Update 2: Because of Apple's desperate drive to rid the world of all things Microsoft, one pc at a time, I'm enduring a technical challenge that is greater than usual. I"ve called in a couple of noble Jedi Knights to do battle with these nepharious creatures, while Yoda and Obi-wan stand guard with me. Hopefully by tomorrow we'll emerge victorious. May the best creature win!

Update 1: Due to a technical glitch I'm not able to comment on 99% of sites, so I'm lurking. Yes, I'm a voyeur extraordinare! Hopefully I can spend some time with some apple experts and fix the issue by tonite. If things begin to look bad I'll resort to emailing. It's either that or reading some more on String Theory, so lets see which side of me wins: the humorous or the intellectual. You know what th Blues song says: You can't keep a Good woman down.

"Oh yes, he done gone and done me wrong baby!" It's all Q's fault. Q being the Quicktime/iTunes download that corrupted some of my registry files, forced itself on my poor virginal and unsuspecting laptop, without the opportunity of protest or a gasp. As a result, I'm now suffering from MAJOR technical ills and I'm unable to run the applets/plugins needed to comment on various blogging platforms, or to listen to my music or watch videos (damned iTunes), in order to bring you this week's musical selection. Lucky for me, I was able to visit this master digital spinner and lo and behold, he - like me, was feeling the blues! Different kinda blues, but blues nevertheless.

So go on over and have a listen to 2 of my favorite blues artists amongst the other greats. They are great for when your heart has been trodden upon. At his site you'll find:
Muddy Waters rousing the house with Mannish Boy, and
Nina Simone singing I Fell For You.

Thanks Daz'd. Hope you & your wife are feeling better!

Posted by: Michele at 12:01 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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So this past weekend started on a very positive note. I met with my financial mentor for lunch and spent a wonderful time with him. In the process I gave him the good news that I had achieved every single one of my goals that I had put on my goal list 2 years prior. Yay! So he encouraged me to this time write down bigger dreams because I was finally ready to move on and have bigger dreams. I said to him, “Since the sky’s the limit, then I’m going to get paid for publishing something I’ve written.”

“Great, you’re on your way. You already know how to develop the list, so I want to see the completed list in 2 weeks time.” Personally, I love deadlines because it makes things concrete and focused. So, I left there jazzed and with lots of ideas and things to write in my journal. I also decided that it was time to help my son learn some of these things that others have taught me so I decided to begin by resurrecting my “Dream or Vision Board”. So on my way home I picked up 2 poster boards (one for him and one for me), so we could brainstorm this weekend on what we wanted.

Later I walked in to do volunteer work at my son's after-school program and got greeted by a whole bunch of kids running up to me, as a group, calling saying "Mom, I Love You" as they hugged me tight. It was a great feeling to be welcomed that way. I had always wanted a big family and this was certainly one way to get it!

On Saturday morning things started to change with exposure to some negative individuals. Chief among them was my Orthopedist that kept trying to make me focus on the negative and the impossibilities - the things I'll never be able to do – so he thinks. Me, I don't believe in impossibilities. I only believe and focus on creating and manifesting POSSIBILITIES in my life and body! Still, naysayers were everywhere. Including one woman who I was scheduled to have coffee with and all I could see and hear was how jealous she was of others lives. She was especially angry that her boss was getting married and that she hadn’t dated anyone in over a year. The chef coming out to flirt with me only made matters worse and she proceeded to take out her anger by criticizing me. I made a mental note to avoid her for awhile.

By Sunday morning I had had my fill of negativity and I resolved to only take positive actions and think positive thoughts. It took me all day, but now at 1:00am I finally have a solid smile on my face and a very positive spirit. Part of what helped me was writing a very long list of the things I’m grateful for in my life. The other thing was doing my first draft of my “Dream/Goal List”. Now, I’m going off to bed happy as a clam and looking forward to my first day back at work, being able to say hello to everyone and catching up!

So, Happy Monday EveryoneÂ… hope itÂ’s a great week for you too! And if you need something inspirational to look at, I give you these pretty pictures posted over at The Lemon Stand.

Posted by: Michele at 12:52 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 I need to start making lists. I know I would feel like I am accomplishing more. Glad you liked the pictures and thank you for the link and you can tell your 'alien child' that I am looking for the PERFECT picture for him. ) It may take some time, but I am ever patient...

Posted by: Lemon Stand at February 26, 2007 01:46 PM (WTE2S)

2 I would make lists to but the problem is I always lose things like that. lol But what you've written here is exactly how things get done, in a well organized manner under a deadline.

Posted by: Dazd at February 26, 2007 02:15 PM (FdWOz)

3 Yay for Michele. There are always negative people in our lives. And you sometimes have to work hard to not let it seep into you. Good luck in your endeavor to become published!

Posted by: Mrs. Who at February 26, 2007 05:30 PM (9FXen)

4 I put something on my list just yesterday . . . "I am happy to call Michele friend!" Thank you again.

Posted by: oddybobo at February 27, 2007 09:07 AM (mZfwW)

5 "I met with my financial mentor for lunch..." I have to say this one stopped me for a moment. I didn't know there were such things as financial mentors. How come I never know about this stuff? LOL. Good for you on hitting your goals. As for your friend who hasn't had a date - I would have been very tempted to say that no one wants to date an unhappy person... but I probably wouldn't have. I think you're right to stay away from her for a while. On the doctor thing. ACK! I hate negative docs - I've left more than one doctor because of that. I don't explain, I don't try to make them see the light, I just move on and try to find someone who doesn't annoy me. It doesn't always work (great docs are hard to find), but it does make me feel better to be pro-active about it.

Posted by: Teresa at February 27, 2007 11:21 AM (gsbs5)

6 I'm a list maker. (Part of that J in your Meyer's Briggs test! ;-) ) I joke I need stock in 3M as I'm big with yellow stickies. 3x5 cards work well too! I don't do negative people anymore. I just can't... do it. They are draining and I have too many wonderful people in my life and wonderful things to do, to allow people to drag me down. Life is too short... I recently switched doctors, finding one that is extraordinarily competent AND upbeat. I can easily feed off other's personalities and moods, unless I consciously work not to. That is too much energy to expend. I'm with you. Hang with the positive people!

Posted by: Bou at February 27, 2007 05:54 PM (PQFHD)

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You are an INTJ!

As an INTJ, you are Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, & Judging.
This makes your primary focus on Introverted Thinking with an Extraverted Intution. [Okay, can someone explain to me how my intuition can be extroverted?]

This is defined as a NT personality, which is part of Carl Jung's Rational (Knowledge Seeking) type, and more specifically the Mastermind or Scientist.

Though Passionate, you aren't as openly affectionate as some of your NT counterparts, and this may cause other bloggers to assume you aren't as friendly. Your ideas and actual applications for these ideas are brilliant, however, you might be more likely to create something more masterful in your journal.

My Bloginality is INTJ!!!

Posted by: Michele at 04:58 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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These are the kind of antics I woke up to this morning.

Posted by: Michele at 11:30 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 I love C&H. Sorry to see that's how your day is going.

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at February 25, 2007 03:42 PM (0Pi1o)

2 I miss Calvin and Hobbes. In fact, my old C&H books have started falling apart, so I tape up the pages in the bathroom at work. If I go for a few days w/o putting any up, the teachers stop me in the halls and ask for more.

Posted by: Mrs. Who at February 25, 2007 08:33 PM (9FXen)

3 I can't believe I missed this C & H! I did notice, however, that B & N have this HUGE hardcover tome of ALL the Calvin and Hobbs. I am saving my pennies. )

Posted by: Lemon Stand at February 26, 2007 01:48 PM (WTE2S)

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"Someone who does not write books, who thinks a lot, and who lives in unsatisfying society will usually be a good letter-writer."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche

I think that quote is worthy of a permanent place on my side bar. What do you think?

Posted by: Michele at 12:50 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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Stephen, a fellow Munuvian over at Hold The Mayo, recently received a short email from Hillary on her "Roadmap Out of Iraq". He gives her an equally brief, albeit interesting, response. All in all, a quick interesting read, so go check it out.

Posted by: Michele at 11:52 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Bridegroom, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet. . . .
You have captivated me,
Let me stand tremblingly before you.
Bridegroom, I would be taken by you to the bedchamber.

That is how the oldest love poem in the world begins as inscribed in the above tablets. It is an expression of love from a woman, and given to her betrothed before their wedding, to signal her acceptance of him. The above tablet was discovered over a hundred years ago, buried in the ancient sands of Iraq by British scholars.

The tablet is believed to have been created sometime around 2030 BC by a Sumerian scribe, whose handiwork has served to preserve the bride's passionate declaration for over 40 centuries. This ritualistic practice, scholars say, was part of a Mesopotamian festival of fertility and power called "Sacred Marriage". Every year around the spring equinox, the Sumerian king would "marry", taking as his wife Inanna [the Sumerian goddess of love and war], to renew the land's fertility and affirm his own potency.

For several days preceding this event, the king's people would engage in the Sumerian equivalent of Mardi Gras. At the festival's peak, the king would pursue Inanna's high priestess, who would play the part of Inanna. The priestess, woed by his offerings, would pen a poem to the King as a gift that signaled her acceptance of the king into her bed. The poem featured here, was addressed to the Sumerian king Shu-Sin, and is the oldest love poem known to date. In the extended entry you will find the complete poem, translated by Michael Himick of the Museums of Istanbul, where the tablets are on display.
more...

Posted by: Michele at 12:49 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Go ahead, you know you want to play...

Start game by using your mouse to click on "play game". Use the Space bar to Fire, the Up arrow key to thrust, and the Left/Right arrow keys to move left/right. Enjoy!

Posted by: Michele at 10:13 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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1 What key is hyperspace?

Posted by: _Jon at February 20, 2007 10:21 PM (cPJtC)

2 Yaaaaaaaaaay.....Atari! I'm *so* spending the rest of the night on your blog. ("Breakin' out" the joysticks 'n' paddles, baby)

Posted by: Erica at February 21, 2007 12:20 AM (n1ABe)

3 15400 first time. I guess some skills do degenerate.

Posted by: RSM at February 21, 2007 07:01 AM (DEati)

4 Oh man. Of course you have to post this when I don't have any time to come out and play. I will have to sneak back after the kids go to sleep tonight. P

Posted by: Lemon Stand at February 21, 2007 08:24 AM (DIsMj)

5 Yay! Gaming at lunch....well, thats what all I'll admit too anyways.

Posted by: Dazd at February 21, 2007 09:21 AM (PVWl3)

6 Too bad I'm not in Tech otherwise I'd call it research. For now I'm with Daz'd.

Posted by: lisa at February 21, 2007 10:50 AM (UrdCE)

7 Hey! What do you know! I still suck at Asteroids!

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at February 21, 2007 08:01 PM (Z3kjO)

8 ARRRRGH! I was never worth a damn at this!!! Thanks a lot Michele!!! LOL

Posted by: Mark at February 23, 2007 12:58 AM (sS1gd)

9 GRIN

Posted by: vw bug at February 23, 2007 07:16 AM (jxQhM)

10 What Stephen said. I still suck.

Posted by: Harvey at February 23, 2007 09:38 AM (L7a63)

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Scene takes place at a local café, while I’m talking for a few minutes with another mom during children’s storytime.

Me: “Is it hot in here or is it me?”
Mom: “It IS a bit warm in here. But you’re also drinking hot latte. [Touching my forhead] You don’t have a fever.”
Me: “Man… I’m so hot I want to take off my shirt and go bury my chest in the snow”
Mom: [blinks and looks away, not knowing what to say]
Me: “Sorry, that was too much information, wasn’t it?

Jenny: “Aren’t you cold? It’s freezing out here.”
Me: “No… I’m actually kinda hot.”
Jenny: “How many layers of clothing do you have on?” [I’m known for my layering. Tammi doesn’t know this but when I met her for dinner I had wool/cashmere blend tights, a pair of leggings under a pair of corduroy pants. Over all my clothing I wore my Michelin style, full-length (sub-zero) down coat.]
Me: IÂ’m wearing just 2 light shirts and 2 pants under my down coat. [I remove my coat to show her.]
Jenny: Let me seeÂ… [touches my forhead], you donÂ’t have a fever. [she asks lots of medical questions, which I answer]. Hmm, youÂ’re too young to be going through the change.
Me: What change?
Jenny: You knowÂ…the change [she says frowning at me for not getting her meaning.]
Me: What change?
Jenny: TheÂ…. change [she says speaking slowly as if talking to a retarded child].
Me: “Who’s on first?”
Jenny: “What?....”
Me: “What’s on second.”
Jenny: “What are you talking about?” [she’s got major frowning action going on now].
Me: “I don’t know [“he’s on 3rd”]. I have no idea what YOU”RE talking about.”
Jenny: “Well it doesn’t matter because you’re too young to be going through it anyway.”
Me: “Well, thank you for that non-diagnosis, Dr!”
Jenny: [She laughs, but IÂ’m wondering if she really understands my sense of humor.]

Me: "Jon, can I ask you a question about your wifeÂ’s chemo treatment? Do you mind?"
Jon: "Not at all. What do you want to know?"
Me: "IÂ’m having insane cravings: Today I bought anchovies, feta cheese and olives for my dinner. Did she ever get cravings for foods like that?"
Jon: "Yep, she had some pretty strange requests."
Me: "Okay, IÂ’m glad to know itÂ’s not just me."
Jon: "No, itÂ’s not just you. Oh by the way, she also had some major hot flashes."
Me: "Oh. My. GodÂ… I thought I was either going crazy or there was something seriously wrong with me. How did you know I needed to know that?"
Jon: "I just figured you did because itÂ’s all part of the chemotherapy."
Me: "Oh, I canÂ’t believe itÂ… so thatÂ’s whatÂ’s been going on?" [I momentarily think about sharing how I wanted to take off my clothes and bury my chest in the snow earlier, but the look of that momÂ’s face came back to me, so I spared him. Some things are better left unsaid.]

Lucky for me I have this blog, so I can remind myself – it’s the chemo stupid – if I forget!

Jon, one more question. Is insomnia also part of this? It's 3:00am and I'm still not yet sleepy.

Posted by: Michele at 03:00 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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1 That would have made a very interesting snow angel!

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at February 20, 2007 08:43 AM (Z3kjO)

2 I wouldn't worry if any one 'gets' your sense of humor. The fact you have one puts you far ahead of all the sourpusses. I'd say hang in there but maybe it's more appropriate to say "Hang OUT there" Ok, so my sense of humor is odd. By the way, I agree with Stephen. LOL, I can see it in Central Park!

Posted by: Lemon Stand at February 20, 2007 08:50 AM (bIP95)

3 Having not gone through the "Change" myself, I really couldn't tell you *all* of the _details_. heh

Posted by: _Jon at February 20, 2007 09:22 AM (ZM3Qb)

4 with all those layers you could seriously live in Alaska! I don't even wear a coat. . . maybe I'm going through the Change! Do you think that if I told voters I'm going through the Change, they'd take me more seriously? I could tell them, "I look incredibly young for my age . . . but *whispers* I'm going through the Change . . . don't tell anyone *wink*"

Posted by: oddybobo at February 20, 2007 11:32 AM (mZfwW)

5 Nice to know other people slip up and give "to much info". ;-)

Posted by: vw bug at February 20, 2007 07:46 PM (jxQhM)

6 My m-i-l is going through chemo too, but would probably like to change symptoms with you...she can't handle anything cold. She has to put on gloves to get something out of the cold. Drinking something cold is, as she puts it, like 'drinking ground up glass'.

Posted by: Mrs. Who at February 20, 2007 09:08 PM (9FXen)

7 oops, I meant, get something out of the 'fridge'.

Posted by: Mrs. Who at February 20, 2007 10:14 PM (9FXen)

8 Hmm, Mrs. Who, your m-i-l may have something called "cold-induced uticaria". Very odd syndrome. I learned about it from a co-worker last week, and met the guy who has it this afternoon. Humid cold is to a "uticarian" like a thousand bee stings is to someone allergic to bees. Strange disease.

Posted by: Tuning Spork at February 20, 2007 11:33 PM (RZtXr)

9 Well... just so you know... I'd have laughed. Funny snow angel!

Posted by: Bou at February 21, 2007 04:57 PM (PQFHD)

10 Tuning Spork - It's not a disease, it's one of the side-effects of the chemotherapy drug Avastin, and is in fact THE most common side effect of the regimen she's currently on. Her extreme sensitivity to cold (heat doesn't bother her at all) lasts for several days after her infusion, which she gets every two weeks. I would be totally miserable, since I wouldn't be able to drink an iced Coke - my oft-daily 'fix' - let alone even pull one from the fridge... It affects her mouth/throat, hands, feet and nose. I've watched her recoil and drop a soft drink can as she grabbed it out of the fridge without thinking. Now she keeps oven-mitts next to the fridge. She's incredibly good-humored about it... She's 66, but looks like she's in her early 50's, and most people who meet her have absolutely no idea that she has metastatic cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. In fact, her employer and co-workers still have no inkling after over a year!

Posted by: Bitterroot at February 22, 2007 08:43 AM (9FXen)

11 Heheheheh!!! Shoulda known someone would make a comment about the snow angel! Funny stuff...

Posted by: That 1 Guy at February 23, 2007 01:37 AM (7ZVOO)

12 Huh?... Sorry, after the whole snow-chest thing, I sorta started drifting off into this little fantasy... :-)

Posted by: Harvey at February 23, 2007 09:43 AM (L7a63)

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I usually get inspiration from other artists, in particular musicians. Burlap to Cashmere (B2C) is one group that I still wish would make it big onto the music scene. They're a local band that has played across the country, but has yet to break through onto the music scene. I first came across their music one night when I was walking past The Bitter End and was so enthralled by their music that I paid and went in to hear them play. I enjoyed every song they played. Later they announced they were going on tour as the opening act for Jars of Clay. I'm still hoping they'll produce more songs as I love their music. Below you'll find a video and links to a few of their songs on youtube.

The video is an acoustical version of B2C's Treasures in Heaven. This is one of my favorites. I hope you like it too.

Link to "Eileen's Song"
Link to "Basic Instructions"

Posted by: Michele at 11:13 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Sarah, in the extended entry you'll find the group's bio which was posted by Disney Records, the group's record label, and below you'll find the video you requested, the Jonas Brothers singing Year 3000 from their debut album - It's About Time. Whatever you do, don't drool on my screen, Okay?

more...

Posted by: Michele at 11:39 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Update: Next Weekend I will ask you, dear readers, to submit the best Guy flicks that Chicks Dig! Lets see what kind of a list we'll come up with.

Yes, I'm sure that grabbed everyone's attention, but if you read my previous post, in which I shared that I had no heat or power, you'd immediately know what I meant. Still, I couldn't resist the provacative title. In any case, my neighbor finally called me to tell me there's heat in the buildiing. Yay! The power came back late last night, but no heat as they needed an oil delivery, which arrived early this morning. YAY! So I'll be going home later today.

Since some of you are snowed in, I figured I might help us both out by posting some movie reviews and titles, so you can skip what's on tv for some real good entertainment.

What got me thinking of this, was a conversation I had with Tammi at the Empire State Bldg. and then coming across a post about "12 Most Technologically Advanced Movies of its Time" of course the list focuses on CGI's, Animation, etc. Let me tell you, that list's chock full of testosterone driven images. That list will be perfect for me when something happens at work that makes me feel like I want to knock somebody's head off. Well, except for the Star Wars movie. But I must give credit to my blog-sis Tammi for the idea, because it was our trip to the Empire State Building that I shared about some of my favorite movies, which made me realize that some of them had been filmed in NYC.

So, to counter all the wonderful maleness on the previous list, I'll offer a list of my own - Michele's Top 25 Chick Flicks of All Time. I hope you consider sharing one of these classics with a younger generation this winter, so they don't fade away from our collective memory. I list them here in chronological order. I'll update with links later on.

Gone with the Wind (1939)
The Women (1939)
Rebecca (1940)
Sabrina (1954)
Enchanted April (1982)
A Room With A View (1982)
Terms of Endearment (1983)
Beaches (198
Steel Magnolias (1989)
When Harry When Met Sally (1989)
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Little Women (1994)
Sense & Sensibility (1995)
Jerry Maguire (1996)
The English Patient (1996)
You've Got Mail (199
A Walk on the Moon (1999)
Practical Magic (1999]
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Lara Croft Tomb Raider (2001)
A Walk To Remember (2002)
Cold Mountain (2003)
The Notebook (2004)
Pride & Predjudice (w/Colin Firth - 1995)
Pride & Predjudice (w/Keira Knightley - 2005)

Please feel free to add your favorite chick flick in the comments, if you don't see it listed here.

Posted by: Michele at 01:59 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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Well, I have some interesting situations developing as a result of the snow. Around 2:30pm yesterday afternoon we lost heat and around 4:00pm we lost power. The power loss is being blamed on some underground feeder cables, that were scorched from the chemicals, salt and melting snow near my home, Its currently 18F and feels like 4F and that will drop to below zero overnight.

The good news is that power should return by tomorrow night. Also good was the purchase of a small solar powered generator after the 13 day power outage I went through this past summer. I also bought sleeping bags that stay warm below sub-zero temps. The generator is currently powering a small heater, which combined with our sleeping bags should help us sleep comfortably tonight.

So I will leave you with some interesting and fun links for you to visit and be entertained. First, here's an interesting sports site that is chock full of the latest interesting sports newsAmerican Legends. Oh and itÂ’s not just sports, thereÂ’s also a link for the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

Next is a link for the recent Fall Fashion Week in NY. There youÂ’ll find photo galleries for all the designers that participated in this event.

Finally, thereÂ’s a link for AmericaÂ’s Test Kitchen, one of my favorite shows on public television that educates the consumer on all things culinary.

Enjoy!

Posted by: Michele at 01:13 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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UPDATE: 10:30pm Just spoke to Tammi and she's finally home! Yay! Well, almost. She was still 20 miles, out but she was almost there. She sounded awful though, high fever, chills, aches.

UPDATE: 3:30pm Major prayers needed for Tammi, who's stuck at LaGuardia Airport in NYC trying to get home while dealing with a fever and a cold that's coming on. Thank you.

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

Yesterday, most of the northeast was buried under snow. Parts of Orange County, New York received 30 inches of snow in a single day. My area got 6 inches of mostly ice & some snow, which really concerned me because I had a wonderful dinner date planned.

Well, after a slight delay, caused by the ice that was everywhere, I made it into Manhattan by train. My date arrived just as I was about to sit down and I was stunned by this beautiful person before me. Pictures do this individual no justice. Folks, I couldnÂ’t stop staring through most of dinner. Then add a witty and sparkling personality, throw in some wonderful stories, and great conversation, and itÂ’s a great recipe for a wonderful time. I, on the other hand felt like I was a bit of a drag being truly in awe of this fun and exciting person before me. You see I had spent the entire day in bed keeping my nausea at bay from my chemo treatment from the day before and was focused on saving all my energy just so that I could be there that evening. After all, who turns down an exciting fun date on Valentines? Not Moi!

And a wonderful time it was. I was truly hoping that my quietness didnÂ’t make the date end early. Two hrs just wasnÂ’t enough time for me, so to keep the fun going I suggested we do something else. So my date suggested we go to the Empire State Building. [Hmmm, did my date know that one of my favorite movies is an Affair to Remember?] Well, big points were scored there. I love a lot of the classic movies of the 30Â’s & 40Â’s.

Even though IÂ’m a native New Yorker and have gone to the Empire State Building many times, IÂ’ve never been to the top at night. As always, my city was ready for the occasion, dressed in her most resplendent and shimmering lights. The only drawback, we only had a 10 mile of visibility because of the bad weather

The only negative of the entire evening was when we still werenÂ’t able to get a cab after 20 min. Thankfully, after much prayer, some walking around and some cursing (on my part) after seeing plenty of cabs out of service, we were able to get one. Yay! After dropping off My Wonderful Date, my blog sis Tammi of Tammi's World at her hotel, I continued on home. BTW, the reason I don't say more about last night is that what happense in NY stays in NY... that is until a book deal comes along.

I was glad that traffic was light because it mant that I would be able to get home only a little late, or so I thought. After only 2 min of being on the bridge, the car 30 ft in front of us slid into the right lane (we were in the center). Luckily no one was driving fast and we managed to avoid a collision. But we weren't so fortunate either. As an idiot tried to pass us it slid into our car and tapped us. I simply braced myself for the impact. Not only did we spin slightly as we glided forward, that tapping action caused us to drifted first to our left and then back to our right eventually climbing the accumulated shoveled snow which softened the impact as we hit the concrete protective barrier and came to a stop. Hey, at least we didnÂ’t spin out of control!

Relieved that we were both Ok I called 911. The lanes on the bridge are just too narrow, so we sat there with our hazards and the driver put a flashing light on the hood to alert people to our presence. All we could do was wait for either the police or the tow truck, whichever came first. I was talking to my sitterÂ’s mom, letting her know I was going to be very late getting home and so was her daughter when the police arrived. It was from them that I learned they were short handed so they couldnÂ’t give me a lift to the other side of the bridge. Okay I thought, no problem, so I called the car service IÂ’ve been using lately and begged them to come pick me up.

Having had a great night I settled into the back seat to kill some time and used my cell phone to surf, send out text messages and write a few emails. An hour later a car finally pulled up and the police escorted me to my awaiting chariot which finally got me home safely, or so I thought. I had worked out with my sitter to come down just as I arrived so the cab could then drive her home.

Although a wonderful idea, itÂ’s execution unfortunately didnÂ’t go as smoothly as I had planned. You see, the driver was from the south, and had never driven in snow or on icy roads like the hill I live on, so he naturally got stuck. It turns out he and I not only had to use my cane to break the ice and move the chunks out so he could get out, some passersby tried to help as well. When I saw that he really didnÂ’t know how to drive on the ice I asked him if he would let me help him get unstuck and drive the car out for him. After 20 minutes he finally gave up and let me get behind the wheel. You see these were the conditions I learned to drive in many years ago and as a result I got him out in just a few minutes. YAY!

So, I finally got into my apartment shortly before midnight. All in all an exciting evening. So though IÂ’m sore and stiff this morning, thereÂ’s one thing I have to say, evenings with Tammi are definitely NOT BORING! And after all that happened last night, I wouldnÂ’t hesitate for a moment to have some Tammi Time once again! IÂ’m praying youÂ’re able to get home safely and soon kiddo.

Posted by: Michele at 02:16 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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For the past 48 hrs. I've been writing little notes, leaving text or voice mail messages, letting some of the incredible people in my life know that I care about them and that they are much loved. In return I have received a number of requests (a total of 5 in the last 48hrs) from my guys (deployed soldiers I correspond with) who have asked me for help in writing to their wives/girlfriends/loves, letting them know they are loved. They are looking for the perfect letter. I was hoping my previous post in which Daz'd wrote a poem to his wife would be enough. But they don't want poetry because it's not them.

When I wrote back to the first few, they essentially replied they needed "a sample" or something to go on for inspiration, because love letters were "out of their area of expertise". Hmmmm, I know what that feels like, when you struggle to say the right thing to someone not knowing if you've said it well because your emotions are all jammed up inside.

Sooooo, I'm thinking this is a post my wonderful male readers can help with. If you don't want to be recognized you can send an email to: lettersfromnyc [at] yahoo [dot] com with your "sample" note or letter. It will not only help these men, it will also counter some of the negative vibes the cynics of the blogosphere have been spreading. So, I hope you help your fellow man and guide these young ones in the way of love, and in so doing show women out there that some of you know how to sweep a lady off her feet when you put your mind to it!

I asked one of my incredibly talented and most wonderful blog brother Jon, to help some of these men out. Here's what he contributed:

Thanks for the chance to help, the chance to create. - Jon

The love I feel for you exceeds words. I say "I love you" each time I hug you, each time we kiss, each time I touch your hand. I think of your love during my most difficult times. Your support - your love - renews my strength and helps me get my work done. There is a special strength I gain when I think of how much love we share. Many times I want to hurry and finish what I am doing so that I can return to you. When a soft ray of light touches my skin, I often feel it is your touch, even when we are far apart.

When I smell your perfume, I am transported to those special times we've shared. Holding you is like being wrapped in a warm blanket - so soft and comforting. When I wear things you have given me, I recall the moment of joy when we first touched. Each of these feelings is permanent in my heart. These memories are etched in my mind as solid as carvings in stone. My love for you will always be strong. The time we have spent together is but a small down payment on the time I wish we could share.

I am so very blessed to have your love. I feel as if God had selected an angel to love me. When my faith falters, a simple reminder of your love restores everything. At moments when I question, your love removes any doubt. Knowing that you - My Angel - are watching for me, waiting for me, loving me - that boosts my spirit. In those moments when I pray, all of those prayers include thanking God for you in my life. From the moment I say "Amen", I feel the strength of your love in me, helping me up, keeping me going. With your love, I have an unshakable faith.

Without your love, I would be hollow. Not only do you fill me, your love causes an overflow within my heart. I do not cry because of our love - I shout, I do little dances in private, I smile and laugh for reasons only we understand. I cannot say how much I love you because it is beyond what words can express. Only my actions can show you the depth of my love for you, and as you will see through the years, my love for you is without end. Without your love, I would not be me.

How much do I love you?
How much does a flower love the sun? How much does a singer love the song? How much does the painter love the brush? How much does the driver love the open road? How much does the pilot love the take-off? How much does the eagle love the wind? How much does the tree love the earth?
There is no limit to my love for you. It is the ultimate question - it can only be answered by another question.
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Of course, for those of you who want to be a little more naughty, you can visit Harvey's treasure trove of Daily Love Notes for inspiration or out right swipping. Please feel free to contribute your own notes to help others. THANKS!

Update: The submission below was contributed by Laughing Wolf.

You complete me. Though the distance is long, you are here with me, a vital part of me. Your love is a warmth that surrounds me, your laughter brings a smile to my lips, your eyes are a memory into which I sink each night, and the silk of your touch is a comfort from within when things are rough. The distance is long, but to spirit and mind it is as if you are here. Memories of you fill my thoughts, your love my heart, and your strength and support surround me each day. Know that you are in my thoughts this day and every day, and
that I send my love to warm you and surround you every day.

Posted by: Michele at 11:12 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I have always either sent cards, left messages or written letters to the wonderful people in my life on this day. I stopped after 9/11 because it was hard to love anything or anyone, including myself, after so much loss. But I am luckier than most, because I got to tell and show my friends, how much I really loved them while they were alive. I also had many opportunities where I got to hear/see from them, how much they loved me back.

On the morning of 9/11 a work colleague who was trapped in the towers called me (because she couldn’t get through to her family) and asked that I call her mother and her husband to tell what she never got to say because she was self-conscious, that she loved them. That stunned me. It still does. It stuns me to think that these people would finally learn that she loved them through a stranger. Those 3 words can make such a huge impact and difference in another person’s life. It did in that mother’s life, for her daughter had never said it to her. Why do we miss opportunities like this (even silly ones like Valentines Day) to tell the people that matter most to us, how much they are loved and what they mean to us. It doesn’t take elaborate planning, it doesn’t take gifts, it only takes a moment of looking into someone’s eyes or writing words in either a text message or a yellow sticky note and putting it inside the fridge, for them to know that they matter and they have a place in your heart. The best test is to ask yourself: “if they were gone at this moment, would they know how much you loved them? When was the last time you told those special people, that you love them and appreciate them being in your life? Well, carpe diem my friend! It is better for them to have known they were loved than never to have known at all.

For those who are looking for my traditional artistic expression of love, I ask that you visit Dazd & Confuzed. He does this day justice.

Hoping you all have day full of love and joy.

Posted by: Michele at 01:54 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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This post was inspired by Drunken Wisdom's controversial Valentine post and the interesting commentary left thereafter. I like to be supportive of those I care about and being the self-appointed Queen of Heart Ache [or is that heart break?] I thought I'd give those in the Anti-VD camp something to help alleviate their frustration with VD by providing them with anti-love themes of darkness, apathy and heart break.

So here's a special playlist for those who feel as T1G! May you enjoy A VD - free of love day!

First up we have Vertical Horizon saying Goodbye Again as T1G suggests we do.

Next we have Vertical Horizon telling their undesired ex-love (and potential stalker) to Get on Outta Here in their song Give You Back Again.

To Close off this set, we have Seether with THE REMEDY for love, as shown in this intense rock Anime video.

Finally, if the person that loves you still doesn't get the message, that you are no longer interested or in love, then feel free to send them one of these cards and that should seal the deal!

Posted by: Michele at 03:22 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 Hah!!! I love that Seether song! I'd never heard of Vertical Horizon... not too shabby!

Posted by: That 1 Guy at February 13, 2007 07:18 PM (RKy5R)

2 I thought you would blog-bro. My Anti VD gift for you! May you have a loveless day tomorrow... and I mean that in the nicest of ways.

Posted by: michele at February 13, 2007 07:56 PM (Po6a+)

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This is what 118" looks like in Parish, NY! Of course the reporter couldn't get to Redfield, NY because they've had 146" of snow in the last 9 days. And there's more snow and sub-freezing temps to come tomorrow, thanks to a storm brewing in Tennessee. I hope Tammi brought snow boots. I thought I'd post this just to give the rest of us gratitude that we're not snowed in as they are. Do you see the people clearing off the roof's?

Of course for those thinking global warming, keep in mind that the record snowfall in one year is held by the lovely town of Hooker, NY with a total accumulation of 466.9 inches that fell in the winter of of 1976-77. So you see, things aren't all THAT bad.

Anyway, I'm working on a special edition of Musical Monday (which I'll post later) for some very special people. Enjoy life till then.

Posted by: Michele at 09:32 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Tammy Tales

I’ve spoken to Tammi briefly three times since she arrived. Last night she called while in a limo going north of Manhattan close to the end of a 20 mile ride, to find replacement samples for the ones that did not arrive in time for the show. When I asked her what store she was looking for she said “Michael’s”. I immediately blurted out without thinking: “Oh Tammi, there’s a Michael’s just 3 miles from your hotel near me.” Of course in my defense, my head cold is not letting me think clearly.

When she called back an hour later she was on her way back to the hotel after 16 hrs of being awake and having had no time to eat. It was then that I learned the bad news: it seems the driver had no idea where he was going and didnÂ’t speak enough English to communicate well with anyone. Though they reached MichaelÂ’s just before closing, they discovered upon getting there they didnÂ’t have the items they needed. Already this trip is sounding like a trip from hell, so I asked what I could do to help.

We worked out a back up plan so if the samples didn’t arrive she would call my local Michael’s store and order them and I’d go in a car and pick them up and then go and deliver them at the show – a 10 mile round trip which would be done by car so it would have been no big deal. After saying a prayer for her I went to be early and told my son that we might have to go into Manhattan and briefly visit the Toy show—again not thinking what that means to a 7 year old after watching the news briefs of the show for the last few days showing off the new toys that will be displayed by Tonka, Mattel, etc.

This morning I spoke to her again, and was given the good news: The samples had arrived, to the relief of her and her boss. YAY!!! Now how do I break the news to my son, that we’re not going to the “Toy Fair” as he calls it. Sigh! When my head is clogged like this I can’t self-edit or think clearly.

As she was talking with me she began to chuckle at a Fruit Band walking bye. “A fruit band?” I asked checking to make sure that my stuffy head hadn’t misheard what she said.

“Yes, a group of people dressed in fruit costumes carrying musical instruments.”
“Okay!” But in that moment I was trying to muddle through my head and figure out the connection between Toys and Fruit. Nothing was coming.

Anyway, she’s looking forward to having dinner with this wonderful gentleman, and said I’d be welcome to join them. Oh how I wish I could, but I’m in the same predicament as this lovely lady – who’s all dressed up and unable to go- because we are at the mercy of our sitters. I however, will be anxiously waiting to hear Tammi’s exploits of the day when she calls next. Since I plan to stay home she will be my eyes and ears out there in this great big city.

Posted by: Michele at 10:56 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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There was a moment this week that I came to the realization that this blog, and you my dear readers, have helped me get through some of the toughest times in my life. There's a select few of you who have even helped carry me in my darkest moments, so that I may continue on this path called life. Not only do you guys complete my circle of life, but you heal & nurture me back to health when I find myself bruised and battered by life's challenges. I am the person I am because of all of you.

Below is one of the songs I used for my presentation, I chose it because it tells the story of what you all mean to me, and it was my way of bringing you with me on that special night. Thank you for your support and for being in my life.

Posted by: Michele at 12:32 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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