On the plane ride out my son became friendly with the young girl sitting behind him on the plane. I didn’t care for her as she was mouthing off to her parents whenever they corrected her behavior. When we got to the baggage claim area my son saw she had her cell phone in hand and immediately said to her: “I should get your number so we can maybe get together for lunch or dinner while we’re here.” The little girl eagerly began to rattle off her cell phone number which he promptly wrote down on the back of his coloring book with a crayon. All the parents stared at each other silently and in utter disbelief at what they’ve just witnessed. He’s 6 and making dates with a 10 year old, what am I to expect when he's 14. GASP!

Disney has an incredible interactive exhibit called Turtle Talk with Crush (the surfer’ turtle dude character in the movie Nemo) where children can learn more about turtles. During the exhibit a staffer (hidden from view) assumes the voice of Crush while a computerized moving image interacts with the audience. During our session, Crush showed the kids something he had found at the bottom of the ocean and asked the children in the audience what it was. After about 5 seconds of silence my son, who was sitting in front of the aquarium glass surrounded by other kids, stood up and said: “Crush, I can’t believe that a turtle like you, that’s 111 years old doesn’t know you’re holding a bra. I’m 6 and I know that.” At which point the audience broke into loud laughter while I , red-faced looked down at the floor, while Crush just swam with his turtle mouth wide open with a shocked expression on his face. Crush eventually said, after the laughter died down: “Dude, I’ve got nothing in response… I’m just speechless.” It truly was a funny priceless moment. The good thing was that my son was far enough from me that I didn’t have to claim him as my spawn. Sigh!

On my sonÂ’s birthday we had dinner reservations at one of DisneyÂ’s theme restaurants where we were to do a brief meet & greet with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet. I told my son in advance that they would not be able to sit and eat dinner with us because they had to be good hosts and welcome all their guests.

“Surely they can at least have dessert with us,” my son said to me. I could already see his little mind working at concocting a plan to entice one of the characters to sit for dinner with us. The character handlers were very good at keeping them moving and guiding the characters around the restaurant to each table. When Tigger came to our table for the third time my son lost no time in giving up his seat and asking Tigger politely if he would sit with us for a minute because he had something to tell him. Tigger quickly obliged him and sat down as my son said to him: “Tigger, I just wanted you to be able to sit down for a few minutes and rest, and if you don’t mind I’d like to ask you some questions.” He quickly began chatting away telling Tigger it was his birthday and how glad he was able to meet him and have cake with him, but wanted to know how he too could learn how to bounce as high as Tigger. He proceeded to show Tigger his jumping height/moves and before I knew it Tigger and he began bouncing around to the music being played over the loudspeakers. Suddenly a conga bouncing line was formed by kids of all ages that weaved in and out between tables and all through the restaurant. Tigger and my son had taken over the restaurant and there was little any of us could do but laugh and watch the ever-growing kid’s conga line as it snaked away.

HereÂ’s a funny t-shirt MAC slogan I saw at Magic Kingdom on Saturday:
Never underestimate the power of a stupid person ability to lead a large group into total chaos.

When I lived in Asia I learned to develop patience which still serves me well to this day. While on vacation, we ended each day by watching my brother in law trying to remember where he had parked the car. It didnÂ’t matter that I had written it down in my PDA. Nope, I was a non-driving girl so he never listened to me. After the 3rd time of his not remembering where he parked and not listening to the women folk, his sister and I would sit on the curb and watch a sort of blind manÂ’s bluff as he went around the parking lot pointing his key fob at every maroon car in sight, whether it was our make and model or not, hoping to hear the alarm for his car being disabled and the lights momentarily flashing.

What he managed to do instead was set off several car alarms, which caused the Disney police to show up. I swear they looked a bit like Keystone Kops they did! And as we sat there in the distance she and I would make up dialogue for the men that would make all of us crack up as we watched the directionally challenged and blind lead the funny Kops around the parking lot. Every night there was a bet as to how long it would take him to find the car and whether or not the Kops would show up. By the last night my sister in law and I were so tired and punchy we couldnÂ’t stop laughing all the way back to our hotel as we continued to make up dialogue for a scene that was now only taking place in our heads. Hmmm, I wonder what really was in those soda fountain drinks.

ThereÂ’s more funny anecdotes, but thatÂ’s all I have the energy for at this late hour. Today will be another long day of lots to do, deadlines and a few meetings I could easily do without. But I have vowed that nothing will change my cheery disposition now that I finally reclaimed it after many delays and problems at the airport.

More fun tales tomorrow!

Posted by: Michele at 12:52 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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During lunch 2 weeks ago, I brought up the idea of harnessing solar energy via photo-voltaic cells so they could be used to run air conditioning units. At first there was dead silence at the table; that was followed shortly thereafter by the guys at the table shaking their heads and a brief discussion as to why it wouldn't work. Only one colleague thought about it and by the end of lunch hesitatingly agreed there might be a small, remote possibility that it could work.

I emailed the same idea to Rocket Jonessome weeks ago, but he's been too busy building rockets, going to the Opera and writing programs to even respond to my idea. Humph!

Well, since VW asked me to keep her posted on what I find I went forth and searched. It seems that Matteran Energy has worked through the idea and has built a working model. By using a far-cheaper thermal-collection technology to heat a synthetic fluid, with a very low boiling point (around 58°F), they are able to create enough steam to drive a specially designed turbine in a fluid-circuit system, which converts heat into electricity.

Go and check out their animated design for the visual of how they do it. See, I'm not crazy after all!

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No matter where I go
No matter what I do
No mater what I see
my heart's still with you.
~ Michele 8/2/06

There's no place like home!

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Well, it seems I'm not the only one that finds that date significant. On that day, Iran, who for the last 6 weeks has repeatedly said to the UN and to the world they will not abide by the UN resolution, have insisted they will give their formal answer to the UN on August 22nd.

Why does Iran wait till 8/22 to give it's answer? Truly no one knows, but I have my own ideas. Surprisingly, I'm not alone in my conclusions. It seems that Bernard Lewis believes the same as I do, that a direct attack in the middle-east by Iran is a strong possibility.

Unfortunately, I've accumulated a lot more information than this author publishes, so for me it's not a question any longer. Its now a matter of how extensively they will act in order to get their intentions across.

Till then, my best defense is to stay focused on my life and live it well & to its fullest. Care to join me?

Posted by: Michele at 07:11 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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Whenever I'm unable to make a decision because there's too many things to consider, I use this method as a decision making process.

Of course this doesn't work with travel companions on vacation who each want to do a different thing at any given moment. Nope!

Instead what works is Kermit & Fozzie Bear's rule of priorities. I'll explain that one when I get back from vacation. But just in case you have a better way of dealing with these family situations I appeal to you dear reader for advice.

What do you do?

Posted by: Michele at 07:54 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Whenever a vacation starts off on a crappy note, there's no where to go but up!

Day 2 was a good day in my book, but day 3 was even better. An amazingly fun & magical day, that's how I'd describe today. After only a few hours sleep (my inlaws who were sleeping in a seperate bedroom across from the living room/dining area, Could be heard snoring @ alarming decibels even through 2 sets of closed doors), I rejuvinated with an incredible breakfast at our hotel. By 9:30am we were inside Magic Kingdom heading out on a lovely short ferry ride for Disney's main land. Upon arriving we decided to take train tour to see what appealed to us most. Having identified the areas where we wanted visit & decided on the order we were off for a day of pleasure. Thanks to the incredible Tips & Ride Suggestions I got from Bou of Boudicca.mu.nu & VW of onehappydogspeaks.mu.nu I was able to tackle that park with a relaxed attitude & with ease.

We only stopped briefly for lunch (as the only fair was crappy food [fried food & ice cream] and I had to be mindful of my pre-arranged dinner date w/a very special, fun & handsome mystery man. But more on him later.

In all, we did not have to wait longer that 15min for any non-fast pass rides and only short wait times (around 30 min) for Fast Pass rides.
We had such an amazing time that I decided we'd all get together to watch the parade & fireworks. It was fun & awesome.

To quote my son: "It was an amazing day! One I'll never forget!" Yes indeed.

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You Are Fozzie Bear

"Wocka! Wocka!" You're the life of the party, and you love making people crack up. If only your routine didn't always bomb! You may find more groans than laughs, but always keep the jokes coming.

One of my favorite Muppets and I think the one that is most misunderstood. Fozzie keeps making jokes whether people get them or not because he thinks life is funny and we should never miss an oppty to laugh at life, ourselves or others, even if we have to do it alone. Hat tip to Mike the Marine.

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One of the statementes of Murphy's Law is that "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

It started with my car service driver not showing up to take us to the airport, followed by me losing my gold credit card after paying for the wildest car ride ever. This along with my brother in law (BIL) giving me the wrong departure time caused us to be late and miss the plane. This stupendous act was followed by an even kinder act of generosity in which he tried to make things up by taking us for dinner, me (the vegetarian) to his favorite steakhouse. It seems he forgot I was a vegetarian.

This incredibly fabulous day culminated in my son & I sleeping in Kmart specials because @9:30pm on a sunday (when we were done w/dinner), that's all that was open that had clothes,
or that we had directions to (because my wonderfully directionally challenged BOL accidentally threw out all our maps when he cleaned out the car). BTW, what is it that makes men unable to ask for directions or to accept directions from a woman?

Of course, once we got to walmart finding something decent to wear is another matter. If I wanted to wear something that would show off 2/3 of my tits or leave nothing to the imagination because the clothes were either totally see through, or so skin tight people could actually see the outline of my birth canal, then Wal-mart was the place to be, for I have discovered they were hoochie mama central. But since that's not me... in fact, it's the total opposite for this convent educated lady, wal-mart was in fact the wrong place to be. But on a Sunday night at 9:30, it seems IT was the place to be, judging by the hoards of humanity.

So for now, a pair of fetching guys sweat pants will have to be. Because truthfully, I'm holding out for Monday being a much luckier day for me!

A day when I'm finally reunited with my nice, soft, comfortably breathable bras & panties!

I'll keep you posted, so we'll see!

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I am too dead dog tired to compose an honest to goodness, well thought out post (2nd day) or to even begin editing yesterdayÂ’s post (which IÂ’m unhappy with) so IÂ’ll simply copy a page from RPÂ’s blogging style and throw at you some of the things that I learned as I went along today. IÂ’ll start with my first lessons of the day.

- When offering to pick up a pkg. for an out of state co-worker whoÂ’s visiting, donÂ’t let them give you directions to where youÂ’re supposed to go. Instead, get an address and a telephone number so you can be SURE of where the hell youÂ’re going and not wind up 3 miles off. Park Ave is NOT Park Place.

- When drinking water, Gatorade and iced coffee on a hot day in a short time span, make sure you ask a woman where the bathroom is and the key code for the lock BEFORE you sit down in an all male meeting.

- After walking 15.6 miles in 100F+temps, do not schedule to meet up with your mentees as all youÂ’ll manage to do is drink, pee and sit there listlessly. Bou, I think IÂ’m ready for Disney.

- When getting a Pollen alert on your mobile do not ask yourself out loud in front of your son: “Where the hell do they grow enough plantains in the tri-state area to trigger a High Plantain Pollen Index Alert."

- Scheduling a pedicure after walking 60 miles in 4 days makes oneÂ’s feet very happy and tingly all over!

- When dining in a nice restaurant and catching son with one leg raised on the chair while fanning his crotch area, do not ask him what he’s doing, otherwise he’ll be forced to shout over the loud music that he’s “fanning his sweaty balls”.

- Mental note: menÂ’s balls get sweaty and need ventilation and thatÂ’s why they grab their crotch in public sometimes. Who knew!

- Drinking 2 Iced Frappuccinos' and 2 Iced Green Teas, is NOT a good idea when you're only used to caffeine in the form of 1 cup of iced coffee per day. Trying to sleep that evening is futile.

- I've discovered a new physics rule: on a hot summer's day, the more you drink, the more you have to pee. Output is not directly proportional to intake. In some instances, it is greater than intake. Further study must be done to understand the freekin' correllation and how it's possible to spend more time peeing than drinking.

Posted by: Michele at 10:25 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I started this post a thousand times today in my head. It was something that had been on my mind for some time now. Ever since I saw a guest (who shall remain nameless) on Charlie Rose with a t-shirt that said: No Blood for Oil.

Not only do I believe he was way off the mark, I think he coming at the problem from the wrong angle. The angle, which has come to the crossroads (Once again) is our dependency on oil. It was our Arab suppliers manipulating price and supply that brought the US to their knees in the 1970's so why did we continue in this bad unhealthy relationship. Because Pres. Carter thought it was easy to make nice and maybe think about giving money to people to develop alternative fuel.

Hey Carter, here's a clue, instead of giving money away you should have let investors invest in phenomenal products and solutions. Now that's truly a free
market. Of course, others like The Wall Street Journal are quick to blame (as in today's front page article) states like California for their everincreasing "Oil Addiction". I think this is a very unfair label to throw at Americans. After all, we didn't say to engineers we need most of our products that we use and live on to be made from petroleum. Especially, knowing the supply of oil is limited.

Oh... you didn't know that the world only has about a 60 year supplyb of oil left (that's if current cconsumption stays as is). Well, it's been well documented. In fact, it was one of the reasons the Alaska drilling issue became so important (read the transcript of the hearings - I'll link later I'm wiped out tonight!).

But that's not the point of this post. The point of this post is not to find and lay blame; the point of this post is that if we keep going the way we've been. In one case a woman admitted she left the airconditioner on all day because she wanted to come home to a cold apartment. Another brought in a heater to work because it was too cold. How cold was it? 59F per my Army College weather thingy.

I proved to myself I was over-consuming by easily and successfully cutting down on my own consumption and reducing my monthly charges by 18%. It began by simply turning on lights only in the room I happen to be in. Changing light bulbs to energy efficient lower wattage bulbsl There were a few more, all painless. But being conservative about my use is not the only thing that will keep us free and safe from price rigging, artificial market manipulation, and (perish the thought) being compoletely cut off from oil supply.

Here's some stats you'll find interesting:
- the Middle East produces 76% of the world's consumer grade oil
- their biggest client purchasers are Americans followed by China
- of the remaining non-Arab producers, all but 1 hate our guts
- add government incentives and tax breaks for companies developing petroleum products that are several hundred millon more than funding for alternative fuels and we have an economic mindset based on those who can buy and benefit and not one of a truly free market system.

Why, because as we have seen this summer, we are at the mercy and whims of madmen who don't care if we live or die (they prefer our death) let alone if we're uncomfortable due to a power outage. If our oil supply is ever cut off, my 12 days without power would only be considered a mini-practice.

All which leads me to our men and women in uniform. I don't have time to elaborate on this right now, so I'll make it real simple, if you think our brave members of the armed forces are risking their lives by being in a war zone solely because of oil then I have a backhand that will slap you right into the library for you to do some necessary research.

Part of the reason we are there is because our oil proceeds have fueled the political ambitions of narcissistic men into religious zealots into thinking they are more powerful than they really are.and so they threaten us. And we, turn our focus onto the real feel index and air conditioners that do not blow, when in fact we need to tell our politicians to encourage alternative fuel development by giving ultimatums and tax breaks.

Our reduction in oil consumption would send a clear message to those madmen who wish to exercise power and control over our lives: we're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore. We're going to emancipate ourselves from you and lets see how far you get without our money to donate missiles to Hezbollah, and to develop nuclear fission plants that will create bombs. Let's see how far your dependency on our oil money takes you when WE cut you off. Who will you threaten then?

----------------

It's 2:00am, and I ask that you pardon the ramblings of a late night interloper, who enters the foray of economics and politics angered by all the whining that's been going on about the heat. The only people who didn't complain today were the guys being deployed and me. Though I don't know what it's like, knowing they will be patroling in full gear in 110F quashes even the mere whisper of a thought that 102F is hot. In truth, all I can think about is that they're headed for the Middle East where they will try to make sure the madness doesn't spill over all the way here.

Guys, know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers, as will RSM's friends, until you return safely to our shores. Godspeed!

Posted by: Michele at 02:32 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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A week from today I'll be in Orlando, Fl! I don't know who's more excited, me or my son. I've never been to Disney World, heck I've never been to a theme park before, but after watching the disney video, I CAN"T WAIT!

I have been to Orlando 3 times, but all 3 I was sequestered to the hotel unable to set foot in Disneyworld. Two of those times were for business. One was to watch my sister graduate from Navy Basic Training. I bought passes for us for her week of R&R as a graduation present but I wound up sick as a dog from bronchitis and asthma. She went with her buddies instead, while I stayed in my hotel recuperating. Come to think of it, I've never even gotten a souvenir from there - t-shirt stand here I come!

Anyway, this is a surprise trip. My brother in law (who I trust implicitly and has been incredibly helpful and supportive even after my separation) is treating my son and I to this trip. He only told me when we're arriving and returning and nothing more. He won't tell me or his sister (who's also joining us) where we're staying, what the plans are, what we're doing... nothing, absolutely nothing. And for a planner like me it's murder. He has reassured all of us that everything is taken care of.

I've traveled before with them and I'm infamous for the over abundant amount of travel info that I bring with me –just in case weather or something else forces us to change plans. This time I've been told all has been planned so I'm not to worry or even to research this trip. This both adds to the excitement and my nervousness.

I mean, a ton of persistent questions keep coming to mind: is there a plan B & C for inclement weather; does he have a list of emergency aid/critical care places; has he scheduled a place where we can celebrate my son's birthday (the whole reason for this trip) and when will I be able to have some ME time so I can plan on getting together with my old co-worker and maybe a blogger or two. There's lots more questions but I won't bore you with how my mind works.

Instead, I sit here, trying to relax, living in the gratitude and appreciation of the blessing for such a wonderful gift. I mean how many people get a free, all expense paid vacation in there lifetime. So, thereÂ’s been no research, other than reading other travelerÂ’s safety tips, which were really an eye opener on theme park safety. Now, does anyone have any suggestions on must do items in Orlando? See, IÂ’m not researching, IÂ’m listening to suggestions. Heh, heh, heh!

BTW, I'll be picture blogging my vacation via my cell at Postcards from NYC and will also have access to blog's comments here. You didn't think I'd live this place ungarded did you!

Posted by: Michele at 09:33 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Zonker once had a post in which he wote: “If it’s not one thing, it’s my mother!” When I read that phrase I swear I thought that was the perfect way to describe the challenging relationship I have with my mother. Of course that was not the way he meant that phrase, but that’s how it applies in my life.

Earlier in the week I received a voice mail message from my mother summoning me to visit her this weekend. This after 5 months of not hearing anything from her and not getting call backs to my messages, nor my sister responding to my emails. She was busy she says, and my sister offered up lots of weak excuses to support her.

My family is the greatest source of frustration in my life. So why do I even bother with them? Maybe its because IÂ’m a dutiful daughter, or because I donÂ’t want to give up in case a miracle happens. Maybe its because they are the only people left in my life who I have history with or the only biological living relatives within a reasonable distance. To tell you the truth I really donÂ’t know. One thingÂ’s for sure, itÂ’s really amazing I have any self-esteem and positive outlook at all, coming from the family I grew up in.
more...

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I am a creature of habit. When I was single, saturdays were spent getting up early, hitting the gym, going home. cleaning and getting ready for my exciting weekend. I would start off by going to a movie either by myself, with friends or any of the students I mentored. Afterwards it was a very long dinner (either at my place or at a restaurant) where my friends and I would catch up with each other. Sometimes we'd follow up with going to a great cafe or doing something interesting like going to a concert, a club, bowling alley, lounge or pool hall. There are times when I really miss them & those wonderful times we had.

Even now, Saturdays is still all about movies. Now that I'm a single mom, I have no time to go out to the movies or do any of those things I used to do, so I do different fun things w/my son. Instead, the movies come to me via my widescreen tv & dvd. I look forward all week to Saturday night, so I can watch a good movie. My son and I have a ritual on Friday nights. Before going home, we pick up our take-out dinner and then go to the video store for each of us to get a movie. I love the classics, and now he's getting to the age where he can appreciate the G rated ones too. So we've watched a few together that he really likes and has seen a few times with me.

So it was no surprise to me when I took this quiz and got the results below.

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

This is oh, so true! BTW, I'm a huge Frank Capra fan and have seen almost all his movies. Hat tip to Windypundit!

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What do you give a woman who has everything? A woman who is funny, thoughtful & sweet, sexy, an incredible cook (so I've been told), a great conversationalist (I've had the priviledge of talking with her), who can make the darndest frown turn upside down?

I've spent the last 24 hrs asking myself that question every spare moment I've had. I saw that AWTM gave her Beckham, the most brilliant soccer player on the planet. Then I ran into Oddybobo and saw that she gave him a NYC Firefighter and Leslie's Omnibus gave her some Beefcake. So just as I was about to give up the light bulb went on. That's it... that's it... NY Firefighters, Beefcake, I can give her an incredible cheesecake. I'll give her a very unique cheesecake photo she'll not soon forget, and might even pin up. I'm giving her something she can only find in NY, and to go along with that lucsious photo a very tall, very cool drink.

So here it is darlin', your presents: >>>>>>> more...

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Yes, a few hours into the 13th day, at 10:30pm precisely, partial power was restored to my humble home. This meant that I was able to plug my empty fridge into the only working wall outlet in my kitchen via an extension cord in order to make the most coveted of summer items.... ice, and to chill gatorade YAY!

BY 6:00am, when I woke up this morning, full power had been restored. Of course, they are warning residents that they grid is still fragile and may not hold during this upcoming heatwave [translation: don't by groceries 'cause if the power goes you can't say we didnt' warn you]. But for now I'm hoping I can break down camp and move back into the bedroom.

As for my health, no allergic reactions so far today. Part of that has to do with my co-workers offering to go out of their way to pick up my breakfast and lunch at an organic health food restaurant, a whole mile out of their way. To you it may not seem like much but when you do it on foot in 90F weather, well you have my undying gratitude.

Oh, and thanks to my blog bro Jon I figured out why I've been having so many allergic reactions. It's the Chemotherapy Stupid! Uh, that's me talking to myself. Last night while catching up w/Jon, he told me how the same thing happened to his "Love" during her first few rounds of chemotherapy. I tell you, I have a little angel watching over me! So, now that the power is back I was able to leave a message for my Dr. today so we could finally talk about this. YAY!

So I now want to thank you guys for keeping vigil with me and babysitting me for the past 2 weeks with all that's been going on. I really, truly and most humbly thank you for your support, words, visits, and emails. It really helped my spirits and it helped me cope! I send electronic (((((((HUGS))))))) to you all!

Update: To whomever sent me this gift.... they were beautiful and delicious and I thank you! (I chose the red rose one and shared the other). There was no card or note when they were delivered so I don't know who to thank. So this note will have to do. I LOVE CUPCAKES! They are the perfect small artistic edible gift AND they were in my favorite flavor - chocolate.

Posted by: Michele at 12:13 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 YIPEE SKIPPEE!!! *doing snoopy dance* Go buy your son some ice cream! Oh and you can have some too

Posted by: Quality Weenie at July 27, 2006 03:42 PM (DRZIY)

2 yay! Power!!

Posted by: Bou at July 27, 2006 04:13 PM (iHxT3)

3 Wow - wish I could say I sent them... but alas it wasn't me. I'm so glad someone did! You deserve lots of treats right now. *grin*

Posted by: Teresa at July 27, 2006 11:22 PM (o4pJS)

4 I'm just so glad you've got power again. And that you can talk with the doctor. And eat a cupcake. And your co-workers are spoilin' you just a little bit. And that I can finally leave a comment here!! ;-) You'll stay right at the top of my prayer list darlin'. Take care of yourself. And enjoy that ice!

Posted by: Tammi at July 28, 2006 05:36 AM (3UQTn)

5

Posted by: Tuning Spork at July 28, 2006 08:40 PM (eS7gu)

6 wow. I don't know if I wish more that I had sent them or received them! How yummy and thoughtful!

Posted by: Bou at July 28, 2006 10:01 PM (iHxT3)

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I have always believed that we are all connected by more than just our existence on earth and our universal conciousness. We are connected by the thread of common human experiences that we share with each other.

I was over at Bou's reading about (her youngest) Bones' 9 lives yesterday and as I read, I realized the reason I had such a mental block in my CPR class the day before was because I was remembering how last summer I had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on my son and how I froze at first, trying to recall the CPR process.

He was the primary reason I signed up for a CPR refresher course. This incident was the second reason, and the 3rd was the fact that the adult I saved 6 weeks ago is trying to sue me for "malpractice". I should have let him die then, huh?

In reading Bou's post, I realized I really wasn't doing anything wrong because I was giving the right number of breaths and compressions, but in my head I was rescuing a child my son's age, and the age of the kid I had saved 6 weeks before. The problem was, in reality I had an infant dummy in front of me, which requires different positioning, approach, compressions and rescue breaths. Realizing that made me want to see if I could remember and perform the right rescue techniques on an infant correctly.

So I grabbed my son's panda bear to practice Infant CPR (which he left behind on Saturday) while visiting Mike (who is a retired NYC firefighter, our Building's Fire Safety Director and is certified in CPR training). So while in his office he suggested that in order to make sure I was focusing on the right age group I should close my eyes and envision an infant before me. Just then he was called away so encouraged me to go ahead and practice in his office.

A few seconds later Tom, Mike's Deputy Director, came in and stopped in the doorway. I opened my eyes just as I was removing my mouth off the bear's face. Realizing the awkwardness of the moment I opened my mouth to explain, but Tom held up his hand interrupting: "No... No.... No need to explain, you two obviously need to spend time alone, so I'll just be on my way" and with that he closed the door.

I sat there with my mouth wide open, embarrased beyond belief! This is something the Fire Safety Team will never forget. I can already see the email subject headline to the team: "Michele found making out with bear... Don't let this happen to you." Yes, that's how they're going to make sure that everyone knows about the new CPR guidelines and free classes.

A short while later, when Mike didn't return, I stepped out of his office to find everyone laughing at the sight of me with my bear in arms. Outwardly I smiled with them, realizing that it was Mike's practical joke. Inwardly, to quote Rosana Rosanadana (Gilda Radner's character on SNL): "I just wanna diiiiiiiiie!" Sigh!

It turns out that Mike restrained his laughter long enough to watch my technique and reassured me I was fine. I'm fine... good to know! [giggle]

Anyway, the 6 degrees comes from having learned the lesson from when I last saved a life 6 weeks ago. The chain of events started with the inspiration from my blog dad's post which led to me being equiped to save 2 lives. Same thing with Bou's post yesterday, it reminded me that I had to get my epi-pen refilled. Didn't want to go one more day without it because I was having mild allergic reactions to the different take out foods I was buying (due to the damned blackout). To make a gigantic story a bit shorter. I got my epi-pen refilled and picked it up on my way home. Last night, after putting my son to bed, I had my dinner. Later, I began to have what I knew would be a major allergic reaction and was forced to use my epi-pen.

So, I attribute to Bou, me being here amongst you today, because my cell was pretty low power last night, and the land line didn't work, so I couldn't call 911 or get an ambulance. All the pharmacies were closed as they were still out of power and if they had an epi-pen, well I don't think I would have used it as it might have gone bad in the heat.

Hmmmm, I wonder if I owe Bou something for having saved my life. I seem to remember there's a chinese proverb about that but I'm still under the effects of what my new, cute, temporary, physician gave me this afternoon and so I'm feeling no pain (and no memory to speak of right now). Just sitting here with a stupid grin on my face, feeling euphoric. I'm going to have me a damned good sleep tonight.

Well, I think I'm finished. I'm not going to re-read or edit this one. I think I'll just sit here and smile for awhile. YOu all take care now... ya here!

Posted by: Michele at 01:28 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Good heavens! Yay Bou! Sadly I'm not much of a practical joker - I don't really get them and I would have been totally embarrassed. Here's hoping the new meds make you forget the jokes and relax a bit.

Posted by: Teresa at July 26, 2006 06:58 PM (o4pJS)

2 hmmm... current AHA standards for CPR are 30 compressions to 2 breaths for ALL single rescuer situations, Adult, Child and Infant. We'll talk. as to the suit, you're covered under good samaritan laws. No worries. I'm just glad you're still around.

Posted by: RSM at July 26, 2006 10:23 PM (Ico6n)

3 Ack! I only jarred something on your to do list. ;-) And honestly if it had not been me, something else would have as... it was obviously on your mind. MUCH is on your mind. Oh and get a 2nd epi pen! Can you carry a half dozen of those things? Good Lord!

Posted by: Bou at July 26, 2006 10:51 PM (iHxT3)

4 Oh, yeah, did you get fuzz on your lips while practicing on the bear? It seems like it would be kind of fuzzy...

Posted by: Bou at July 26, 2006 10:52 PM (iHxT3)

5 Is your power back yet?

Posted by: Teresa at July 27, 2006 10:33 AM (o4pJS)

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"Have you swept the visioned valley with the green stream streaking through it,
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.
-- Robert Service - The Call of the Wild

Strange ruminations are going through my head. But they are all I have in this darkness for company. So what is my lesson Robert? Have I not learned it yet or well enough? Is there more to come my way?

I'm very tired tonight. Tired and upset at coming to terms yet again that IÂ’m far and wide from the vision I had of where I thought IÂ’d be while I was growing up. Or is my dissatisfaction with life and self simply a convenient way to turn the focus off of the circumstances that surround me and which I can't control.

What I do know, is that it was a very long and challenging day riddled with occassional missteps and mistakes. It began at 7:30am with a Pediatric CPR refresher course in which I just couldnÂ’t get things right. Had a life depended on me this morning they surely would have died. Yes, this was a vastly different result from the life I saved last month. Go figure.

At some point in the afternoon I received a call from my boss, who pointed out the one little thing I failed to follow through on. Of course he did this while forgetting my current living circumstances and the fact that I alone did all the prep work and analysis for his meeting with the Governor, which made our firm shine. Instead he took that tone on my voice mail, the tone that told me that one F@#$ing thing was more important than all the analysis and positioning work I did this past month in advance of his trip.

My lovely afternoon culminated on the eve of day 8 without power, in a futile 6 mile search on foot for a store that might have carried anything that I could possibly buy to feed my son for breakfast and wouldnÂ’t spoil in the warm temps overnight. My blistered feet only added to the constant reminder of my failure.

As I picked up my son from summer camp, I came across the Power Co. Reps and the American Red Cross setting up their tables by the subway train entrance we had to use. As we passed by their tables my son broke away from me and ran up to the front of the line that was forming to politely ask for something cold to drink. As he felt the coldness of the water bottle in his hand, he lifted it up and looking to the heavens exclaimed: “Thank God… finally a ice cold drink!” While everybody smiled or laughed my little heart sank.

In that moment, I felt the heavy weight and successive accumulation of the entire dayÂ’s failures. As tough as things got for me when I was barely 17 and living on my own; as difficult as things can get for a single parent without support, as challenging as a professional job can be, I have never, ever, felt like a failure or disappointed in myself. A huge lump knotted in my throat for a good long while.

I know these feelings will pass, I know they are temporary and linked to this never-ending pervasive darkness that I find myself in, but damn if it isnÂ’t wearing on a personÂ’s soul. IÂ’ll take dealing with mice, snakes, zombies and spiders all day long rather than dealing with one more day in which I cannot: clean the dishes, do my laundry, take a hot shower and be able to rinse my hair, or make a really nice salad W/lots of FRESH VEGETABLES!

ItÂ’s not like I have never lived without power before. I did many, many years ago, as a relief worker in Mexico after a huge earthquake that killed thousands. I lived in dusty tent with no power and primitive facilities for almost 3 months without even a thought to what I was enduring. It takes the extreme awareness of a loved one dealing with deprivation which I canÂ’t fulfill, to finally bring down my spirit.

I think a good long hot bath and a good nightÂ’s sleep will help me get a new perspective and start fresh again tomorrow.

Maybe if I end with a picture of tonight's sunset, that might help start my night anew too.

Update: I just got a a wonderful email with a picture from my favorite group of guys, Babylon Renegades if you will, who made me laugh heartily, cry intenselly and smile endlessly all in one letter. Yes Sgt, you are a handsome group of "Mothers"! And you're right, I am grateful not to be dealing with desert spiders!

I will share the picture with you once I get permission from these great and brave men! Somehow they always manage to give me what I need ; )

Permission having been granted, I share with you my favorite men in the whole world. They are an awesome group of guys who always seem to have the right timing! This picture is one I had asked for long ago. It includes one of my faithful correspondents who is no longer with us. Lt., I got to know you through your letters and learned to highly regard and admire you through the words of your men, especially young Crpl Eddie, who admired you so much. Know that you will be remembered and will always remain in my heart!

Posted by: Michele at 01:48 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Darkness and Silence... my constant companion this evening.

There's a wonderful quiet echo in the silence that surrounds me. From the park across the street I can hear the hushed whispers between lovers. These are intermingled with the smiles and laughter of others and the sounds of generators working overtime in the distance.

In the cloak of darkness these lovers profess promises they hope to keep. The weight of which will be truly felt and tested tomorrow and in the days to come.

As I sit by my darkened window, barely seeing their outlines, I wonder where they'll be tomorrow. I wonder if their permanent embrace is a way to create their own world and blocking everything around them from entering their conciousness other than their loverÂ’s presence. I wonder if in the light of day they will still feel the closeness they experienced in that long embrace? I wonder if they would still look lovingly into each otherÂ’s eyes if they truly knew each otherÂ’s flaws and fears? As she lovingly caresses his face, the question that remains is will her love stand the test of time and distance, or will it be as fleeting as her time on that bench.

Posted by: Michele at 11:44 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It's Day 6 of the blackout and the word is it might be another week. Since my son is sick and there's nothing else to do I’ve been thinking. Actually, I’ve been doing nothing but thinking and I’ve been getting lots of ideas. It all started from a comment Bou posted: “…but when its below freezing and people don't have power... that is even scarier in my mind.” Holy Crap! I thought to myself (yes Bou, I say Holy Crap too, and it got me in trouble with my son’s teacher, but that’s a story for another day). I hate being cold as much as Bou and never in a million years would I, miss prepared for every disaster, ever have thought or even considered it a possibility. Don't know why I didn't think of it, especially since the very first citywide blackout in NYC occurred on a cold chilly day in November of 1963.

To quote Bones (BouÂ’s youngest): I would just die from the cold! Especially without the right gear. I hate even cold air conditioning in the summer. But all I need to make sure I donÂ’t freeze to death is 2 sub-zero sleeping bags (one for me and another for my son) and a solar panel pack with multiple connectors and capable of storing/converting enough solar power to run a heater in one room for a few hours, a laptop and a cell phone (the last 2 are essential to my mental stability and well being as a Gemini). Yesterday I briefly tested out a solar powered laptop backpack and a solar power charger (loaners from a colleague at work) . With it I was able to come home and set up my broadband and briefly get online (the pack needed to be charged before using it extensively). ItÂ’s now charging, while IÂ’m using my laptopÂ’s own battery to tap this out. If you see this post it means that I successfully charged the solar panel and was able to set up the wifi to get online and post.

The first time I used solar panel chargers was in 2000. I was living in the Philippines, and working as part of the advance team for setting up wi-fiÂ’s in remote areas, with little or no electricity, With the solar panels charging I would also use/charge my satellite phone and laptop.

Spurred on by the fear of dying a cruel frozen death, I did some research and discovered yesterday that with the right solar panel kit I would be able to run a heater for a few hours in the dead of winter. I also came across a solar panel charger for my Treo and found a Hurricane Solar Survival System, for both Bou and VW. If I discover any other interesting solar products, like a solar powered air conditioner (admit it, it makes perfect sense, especially in the South), IÂ’ll share it with you.

Posted by: Michele at 05:52 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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First, my apologies, an onslaught of spammers forced me to go crazy, reporting & blocking spammers. By accident, some of my favorite bloggers were caught in the cross hairs while doing this via my cell phone. As a result, I inadvertently reported a few of you as spammers to yahoo. I'm currently trying to correct that! In the meantime, I'm sorry if you haven't received any emails from me or anyone you know. I'm really sorry about that!

As we begin Day 6 of this Blackout I submit for your amusement, a few cute pictures of how Queens residents have coped with the heat and lack of electricity.

This horse was so hot in the 100+ weather on Wednesday it led its rider, a sergeant in the NYPD, to a drink. It was so hot Wednesday (105F) I did consider throwing myself into the fountain, clothes and all, after the horse finished drinking and walked away.

"NO, I still can't hear you!!!!" That's what I thought as I saw this Verizon employee taking a break. He had been inside a sweltering man hole for hours Thursday morning repairing telephone cables which were burned by underground electrical fires. "Can I interest you in a wet t-shirt contest?"

Sprinklers, fountains, parks and rivers are my favorite places for cooling off. I think this kid would agree. Except, that since the water pipes are buried deep beneath the ground, the water is cold as heck! So after I cool off, there's no going back in for me!

Never a dull moment in NYC, especially when there's a blackout. On Thursday, it was still too hot to go directly home after work, so I took my son to a park not far from us. While my son & I were relaxing, dipping our feet in the fountain, this gentleman gave me a show, that made me quite...uh... nervous. Luckily he stopped stripping at his BVD's before getting into the fountain.

I guess after seeing the above you could say that New York was going to the dogs. Well, the picture below proves it! The dogs were so fed up with being hot they took matters into their own hands. It was a good thing there were no Con Edison men around, I dare say these dogs would have bit them in the ass if there were. See, my blog sis isn't the only one that can do cute doggy blogging!

Well, that's it for me. I'm leaving work soon, where I've been hanging out and cooling off with my son, making sure his asthma doesn't kick up. Were headed out in a little while to go to the movies and dinner afterwards. No going home until this humidity eases up a bit or we're both dead dog tired ; )

Posted by: Michele at 01:35 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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