Boom

Perfect Strangers

"In a world where cities are vast and filled with strangers, our only refuge is in the people we know. Those people in our lives who share our ideals, our values, our sense of humor. How wonderful to be able to count on that familiarity, and knowing we're not alone." ~ Erica Strange, Being Erica (2011)

Long @ss Hiatus

I haven't written much in the last year. Not for work, not for fun, and obviously not on here. I guess I've been busy with other things. Well, maybe not busy busy. Just...distracted. I do miss it though. That's why I promised myself I'd make more of an effort to write even the most nonsensical rants. And what better place to start than here.

"Welcome back, Frizzy," so I say to myself with a reassuring pat on the back. I've done it before, I can easily do it again. After all, that's what this blog is all about - imperfection at its finest indeed.

One Day Without Shoes '11

April 5.
Worldwide.

Visit TOMS and Walking Without Shoes For One Day for more information.

Twenty Eleven

Made my peace with 2010 and now looking forward to an awesome 2011.

New LIFE'S Resolution: Eat (more healthy cooking, less food deliveries), Pray (strengthen faith and continue to build marriage in and around Him), Love (radiate positivity & kindness), Live (truly).

Happy New Year, everyone!!!

We Are Martians

"Right now, you and me here, put together entirely of atoms, sitting on this round rock with a core of liquid iron, held down by this force that seems to trouble you, called gravity, all the while spinning around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour and whizzing through the Milky Way at 600,000 miles an hour in a universe that very well may be chasing its own tail at the speed of light; And admist all this frantic activity, fully cognizant of our own eminent demise - which is our own pretty way of saying we all know we're gonna die - We reach out to one another. Sometimes for the sake of entity, sometimes for reasons you're not old enough to understand yet, but a lot of the time we just reach out and expect nothing in return." ~ David Gordon, Martian Child (2007)

One FLU Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Went to the hospital on Thursday to get Obie checked. People have been saying, "NOT TO PANIC -- if you have flu-like symptoms, you probably just have the flu." It's just that, with all this H1N1 craziness, it's better to be safe than sorry, right?

A preview of the ER lobby at The Medical City. A sea of people in face masks...not exactly the most calming sight in the world.

The sight of blood. Nothing I can't handle.

Chillaxing with a pack of...NSS (intravenous NaCl).

Meet Frizzy - caregiver slash driver slash documentarian.

Went back yesterday to The Medical City for a follow-up. Turns out it was the seasonal flu. SO happy to hear it wasn't anything serious. He's still on a few meds for the next 5 days, but all in all, I think he's gonna be fine (thank God). :)

It's Late, but...

1. When I heard Angelo wasn't feeling well, I immediately went to his house to take care of him .

2. TLC is the best medicine.

3. It's late, but I thought I'd do today's fill-ins anyway.

4. Forgive always.

5. My eyes have seen many, but not enough.

6. Believe strongly.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up this week's assignments for work, tomorrow my plans include 3 birthday parties and a side-trip to the hospital for Angelo's follow-up with the doctor, and Sunday, I want to take my baby somewhere nice...hopefully by then he's feeling much better!

School Boo-Cool

"If you lose your keys, don't fuss. If you lose your face, don't wince."

Uh, what's THAT supposed to mean exactly?!?

That was actually a sentence taken from a text book being used in public schools around the country. The same text book that contains about 600 other grammatical errors; that makes an average of 3 errors per page. Now, you think that's disturbing? Picture this: 60 or 70 students cramped in 1 classroom, SHARING said book, no doubt, because there just aren't enough (thank God). How can these kids be expected to learn in that kind of environment? How can these kids be expected to learn. Question mark.

It's not the same in ALL public schools, but still. It's atrocious. What puzzles me is that politicians would rather tackle the issue of a sensationalized sex video scandal than a graver, more pressing problem such as this one.

And we wonder why the nation is in deep sh*t all the time.

10 On Tuesday: Do Re ME

This week's topic is the 10 best sports plays ever. I'm all for sports; I have a few plays in mind right now. But, I thought I'd revisit the topic from two weeks ago -- 10 favorite things to do during "me" time -- only because I wasn't able to do it then. That, and I'm feeling a little deviant today. So, here they are...

1. Shopping. First thing that came to mind. First thing I always do during "me" time.

2. Watch DVDs. From old time favorite TV series to movie classics (and when I say classic, I usually mean those that came out in the 80's and 90's). Makes you feel old, doesn't it.

3. Visit to the salon. Have my hair trimmed/cut, get my nails done, maybe even a foot spa if I have the time.

4. More shopping. Grocery shopping included. That's always fun.

5. Blogging. Of course. This has been "me" time ever since I started.

6. Having food delivered. Home-cooked meals are awesome, especially when we have someone to cook for us always. But sometimes it's nice to just sit in front of the TV, make a few calls to your favorite fast food delivery place, and just wait 30-45 minutes until the food comes.

7. Play the guitar. Both Hero and the real thing.

8. Write songs, poems, short stories.

9. Sleep.

10. Run and/or walk. Maybe it's because I like running at my own pace, not having to keep up with or wait around for anybody. I enjoy running with friends, too, sure. But most of the time I like it when I'm left with my thoughts or just listening to my music full-blast whilst I run.

Shoo, Swine, Don't Bother Me

So, what about that AH1N1 virus, eh? There were like 64 more cases in the country reported yesterday alone, and the numbers just keep on climbing. I haven't watched the local news this much before, I must say.

Sure, other similar conditions, like Dengue fever, are said to be more fatal. Angelo and I had a pretty deep discussion about this last night. It's all just very...disruptive. Before I was even aware of the virus, I washed my hands every chance I got, carried antibacterial gel and spouted them constantly into my hands, and pushed doors with my elbows. I mean, how do I beat that?!

Maybe, I don't have to. None of us do. You become too careful and you find yourself locked up in your house with pasty skin and an empty fridge. Just be vigilant, I guess. Observe. Infer. Like a good 3rd-grade scientist would. You feel sick, you go to the doctor, not much to it.

Oh, and spit-swap with no one else but your better-half. In other words, don't be a pig. Easy, no?

Planning My Work, Working My Plan

"Seize the opportunity to take hold of the things that you want most of all. Ask yourself this question: What do I want people to say about me at my funeral? Get yourself back on track on the road to a fulfilled life by taking direct steps towards your desires."

That's what my horoscope for tomorrow says (yeah, I read it once in a while). Makes one think, doesn't it. I've had thoughts about what I should do with my life, what's left of it more like it. We all have, I'm sure. This bit just makes me want to ponder on it more, and I believe that's always a good thing.

What DO I want people to say about me at my funeral. More than anything, I'd like to be remembered as someone who loved much, regardless. Add "cool and caring mother, devoted and fervid wife, fun and empathic friend, dutiful daughter, inspiring bigger sister, kind, thoughtful, generous, selfless, free-spirited yet steadfast and persevering, compassionate human being." These and more good things, I hope.

I'd like to think my makeover has already begun. I even made a list of my areas for improvement; acknowledging the things I can change or improve on was the first step. I had a really ugly streak of depression not too long ago. It was an even bigger eye-opener for me. I realized that it isn't over until it is, and with every breath there is a glimmer of hope. With the help of family and friends, I dusted myself off and picked myself up. No, I haven't done anything remotely monumental. Not yet, at least. Baby steps. Sure-fire, almost full-proof baby steps (I only say "almost" because no one ever really knows for certain what's going to happen). I've got time. With God's Grace, it'll all work out.

How Was I To Know...

1. Why do we have to work?!?

2. Eating healthier and Facebook-ing are now habits.

3. I have a hangover.

4. I had never heard the phrase "God is good, but never dance in a small boat" and it makes sense.

5. Love the way I always do.

6. How was I to know ...knowledge can be tricky.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out again, tomorrow my plans include an afternoon with my mom's friends and Sunday, I want to finish getting my garage sale stuff together!

First Time For Everything

~One Word To Start A Sentence Or Statement~

1. First love.

2. Time And Relative Dimensions In Space.

3. For God and country.

4. "Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted." ~ Einstein

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

1. When I look to the left, I see my red door.

2. The living room adjacent to the terrace is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work, dang it!

4. Dirty deeds done dirt cheap!

5. Accountability is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any money to spare feel free to share.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not cleaning, tomorrow my plans include binging on cranberry juice, making posters for the garage sale, drop by our church for the monthly Lectors' meeting, and "Talladega Night" with Angelo, and Sunday, I want to hear mass, finish up cleaning, and feel no more pain!

10 On Tuesday: Ways I Can Make My Life Better

1. Eat balanced meals.

2. Exercise.

3. Appreciate what I already have.

4. Covet no more.

5. Don't sweat the small stuff. I always have to remind myself with this one.

6. Keep an open mind.

7. Get rid of the junk. In all aspects.

8. Reincarnate my savings account.

9. Reflect and meditate to make-over my soul.

10. Find a job that I can be great at, learn to love it, do my best at it, and keep at it for as long as possible.

What, No Candy?

I just read somewhere that in Japan, they measure your waistline once you reach the age of 40 to ensure no one is, well, fat. If you go beyond the ideal measurement, you pay a fine. Wow.

In Great Britain, they pay obese people to enroll in weight-loss programs. WOW.

I seriously need to lose weight, get fit, live healthy, all that jazz. A fine or a government-sponsored effort would definitely be good motivation. Sadly, we don't got those back home. You're on your own. Crap.

Oooh, a Twix bar! :-|

Please Don't Tell...

1. Please don't tell her that I've been meaning to miss her. ~ Jason Mraz

2. Can you dream in the morning?

3. The color blue makes me want to get my feet wet!

4. I have a craving for anything with liquor in it.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it every time I'm with Obie.

6. Eyes are the windows to Jaundice.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a lobster buffet at Khoury's, tomorrow my plans include attending/helping out with my cousin JJ's baby shower, and Sunday, I want to stay in bed the whole day!

Novocaine!

Friday Fill-Ins will follow shortly, but first...

On a particularly bad day -- having had, count it, TWO wisdom teeth pulled out (nay! More like drilled, sliced, yanked, then stitched up), absorbed in no other sensation but raging pain even in my stillness -- it is best to think of something positive, you know, to keep me sane, if anything.

So, to lighten up the mood a little, and in an attempt to make myself feel a bit superior, I would like to recall the best compliments I've ever received (pardon my self-assurance, but I'm in pain!). Trust me when I say there's not a whole lot of the genuine kind. Therefore, I secretly cling to them like oxygen to a prolonged submerged pair of lungs. There are those that people say often; too often that it starts to sound...forced. "You have a very beautiful voice." Sure, you had to say that, my mom's within earshot. "I like your bag, where'd you get it?" You just want me to ask about yours. "I swear, you have the best hair." Get in line. "My, you lost weight!" Oh, bullcrap!

Then there are these...

1. "...I know you're a good girl." Even in true candor, I still manage to find it laughable. Not because I didn't want to believe the person who said it, but because they even had to. It definitely made me soft and appreciative when I heard it, but at the same time I doubted it a little. Am I a good girl, really? (that was rhetorical, by the way, in case you missed it)

2. "Your hair smells nice." Such a casual thing to say, so positively generic, almost elementary...but it definitely made my day. It made such an impact only because it's not something I hear everyday. Nor something this person would say everyday. Not that I stink (I sure hope not). But I guess I was just never the girl-who-looked-like-she-smelled-nice, knowwhatImean? Almost like I was Gandhi in the odor department -- passive -- never stood out even with perfume on.

3. "You're enchanting." It wasn't declared to me right away. The person who told me this (once upon a time), trying to be all mysterious no doubt, said that I was "what Joe Fox's grandfather used to describe the lady who previously owned The Shop Around The Corner in that You've Got Mail movie." Or something like that. The nerd that I was, I rented it out. And just as the 3-generation Foxes convened in the office for some father-son-grandfather bonding, behold, Grandpa Fox says, "she was enchanting." He actually says it again during a walking tour of the newly opened Fox Bookstore. It was heartwarming. If you were called enchanting, wouldn't you feel the same? Definitely NOT something you hear everyday.

4. "You have cute toes." I mean, WTF, right? My toes?!? Seriously? Well, if someone else had said it, I would've thought so. But coming from Obie, I knew he really meant it, the love-sick puppy that he was when he fell for me. lol Anyone who could love my pudgy tentacles could only be the real deal.

5. "There's something about you; you walk into a room and it just...lights up." I remember going through some old letters from high school before I left for the States. This from a guy who probably doesn't even remember writing it (and I hate to admit it, but I don't even remember his last name!!#%). lol Our friendship was short as it was peachy. We may have lost touch through the years, but the banter, the stripling chummy escapades, and the letter (of course) will always be something worth cherishing.

6. "Perhaps the most beautiful friend any [one] could ask for." It was never engraved in stone, nor declared recently, but at least they meant it at that moment. That's good enough for me.

Now, on with the show.

1. I'd really like more drugs right now.

2. Something that rhymes with stuck, or completely undecipherable except to Klingons is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is awesome for now.

4. Will take Will Turner over Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like marshmallows and my fiery, welcoming mouth.

6. Some will win, some will lose, some were born to sing the blues, oh, the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping knowing I wouldn't have to wake up early in the morning, tomorrow my plans include nursing my pain more, and Sunday, I want to eat real solid food!

My Top 5: Stress Busters

Emotional stress is just as, if not more, taxing than physical stress. Accumulated annoyances, itty bitty heartbreaks that create sporadic earthquakes in your chest, homesickness, abandonment, depression -- too painful to even mention all of them under one breath. Do I do yoga or exercise? No (although I should, I know that much). Do I see a shrink? No. Why? Aside from the fact that I think it's a complete waste of money I may or may not have, I think of it as a favor, not to myself but to the poor stranger, sparing them from the contagious grief. Do I b*tch to my friends about these things? Hell, yeah! That's what they're for.

Seriously though, before I rejoin the rest of the world and all its normalcy (normal...ha!), I like to de-stress a little. Reboot my aura, if you will. No one wants to go out there with a black cloud hovering above them. Especially when things already are a little grim. Here are my five surefire stress busters (most of them I do just because they're fun).

1. "Please don't stop the music." I play something -- soft and soothing, ear-busting rock, same banana. Props would include, but not limit to, the radio, computer, iPod, guitar, videoke. Singing, out loud or just in my head, proves to be very calming, too.

2. Walk it off. What's better? Run. Sure, eventually, you come back to point A. But at least you've released all that bad juju for the atmosphere to consume it.

3. Write. Poetry, blog posts, music & lyrics, journal entries -- anything that involves a pen and something to write on, or a keyboard.

4. Fiction. Read books, watch movies, or make up my own stories. If you can't run away from your woes, might as well enjoy 2-3 hours of temporal yet blissful escape.


5. Zonk out. Sleep is turning out to be a luxury. I say embrace it whenever you can (this coming from a former sleepless fiend). Dreaming of Edward Cullen or Jacob Black or Aro (Ben Barnes is said to take on the role in the installments -- delish!!!) is just a bonus.