Can You Tell?

Me in May 2009

Me in March 2010

60 pounds gone!
25 more to go!

Wednesday Tease

Look at those blue skies!

Update

Where to begin? Lots of good stuff happening as well as some of the same crap. Overall, I would say it is on an upswing. My mother's recovery is going very well. I'm very happy about that! I had another birthday. Woohoo! I was surprised at how many of my FaceBook friends took the time to say, "Happy Birthday". Also, surprised that some I thought would didn't, but it's all good. People have lives and not all pay attention if and when they log in to little ole me. The biggest thrill was from my crush, who for the first time ever, actually posted on my wall to wish me a happy birthday! That truly was a nice feeling.

Chris, the dinner date guy didn't and hasn't really done much since he asked. I hate to say it, but he really comes across as a flake. He has changed his "Looking For" status, removed his "Single" status, he may or may not respond emails, and has deleted entire post I've commented on. I was ready to set the dinner date until all of this in the last few days. Now, I'm not. I just don't think I can be bothered. I hate it but whatever. I don't like the way he is coming across and I'd rather not be bothered to even start. I doubt he will respond to my comment on him changing his status from single to nothing and changing his looking for not to include dating any more. Not sure what to think of it all taken together. If I want drama, I'll go to the theatre. (I've also tried to ignored the fact that his best friend is also his ex and his room mate.)

School is a chore but coming along nicely, except for the pain in the ass online class. The remains a thorn in my side. I have moved the grade up slightly with still a few things left to grade. Who knows where it will end up. Just so I can get a passing 70, I don't really care.

I got my financial aid money finally! Woohoo! Now I don't feel quite so poor. It helped take care of a few expenses I've been putting off for a while. I also have money from my birthday. Now I can go out if I can find a guy who is mentally stable.

I also was invited to join a photography group. Very excited about that. Maybe I can hone what few skills I have. It will also be a chance to get out of the house while my money last and maybe meet some people. A friend also wants me to take part in a photo shoot for his cause, Stop AIDS Worldwide. That is Saturday. I'm excited about it. For those readers on FaceBook, it's the pictures with red paint on their faces. The paint should make me look better!

Also, I joined the AIDS Walk Charlotte scheduled for May 1, 2010. I have another post about it up already. Any of my readers are invited to please donate if you can. Any amount will help a worthy cause. There is a link in the other post I did today. I'm excited about it too. I haven't been able to do much with Hospice in the last few years. Thankfully, because they haven't had any AIDS patients, which is who I work with there, but also because of time constraints.

So far so good. Hope this year continues it upward trend. I know it won't be all sunshine and roses throughout the year, but I'm hopeful! Now to just win the lottery...

Tuesday Tease

Sensible shoes!

AIDS Walk Charlotte 2010

This year I have decided to join AIDS Walk

to benefit R.A.I.N.,

(Regional AIDS Interfaith Network).

They provide many services and help raise

AIDS awarness.

Please donate to this worthy cause if you can.

Every little bit helps.

AIDS Walk Charlotte 2010

Thank you so much!

Art Appreciation

Yep...I appreciate that!

Monday Tease

This is nice...

Evening Giggle

Many Thanks

Thanks

for

all the

Birthday wishes!

Y'all are

the BEST!

It's My Party...

(Despite myself)

Here's My Sign!

Yep, getting older...

Wishes

Another year quickly gone,
to find myself back where it begun.
No candles, no cake,
just more memories to make.
A quiet celebration,
with just myself,
pondering and reminiscing;
exploits of the past,
plans for the future.
A life well lived.
A heart freely given.
But for silly things,
what wishes could be left?

Ugh.....Homework

I'm about tired of doing homework on such a pretty day! I've finished two classes worth already. Still have another to go. Care to guess which class I waited till last to do?

Saturday Tease

I wanna touch it too...

Reflections

I see the approach of another birthday, not too far in the distance. I don't dread it or fear it. It's more like apathy. Like, "Oh, it's you again." I look back at my life and wonder what could I have done differently that would have put me in different circumstances. I say "different" not "better" because that isn't guaranteed. I try not to dwell on it much. I can't change the past and the future is still unknown. It's a waste of time and energy to do so. I wonder if I had stayed in college the first go round and became the Architect I had always dreamt of being how would it have impacted my life? I don't believe I would have made the friends I did. I would have been in a different social circle. That is hard to imagine. I wouldn't have met my last ex. I probably wouldn't have ever moved to Florida, though I may have had to move elsewhere for career opportunities. That kinda leads me back to where I am now. I would be moving back here to look after my parents as they age. I would most likely be giving up a career and starting fresh in this economy regardless. Chances are, maybe even leaving friends and a partner behind to do it. So as I see it, my life could have been about the same as it now. Maybe a different place to live or car to drive, and maybe more money in the bank, but I would still most likely be without the same things I currently am. Maybe it is circular logic. Maybe wishful thinking. Maybe finally reaching the middle of middle age has taught me something. No matter what you do, you will always be where you need to be, when you need to be there. Life seems to have it's own agenda. There are certain things you are meant to do in your life time and it will conspire to make it happen, regardless of your plans or timetables. My only wish for the coming year is to wrap up everything going on in my life and get started truly living it once again. As for my impending birthday wish this year, winning the lottery would be a really cool birthday gift.

Friday Tease

Looking forward to the

White Sales this year...

Cleaning Up

Since my mother is still in recovery mode, I helped her around their house today. It wasn't much but it makes her feel better. The doctor gave her a very specific list of do's and don'ts. I'm glad she is listening. We also had dinner together. I'm glad the church is helping out with that. Of course my parents protested but they won out and proceeded. It's turn about for all they have have done for others and it makes them feel good for helping out too. A win-win for everyone. It was a welcome break from the homework and research too.

Researching Does Pay Off

I'm plugging away on this monster project. After doing research on competition, I was surprised that there were a couple of nightclubs that are in a similar vein already in operation the Charlotte area. Guess I need to get out more. Well, it doesn't really matter. I'm not doing this for real (unless I win the lottery, then it won't matter much). If this class wasn't required for my certification, I wouldn't have taken it anyway. I'm having some fun along the way. It's cool to discover all the neat stuff for nightclubs. Mine would be off the hook if I really started up one!

Thursday Tease

Wonder where he keeps his license?

That Time

Yep, finally had to renew my driver's license today. It was actually quicker than ever before. It took me longer to get there and back home than to wait, do the test, and take the picture! It was a nice surprise! Seems that North Carolina has started a new system for renewals. You get the card in the mail. You show up, do you stuff, pay the money and they mail the new one to you in 20 days or less. Sweet! No sitting there for hours anymore waiting to just be seen by someone. It may help that my birthday is in March, one of the least busiest months and I wanted till a Thursday and waited till mid morning to go. But whatever, I won't have to worry about it again for 8 years!

The Fashion Savy Test

Your result for The Fashion Savvy Test...

The Fashion Practicioner

61% knowledge!

You scored 61%! You have a good understanding of the fashion basics and how to apply them. You're at a place where you can break the rules and look good doing it. You usually look well put together, but are still open to touches of improvement. You are qualified to give good opinions and helpful fashion tips.

For the answer key to this test, visit my blog: http://bit.ly/9Qnw8v

Take The Fashion Savvy Test at HelloQuizzy

Wednesday Tease

Nice ass!

School Update

School is kickin' my ass! I've never seen so much homework. It is one big assignment after another here lately. It's taking everything I can do to keep up. Classes end May 7th. I'm beginning to wonder if they are adding stuff they left out at the start of the semester.

I'm still doing very well in my two physical classes. The online class not so much. The more people I talk to, the more I learn are having the same experiences with the instructor. My grade has dropped to 69 in that class. My issues remain unaddressed. The work just keeps coming that rely on the same procedure. I sent copies of every email that I have sent her from the beginning of class again. I want there to be a record of it. If I have heard nothing by Friday, I'm finding someone at the school to discuss this with. Every class last semester and this semester I have scored A's in, except in her's. Obviously there is a problem and it isn't me.

Here's Your Sign

Should have one in Republican offices...

Springing Again

A few more pics of Spring.

Spring Has Sprung

Some new pics from around

my parents house.

Seasonal Bliss

Waiting buds spring forth

abundant and new.

A sign of promise and hope.

Renews vigor and faith.

Seasonal bliss.

White blooms, pure and glorious.

Soon to fall

like snow

quietly, lightly.

A turn of time.

Another tick of the clock.

It all begins again.

Collectively we sigh.

Absorbing the beauty before us

while it last.

Clutching the memory

to sustain us

against a coming winter's wind.

Monday Tease

'Cause he's pretty...

Health Care Reform

It passed.....guess it did freeze over!

Saturday Tease

Enjoy the beautiful weather with friends!

What Type of Man Turns You On?

Your result for The What type of MAN turns you on Test...

Action movie star

You scored 80% masculine, 59% athletic, 55% exotic, and 56% refined!

You love a manly man and you don't have time for boys. You like someone who looks exotic and who takes care of his body and hygiene. That is a good idea in case you are trying to eat jello shooters off of his beautiful 6 pack. Someone like.....Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgium's hottest export. But let's face it, the whole point of this was to look at a bunch of hot guys. If you liked what you saw, please rate my test!

Take The What type of MAN turns you on Test at HelloQuizzy

Sport Oops!

Not so much of an "Oops"

as a "Wow"!

Happy Birthday

This is me and my best friend

in 1989.

Today would have been his 45th birthday. I still miss him and think of him often. It's hard to believe it has been ten years since his passing. I still remember the day I met him. We were almost inseparable from that day on. We worked together. Partied together. Hang out together. Vacationed together. We were together so much, many people thought we were a couple. We could finish each other's sentences. Knew each other's taste and dislikes. He was like the brother I never had. Rest in peace my friend.

Friday Night Ramble

There was a time when things were good and many when it was bad but through it all I survived which was more than I thought I could do at the time or even wanted to. I've fought hard, won a few and lost a few battles. I consider the scars marks of character. Most are invisible. They shape who I am. Whom I've become. I wouldn't have it any other way. My humor and optimism remains intact. My sense of accomplishment great just for getting through this journey. I have my plans, my goals. My course set. Soon I will reach my destination, fulfilled and ready to tackle the world again. It hasn't been an easy life though easier than some I imagine. Despite all the bad, I consider myself lucky and blessed. I may rest but never give up. The world owes me nothing but I owe it everything I am and will be. Therefore I will give it my best.

Friday Tease

Are you staring yet?

Thursday Tease

So hot, I'm burning!

Update

Whew...My mother is home and resting comfortably...hasn't had any problems and hasn't had anything for pain except two asprin for a headache! She is amazing! So were the great doctors and staff at the hospital! So are all of my wonderful, supportive friends here on Blogger! Thanks to everyone! Life is good again!

Wednesday Tease

I need to take the road less traveled...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Have a safe and happy

St. Patrick's Day!

Surgery Today

I'll post when I can. About ready to leave for

the hospital. Thanks for every one's support.

Update

My mother's surgery went well. She had her first at 12 noon

and the second at 2pm. She went through both and

recovery very well. She was moved to a private room

at 6pm. My father and I returned home

while my sister will stay the night.

We will go back tomorrow. Depending

on how she feels, she may be allowed

to come Thursday afternoon.

Tuesday Tease

Spring is in the air!

Sport's Oops!

What is in that cup?

Ripe Fruit

I am like a ripe fruit
ready to be plucked
from the tree of life.
To be enjoyed.
To be savored.
Behold my sweetness.
My firmness.
My intoxicating aroma.
I'm palatable.
Good for the body
and for the soul.
Come, taste me.
Hold me in your hand.
Feel the weight of my flavor,
waiting to be devoured.
Hanging within reach.
Beckoning you.
Tempting you.
Ready for the picking.
I am yours to enjoy.
Just the two of us,
becoming one.
I am at my peak,
I am ready.

Update

My mother's surgery is Wednesday. I'm nervous. She is ready to get it over with. Everyone is. I worry too much about everything. I'm sure she will come through it just fine. I do wonder about her self image. She has always been rather buxom. They are gonna do reconstructive surgery so I don't think it will be much of an issue. But you never know till afterward. I think my biggest concern is the recovery period. Infections, pulling something lose, or heaven knows what else could happen. She isn't suppose to lift anything over 5 pounds. Hopefully she will listen to what the doctor says. She will have a brief rehab to help get back in working order on that side. She is tough and a trooper. At almost 71, she is in average health with minimum issues for her age. I just hope something this major doesn't become the catalyst for her to start heading down hill.

I appreciate every ones kind words and support, your thoughts and prayers. My readers have come to replace the "real world" friends that I've lost. Between the well wishes on Blogger and FaceBook, I have felt more love than I have in the last ten years. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.