inner Daddy! Why are the TV execs depriving me of seeing a FINE ASS Black man be sensitive and decent? Because I sure as hell ain't seeing it in real life. Isn't TV supposed to create a fantasy for me? Well I guess it is time to come back to reality.

I love TV and I wish they would leave my shit alone!!! Oh yeah one more thing...who the hell is Neilsen and how do I GET to be on his panel?!!

Living Arrangements

The Apt I can have


The house I want

Okay I have a huge dilemma. I need to move to the suburbs. I never thought I would say that. I LOVE Dallas. I love living close to EVERYTHING...malls, grocery stores, airports. You name it, I am close to it. So why am I leaving my beloved Dallas? Because their public schools SUCK!! The school system is a HOTT MESS! We have had like 6 superintendents in the past 4 years. Our school board is a pack of thieves. I have a 14 year old to educate, so we are packing up and moving to the 'burbs.

My dilemma is I REALLY REALLY REALLY want this house. It is actually cheaper rent than the apartment. But the deposit is WAY more than the deposit on the apartment. They are the same in square footage. The apt is 8 square feet smaller than the house. I like the idea of having my own separate place, make as much noise as I want. Okay pay $1100 deposit on a house or $69 on the apartment. Yes I said $69! So you get my dilemma?

House or Apartment...Apartment or House?! I spent all my money at the Sucias retreat...and don't get me started on that. I could borrow the money from my parents but MAN I freaking HATE asking them for money. It takes big chunks out of my pride to ask them for anything! They make me feel like such a "deadbeat bitch" as I so nicely called this past week. But wait I am drifting...lol Okay so ask the parents and get the "Why don't you save for a rainy day speech" or the " We are not made from money speech." LOL...or just get the apartment and save up for the house later. HMMM...how much pain can my pride suffer? How badly do I want this house? I will have to think about this one.

So many choices so little money! Awww the drama of it all!!! *sigh*

Love Type?

Your #1 Love Type: INFJ

The Protector In love, you strive to have the perfect relationship. For you, sex is nearly a spiritual experience, a bonding of souls. Overall, you have high expectations for any relationship you're in. However, you tend to hold back a part of yourself. Best matches: ENTP and ENFP

Your #2 Love Type: ENFJ

The Giver In love, you give your all and feel guilty when relationships fail. For you, sex is not seperate from love and caring. Overall, you are humorous, giving, and motivational. However, you tend to be over-protective and critical of your partner. Best matches: INFP or ISFP

Your #3 Love Type: INFP

The Idealist In love, you crave a long term, harmonious relationship. For you, sex doesn't come quickly - it takes time for you to open up. Overall, you are supportive, nurturing, and expressive. However, you tend to be shy and protective of your personal space. Best matches: ENFJ and ESFJ

Your #4 Love Type: INTJ

The Scientist In love, you tend to be very private and withdrawn - even when things are going well. For you, sex is important in a happy relationship. Less important when things aren't going well. Overall, you are confident, intelligent, and serious about commitment. However, you tend to hold back and not show your emotions. Best matches: ENFP and ENTP

Your #5 Love Type: ISFJ

The Nurturer In love, you are quietly intense, devoted, and tend too hold on too long. For you, sex is a way to get closer - and a way to take care of your partner. Overall, you are altruistic and eager to please your sweetie. However, you tend to also be non-confrontational and secretly frustrated with relationship issues. Best matches: ESTP or ESFP

What's Your Love Type?

I think this is very accurate about me and someone who I would like to be my lover. ;) It is a bit scary. I don't usually think I can be placed in a certain catagory because there are so many aspects to my personality. But I do know what I want and what I will do to keep it. LMAO!