The temperature on my wireless weather system shows 33F.
It is COLD!
So cold that I am so glad I paid $$$ for the remote car starter.
Yeap, the cold season has moved in and there is nothing we can do about it.
On a different note, closure and freedom is good. (hehehe)
For all the 2 readers to this site, please welcome my dear dear friend home from the sandbox.
Fred meister, Hat Tip.
Welcome back to "All you can eat taco bell" and high price gas.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Told you so.
The average temperature range from 65F for a high to 40F for a low.
Trees have turned yellow, and starting to bald. Needless to say, "SUMMER IS GONE!"
Halloween is around the corner (maybe I'll dress as Marilyn Monroe), Thanksgiving is on the minds and homework of my 8 year old child. Winter coats have emerged from hiatus.
Sigh... life in the midwest, 4 seasons. Dont like it? Get the hell outta here.
Anyway, the children of the house are getting cabin fever and have voiced regrets of activities they should have taken up. Should have kicked more ball in the backyard, should have learnt how to ride their bikes, etc etc.
What else can I say, but "TOLD YOU SO!"
I told you it will get colder very soon. Maybe they will listen next year.
************************ ********************* ******************* ***************
Here is one for Mr Fredmeister,
Stay cool and stay sane,
Even in your absence,
Some things on Stateside stay the same.
Your patience with some bastards,
Is admirable,
But you cannot lose yourself to the predictable.
Nothing really exciting happening here,
Your precious Steelers has a bad start to the year.
Think instead of your vacation to Singapore.
yeah yeah, all the glorious food you can eat and more.
So keep your chinny chin up,
And use some Brillo on the Botak.
Hehehe, some things still dont change,
You stilll have a friend who is still the same.
******** ****** ****** ******* ******** ******* ******* ******
Trees have turned yellow, and starting to bald. Needless to say, "SUMMER IS GONE!"
Halloween is around the corner (maybe I'll dress as Marilyn Monroe), Thanksgiving is on the minds and homework of my 8 year old child. Winter coats have emerged from hiatus.
Sigh... life in the midwest, 4 seasons. Dont like it? Get the hell outta here.
Anyway, the children of the house are getting cabin fever and have voiced regrets of activities they should have taken up. Should have kicked more ball in the backyard, should have learnt how to ride their bikes, etc etc.
What else can I say, but "TOLD YOU SO!"
I told you it will get colder very soon. Maybe they will listen next year.
************************ ********************* ******************* ***************
Here is one for Mr Fredmeister,
Stay cool and stay sane,
Even in your absence,
Some things on Stateside stay the same.
Your patience with some bastards,
Is admirable,
But you cannot lose yourself to the predictable.
Nothing really exciting happening here,
Your precious Steelers has a bad start to the year.
Think instead of your vacation to Singapore.
yeah yeah, all the glorious food you can eat and more.
So keep your chinny chin up,
And use some Brillo on the Botak.
Hehehe, some things still dont change,
You stilll have a friend who is still the same.
******** ****** ****** ******* ******** ******* ******* ******
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
As The Fat Man used to say....
A reminder from my cyber calendar, September 21.
For some of the readers to this blog, you WILL know who is the Fat Man, aka Larry Hawkins.
Yeap, it has been 3 years since his passing.
We all miss him in some way, his sick sense of humor, his rough growl but mostly his words of wisdom. Someday we shall compile a book of his "wisdom".
Larry had a name for everyone, including yours truly.
If you remember the Fat Man and his lines, drop one or 2 here. The invitation is free to all.
Still thinking of you Fat Man,
Linny the Pooh.
For some of the readers to this blog, you WILL know who is the Fat Man, aka Larry Hawkins.
Yeap, it has been 3 years since his passing.
We all miss him in some way, his sick sense of humor, his rough growl but mostly his words of wisdom. Someday we shall compile a book of his "wisdom".
Larry had a name for everyone, including yours truly.
If you remember the Fat Man and his lines, drop one or 2 here. The invitation is free to all.
Still thinking of you Fat Man,
Linny the Pooh.
Friday, September 15, 2006
I guess some things just dont change
What a month of September!!
Firstly, rushing preparations for school. You know, the school supplies, school clothes and shoes, and the endless sessions of meeting teachers whose names I do not remember. Really, I do hope I NEVER meet my children's teachers during the school year. I think my children are whimpy enough to stay out of trouble (crossing fingers, bad genes are involved).
Before the school bell tolled, it was the endless chatter of the local fairs. I have to complain on this topic, the Allen County Fair exceeded the fun factor over the Hancock County Fair.
Firstly, rushing preparations for school. You know, the school supplies, school clothes and shoes, and the endless sessions of meeting teachers whose names I do not remember. Really, I do hope I NEVER meet my children's teachers during the school year. I think my children are whimpy enough to stay out of trouble (crossing fingers, bad genes are involved).
Before the school bell tolled, it was the endless chatter of the local fairs. I have to complain on this topic, the Allen County Fair exceeded the fun factor over the Hancock County Fair.
Good: Allen County Fair had Mounties. Definitely a winner with the girls, uniform and a horse.
Good: Allen County Fair and the ever ever COOL FLIGHT SIMULATOR Featuring the Blue Angels, courtersy of the US Navy.
BAD: Hancock County Fair had health issues. I cannot pardon the omni-present dust or the tabacco smoke the vendors blow at the children. A quick survey shows many visitors who attended the Hancock county fair fell extremely ill.
BAD: The nagging chesty cough, painful fevers I brought home from the fair.
BAD: Passing out from the 2 Tylenols I took for the painful fevers.
BAD: The nasty side effects from the anti-biotics to rid of the BAD cough and fevers. CS said, "The cure is worst than the illness." Very true in my case.
VERY VERY PISSED OFF BAD: Having to eat my dinner 3 times, what a waste of good food, a side effect of the anti-biotics to rid the BAD cough and fevers from the fair.
Erhm... where is the Complain Jar? Taking notes there Mr Fair Board Person thing for next year?
***********************************************************
What does the month of September and the fairs have to do with the topic that some things don't change?
Year after year, I still dont like the smell of the steer barn or the hog pens or the ... you get the idea.
(Everyone ..... WHIMP! Yeah yeah, I grew up in the city remember?)
5 years later, September 7, 2006, as we posted flags at The Healing Field,(a tradition I hope to continue with my children) I am still mad and I still cried.
(Everyone ..... aww... pass the tissues)
5 years later, a dear family friend of my ex-in-laws, who butchered my name still remembers his embarassing tongue twister. And he still gave me a hug despite the separation.
5 years later, a dear family friend of my ex-in-laws, who butchered my name still remembers his embarassing tongue twister. And he still gave me a hug despite the separation.
(Everyone ..... AAAWWWWW!)
10 years later, recognizing me within an instance a friend's wife still flagged me down in a flood of people. Screaming my name loudly in public, erhm, more than once.
10 years later, recognizing me within an instance a friend's wife still flagged me down in a flood of people. Screaming my name loudly in public, erhm, more than once.
(Everyone .... laugh amongst yourselves, yeah yeah yeah, btw, we were at a fair with kids around!)
11 years later, my professor still shook my hand and gave me that "What have you done?" look.
11 years later, my professor still shook my hand and gave me that "What have you done?" look.
(Really, Dr. Marquart, I DID NOT DO IT!! It is not my fault, this time.)
All these events lead to a simple conclusion:
All these events lead to a simple conclusion:
I have not changed my hairstyle
What did you think I was referring to?
Oh yes, I still wear my pinky ring to match the smart-ass attitude.
Monday, September 11, 2006
6 degrees of Separation
For 5 years I had to explain the events of 9/11 to young ears.
For 5 years, I get mad that someone messed with MY New York City.
For 5 years, I realized that travelling is a lost cause.
For 2 years my children and I have volunteered at a Healing Field, posting flags while I try to instill the honour in those flags and their mission in life.
For about 6 degrees of separation, a theory that some people dispute, we are affected by 9/11/2001.
Vincent Gerard Halloran left 5 boys on September 11, 2001. His wife discovered she was pregnant September 12, 2001, later delivered a healthy baby girl.
His name is engraved on the missile designated for OBL.
You see, my childrens' cousins' Uncle is Vincent Gerard Halloran, Ladder 8, NYFD.
Stand tall. American Citizen or not, the world changed.
We will never forget, falter or FORGIVE.
Get them boys!!
For 5 years, I get mad that someone messed with MY New York City.
For 5 years, I realized that travelling is a lost cause.
For 2 years my children and I have volunteered at a Healing Field, posting flags while I try to instill the honour in those flags and their mission in life.
For about 6 degrees of separation, a theory that some people dispute, we are affected by 9/11/2001.
Vincent Gerard Halloran left 5 boys on September 11, 2001. His wife discovered she was pregnant September 12, 2001, later delivered a healthy baby girl.
His name is engraved on the missile designated for OBL.
You see, my childrens' cousins' Uncle is Vincent Gerard Halloran, Ladder 8, NYFD.
Stand tall. American Citizen or not, the world changed.
We will never forget, falter or FORGIVE.
Get them boys!!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Food for the mind.
Mr Fred commented about Singaporen food in Midwest America. Errr... just an idea.
HELLO???
I mean who else would enjoy Chilli Crabs, rice in a claypot, Hainanese chicken, roti prata, etc etc. Maybe a trip to NYC Chinatown will help ease the discomfort. Hmmm.
Good idea though.
Sigh... it has been 10 years since my last taste of home.
Gee... I wonder why I need a stress relief.
HELLO???
I mean who else would enjoy Chilli Crabs, rice in a claypot, Hainanese chicken, roti prata, etc etc. Maybe a trip to NYC Chinatown will help ease the discomfort. Hmmm.
Good idea though.
Sigh... it has been 10 years since my last taste of home.
Gee... I wonder why I need a stress relief.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
For the peace of mind
As the anniversary to Patriot Day nears, I recall a quote from a name forgotten, "We in the safe and free world forget what is Liberty. In short, we are spoilt."
How true. In light of the continued efforts of the Members of the Coalition in liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq, most of the free world seem to have forgetten how it all began. The continued nonsense in the media about "Occupation, intrusion, etc." Remember 9/11. The day the world changed. The day our hearts sank. Resolve, a quality reminder to those who grieved. After 2001, terror attacks continued, however the successful attempts have occured elsewhere. Twarted attempts were never revealed until "disclassified" or never disclosed at all. When precautions were taken, rumblings of inconvenient schedules take centerstage. On the other hand when the underhanded succeed, blame splatter like bugs on a windscreen, "Why didn't you prevent it?"
Proximity to the Second World War via family taught me the atrocities of dictatorship and oppression. Grandma told of stories of personal suffer under oppression, torture, fear and starvation. Stories of sirens, signalling ducking into a bomb shelter. Feeding her newborn with a handkerchief dipped into honey. Fearing if a family will be dragged out in the middle of the night for torture for the delight of someone else. (Btw, a movie has not been written about it yet, Mr Spielberg.) Stories that still haunt me. A new chapter, terror attacks by a group of unrealists. 9/11 is the new chapter of tyranny, because now the free world is held hostage by precautions and alerts. Condemnation is insufficient. Relaxed attention is the loophole for their success. Sometimes, the judicial system may be the catalyst, someday we may ask, "if you knew it why didn't you stop it?" Simply, let the intelligence agencies do their jobs, throwing in laws and regulation is comparable to placing IEDs in the path of a Medic team trying to reach the injured.
Israel's attempt to clean out terror group Hezbollah should be applauded. Take no prisoners but warn the locals when the strikes are arriving. (Huh?)
Spoilt, yes we are.
Preamptive strike, to foil an attempt before it happens.
For the peace of mind and body, pre-amptive strikes sound victorious.
For 9/11, resolve still runs strong for some.
Hat-tip to those whose sacrifices allow me to be "spoilt".
How true. In light of the continued efforts of the Members of the Coalition in liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq, most of the free world seem to have forgetten how it all began. The continued nonsense in the media about "Occupation, intrusion, etc." Remember 9/11. The day the world changed. The day our hearts sank. Resolve, a quality reminder to those who grieved. After 2001, terror attacks continued, however the successful attempts have occured elsewhere. Twarted attempts were never revealed until "disclassified" or never disclosed at all. When precautions were taken, rumblings of inconvenient schedules take centerstage. On the other hand when the underhanded succeed, blame splatter like bugs on a windscreen, "Why didn't you prevent it?"
Proximity to the Second World War via family taught me the atrocities of dictatorship and oppression. Grandma told of stories of personal suffer under oppression, torture, fear and starvation. Stories of sirens, signalling ducking into a bomb shelter. Feeding her newborn with a handkerchief dipped into honey. Fearing if a family will be dragged out in the middle of the night for torture for the delight of someone else. (Btw, a movie has not been written about it yet, Mr Spielberg.) Stories that still haunt me. A new chapter, terror attacks by a group of unrealists. 9/11 is the new chapter of tyranny, because now the free world is held hostage by precautions and alerts. Condemnation is insufficient. Relaxed attention is the loophole for their success. Sometimes, the judicial system may be the catalyst, someday we may ask, "if you knew it why didn't you stop it?" Simply, let the intelligence agencies do their jobs, throwing in laws and regulation is comparable to placing IEDs in the path of a Medic team trying to reach the injured.
Israel's attempt to clean out terror group Hezbollah should be applauded. Take no prisoners but warn the locals when the strikes are arriving. (Huh?)
Spoilt, yes we are.
Preamptive strike, to foil an attempt before it happens.
For the peace of mind and body, pre-amptive strikes sound victorious.
For 9/11, resolve still runs strong for some.
Hat-tip to those whose sacrifices allow me to be "spoilt".
Friday, August 18, 2006
Still here and missing Poh Piah
Yeap still here.
Just been falling asleep on the couch, fighting the urge the be nasty to a certain party, being patient with my children and most of all.....
craving, I mean CRAVING food.
I am searching for a sambal receipe, to make a huge batch for my freezer.
Ohh how I miss poh piah, roti prata, laksa, mee siam, hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab..... (have you passed out yet, Fred?)
Thus the plea is extended to anyone who has a good sambal receipe, noting that this experiment will be conducted outside of Singapore, where the ingredients are all ang-moh with no Chinatown for 5 hours okay.
Back to the couch.
Just been falling asleep on the couch, fighting the urge the be nasty to a certain party, being patient with my children and most of all.....
craving, I mean CRAVING food.
I am searching for a sambal receipe, to make a huge batch for my freezer.
Ohh how I miss poh piah, roti prata, laksa, mee siam, hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab..... (have you passed out yet, Fred?)
Thus the plea is extended to anyone who has a good sambal receipe, noting that this experiment will be conducted outside of Singapore, where the ingredients are all ang-moh with no Chinatown for 5 hours okay.
Back to the couch.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Closing down on Retirement
Not me.
The beautiful Space Shuttle is scheduled for retirement in 2010. Till then NASA has to complete 16 missions. SAY IT ISNT SO!!
I left my heart in Cape Caneveral in 1985, when I witnessed the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. There are 16 launches left for the witness of mankind. Make the best of it and head south. The spectacle is a lifetime of pride.
******************************************************************
On a different note, I have my LOUD opinions on the current Israel-Hezbollah situation. However, the prying eyes that visit this site daily may mistake me for a drunk actor. In light of the sensitivity (for the first time) I shall refrain my rantings in public.
To hell with it, the whole situation is a ****** !@#*** ***!@#* that The world should *&#@@!$ and not forget about !@#$. If *&****&%$ was in power, it will be *&^@# in *@##$$ a matter of *@#@$%.
HEHEHE.
The beautiful Space Shuttle is scheduled for retirement in 2010. Till then NASA has to complete 16 missions. SAY IT ISNT SO!!
I left my heart in Cape Caneveral in 1985, when I witnessed the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. There are 16 launches left for the witness of mankind. Make the best of it and head south. The spectacle is a lifetime of pride.
******************************************************************
On a different note, I have my LOUD opinions on the current Israel-Hezbollah situation. However, the prying eyes that visit this site daily may mistake me for a drunk actor. In light of the sensitivity (for the first time) I shall refrain my rantings in public.
To hell with it, the whole situation is a ****** !@#*** ***!@#* that The world should *&#@@!$ and not forget about !@#$. If *&****&%$ was in power, it will be *&^@# in *@##$$ a matter of *@#@$%.
HEHEHE.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
It can be worse
Heat index rose beyond 100F today, with humidity close on its heels. Sweat is omnipresent, showers are constitutional, fluids are necessary and stay away from over-indulgence of hot dogs. Summer at the peak of fury. It can be worse.
How about enduring this heat while:
* Living in a place with no shelter from the merciless heat.
* Loss or lack of electricity, hence no central air for our pampered pits.
* The sky is pouring down rain.
* The sky is pouring down bombs.
* etc etc
Or it could be iced covered with 3 feet of snow to shovel.
Summer, what we wish for in Winter. I am enjoying it now. And making everyone else around me to do so. Hahaha.
How about enduring this heat while:
* Living in a place with no shelter from the merciless heat.
* Loss or lack of electricity, hence no central air for our pampered pits.
* The sky is pouring down rain.
* The sky is pouring down bombs.
* etc etc
Or it could be iced covered with 3 feet of snow to shovel.
Summer, what we wish for in Winter. I am enjoying it now. And making everyone else around me to do so. Hahaha.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
I'm BACK
Actually my back is to blame. All the hectic schedule renders back rest, thus imposition of an early curfew to bed has been necessary.
What's been going on?? Well, work, home, work, home. Hezbollah getting their butts whipped by the fearless Israel. Iraq continues on their winning streak against terror. Landis, aka. ex protoge of Armstrong, is not Eddie Merck, that win in stage 17 is tooooooooooooooo errrrr.... suspicious. Even his own mommy disapproves her son's practice. (Huh!! what does that tell you.)
A few weekends ago I endured a new torture. The first ever sleepover in my house. The doggie enjoyed all the attention, the house was trashed, my ears hurt. What was I thinking? 5 girls screaming through the house, until this commander issued the Lights Out at 1AM. Never again.
What's been going on?? Well, work, home, work, home. Hezbollah getting their butts whipped by the fearless Israel. Iraq continues on their winning streak against terror. Landis, aka. ex protoge of Armstrong, is not Eddie Merck, that win in stage 17 is tooooooooooooooo errrrr.... suspicious. Even his own mommy disapproves her son's practice. (Huh!! what does that tell you.)
A few weekends ago I endured a new torture. The first ever sleepover in my house. The doggie enjoyed all the attention, the house was trashed, my ears hurt. What was I thinking? 5 girls screaming through the house, until this commander issued the Lights Out at 1AM. Never again.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Untitled
** Cant think of a title for this entry. D'oh!
Who washed their car(s)to bring this rain? Now I have to mow, again. I am sure there is a group out there who are unhappy as well, their wheat harvest schedule has been delayed. The bottom line: if you see combines in wheat fields, DONT WASH your vehicles.
Let the bird droppings lay for another week, if droppings can survive a space launch, there is a good chance you will still be scrubbing your vehicle hood in a week.
*APPLAUSE for the shuttle crew. Hooo!! Hooo!!
NASA's IOU streak with me is slowly, rendering to payoff. A few more items to settle, the safe return of STS-121 and ALL future missions. Bring another teacher back into space, accidentally drop a wrench on OBL's head, bring out the X-30 from the moth balls, increase awareness on the importance of space missions, etc etc.
*Can somebody attach a stupid mouse to the cell phones!! Those little buttons are meant for ..er.. mice? I cant even order take out while driving! Sorry old lady.
*er ... that's it for now.
Btw, how's wheat looking this year?
Yeah I kinda miss it. Kinda.
Who washed their car(s)to bring this rain? Now I have to mow, again. I am sure there is a group out there who are unhappy as well, their wheat harvest schedule has been delayed. The bottom line: if you see combines in wheat fields, DONT WASH your vehicles.
Let the bird droppings lay for another week, if droppings can survive a space launch, there is a good chance you will still be scrubbing your vehicle hood in a week.
*APPLAUSE for the shuttle crew. Hooo!! Hooo!!
NASA's IOU streak with me is slowly, rendering to payoff. A few more items to settle, the safe return of STS-121 and ALL future missions. Bring another teacher back into space, accidentally drop a wrench on OBL's head, bring out the X-30 from the moth balls, increase awareness on the importance of space missions, etc etc.
*Can somebody attach a stupid mouse to the cell phones!! Those little buttons are meant for ..er.. mice? I cant even order take out while driving! Sorry old lady.
*er ... that's it for now.
Btw, how's wheat looking this year?
Yeah I kinda miss it. Kinda.
Monday, July 10, 2006
What the ...!!!
Despite my opinions on France, I silently rooted for ZIZOU!!
But what the hell was he thinking to earn that red card!!
Stupid way to begin your retirement. Out in the BOOOOOSSS!!!
Zizou, is Zizoot!
But what the hell was he thinking to earn that red card!!
Stupid way to begin your retirement. Out in the BOOOOOSSS!!!
Zizou, is Zizoot!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Check this out!!
Some people saw me at my old hangout.
Yes I was back in grain for a few hours.
What can I say, they miss me.
While I was there, I took on the simple pleasure of web site editing.
Not my site, just my doing.
So here is the product: Cruising Berrys
The site is still in diapers, but there are hundreds of pictures to choose from.
Yes I was back in grain for a few hours.
What can I say, they miss me.
While I was there, I took on the simple pleasure of web site editing.
Not my site, just my doing.
So here is the product: Cruising Berrys
The site is still in diapers, but there are hundreds of pictures to choose from.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Liftoff!!!
LIFT OFF LIFT OFF!!
SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY RETURNING TO THE SPACE STATION
PAVING THE WAY FOR FUTURE MISSIONS AND BEYOND!
HAPPY JULY 4TH MANKIND
On this day,
On this day ....
* NASA scrubbed a significant launch due to safety concerns. (What a bummer)
* we saw fireworks in the brilliant colours of Red, White & Blue.
* I thought of those to thank so I may stand there with my children watching the fireworks.
* I thanked in my heart those who defend Liberty, regardless of country.
* I again contemplated defending liberty, Semper Fi. (Kids still protest my decision.)
* I thought of 9/11.
* I thought of 7/7.
* I thought of President Bush's address on September 21, 2001 before a Joint Congress.
"We will never falter, forgive, forsake or forget."
* I thanked many and name a few:
Fredmeister, Paul Berkley, Deuce Four, LCdr Smash, Blackfive, Michael Yon,
POTUS, NASA,
*I thanked the recruiter who said I was too old to enlist. I continue my contribution, I pay taxes and shop more.
*I also included those who believed in me, the one who gave me the "last kick in the butt" & his brother,
*My inspirations, My children, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev (surprise? recall Perestroika?), Lech Walesa, Lee Kwan Yew, Noel Barber, Ava Gardner. My grandma.
There are some things in life that are priceless, the rest ..... er .... cash or credit?
On this day, go thank a soldier, or just email a milblog.
I know of one, Salute! Fred.
Okay, I know of 2. Hat tip, the youngest J. Brother.
* NASA scrubbed a significant launch due to safety concerns. (What a bummer)
* we saw fireworks in the brilliant colours of Red, White & Blue.
* I thought of those to thank so I may stand there with my children watching the fireworks.
* I thanked in my heart those who defend Liberty, regardless of country.
* I again contemplated defending liberty, Semper Fi. (Kids still protest my decision.)
* I thought of 9/11.
* I thought of 7/7.
* I thought of President Bush's address on September 21, 2001 before a Joint Congress.
"We will never falter, forgive, forsake or forget."
* I thanked many and name a few:
Fredmeister, Paul Berkley, Deuce Four, LCdr Smash, Blackfive, Michael Yon,
POTUS, NASA,
*I thanked the recruiter who said I was too old to enlist. I continue my contribution, I pay taxes and shop more.
*I also included those who believed in me, the one who gave me the "last kick in the butt" & his brother,
*My inspirations, My children, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev (surprise? recall Perestroika?), Lech Walesa, Lee Kwan Yew, Noel Barber, Ava Gardner. My grandma.
There are some things in life that are priceless, the rest ..... er .... cash or credit?
On this day, go thank a soldier, or just email a milblog.
I know of one, Salute! Fred.
Okay, I know of 2. Hat tip, the youngest J. Brother.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
ENGLAND! ENGLAND! ENGLAND!
England! England! Engla....Eng...NOOOOOOO!!!!
Painfully good match against Portugal (who has not lost a match).
Beckham bids farewell as cap. Who knew that a bow-legged akward boy from the slums will live the dream of every football freak.
Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay.
One more majician remains... ZIZOU! After he beat out Rinaldo. That was a good match too, talk about battle of the titans.
My girls are glad Word Cup is almost over, really.
Painfully good match against Portugal (who has not lost a match).
Beckham bids farewell as cap. Who knew that a bow-legged akward boy from the slums will live the dream of every football freak.
Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay, Oh lay.
One more majician remains... ZIZOU! After he beat out Rinaldo. That was a good match too, talk about battle of the titans.
My girls are glad Word Cup is almost over, really.
Monday, June 26, 2006
He did it outside!
England 1, Ecuador 0.
The single goal was credited to David (erhm) Beckham!!!
Then he puked on the field.
At least he did it outside.
Hahaha!
The single goal was credited to David (erhm) Beckham!!!
Then he puked on the field.
At least he did it outside.
Hahaha!
Friday, June 23, 2006
A few quick notes
Ghana whooped USA. (now that is sad, Ghana?)
Enough rain already!! Quick washing your vehicles. 1.5" + 2" + 1.3" = TOO MUCH!
Sump pump works, but the sky is just relentless.
Cleanup in aisle BASEMENT!!
Enough rain already!! Quick washing your vehicles. 1.5" + 2" + 1.3" = TOO MUCH!
Sump pump works, but the sky is just relentless.
Cleanup in aisle BASEMENT!!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
A reminder
Maj Gen. William Caldwell,
"We will never leave anyone behind."
His comments on military casualties on Larry King Live. Somehow we forgot about the commardarie and bond in uniform. This time this line was not from an actor, but it sent more chills down my spine and fueled further the fire of honour.
Salute!
"We will never leave anyone behind."
His comments on military casualties on Larry King Live. Somehow we forgot about the commardarie and bond in uniform. This time this line was not from an actor, but it sent more chills down my spine and fueled further the fire of honour.
Salute!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Oh Poo-ey!!
Schedule of events for last week:
Change sump-pump (Done)
Regain garage from kids' toys (Done)
Build table out of scrap wood (Done)
Other stuff (Done)
Try on work clothes that are not jeans (Oh Sh*t)
Yeap... I need a new wardrobe.
By the way, did anyone borrow my ironing board years ago?
I'll need it back, after I locate my iron from the spiders' web.
Erhm... the clothes (pants) need to be a few sizes bigger.
Change sump-pump (Done)
Regain garage from kids' toys (Done)
Build table out of scrap wood (Done)
Other stuff (Done)
Try on work clothes that are not jeans (Oh Sh*t)
Yeap... I need a new wardrobe.
By the way, did anyone borrow my ironing board years ago?
I'll need it back, after I locate my iron from the spiders' web.
Erhm... the clothes (pants) need to be a few sizes bigger.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
The time has come...
The time has arrived to start anew,
Leaving a position after 8.5 years,
Taking up something almost new.
Yeeeeaow!!! Hat tip to those who had put up with me,
Please try not to call my house about BVFC.
I may not be there to answer any queries.
We have watched the children grow,
All the little habits that I know.
All past now, just stories in tow.
Someday the book will be complete,
"What the fat man used to say",
Wisdom by another Hawkins.
Proceeds will go towards more beer,
Although you should know I wont be near,
Erhm.. recall "At least I did it outside".
For the last time, of course,
Goodnight Boss.
Leaving a position after 8.5 years,
Taking up something almost new.
Yeeeeaow!!! Hat tip to those who had put up with me,
Please try not to call my house about BVFC.
I may not be there to answer any queries.
We have watched the children grow,
All the little habits that I know.
All past now, just stories in tow.
Someday the book will be complete,
"What the fat man used to say",
Wisdom by another Hawkins.
Proceeds will go towards more beer,
Although you should know I wont be near,
Erhm.. recall "At least I did it outside".
For the last time, of course,
Goodnight Boss.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Hat Tip to Mr J.
Hat tip to Mr J.,
You had asked if I could stay,
"At least through wheat harvest", you say.
Rumours have swirled through the land,
Err... which is the truthful end?
Depends on the version you have heard in this fairy tale land.
Before I begin my reasoning, firstly I'll go to KFC,
Making sure it is EXTRA CRISPY,
Hands off, that bucket is for me!
Then followed by a pepperoni pizza,
Tums, right now, will be nice,
Oh throw in some ice tea, no ice.
Then find a tree,
Hopefully without alot of birdies,
At least it is not yet 130F (haha Fredie).
Mr J, I hate to say,
Many are counting down to the day,
To wheat harvest, which may begin on a Wednesday.
This fearsome face,
Without much grace,
Wont be there to ask: "Where is the other J*****n Brother?"
A joke that has found a fitting place.
Hat tip, Mr J. May you have fair weather, good prices and record yields.
A fan of the J*****n brothers.
You had asked if I could stay,
"At least through wheat harvest", you say.
Rumours have swirled through the land,
Err... which is the truthful end?
Depends on the version you have heard in this fairy tale land.
Before I begin my reasoning, firstly I'll go to KFC,
Making sure it is EXTRA CRISPY,
Hands off, that bucket is for me!
Then followed by a pepperoni pizza,
Tums, right now, will be nice,
Oh throw in some ice tea, no ice.
Then find a tree,
Hopefully without alot of birdies,
At least it is not yet 130F (haha Fredie).
Mr J, I hate to say,
Many are counting down to the day,
To wheat harvest, which may begin on a Wednesday.
This fearsome face,
Without much grace,
Wont be there to ask: "Where is the other J*****n Brother?"
A joke that has found a fitting place.
Hat tip, Mr J. May you have fair weather, good prices and record yields.
A fan of the J*****n brothers.
Friday, June 09, 2006
By the way...
By the way, many thanks to the US military for the pest control on June 8, 2006.
Now that is out of the way, let the .... MOMMY roar!!
See you in a few days.
Now that is out of the way, let the .... MOMMY roar!!
WORLD CUP IS HERE!!!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
ZARQO GOT WACKO
. courtesy of 500lb hardened steel compliments of Uncle Sam & liberty loving brave men & women of the USA Military..
.Yo, Nick Berg, are we singing now??
Nah, nah, nah ,nah,
Nah, nah ,nah, nah,
Hey Hey Hey,
Good Bye.
Alright I cannot resist:
- Devil says:" Welcome OBL, table for 2? Your guest is already here waiting for you."
- Congrates Mr Z, you have just passed through the doors to martyrdom, rewards await on the other side as promised, 72 goats and harems of women for your pleasure. Oh yeah, those goats have mad cow disease. The girls, have tested positive for STD's.
- Please enter. You were heading to the beach and coconut trees? Ooops, that was the screen saver. Welcome to oblivion, okay, HELL!
Monday, June 05, 2006
I see the light!! I see the light!!
Almost there... the light at the end of the tunnel sparkles, teasing me to the allure on the otherside.
Almost there... darn paperwork, patience ( I tell myself, no need to fight).
Almost there ... like Hansel & Gretel, I have left a trail of money on the path.
Almost there ... has end sometime soon, my pockets are gettting lighter by the day.
Baby needs shoes!!
Almost there ... I don't care ... time to thank all those who had cared.
Almost there ... thanks to the BIG TALL ONE who saw my fear.
Almost there ... thanks to those who listened, far or near.
Almost there ... thanks to those who did not interfered.
Almost there ... no thanks to those who interfered.
Almost there ... er.... need a new grill and a mower? (Haha... really.)
Almost there ... er ... time for things to get slower? (NOT!)
Almost there ... er ... I have been rejected for enlistment, prove that I am older. (Really.)
Almost there ... er ... I did it on my own. (I really did.)
Almost there ... er ... I hope that my parents are finally proud of me now. (Tooo late.)
Baby needs clean shoes. I think she stepped on "special brownies". I am not washing that!
Almost there... darn paperwork, patience ( I tell myself, no need to fight).
Almost there ... like Hansel & Gretel, I have left a trail of money on the path.
Almost there ... has end sometime soon, my pockets are gettting lighter by the day.
Baby needs shoes!!
Almost there ... I don't care ... time to thank all those who had cared.
Almost there ... thanks to the BIG TALL ONE who saw my fear.
Almost there ... thanks to those who listened, far or near.
Almost there ... thanks to those who did not interfered.
Almost there ... no thanks to those who interfered.
Almost there ... er.... need a new grill and a mower? (Haha... really.)
Almost there ... er ... time for things to get slower? (NOT!)
Almost there ... er ... I have been rejected for enlistment, prove that I am older. (Really.)
Almost there ... er ... I did it on my own. (I really did.)
Almost there ... er ... I hope that my parents are finally proud of me now. (Tooo late.)
Baby needs clean shoes. I think she stepped on "special brownies". I am not washing that!
Friday, June 02, 2006
"All by myself
I don't need anyone at all
I know I'll survive
I know I'll stay alive,
I'll stand on my own
I won't need anyone this time
It will be mine
No one can take it from me
You'll see.
You think that you are strong, but you are weak
You'll see,
It takes more strength to cry, admit defeat.
I have truth on my side,
You only have deceit
You'll see,
somehow, someday"
Title: You'll See
Artist: Madonna.
Artist: Madonna.
These words are so fitting.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Yawns - Yeahs
Lance Armstrong innocent - yawn
Ivan Basso wins Tour of Italy - YEAH!
Journalist Injured in Iraq - yawn
Uncle Jimbo ranting at Murtha - YEAH!!
Summer heat has set in -Yeah!!
Stoooopid mowing of yard - ***** @#$!
Counting to Soccer Madness - Yeah!!
Kids watching me counting down to soccer madness - NOOOOO!!!!
PS: If you think this is hot, Fredmeister is in 103F temperatures.
Ivan Basso wins Tour of Italy - YEAH!
Journalist Injured in Iraq - yawn
Uncle Jimbo ranting at Murtha - YEAH!!
Summer heat has set in -Yeah!!
Stoooopid mowing of yard - ***** @#$!
Counting to Soccer Madness - Yeah!!
Kids watching me counting down to soccer madness - NOOOOO!!!!
PS: If you think this is hot, Fredmeister is in 103F temperatures.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Just in case
All the nice media portray the efforts in the middle east with America as the only foriegn presence.
Erhm .... I beg to defer.
RSS Endeavour returns from 3-month Gulf deployment.
"The RSS Endeavour had been tasked with providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters, protecting the waters around key oil terminals, and conducting patrols and boarding operations." - Channel News Asia.
PS: That is a Landing Ship Tank (LST) isnt she a beauty??
Now eating: grilled cat. I mean beef curry.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Erhh....
Checking in....
Still here...
Just busy.......
The daily battle remains.... the stooopid alarm keeps buzzing every morning.
Baby needs shoes (courtesy of Mr J., his baby needs BIG shoes now)
Er ....
Er........
There are some interesting pictures, still waiting to be downloaded. D'oh!!
The Writers block has moved in.
Will return with more excuses.
In the meantime, thanks for all the support. You, you, you, you, I'll have the lawyer send you my bill. (just kidding).
Still here...
Just busy.......
The daily battle remains.... the stooopid alarm keeps buzzing every morning.
Baby needs shoes (courtesy of Mr J., his baby needs BIG shoes now)
Er ....
Er........
There are some interesting pictures, still waiting to be downloaded. D'oh!!
The Writers block has moved in.
Will return with more excuses.
In the meantime, thanks for all the support. You, you, you, you, I'll have the lawyer send you my bill. (just kidding).
Sunday, May 07, 2006
MAKE IT STOP!!!
*BREATHE BREATHE
*mental note: why does the phrase pulling hair seem sooooo inappropriate in this case?
It begins nightly at 1am.
The pounding, roaring and constant hum.
*Pointing beyond the backyard.
I guess this sacrifice is necessary so other drivers on the Interstate can remain safe.
But does it have to be this loud?
How loud?
Loud enough to drown out the snoring emitting from my walking warm and hairy carpet!
*mental note: why does the phrase pulling hair seem sooooo inappropriate in this case?
It begins nightly at 1am.
The pounding, roaring and constant hum.
*Pointing beyond the backyard.
I guess this sacrifice is necessary so other drivers on the Interstate can remain safe.
But does it have to be this loud?
How loud?
Loud enough to drown out the snoring emitting from my walking warm and hairy carpet!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Breathe and sleep
D-Day has arrived despite many many many changes to the original plans.
Let's see..... we began with free trade negotiations, then proceeded with limited sanctions, things took a wrong turn into Shock & Awe, Operation Retraction, and the current stage, Mission Sanity with Sleep.
Peaceful tonight, no scary calls, not jumping with every tire track (try living close to the interstate), the cold metal rod will not take up half my bed tonight, I will close my eyes and relax, once I am done with this entry.
See you later Boss.
Hahaha.
Let's see..... we began with free trade negotiations, then proceeded with limited sanctions, things took a wrong turn into Shock & Awe, Operation Retraction, and the current stage, Mission Sanity with Sleep.
Peaceful tonight, no scary calls, not jumping with every tire track (try living close to the interstate), the cold metal rod will not take up half my bed tonight, I will close my eyes and relax, once I am done with this entry.
See you later Boss.
Hahaha.
Count down
The countdown is getting too difficult.
Should have known that easy is not a default.
Another day filled with anxiety passes,
Something else happens & another phone call to ease the crisis.
When does home get so hard to return to?
Or when nightfall really spooks me too.
A sidearm may be handy now.
But the villian cannot be found.
The mental hurdle, I must overcome.
Or else someone will get harmed.
Never piss off the wrong person,
Especially the one who gave up everything for your reason.
"You will reap what you sow"
The day of reckoning is in tow.
Time for you to pay up for evil deeds,
The devil has receipts.
I would like my money back,
But not blood money,
With a knife stabbed in my back,
Keep the change, especially the pennies.
**********************************************************************************
To my dear friends who are holding me up, know that my chin is still held up. My phone has been programmed for assistance. My nights are days, and my days are days. I wish I could take a cop home with me, but he is quite unnecessary (unless he has other skills). I am letting Newton's first law of motion dictate the remainder of the week. My other responsibilities cannot be disturbed, for their already fragile innocence have to be preserved. So chant, pray, voodoo, or whatever... I'll make it through.
Should have known that easy is not a default.
Another day filled with anxiety passes,
Something else happens & another phone call to ease the crisis.
When does home get so hard to return to?
Or when nightfall really spooks me too.
A sidearm may be handy now.
But the villian cannot be found.
The mental hurdle, I must overcome.
Or else someone will get harmed.
Never piss off the wrong person,
Especially the one who gave up everything for your reason.
"You will reap what you sow"
The day of reckoning is in tow.
Time for you to pay up for evil deeds,
The devil has receipts.
I would like my money back,
But not blood money,
With a knife stabbed in my back,
Keep the change, especially the pennies.
**********************************************************************************
To my dear friends who are holding me up, know that my chin is still held up. My phone has been programmed for assistance. My nights are days, and my days are days. I wish I could take a cop home with me, but he is quite unnecessary (unless he has other skills). I am letting Newton's first law of motion dictate the remainder of the week. My other responsibilities cannot be disturbed, for their already fragile innocence have to be preserved. So chant, pray, voodoo, or whatever... I'll make it through.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
In the words of Jimmy Bond..
In light of recent events in my life,
I am Shaken,
Not Stirred.
Shook up but still standing.
Salute and Salut!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Extreme makeover.
Jungle paradise. Not very obvious here, but the pasture is about 6 inches tall.
See all the dandelions. (EWWW)
I know he is cute, but he also deposits...
In massive amounts too.
This guy is laughing because I just stepped in a brown landmine.
Not good to run out of this.
Then you may have to use this to cut the rest of the grass.
Extreme makeover, backyard style, after many scooping, more scooping, and words that children should never hear.
See what you are missing Fred??
Note: Doggie brownies courtesy as entertainment to Mr. J.
New words for the week
Yes !! I watched C-SPAN on a Saturday night. Do I need a life? (Back off buster!)
But he was good!!! Funny, really funny and educational. I learnt a few new words too!!
"The nucear poliffferetion treaty ... at the EIEIO..... intersexual contact."
Even the Joint Chiefs of Staff were tearing.
On Dick Cheney, aka The Great White Hunter, "He is a good man with a good heart er... err ... he is a good man."
On redundancy, "... on a global scale, internationally and all around the world."
On Laura Bush, "She's HOT!"
I would really like to understudy with the author of this material, he makes the Late Night Hosts look like amateur street jugglers.
If you do have a chance, catch the rerun. Overall that was a good laugh I had in a long time, well excluding the pranks on my children, good clean humour.
Mr. President, and Mr. Pseudo President, great job at the White House Correspondance Dinner.
Now listening: to my neighbours mow and trim.
But he was good!!! Funny, really funny and educational. I learnt a few new words too!!
"The nucear poliffferetion treaty ... at the EIEIO..... intersexual contact."
Even the Joint Chiefs of Staff were tearing.
On Dick Cheney, aka The Great White Hunter, "He is a good man with a good heart er... err ... he is a good man."
On redundancy, "... on a global scale, internationally and all around the world."
On Laura Bush, "She's HOT!"
I would really like to understudy with the author of this material, he makes the Late Night Hosts look like amateur street jugglers.
If you do have a chance, catch the rerun. Overall that was a good laugh I had in a long time, well excluding the pranks on my children, good clean humour.
Mr. President, and Mr. Pseudo President, great job at the White House Correspondance Dinner.
Now listening: to my neighbours mow and trim.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
They called back.
Friday April 28th, 2006.
I was confronted by fear. Fear. Hyperventilation. Dry mouth. Uncontrollable shaking. Fear.
Somehow the inventors of the mobile phone decided to makes the buttons so inconvenient during emergencies. Instead I was pressing 6-2-1.
Step 2, activate the human GPS to lock in on the other phone, while trying to complete another important mission, INHALE. Ah-huh! Yes! The phone is charged and ready for use. Okay.... the delegation of duties begin. Fingers have to coordinate with the brain and the eyes to locate 3 numbers, PLUS the TALK button.
Where are the mental cheerleaders when you need them?
The few seconds blurred, events interlaced into each other, when images flashed, noises flared and all I heard was my breathing. Oh yes, this was what the Psycho Profession talked about in Psychology 100. Wow! Can't believe this is really happening. Damn, he was correct. Too late now, he still wont change my grade. Press TALK. Er... Only once! Not Twice! You think, DiNozo! (NCIS joke, not the real NCIS. The tv version.)
Strategy 2, what strategy? Mentally scribing onto post-it notes, "DONT PANIC". Oops, Objection! Your honour, too freaking late!!
When one is in a state of panic, time does not fly, rather you are caught in an extended reverie, everything is blurry, sounds are muffled, you do not feel any part of your body. The phone suddenly rings. "H-h-h-hello?" emerged from between my breathelessness. "Are you okay? You cannot breathe? I'll send someone out there now. Do you need EMS? Can you talk?" Wow! They called back!! They really did call back! Now I have the winning cards in my left hand, with a government agency on the line.
Brain! Coordinate with mouth! Operation CALM DOWN!
Black jack! Full house!! Royal Flush!! (winning hand?) err... Smart Chip Activated, System restored. Insurgent realized he is outsmarted/outnumbered, basically SOL if he remains in the proximity. "Yes Sir, he is leaving now, out the driveway." Exhale. My comfort in my left hand heard that sigh too. "Are you alright now?" Some reassurances and confirmation that the children will be too traumatize if an officer arrives at the house. TALK. End of call.
The mentioned event is accurate and true. I have equipped myself with a defense mechanism, courage, since my dear friend wont lend me his sidearm (just kidding). But most of all, I am surprised but glad that the law enforcement agency called back. Really f**king glad.
Out of the ashes of fear arose a raging courage that relit the fury of LIFE.
I was confronted by fear. Fear. Hyperventilation. Dry mouth. Uncontrollable shaking. Fear.
Somehow the inventors of the mobile phone decided to makes the buttons so inconvenient during emergencies. Instead I was pressing 6-2-1.
Step 2, activate the human GPS to lock in on the other phone, while trying to complete another important mission, INHALE. Ah-huh! Yes! The phone is charged and ready for use. Okay.... the delegation of duties begin. Fingers have to coordinate with the brain and the eyes to locate 3 numbers, PLUS the TALK button.
Where are the mental cheerleaders when you need them?
The few seconds blurred, events interlaced into each other, when images flashed, noises flared and all I heard was my breathing. Oh yes, this was what the Psycho Profession talked about in Psychology 100. Wow! Can't believe this is really happening. Damn, he was correct. Too late now, he still wont change my grade. Press TALK. Er... Only once! Not Twice! You think, DiNozo! (NCIS joke, not the real NCIS. The tv version.)
Strategy 2, what strategy? Mentally scribing onto post-it notes, "DONT PANIC". Oops, Objection! Your honour, too freaking late!!
When one is in a state of panic, time does not fly, rather you are caught in an extended reverie, everything is blurry, sounds are muffled, you do not feel any part of your body. The phone suddenly rings. "H-h-h-hello?" emerged from between my breathelessness. "Are you okay? You cannot breathe? I'll send someone out there now. Do you need EMS? Can you talk?" Wow! They called back!! They really did call back! Now I have the winning cards in my left hand, with a government agency on the line.
Brain! Coordinate with mouth! Operation CALM DOWN!
Black jack! Full house!! Royal Flush!! (winning hand?) err... Smart Chip Activated, System restored. Insurgent realized he is outsmarted/outnumbered, basically SOL if he remains in the proximity. "Yes Sir, he is leaving now, out the driveway." Exhale. My comfort in my left hand heard that sigh too. "Are you alright now?" Some reassurances and confirmation that the children will be too traumatize if an officer arrives at the house. TALK. End of call.
The mentioned event is accurate and true. I have equipped myself with a defense mechanism, courage, since my dear friend wont lend me his sidearm (just kidding). But most of all, I am surprised but glad that the law enforcement agency called back. Really f**king glad.
Out of the ashes of fear arose a raging courage that relit the fury of LIFE.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Shut it off!!!
What happens when the shut-off fails? You will have a big big big giganto mess.
At least the Air Force did.
At least the Air Force did.
How Do You....
I ran into an old neighbour recently, after the greetings and hugs (no kisses), the inevitable question about family surfaced. Hmmm ... what to say?
"We are fine, the girls are doing great! The pistols that they are, hopefully they will use the energy for the armed forces later, the uniform I prefer." I answered.
"And how are you treated by their father?" Shocked and awed, she knew? Apparently she knew all along.
"Well, I think he is doing fine, elsewhere." I replied with a forced smile with slight details of the rift, still in shock with the inquiry.
Next broke my jaw because it hit the ground, as well as the emergence of those used tissues all wrinkled in the pockets. My dear friend (upgraded from neighbour) "I should have done something to help you then, sorry. But I am proud that you stood up by yourself," so out poured her tears (and snort) thus I gave her my tissue. Ewww she used it.
So how do I stay sane? There are some things that are worth fighting for, Liberty and Freedom, regardless if it is fought on a global or a domestic level.
How so I hold my head up? Erh... my neck. (smart ass).
What took me so long? Traffic. (smart ass)
How am I doing now? Well therapy helps, I have not been to a buffet parlour for a while. (The sign says All You can Eat. I ate all I could for 3 hours. The kids were crying or had fallen asleep, else I could have gone for more crab legs.) Yes I still have latent fears. Fear is an emotion you cannot recreate or fabricate. There were episodes of anxiety recently, nervous enough to make me reach for the phone, close to calling the blinking lights to my driveway. For once I will be glad to see those lights maybe because I am not driving. (haha) Restructuring a life is challenging, restructuring a life with 2 dependents means I need a freaking vacation or a good stress release. In my case, physical pain, pushups or situps or scooping dog-poop. Or solving mathematically equations on Yahoo Answers, aka good mental pain.
"We are fine, the girls are doing great! The pistols that they are, hopefully they will use the energy for the armed forces later, the uniform I prefer." I answered.
"And how are you treated by their father?" Shocked and awed, she knew? Apparently she knew all along.
"Well, I think he is doing fine, elsewhere." I replied with a forced smile with slight details of the rift, still in shock with the inquiry.
Next broke my jaw because it hit the ground, as well as the emergence of those used tissues all wrinkled in the pockets. My dear friend (upgraded from neighbour) "I should have done something to help you then, sorry. But I am proud that you stood up by yourself," so out poured her tears (and snort) thus I gave her my tissue. Ewww she used it.
So how do I stay sane? There are some things that are worth fighting for, Liberty and Freedom, regardless if it is fought on a global or a domestic level.
How so I hold my head up? Erh... my neck. (smart ass).
What took me so long? Traffic. (smart ass)
How am I doing now? Well therapy helps, I have not been to a buffet parlour for a while. (The sign says All You can Eat. I ate all I could for 3 hours. The kids were crying or had fallen asleep, else I could have gone for more crab legs.) Yes I still have latent fears. Fear is an emotion you cannot recreate or fabricate. There were episodes of anxiety recently, nervous enough to make me reach for the phone, close to calling the blinking lights to my driveway. For once I will be glad to see those lights maybe because I am not driving. (haha) Restructuring a life is challenging, restructuring a life with 2 dependents means I need a freaking vacation or a good stress release. In my case, physical pain, pushups or situps or scooping dog-poop. Or solving mathematically equations on Yahoo Answers, aka good mental pain.
What am I doing next? I am going to DisneyWorld, if I can afford it. The fight is not over yet. This is the calm before the storm. Saying "NO MORE" is step one in a series of 99,999.02 steps, followed by tests of patience and logic prolonged over months laid out by the judicial system and LAWYERS. Take one step at a time, breathe, finding the right person to talk to and have a phone nearby to call 911.
So ... what did I win? ( yeah yeah... smart ass. Salute! Salut!)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Hello, my name is *** and I am an abuse survivor.
Imagine facing a room of strangers while delivering that line, the face of strangers unlocked the gates of confinement or apprehension to pour the heartbreaking truth.Talking about this topic is difficult. Documenting the events is more difficult and more painful.
Born in the 1970s in modern Singapore to chinese parents, a female child was not a blessing. Granted that wealthy Singapore is the envy of the surrounding impoverished nations, however that childbearing generation still harboured the traditions of chauvanism and subsvience. 3 days after birth, I was thrusted into the arms of my maternal grandmother while my parents embarked on a vacation to England. "Why worry about a daughter, afterall, she will be married off and will not carry the family name," said my grandmother's daughter.
Amidst the glitter of modern advancement, first class education, life in Singapore has one goal - to be one of the Joneses. How much wealth marks your elite social status, which Rolex should be displayed while haggling over a 10cent discrepency while grocery shopping. The Jones' child was enrolled in 3 extra-curricular activites, I had to take up 4, in addition to hours of chores at home. Mood swings heightened the chances of flesh meeting a garden hose, a rattan stick, the back of a hand, etc etc. Society did not intervene, because "abuse" was non-existent. Looking back, those years moulded my method of parenting. To parent, not patrol.
Fast forward to late ninetes, early 2000. A difference phase of life, parent and spouse in a different environment, yet abuse is tolerated, but this time in the form of spousal abuse. The person who one swore to "cherish and honour" began to "terrify and dishonour". My previous spouse was an abuser. I was in an abusive marriage. He had problems with responsibility, as well as an addiction to media games. Punches were thrown on my back as I ran cradling my 2 month old. I was told I deserved them because I showed more attention to my infant child than to an unemployed who was caught stealing games from his employer. The struggle to stay afloat became a mental challenge for me, as I was plagued with constant lies, deceit and discovery of mysterious bills and debts with nothing to show for. How did an unemployed attain more games and movies and gas in the car to roam all over the town? Each confrontation led to more punches and bruises, even in the presence of impressionable children. To maintain some normalcy, I paid debts, the bills were kept up and the false smiles were practised. More lies were tossed in all directions, eventually, enough to pay for a house. Life continues, still plagued with the normal deceit and scoundrel acts. More years of physical abuse continued with further intensity. 2 concussions and frightened cries from my children later, my strength to grew exponentially. The source of this accelerated growth emitted from the frightened eyes of my girls as they witnessed their mother choked against the wall then thrown to the floor, because of a minor flaw with breakfast. How can I tell my girls to walk tall if I cant do that myself. Who will care for them if the next punch is lethal? My ultimatum was simple: Leave quietly or leave in handcuffs. In his favour, the handcuffs were not called in.Life under this roof is more peaceful and less vulgar since his departure, according to the 8 year old tenant. My role as mother and future counselor will be invalid if I did not take a stand. For I cannot preach anything I did not practise.
The hardest part of living with abuse is telling it. After a while, the mental strength collapses, what is obviously wrong becomes reality. Lies fall behind a frosted shield disguised as the truth. I was wrong to care for my children, to put them first in priority. The blame falls on my shoulders for the debts from his credit cards used to purchase his games and movies. As with any oppression, one day the locals will rise from the dust. Too many punches, kicks and bruises triggered the smart chip. "You are smarter than this" message slowly but surely circulates in the cranium. Maximum integration of mental and emotional strength, the coalition of the entire system erupts, seeking the end to this nightmare. The human spirit is stubborn. Very stubborn, enough to break chains. Stubborn enough to break out of the cycle. Stubborn enough to say, "NO MORE! Leave quietly or leave in handcuffs! My children will not see their mother choked up against a wall and slammed onto the floor anymore!" Stubborn enough to stand tall when I am called names while I said "No more."
The hardest part was calling for help.
I dialed the number and asked for help. It was difficult. Then you hang up the phone and put on a brave face like nothing has happened, because the smart chip has been activated.
Imagine facing a room of strangers while delivering that line, the face of strangers unlocked the gates of confinement or apprehension to pour the heartbreaking truth.Talking about this topic is difficult. Documenting the events is more difficult and more painful.
Born in the 1970s in modern Singapore to chinese parents, a female child was not a blessing. Granted that wealthy Singapore is the envy of the surrounding impoverished nations, however that childbearing generation still harboured the traditions of chauvanism and subsvience. 3 days after birth, I was thrusted into the arms of my maternal grandmother while my parents embarked on a vacation to England. "Why worry about a daughter, afterall, she will be married off and will not carry the family name," said my grandmother's daughter.
Amidst the glitter of modern advancement, first class education, life in Singapore has one goal - to be one of the Joneses. How much wealth marks your elite social status, which Rolex should be displayed while haggling over a 10cent discrepency while grocery shopping. The Jones' child was enrolled in 3 extra-curricular activites, I had to take up 4, in addition to hours of chores at home. Mood swings heightened the chances of flesh meeting a garden hose, a rattan stick, the back of a hand, etc etc. Society did not intervene, because "abuse" was non-existent. Looking back, those years moulded my method of parenting. To parent, not patrol.
Fast forward to late ninetes, early 2000. A difference phase of life, parent and spouse in a different environment, yet abuse is tolerated, but this time in the form of spousal abuse. The person who one swore to "cherish and honour" began to "terrify and dishonour". My previous spouse was an abuser. I was in an abusive marriage. He had problems with responsibility, as well as an addiction to media games. Punches were thrown on my back as I ran cradling my 2 month old. I was told I deserved them because I showed more attention to my infant child than to an unemployed who was caught stealing games from his employer. The struggle to stay afloat became a mental challenge for me, as I was plagued with constant lies, deceit and discovery of mysterious bills and debts with nothing to show for. How did an unemployed attain more games and movies and gas in the car to roam all over the town? Each confrontation led to more punches and bruises, even in the presence of impressionable children. To maintain some normalcy, I paid debts, the bills were kept up and the false smiles were practised. More lies were tossed in all directions, eventually, enough to pay for a house. Life continues, still plagued with the normal deceit and scoundrel acts. More years of physical abuse continued with further intensity. 2 concussions and frightened cries from my children later, my strength to grew exponentially. The source of this accelerated growth emitted from the frightened eyes of my girls as they witnessed their mother choked against the wall then thrown to the floor, because of a minor flaw with breakfast. How can I tell my girls to walk tall if I cant do that myself. Who will care for them if the next punch is lethal? My ultimatum was simple: Leave quietly or leave in handcuffs. In his favour, the handcuffs were not called in.Life under this roof is more peaceful and less vulgar since his departure, according to the 8 year old tenant. My role as mother and future counselor will be invalid if I did not take a stand. For I cannot preach anything I did not practise.
The hardest part of living with abuse is telling it. After a while, the mental strength collapses, what is obviously wrong becomes reality. Lies fall behind a frosted shield disguised as the truth. I was wrong to care for my children, to put them first in priority. The blame falls on my shoulders for the debts from his credit cards used to purchase his games and movies. As with any oppression, one day the locals will rise from the dust. Too many punches, kicks and bruises triggered the smart chip. "You are smarter than this" message slowly but surely circulates in the cranium. Maximum integration of mental and emotional strength, the coalition of the entire system erupts, seeking the end to this nightmare. The human spirit is stubborn. Very stubborn, enough to break chains. Stubborn enough to break out of the cycle. Stubborn enough to say, "NO MORE! Leave quietly or leave in handcuffs! My children will not see their mother choked up against a wall and slammed onto the floor anymore!" Stubborn enough to stand tall when I am called names while I said "No more."
The hardest part was calling for help.
I dialed the number and asked for help. It was difficult. Then you hang up the phone and put on a brave face like nothing has happened, because the smart chip has been activated.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Dude has my ....
This dude has my dream job.
I am soooooo jealous he gets to trek and write whatever he sees.
On the occasion I am also glad that I am changing diapers, cleaning chocolatey hands, detangling hair, clearing dog-piles a.k.a. backyard landmines instead of dodging bullets, eating dust and be surrounded by smelly men.
He still has my dream job:
Now listening to: Maroon 5,
Now eating: A Butterfinger.
I am soooooo jealous he gets to trek and write whatever he sees.
On the occasion I am also glad that I am changing diapers, cleaning chocolatey hands, detangling hair, clearing dog-piles a.k.a. backyard landmines instead of dodging bullets, eating dust and be surrounded by smelly men.
He still has my dream job:
"I do not report this because I harbor animosity for the current administration, or to magnify any mistakes it has made, but only so that the American people, and readers around the world, can be presented with at least one set of eyes and ears that are reasonably politically color-blind and tone-deaf. If the truth helps the administration, so be it. If the truth damages the administration, so be it. More important is to provide information people can use in their own decision cycles. Whether or not anyone agrees with the reasons for starting this war, we invaded Iraq, and should complete the mission, and that needs to be defined clearly as a stable and democratic Iraq, and not as a date on a calendar. We have to stop treating the truth like a work in progress or a lump of clay that we can shape into an image or icon. "
Now listening to: Maroon 5,
Now eating: A Butterfinger.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
If only ..
The usual stress that arise being employed raised this question, "If only I did not need the paycheck that badly."
Financial freedom, a luxury we all yearn for.
What will I do? What to do? Travel with my children to meet other children. Rebuild innocence and compassion. Travel and write like Michael Yon and Michael J. Totten. Anyone can go to DisneyWorld for vacation, or skiing in Montana. I want to see ..... Kandahar, tackle Toro Boro (maybe I'll find an abhorred snowman), eat bryani on the streets of Mosul, once braved by LTC Kurilla and his men from Deuce Four, spit on the streets of Tiananmen, hug the survivors of Bosnia-Herzegovina, swing on future playgrounds and warm rooms in Budapest, etc etc.
Think my kids will enjoy the travel itinery?
Financial freedom, a luxury we all yearn for.
What will I do? What to do? Travel with my children to meet other children. Rebuild innocence and compassion. Travel and write like Michael Yon and Michael J. Totten. Anyone can go to DisneyWorld for vacation, or skiing in Montana. I want to see ..... Kandahar, tackle Toro Boro (maybe I'll find an abhorred snowman), eat bryani on the streets of Mosul, once braved by LTC Kurilla and his men from Deuce Four, spit on the streets of Tiananmen, hug the survivors of Bosnia-Herzegovina, swing on future playgrounds and warm rooms in Budapest, etc etc.
Think my kids will enjoy the travel itinery?
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
He is alive!!
Michael Yon writing straight from Afghanistan. Curious how the world looks like over there? Go see his snapshots.
As much as I love his commentary and insight, my nerves pound whenever I visit his site. Nothing like an intellectual adrenaline rush.
PS: He mentioned Singapore. 1 point for Michael.
*****************************************************************************
In the meantime, here in the cushy spoilt world, Spring is in full force. Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, cherry blossoms, all the signs of spring. Oh yes......ANTS! Ants everywhere!! We maybe reaching a pandemic proportion with this invasion, because the kids are asking this parent to clean the house more often. (huh? I mean killing the sweeper daily!)
As much as I love his commentary and insight, my nerves pound whenever I visit his site. Nothing like an intellectual adrenaline rush.
PS: He mentioned Singapore. 1 point for Michael.
*****************************************************************************
In the meantime, here in the cushy spoilt world, Spring is in full force. Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, cherry blossoms, all the signs of spring. Oh yes......ANTS! Ants everywhere!! We maybe reaching a pandemic proportion with this invasion, because the kids are asking this parent to clean the house more often. (huh? I mean killing the sweeper daily!)
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
For the love of the ....
Michael Yon has been mentioned here too many times. His passion for reporting the truth straight from the lion's mouth will take him to Pulitzer Status very very soon. The only journalist who funds his own way, reports his own sightings and earned the respect of his peers (even though his peers never left Hotel Baghdad). Michael successfully brought the smiles of children out of Iraq and Afghanistan. War stories, not of body count or IEDs, instead recount of valour and bravery and kindness. Stories of smiling faces, written from a street battle, etc etc.
We, his readers breathed a sigh of relief when he appeared on CNN from Seattle Washington.
Now he is back into the thick of things again.
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your courage, good eyes for pictures, and wit for writing.
Keep your head on, and the rest of your body parts too.
Stay safer so you may tell more stories.
And most of all.... DUCK!
Your avid reader.
We, his readers breathed a sigh of relief when he appeared on CNN from Seattle Washington.
Now he is back into the thick of things again.
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your courage, good eyes for pictures, and wit for writing.
Keep your head on, and the rest of your body parts too.
Stay safer so you may tell more stories.
And most of all.... DUCK!
Your avid reader.
Monday, April 10, 2006
3 thoughts that bugged me all day.
Thoughts for the day/night.
Thought Number 1: When a Gladiator Loses the faith in his armor.
Thought Number 2: When someone asks you to let them die.
Thought Number 3: When someone thank you just because.
************************************************************
What supportive message can you give to a friend who may have given up. To realize that all the blood and sweat may be in vain, that the initial pure intention has been contaminated. My dear friend, Patience. Patience the elusive virtue we cannot seem to have enough. Some things we set in motion will eventually reach fruition, however the dynamics is complicated. The distance is fixed, the velocity is steadily imposed with external forces of retardation and deceleration. Take heart, because at the rate of travel, E=mc^2 still holds true.
Salute!
***********************************************************************
What do you tell a friend that just asked you to let them go. Not to cry for them but to let them die? No more treatments because it hurts too much. No more surgeries because the risk of failure exceeds the success rate. What do you tell someone who just told you their last goodbye?
*********************************************************************
Someone thanked me today because I am there. I took my time to digest the information. I guess I have done something right after all. What did I win? What did I win?
***********************************************************************
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Thought Number 1: When a Gladiator Loses the faith in his armor.
Thought Number 2: When someone asks you to let them die.
Thought Number 3: When someone thank you just because.
************************************************************
What supportive message can you give to a friend who may have given up. To realize that all the blood and sweat may be in vain, that the initial pure intention has been contaminated. My dear friend, Patience. Patience the elusive virtue we cannot seem to have enough. Some things we set in motion will eventually reach fruition, however the dynamics is complicated. The distance is fixed, the velocity is steadily imposed with external forces of retardation and deceleration. Take heart, because at the rate of travel, E=mc^2 still holds true.
Salute!
***********************************************************************
What do you tell a friend that just asked you to let them go. Not to cry for them but to let them die? No more treatments because it hurts too much. No more surgeries because the risk of failure exceeds the success rate. What do you tell someone who just told you their last goodbye?
*********************************************************************
Someone thanked me today because I am there. I took my time to digest the information. I guess I have done something right after all. What did I win? What did I win?
***********************************************************************
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Score 0-0
Dirty politics.
Silvio Berlusconi ..... Romano Prodi! Italia politics has turned into Sicily spits. Who to pick? A self-coverted self-proclaimed immortal or a clean cut educated communist?
Currently the score is 0-0.
International politics will have to substitute until FIFA in June.
Silvio Berlusconi ..... Romano Prodi! Italia politics has turned into Sicily spits. Who to pick? A self-coverted self-proclaimed immortal or a clean cut educated communist?
Currently the score is 0-0.
International politics will have to substitute until FIFA in June.
What a week or 2
It has been a bumpy fortnight,
Complete with phlem, vomit & fright.
Monday saw temperatures of 100F.
Tuesday registered 101F.
By Wednesday night,
I realized it will be a tough fight.
Fever at the age of many many moons,
Is insane!!
Even the bones in my feet were filled with pain!
Thursday meant an assembly line at the doctor's office.
One look at us, and his bank account rang.
A few scribbles and off we went.
To pay another piper,
To help us feel better.
2 weeks later......
The homebased pharmacy has closed.
All the medicine gone, downed the last dose.
Please keep the next virus away.
No more coughing, sneezing, wheezing or puking,
Wrestling, chasing, tugging or pinching.
Dont get paid enough to do all that.
Complete with phlem, vomit & fright.
Monday saw temperatures of 100F.
Tuesday registered 101F.
By Wednesday night,
I realized it will be a tough fight.
Fever at the age of many many moons,
Is insane!!
Even the bones in my feet were filled with pain!
Thursday meant an assembly line at the doctor's office.
One look at us, and his bank account rang.
A few scribbles and off we went.
To pay another piper,
To help us feel better.
2 weeks later......
The homebased pharmacy has closed.
All the medicine gone, downed the last dose.
Please keep the next virus away.
No more coughing, sneezing, wheezing or puking,
Wrestling, chasing, tugging or pinching.
Dont get paid enough to do all that.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Waiting for the Verdict
I cannot deny my excitment awaiting the verdict for Zacarias Moussaoui, if he is eligible for the death penalty.
It is my understanding that he holds responsibilty for 9/11, as he withheld the day's events. An action which costs thousands of lives and unaccountable grieve.
A painless death or a lifetime of torment at XingXing.
***************************************************************
Will update the past week at a later date. *sniffle & cough.
****************************************************************
Update (4:11PM ) ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A federal jury finds al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui eligible to be executed for his role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Let justice prevail. (dont ask me why I am sobbing here)
It is my understanding that he holds responsibilty for 9/11, as he withheld the day's events. An action which costs thousands of lives and unaccountable grieve.
A painless death or a lifetime of torment at XingXing.
***************************************************************
Will update the past week at a later date. *sniffle & cough.
****************************************************************
Update (4:11PM ) ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A federal jury finds al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui eligible to be executed for his role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Let justice prevail. (dont ask me why I am sobbing here)
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