Around the same time each year, I do this mental reality check with myself. It's a reflection of some sorts that aids me in puting myself in perspective and to see how much, as a person I've gained or lossed. Tomorrow is my birthday...yahoooooo...43 years old. I almost did the dyslexic thing and typed 34....which, I must say I would have been happier if that were the truth. I know 43 isn't that old, but damn, where did the time go? Why must it fly?
Last year, Sweetie and I took our first overnight trip together. We drove to San Francisco which isn't that far from where we live. We had a wonderful evening planned but it really didn't turn out so wonderful. The night before we left, we went out to dinner and saw a band. But, there was a huge problem with this...........the next day, I became very ill. In all honesty, I thought I was food poisoned. And I don't know if anyone has ever experienced food poisoning, but let me tell you, it isn't any fun!
Keep in mind, this was our first "road trip" together and of course, I wanna be all lady like and everything but when you are sick? My Good God.........lady like behavior doesn't happen! I was driving and had to pull over on a major, busy interstate and....yeah, throw up.....for probably the 42nd time that day. When these little, disgusting, life's episodes occur, I want to be in private and completely alone. I don't want anyone, especially my boyfriend, hearing my business. It was awful!
When we checked into our room, I immediately checked into the bathroom. Again and again! It's my b-day! I don't want to be sick. And San Francisco is cold.........damp.......foggy....usually a treat from the relentless heat of the inland, city where we live. But when you have the chills because you are sick, San Francisco sucks ass! Especially when you are trying to hail a cab and no one will stop. Sweetie tells this story often and always ends it with the fact that he never heard the word "motherfucker" spewed so many times in one night. Well? I was sick........and cold.........and hating life.
I'll spare the details of the restaurant (Italian) that we went to and the old bat sever we had and our argument over the fact my pasta had meat in it and I did not order a meat sauce because the thought of meat would make me retch......again. I mean, get this? I cook the shit every day of my life, a fact she would not know unless I told her, but don't tell me that isn't meat if it looks, smells and tastes like meat! Look at me, for the love of God! Can you not see that I look Italian and most likely have eaten pasta for, hmmmmmm? Say a huge portion of my life?!
But that was last year. No trip this year. I don't know what we are doing. Something about a ruby ring was mentioned. Hmmm, we will see.
I am not going into the losses. I know what my losses are and I've cut them and am moving on. Enough said about that!
I have gained a lot, especially in the last five years. I've become more confident, re-gained most of my self-esteem, and have figured out that I can do things on my own. I know that that has caused conflict because I am not used to people really helping me. I also know that is because I've never LET people help me. Bad on my part. I just never wanted to be a burden and rely on others. They have their own lives and I never wanted to invite others to my pity parties, but.........I've learned that all I have to do is ask and the worst thing that someone can tell me is: "No, I am busy." It's not so bad.
And, I've gained a best friend whom I love dearly. I am curious about this ruby ring thing..........more on that later.
Oh! One last thing...........I found a contractor........read this, I kid you not! And for those that do not know my sense of humor, it's a joke.......I found him on Craig's list or what I refer to as "Crack's list." This is for real.........not made up!
I am skilled in painten, framen and sheetrock I can also do electrickel work and plumbin
and can do some landscraping.
No lisense butt speke good englich!
Location: all of californa
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
License info: Unlicensed
Ciao,
Angie
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Por mi Padre
So another Father's Day has past. Everyone have a good time? I did. I hung out with my Pops, bbq, my brother and his wife came down, we had a good time. Pops? I really don't know what to get you. You know? I gave you 2million gift cards to either a music store (dude plays a mean jazz guitar and Italian mandolin) and 2 million gift cards to whatever sport store (lives on a softball field). This year? You get a shirt! I know, boring......but Ma wants you to clean up a little bit and get out of your softball jersey when you guys go out to dinner. You know that new one you have, green and sponsored by HOOTERS????? Yeah, that one. She really doesn't like you wearing it in public and all. HOOTERS? C'mon you are in your 60's! Yes, Hooters sponsers his team. Whatever!
We had a great time and I truely am thankful for all that that man has done for me in the past and is still currently doing for me. He is always there for me. Last week? The man is out in my alley hauling away two truck loads of fencing debris. I could not have done it......not at all. My boyz helped him load tons of old fencing into his truck and haul it away. What a Pops. And? I love him, dearly and dread the day he passes. The man has been a huge inspiration and influence in my life. Honestly? He opitimizes what a father should be.........loving, caring.........uncondionally.
So having said that.......my boyz spent a few hours with their father prior to going over to my parents' home and joining us for a bbq. They went to the movies. I guess they had a good time. I really don't pry nor do I pump for information. I want them to have a relationship with their dad. But? Of course, he was running behind, excuses, excuses......because he had to do laundry, excuses, excuses.......to the point... they were late......whatever, your loss.
Ironically? Earlier that morning, I was sitting outside reading the Sunday's paper and enjoying my coffee when a neighbor walked down the street to wish ME a Happy Father's Day. I kinda looked at him in intense bewidlerment because, there are a lot of semi-nut jobs on my street and I was hoping that he did not succumb. And? He's an immigrant....so I was thinking, perhaps, he didn't quite get the concept. But? I was wrong. He came over to tell me that I deserve to celebrate Father's Day with the rest of the bunch because everyone, on my block knows that I am also a father to my kids as well as a mother.
O.K...........admirable? Perhaps. Sad? Definitely so!
As the day wore on, Sweetie and I went out........I asked him out for a drink because, well he's my second favorite father in this world because of all that he does for his own GROWN, NEEDY offspring. We went to catch a set of music and all the father's were honored on their special day. Guess what? I was honored as well. A mother recognized on Father's Day.
How pathetic is that?
We had a great time and I truely am thankful for all that that man has done for me in the past and is still currently doing for me. He is always there for me. Last week? The man is out in my alley hauling away two truck loads of fencing debris. I could not have done it......not at all. My boyz helped him load tons of old fencing into his truck and haul it away. What a Pops. And? I love him, dearly and dread the day he passes. The man has been a huge inspiration and influence in my life. Honestly? He opitimizes what a father should be.........loving, caring.........uncondionally.
So having said that.......my boyz spent a few hours with their father prior to going over to my parents' home and joining us for a bbq. They went to the movies. I guess they had a good time. I really don't pry nor do I pump for information. I want them to have a relationship with their dad. But? Of course, he was running behind, excuses, excuses......because he had to do laundry, excuses, excuses.......to the point... they were late......whatever, your loss.
Ironically? Earlier that morning, I was sitting outside reading the Sunday's paper and enjoying my coffee when a neighbor walked down the street to wish ME a Happy Father's Day. I kinda looked at him in intense bewidlerment because, there are a lot of semi-nut jobs on my street and I was hoping that he did not succumb. And? He's an immigrant....so I was thinking, perhaps, he didn't quite get the concept. But? I was wrong. He came over to tell me that I deserve to celebrate Father's Day with the rest of the bunch because everyone, on my block knows that I am also a father to my kids as well as a mother.
O.K...........admirable? Perhaps. Sad? Definitely so!
As the day wore on, Sweetie and I went out........I asked him out for a drink because, well he's my second favorite father in this world because of all that he does for his own GROWN, NEEDY offspring. We went to catch a set of music and all the father's were honored on their special day. Guess what? I was honored as well. A mother recognized on Father's Day.
How pathetic is that?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Pull the Lump outta that Sucka
I seriously urge all women and men....help us out, now...... short, tall, black, white, over-weight, skinny....whatever........do your share for the cure. You may not be a victim....however, I Know you Know someone who is/was a victim. It is some horrid shit! Walk, run, jog, go door to door, cook, sing, dance, whatever, stand on your head! anything!......just get involved! www.albieaware.org. She was a friend of mine, from Lucca Italia. Actually, her husband and I used to do wine dinners together which were heaven.......you don't have to donate to this cause....find one in your own city/town.
If you have even been remotely close to this situation, you will know what I am talking about. GET INVOLVED! Anyway shape or form that you can! It can happen to you or a loved one, even when you least expect it........it can! www.albieaware.org. Trust me, I know....never was a part of the mix..........actually, don't even fit the "profile". However, it can happen to you or your closest friend, etc...... Each and every day, I thank God mine was not malignant! Grazie Dio, Amen!
Ciao,
Angie
If you have even been remotely close to this situation, you will know what I am talking about. GET INVOLVED! Anyway shape or form that you can! It can happen to you or a loved one, even when you least expect it........it can! www.albieaware.org. Trust me, I know....never was a part of the mix..........actually, don't even fit the "profile". However, it can happen to you or your closest friend, etc...... Each and every day, I thank God mine was not malignant! Grazie Dio, Amen!
Ciao,
Angie
Thursday, June 14, 2007
89318.....
I was listening to one of Sweetie's friends talk about college last night. He grew up in Sweetie's neighborhood and they have known eachother for years. Just like Sweetie, Tre, upon graduation from highschool attended college on a full basketball scholarship. Sweetie stayed in California but his friend didn't. He went to Utah. It was pure culture shock for him. Besides the basketball team, Tre was one of the few African-American males living in that small town.
I was born in Eastern Nevada (very, very similar to Utah)......in a small, rural, copper mining town where my mother's family all lived. My grandmother's family was from what is now Croatia and my grandfather immigrated from Greece. The two ethnic groups had their own "section" of town and really did not play well together. My mother was considered a "half-breed" while growing up. Very similar to someone who was half black half white, in the 50's, in the deep south. Neither of her peeps accepted her or her brothers as "their own". It was very sad and quite very stupid since they both shared so many of the same challenges and struggles. But, you know? Whatever. Prejudice and ignorance have been around since the beginning of time and I, personally, don't see it miraculously evaporating anytime soon, unfortunately.
Growing up, we would always go back to Nevada for a few weeks to visit my grandmother and uncles. She lived in the Greek section of town filled with Greek immigrants that spoke very little English or broken English, at best. If it wasn't for my name, I can easily pass as full on Greek. My name gives away the fact that I am mostly Italian (father's family.......another story). The Croatians never really accepted me because, well.....I don't look like them; too olive toned skin and way too dark hair......plus, the name thing, again. Greeks and Italians can look very similar to one another. Una Facia una Racia.......I probably messed that up, but it is a saying, meaning: One Face...One Race. Both ethnic groups say it regarding eachother, only then it usually leads to an argument about which group "invented" (or gave the most) to Western Civilization. Get over it!
But, as I listened to Tre talk about his first encounter with Utah and her people, I kept reflecting on my grandmother and her familiy's struggles. The Mormon's basically ran the town and were so unaccepting of anyone who was not Mormon. They segregated everyone into sections and forced, even those with college degrees to work menial, unsafe and unhealthy jobs that no one else would accept. My grandfather posessed an engineering degree but was forced to work in the smelter. ( To this day, I am still unclear about what a smelter really is). Most likely, working in this position resulted in his early death and left my grandmother a widow in her late thirties, to raise four kids on her own. Black Lung disease was not really acknowledged back then and especially back there.
The "company" almost threw her and her four kids out on the street because she resided in a company home. And, since no one, no longer worked for the mines, she had to "give" the house back, to its rightful owners, the mine. Through some unclear negotiations, she was able to keep her home but was forced to work for the company. With her eighth grade education and all, she became a janitor. She cleaned upper-management's offices. I believe my mother and her three brothers were America's first latch-key kids. This was during the 50's where every mother stayed home and NEVER worked. During that era, mother's were up at the crack of dawn, fully dressed, even sporting pearls, with an artery clogging breakfast on the table before anyone realized a new day had begun. But, not my grandmother. She was working.........and working hard.
Years later, my grandmother kinda got the last laugh. When I was still in highschool, the mining company, once again, tried to force my grandmother out of her home through imminent domain. She held out and held out huge. Damn, that woman was strong! She eventually conceited, but only after a nice chunk of change was placed in her bank account for a house that was basically delapitated and in an area where the price of real estate wasn't too criminal. So, she and my two uncles moved up to their ranch.
I forget if it was prior to my birth, the same year, or shortly there after, my uncles purchased an 80 acre ranch that was once owned by their great uncle 20 miles north of town. We are seriously talking rural, Eastern Nevada with gigantic mountains and huge amounts of snow! I have never been into the "great outdoors."
With the proceeds from the sale of my grandmother's home, they built this huge A-frame, Cedar home with a view that could surpass no other. (Personally, I like the ocean over mountains, but there is no ocean in Nevada). But, they loved and enjoyed every minute they were there up untill each one started passing away.
Prior to my grandmother's death back in the late 90's, my mother, brother and myself were put on the deed. In other words, we inherrited this property. My uncle, my mom's last surviving relative died a little over two years ago and my parents, basically moved back there to fix the ranch up and sell it. During this time, I took care of their house, my house and my caffe. It was a bitch to say the least!!!!
We won't even go into how shitty the realator was that my brother hired and I so desperately wanted to fire! Damn, crook! That, in itself, is a whole other story. $25,000 dollars for doing absolutely nothing! My parents should have received this for all of their hard work........not that idiot.
Last October, my mother called me and told me that a potential buyer had made an offer that she could not nor would not refuse. The ranch sold and it sold for big bucks........ for back there. My parents would be home in time for Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving, the title company gave my parents, brother and me a nice early Christmas present.........an inflated bank account.
Because of the mistreatment my grandmother received from the Mormons, of course, she developed her own prejudicies towards them. My mother, through this conditioning and growing up surrounded by Mormons, developed her own prejudicies as well. This isn't to say that this is right in any way, whatsoever but, both of them believed they had just cause for their feelings.
Ironically, a Mormon doctor bought the ranch. His first few offers were laughable, to say the least. But, he eventually stepped it up some and we accepted. My mother's greatest concern was how my grandmother would have felt knowing a Mormon would be occupying her bedroom. I laughed.......I told my mom that she would have thought it to be quite funny as well. Look how much money he had to pay to sleep in it!
Unfortunately, we are all guilty of prejudice and exploitation, it's not right but we can not deny it. It was pointed out to me by my younger boy how I condone exploitation. He was talking about the Soprano's and how crappy the ending was. I don't watch the Soprano's. I have seen a few episodes but I don't like how the italian-American culture, as a whole is portrayed. But, I also realize that this is what sells and draws huge amounts of viewers. Again, not saying this is right, just reality.
As we were talking about the Soprano's, I had mentioned that the season premier of "Big Love" was going to be on. My younger boy looked at me and said:
Boy#2: So, the Soprano's are horrible because the show exploits Italian-Americans and you have banned it because of that right?
Me: Yes, I am sick of my culture be played out as murederous thugs. We have given this world a hella lot more than just crime!
Boy#2: But you're going to watch Big Love, tonight....right?
Me: Yes. I like that show.
Boy#2: Do you think that show exploits Mormons? You do know that not every Mormon is a Polygamist.
Me: Ok.......you're right! Point well taken! (Now shut-up).
See, the other day, he was a dumbass..........now today, he's a smartass........but, he's right and definitely his mother's son.
I was born in Eastern Nevada (very, very similar to Utah)......in a small, rural, copper mining town where my mother's family all lived. My grandmother's family was from what is now Croatia and my grandfather immigrated from Greece. The two ethnic groups had their own "section" of town and really did not play well together. My mother was considered a "half-breed" while growing up. Very similar to someone who was half black half white, in the 50's, in the deep south. Neither of her peeps accepted her or her brothers as "their own". It was very sad and quite very stupid since they both shared so many of the same challenges and struggles. But, you know? Whatever. Prejudice and ignorance have been around since the beginning of time and I, personally, don't see it miraculously evaporating anytime soon, unfortunately.
Growing up, we would always go back to Nevada for a few weeks to visit my grandmother and uncles. She lived in the Greek section of town filled with Greek immigrants that spoke very little English or broken English, at best. If it wasn't for my name, I can easily pass as full on Greek. My name gives away the fact that I am mostly Italian (father's family.......another story). The Croatians never really accepted me because, well.....I don't look like them; too olive toned skin and way too dark hair......plus, the name thing, again. Greeks and Italians can look very similar to one another. Una Facia una Racia.......I probably messed that up, but it is a saying, meaning: One Face...One Race. Both ethnic groups say it regarding eachother, only then it usually leads to an argument about which group "invented" (or gave the most) to Western Civilization. Get over it!
But, as I listened to Tre talk about his first encounter with Utah and her people, I kept reflecting on my grandmother and her familiy's struggles. The Mormon's basically ran the town and were so unaccepting of anyone who was not Mormon. They segregated everyone into sections and forced, even those with college degrees to work menial, unsafe and unhealthy jobs that no one else would accept. My grandfather posessed an engineering degree but was forced to work in the smelter. ( To this day, I am still unclear about what a smelter really is). Most likely, working in this position resulted in his early death and left my grandmother a widow in her late thirties, to raise four kids on her own. Black Lung disease was not really acknowledged back then and especially back there.
The "company" almost threw her and her four kids out on the street because she resided in a company home. And, since no one, no longer worked for the mines, she had to "give" the house back, to its rightful owners, the mine. Through some unclear negotiations, she was able to keep her home but was forced to work for the company. With her eighth grade education and all, she became a janitor. She cleaned upper-management's offices. I believe my mother and her three brothers were America's first latch-key kids. This was during the 50's where every mother stayed home and NEVER worked. During that era, mother's were up at the crack of dawn, fully dressed, even sporting pearls, with an artery clogging breakfast on the table before anyone realized a new day had begun. But, not my grandmother. She was working.........and working hard.
Years later, my grandmother kinda got the last laugh. When I was still in highschool, the mining company, once again, tried to force my grandmother out of her home through imminent domain. She held out and held out huge. Damn, that woman was strong! She eventually conceited, but only after a nice chunk of change was placed in her bank account for a house that was basically delapitated and in an area where the price of real estate wasn't too criminal. So, she and my two uncles moved up to their ranch.
I forget if it was prior to my birth, the same year, or shortly there after, my uncles purchased an 80 acre ranch that was once owned by their great uncle 20 miles north of town. We are seriously talking rural, Eastern Nevada with gigantic mountains and huge amounts of snow! I have never been into the "great outdoors."
With the proceeds from the sale of my grandmother's home, they built this huge A-frame, Cedar home with a view that could surpass no other. (Personally, I like the ocean over mountains, but there is no ocean in Nevada). But, they loved and enjoyed every minute they were there up untill each one started passing away.
Prior to my grandmother's death back in the late 90's, my mother, brother and myself were put on the deed. In other words, we inherrited this property. My uncle, my mom's last surviving relative died a little over two years ago and my parents, basically moved back there to fix the ranch up and sell it. During this time, I took care of their house, my house and my caffe. It was a bitch to say the least!!!!
We won't even go into how shitty the realator was that my brother hired and I so desperately wanted to fire! Damn, crook! That, in itself, is a whole other story. $25,000 dollars for doing absolutely nothing! My parents should have received this for all of their hard work........not that idiot.
Last October, my mother called me and told me that a potential buyer had made an offer that she could not nor would not refuse. The ranch sold and it sold for big bucks........ for back there. My parents would be home in time for Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving, the title company gave my parents, brother and me a nice early Christmas present.........an inflated bank account.
Because of the mistreatment my grandmother received from the Mormons, of course, she developed her own prejudicies towards them. My mother, through this conditioning and growing up surrounded by Mormons, developed her own prejudicies as well. This isn't to say that this is right in any way, whatsoever but, both of them believed they had just cause for their feelings.
Ironically, a Mormon doctor bought the ranch. His first few offers were laughable, to say the least. But, he eventually stepped it up some and we accepted. My mother's greatest concern was how my grandmother would have felt knowing a Mormon would be occupying her bedroom. I laughed.......I told my mom that she would have thought it to be quite funny as well. Look how much money he had to pay to sleep in it!
Unfortunately, we are all guilty of prejudice and exploitation, it's not right but we can not deny it. It was pointed out to me by my younger boy how I condone exploitation. He was talking about the Soprano's and how crappy the ending was. I don't watch the Soprano's. I have seen a few episodes but I don't like how the italian-American culture, as a whole is portrayed. But, I also realize that this is what sells and draws huge amounts of viewers. Again, not saying this is right, just reality.
As we were talking about the Soprano's, I had mentioned that the season premier of "Big Love" was going to be on. My younger boy looked at me and said:
Boy#2: So, the Soprano's are horrible because the show exploits Italian-Americans and you have banned it because of that right?
Me: Yes, I am sick of my culture be played out as murederous thugs. We have given this world a hella lot more than just crime!
Boy#2: But you're going to watch Big Love, tonight....right?
Me: Yes. I like that show.
Boy#2: Do you think that show exploits Mormons? You do know that not every Mormon is a Polygamist.
Me: Ok.......you're right! Point well taken! (Now shut-up).
See, the other day, he was a dumbass..........now today, he's a smartass........but, he's right and definitely his mother's son.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Peace, Tranquility,.....what's that?
Yeah, I know what it means.......I am actually feeling both right now. That is because: the house is quiet, no one is around and I am left to whittle away my time on my prized computer. It's been busy and hectic around here.....gee, what's new?
Boy# 1 had his wisdom teeth removed Friday morning. My mom and I took him, waited, for him, etc......she took him home and stayed with him because I needed to get down to my Caffe`. I was getting pretty irritated with the office staff because of the millions of forms I had to fill out regarding payment for their services. Never, once did I sign anything regarding my son's treatment, or after-care. Money seemed to be their number one priority. Dental insurance sucks. The insurance company paid very little towards his surgery and getting money out of his father was like pulling teeth in itself!
When we went back into the recovery room to retrieve said boy, he was LOOPED! I mean, he was wasted and all giggly and obnoxious. I hope to never see him in that state again. I forgot what he was babbling so aimlessly about to me....clearly he made no sense, at all! Oh well, a mamma funded high. Now, shut-up, get in the car, let's go home and get you too bed, little chipmunk. He's recovered amazingly!
We went to Sweete's nephew's wedding on Saturday. It was fun.......my favorite type of wedding....backyard.....unpretencious, everyone having a good time.........no airs. Just fun! Coming home from the wedding wasn't so fun. We had to shuttle a few of Sweetie's relatives across town and Sweetie had to be Mr. Backseat Driver. He was very close to being Mr. Kicked to the Curb! But, we have since discussed this and have reached a mutual solution to our little problem. From now on, he is to be quiet, (shut up), not psycho-analyze everything I do nor HOW I do it. Or.????.........I pull over immediately and he gets to drive. He hates driving and tends to leave that fun, little chore up to me.
Now boy # 2.........I swear to God these kids are going to be my death. I went over to my parents' house on Sunday. My older son took me there so he could use my car......the one he likes.....not the SUV...because God forbid, he be caught dead in Mom's catering vehicle. And, I hate driving that beast....hated it from the moment I bought it.
So what does boy #2 do? Takes my 4Runner up to the store. Doesn't sound all that bad, when put this way.....but there is a problem with all of this. He only has a permit. He will (probably not) get his real license next month. Dumbass gets pulled over for "rolling" through a stop sign and driving without a license. The driving without a license thing is a big one.....it's a misdemeanor not just a traffic infraction. Great! Now, we get to go to court! Yes, I know, I am probably the only mother in the world that refers to her off-spring as: Dumbass!
The only positive thing that came out of this is: He actually called his brother BEFORE he called me for help. Why do I find this positive? Well, for the last year, they haven't been that close. But, he called his brother for help and his brother responded favorably like brothers SHOULD do. And? At least he was very honest with me and didn't lie to cover up his huge, dumbass mistake. We will see what happens in court.
This won't be the first time he and I have had to attend a juvenille court hearing. Back in his jr. high days, he and a bunch of idiots/friends decided they were going to get on a commuter train without purchasing a ticket. Well, dumbass and his entourage of idiots all got caught. Yes, we had to attend a hearing where the judge basically scares the shit out of the kid, reprimands him/her greatly, and makes him/her dumbass purchase a ticket that he (the judge) signs off on. All of this takes about ten minutes, tops but waiting in the waiting room is endless and awful. I remember sitting there and breaking out into tears........I looked at him and stated that I never, ever want to see this God awful place again.........ever! Well, yeah.....that worked!
You know.......?????? Several months ago, my ever so loving ex-husband (jerk, and I am being kind) had the nerver to tell my older son that I, his mother, spent many years "job hopping." He failed, or completely omitted the fact that a few of the companies that I worked for either sold or went belly up and I lost my job through no fault of my own. He conveniently left that part out of his story. He also failed to mention that I worked out of our house so I could home with my boys when they got out of school. He also forgot to mention that even when I worked/managed/slave away at an Italian store, that my boss would allow me to pick my kids up from Catholic school (right down the street) and bring them back to the store AND feed them AND help them with their homework. Amnesia?
The point that I am trying to make is that through all of my "job hopping" parenting has been the hardest! Yes, it has its rewards, my kids do love and appreciate me. Sometimes its rather difficult for me to see that, but I know they love me. But damn, this is a thankless, trying, sucky pay job! And I wonder why I am getting greyer!
Boy# 1 had his wisdom teeth removed Friday morning. My mom and I took him, waited, for him, etc......she took him home and stayed with him because I needed to get down to my Caffe`. I was getting pretty irritated with the office staff because of the millions of forms I had to fill out regarding payment for their services. Never, once did I sign anything regarding my son's treatment, or after-care. Money seemed to be their number one priority. Dental insurance sucks. The insurance company paid very little towards his surgery and getting money out of his father was like pulling teeth in itself!
When we went back into the recovery room to retrieve said boy, he was LOOPED! I mean, he was wasted and all giggly and obnoxious. I hope to never see him in that state again. I forgot what he was babbling so aimlessly about to me....clearly he made no sense, at all! Oh well, a mamma funded high. Now, shut-up, get in the car, let's go home and get you too bed, little chipmunk. He's recovered amazingly!
We went to Sweete's nephew's wedding on Saturday. It was fun.......my favorite type of wedding....backyard.....unpretencious, everyone having a good time.........no airs. Just fun! Coming home from the wedding wasn't so fun. We had to shuttle a few of Sweetie's relatives across town and Sweetie had to be Mr. Backseat Driver. He was very close to being Mr. Kicked to the Curb! But, we have since discussed this and have reached a mutual solution to our little problem. From now on, he is to be quiet, (shut up), not psycho-analyze everything I do nor HOW I do it. Or.????.........I pull over immediately and he gets to drive. He hates driving and tends to leave that fun, little chore up to me.
Now boy # 2.........I swear to God these kids are going to be my death. I went over to my parents' house on Sunday. My older son took me there so he could use my car......the one he likes.....not the SUV...because God forbid, he be caught dead in Mom's catering vehicle. And, I hate driving that beast....hated it from the moment I bought it.
So what does boy #2 do? Takes my 4Runner up to the store. Doesn't sound all that bad, when put this way.....but there is a problem with all of this. He only has a permit. He will (probably not) get his real license next month. Dumbass gets pulled over for "rolling" through a stop sign and driving without a license. The driving without a license thing is a big one.....it's a misdemeanor not just a traffic infraction. Great! Now, we get to go to court! Yes, I know, I am probably the only mother in the world that refers to her off-spring as: Dumbass!
The only positive thing that came out of this is: He actually called his brother BEFORE he called me for help. Why do I find this positive? Well, for the last year, they haven't been that close. But, he called his brother for help and his brother responded favorably like brothers SHOULD do. And? At least he was very honest with me and didn't lie to cover up his huge, dumbass mistake. We will see what happens in court.
This won't be the first time he and I have had to attend a juvenille court hearing. Back in his jr. high days, he and a bunch of idiots/friends decided they were going to get on a commuter train without purchasing a ticket. Well, dumbass and his entourage of idiots all got caught. Yes, we had to attend a hearing where the judge basically scares the shit out of the kid, reprimands him/her greatly, and makes him/her dumbass purchase a ticket that he (the judge) signs off on. All of this takes about ten minutes, tops but waiting in the waiting room is endless and awful. I remember sitting there and breaking out into tears........I looked at him and stated that I never, ever want to see this God awful place again.........ever! Well, yeah.....that worked!
You know.......?????? Several months ago, my ever so loving ex-husband (jerk, and I am being kind) had the nerver to tell my older son that I, his mother, spent many years "job hopping." He failed, or completely omitted the fact that a few of the companies that I worked for either sold or went belly up and I lost my job through no fault of my own. He conveniently left that part out of his story. He also failed to mention that I worked out of our house so I could home with my boys when they got out of school. He also forgot to mention that even when I worked/managed/slave away at an Italian store, that my boss would allow me to pick my kids up from Catholic school (right down the street) and bring them back to the store AND feed them AND help them with their homework. Amnesia?
The point that I am trying to make is that through all of my "job hopping" parenting has been the hardest! Yes, it has its rewards, my kids do love and appreciate me. Sometimes its rather difficult for me to see that, but I know they love me. But damn, this is a thankless, trying, sucky pay job! And I wonder why I am getting greyer!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Now, Your Just Pissing Me Off.
An open rant to all those unfortunate people and CATS that have pissed me off this week.
Let's begin with son#1.
I love you, yesterday I really didn't like you, but I still love you. You know how to press my buttons, you do. But, don't act all innocent and flip the situation when you know......you are wrong. You see me working.........you are employed by me. You have been for? Hmmmm 2 years, right? So get up and help me. You know? Do your job and not play on MY computer.......on my time! And, to hell with your hair! Your hair does not "sell" my wonderfully, tasty lunches nor catered dinners! Your hair only causes me to run late, get stressed out and rush! When I rush, things do not get done right. Simple. When I get stressed out because I have to rush, I get ugly!
Since we're on a food roll.........servers/bartenders/etc..... at places where I frequent.
I know you do not know that I own a Caffe`nor that I am a professional chef nor that I sold wine for many years unless I was to tell you all this.....but, please don't argue with me. When I go out to eat, I like service. No, I don't mean that you should hang around me, spoon feed me, or sweep away my bread crumbs after each bite........but just acknowledge me and don't cop an attitude. Also, please, with sugar on top, don't take away my food while I am still eating it. Please? You just asked me if I was "still working on it" and I said Y E S. So what do you do? Grab my salad and take it away, as I am still eating it! What the hell? Either you need to hone up on your listening skills or invest in a mega pack of Q-tips to clean your ears out!
And when I complain about a glass a wine? I am really not whining (hehehe). I mean, for real, it's bad. It's been open waaaay toooo long, is totally oxidized and? Basically, tastes like CACA. Just go open another bottle and pour me a new glass. Don't argue with me and think you are the new, up and coming Wine Spectator reviewer. Please! You have barely made 21 and your think you are a somollier........please!
Can't complain about any of my customers because of late, they have been on their best behavior.
Drivers? Especially TOURISTS?! Go home! Read directions........look at the signs that indicate a one way street and acknowledge them.....You're going the wrong way! Don't start honking at me, calling me names, flipping me off because you haven't figured out that YOU are going the wrong way! Read!
Cats!
Everytime I get nice and comfortable and turn on my computer, you have to fight. I swear there is a cat fight outside my window constantly. I think I am going to leave the sprinkler on so you will not disrupt, interrupt my ME time.
Sweetie: No, it's not acceptable to be "fashionably late" to a wedding. The invitation clearly states 4:00. It's not OK to show up at 4:20. How do I know this, he asks? Again......I have catered many weddings, even got married once myself and once the mother of the bride is seated, it's done. No, your theory that since the ceremony is being held in someone's backyard vs. a Church, still does not make it ok to be "fashionably late". Just be on time. And if memory serves me right, there will be no basketball game on to divert your attention.
Boyz Father: I will give you some credit for at least trying to make time with your kids and supporting (without minimizing) a few decisions I have had to make. Thank you! But you cheap motherfucker! You know Boy#1 is going to have his wisdom teeth pulled on Friday. You know your part of this bill is over $600. I have even given you an extra 30 days to cough up this chump change, (I am being completely sarcastic.....it isn't chump change) but you are most certainly not going to flake out on your share of their automobile insurance. Damn!!!!!!!
The policy is up for renewal at the end of the month. You agreed, in our settlement meeting, that you would help finance this. Now you're trying your damnest to back out? Sorry! You lose! You signed an agreement and it is going to stick. I am going to MAKE it stick! You have gotten away with too much for way tooooo long. I mean really?! What makes you think that I should be footing the bill for everything? And? Father of the year? You have the balls to ask that I NOT repeat this to anyone because it might make you look bad. You mean......I should lie? I should tell everyone that you are constantly there supporting these kids until the very end? Yeah, Happy Father's Day, asshole!
Now that I have puked out all of my nastiness and ugliness, on the flip side.......I haven't been feeling any pain since Monday! Yes! 3 days, and catering, without any pain! This is because of a new (not really) simple, little device that I have been sleeping with for the last three nights! A rolled up towel, placed under my neck! I used to do this but somehow, and I don't know why, stopped. Forget the traction, my "memory foam" pillow, etc........the simplest, little technique, figured out all by lonesome, has helped me immensly! And it's cheap, too!
Be safe, all! Ciao!
Angie
Let's begin with son#1.
I love you, yesterday I really didn't like you, but I still love you. You know how to press my buttons, you do. But, don't act all innocent and flip the situation when you know......you are wrong. You see me working.........you are employed by me. You have been for? Hmmmm 2 years, right? So get up and help me. You know? Do your job and not play on MY computer.......on my time! And, to hell with your hair! Your hair does not "sell" my wonderfully, tasty lunches nor catered dinners! Your hair only causes me to run late, get stressed out and rush! When I rush, things do not get done right. Simple. When I get stressed out because I have to rush, I get ugly!
Since we're on a food roll.........servers/bartenders/etc..... at places where I frequent.
I know you do not know that I own a Caffe`nor that I am a professional chef nor that I sold wine for many years unless I was to tell you all this.....but, please don't argue with me. When I go out to eat, I like service. No, I don't mean that you should hang around me, spoon feed me, or sweep away my bread crumbs after each bite........but just acknowledge me and don't cop an attitude. Also, please, with sugar on top, don't take away my food while I am still eating it. Please? You just asked me if I was "still working on it" and I said Y E S. So what do you do? Grab my salad and take it away, as I am still eating it! What the hell? Either you need to hone up on your listening skills or invest in a mega pack of Q-tips to clean your ears out!
And when I complain about a glass a wine? I am really not whining (hehehe). I mean, for real, it's bad. It's been open waaaay toooo long, is totally oxidized and? Basically, tastes like CACA. Just go open another bottle and pour me a new glass. Don't argue with me and think you are the new, up and coming Wine Spectator reviewer. Please! You have barely made 21 and your think you are a somollier........please!
Can't complain about any of my customers because of late, they have been on their best behavior.
Drivers? Especially TOURISTS?! Go home! Read directions........look at the signs that indicate a one way street and acknowledge them.....You're going the wrong way! Don't start honking at me, calling me names, flipping me off because you haven't figured out that YOU are going the wrong way! Read!
Cats!
Everytime I get nice and comfortable and turn on my computer, you have to fight. I swear there is a cat fight outside my window constantly. I think I am going to leave the sprinkler on so you will not disrupt, interrupt my ME time.
Sweetie: No, it's not acceptable to be "fashionably late" to a wedding. The invitation clearly states 4:00. It's not OK to show up at 4:20. How do I know this, he asks? Again......I have catered many weddings, even got married once myself and once the mother of the bride is seated, it's done. No, your theory that since the ceremony is being held in someone's backyard vs. a Church, still does not make it ok to be "fashionably late". Just be on time. And if memory serves me right, there will be no basketball game on to divert your attention.
Boyz Father: I will give you some credit for at least trying to make time with your kids and supporting (without minimizing) a few decisions I have had to make. Thank you! But you cheap motherfucker! You know Boy#1 is going to have his wisdom teeth pulled on Friday. You know your part of this bill is over $600. I have even given you an extra 30 days to cough up this chump change, (I am being completely sarcastic.....it isn't chump change) but you are most certainly not going to flake out on your share of their automobile insurance. Damn!!!!!!!
The policy is up for renewal at the end of the month. You agreed, in our settlement meeting, that you would help finance this. Now you're trying your damnest to back out? Sorry! You lose! You signed an agreement and it is going to stick. I am going to MAKE it stick! You have gotten away with too much for way tooooo long. I mean really?! What makes you think that I should be footing the bill for everything? And? Father of the year? You have the balls to ask that I NOT repeat this to anyone because it might make you look bad. You mean......I should lie? I should tell everyone that you are constantly there supporting these kids until the very end? Yeah, Happy Father's Day, asshole!
Now that I have puked out all of my nastiness and ugliness, on the flip side.......I haven't been feeling any pain since Monday! Yes! 3 days, and catering, without any pain! This is because of a new (not really) simple, little device that I have been sleeping with for the last three nights! A rolled up towel, placed under my neck! I used to do this but somehow, and I don't know why, stopped. Forget the traction, my "memory foam" pillow, etc........the simplest, little technique, figured out all by lonesome, has helped me immensly! And it's cheap, too!
Be safe, all! Ciao!
Angie
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
My Sweetie
Sometimes I wonder about what really makes a relationship strong. I always said that if I ever, ever, and that was a very strong ever got involved with anyone again, he would have to be my best friend. I really don't want to say, "joined at the hip" or my "soul mate" because both terms are so over used and sometimes can imply neediness. And, God forbid I appear needy. Because really.....I am not. Ok.....I can be...just a little. I do like constant companionship and I guess in many ways, Sweetie and I are joined at the hip. But most of all, he is truely my bestfriend. My mom got a little bent when she heard that because, well in so many ways, my mom is my best friend. But, in a different way. I share so much with her and we are there for eachother, but really...........does anyone tell their mother EVERYTHING? I mean, seriously, everything?
I met Sweetie at a Blues Festival a litlle over two years ago. I am sure he completely hated me when we first met but he states otherwise. See, I can be a little bossy and/or pushy........Really? You ask. Yeah, just a tad. I am the oldest child and queen of my humble abode so, I can get a little bossy/pushy. Well, when a girlfiend and I entereted the club that was hosting the festival, I just dropped all of my crap...purse, coat, phone, whatever.....just on top of Sweetie's table. In other words, I kinda took it over. He was just looking at me with complete amazement that someone could be so ballsy. I really wasn't thinking because I was wrapped up in a conversation with my girlfriend. She caught on quick to Sweetie's glares and basically reprimanded me for my rude behavior. We're very good friends, known eachother for years, she's Italian as well.....so we can kinda tell eachother when the other is out of control.
I apologized to this poor man for invading his space and he just, kinda, shook his head, lke...yeah, whatever and I moved my stuff to the side. My girlfriend and I started dancing with a group of people and other that her, no one could dance. I mean, most everyone dancing seriously lacked rhythm. So, being the "ballsy" woman that I tend to be, I go over to Sweetie and say: Can you dance? That was probably my way of apologizing again for my pushiness. And, yes, that man can dance! This is probably one of the reasons we get along with one another so well because we share so many interests.
We danced a lot that night. I guess through the dancing and the several Cosmos that I consumed, I gave him my phone number. I don't usually offer up my number unless for business purposes, but.......I usually don't drink Cosmos either.
It took me along time to accept an invitation to dinner with him......a very long time. Most of my reasons happened to do with a death in my mother's family and how that event changed all of us emotionally, financially, etc...... That, in itself is an entirely completely different post. One of these days.
We started dating and realized just how much, regardless of our skin colors, that we had in common. He comes from a very close family just like I do. In fact, family is probably both of our number one priorities. And? This is the truth......we don't fight! We can bicker....sometimes we sound like an old married couple, but we never fight. There is some irony behind that as well. Our personalities are very, almost too similar. But, it works for us. I think, my perspective, is that before one of us wants to seriously blow, we stop and think how the other is going to feel. And knowing how the other feels because that is how you would feel, allows each of us to just pause.
Plus, he accepts me for who I am. He doesn't want to change me. He doesn't speak for me, etc. He accepts me for me. The greatest compliment someone can give.......acceptance.
One of our differences is how we communicate. He tends to tell stories or situations very similar to how I do.......long winded. But?! And this is a big but.......details, please. I am huge on details. I find the more details I am given, the better or more logical conclusion I can draw. Men really aren't big on details.
Example: This was our conversation last night........over dinner.
Me: What time is that wedding on Saturday? (his nephew is getting married)
Him: I don't know! (all indignant) You looked at the invitation.
Me: I forgot the time. Don't you remember?
Him: Sweetie, I don't know.
Me: (rolls eyes, gasps a few times) Alright.......you need to bring it out again. Oh, what do you want to get them? I remember the invite said something about a gift card or cash. ( I kinda find this odd/rude)
Him: I dunno.
Me: It's your nephew! I'll pick it up tomorrow after I cater. It will save you a trip. Where should I go?
Him: I dunno.
Me: Do you know anything? Anything at all about this man, your nephew? Where do they live?
Him: I dunno. Why would you ask where they live?
Me: Because if I knew where they live, I might know what store to get them a gift card from.
Him: (glares....with those big, dark eyes.....) I really don't know where someone lives would help you to figure out what you wanna buy them. That makes no sense..........am I correct?
Me: No, you're not correct! You are, however, getting on my last nerve! I guess if I knew where they lived, I would kinda know what they like. (As I was saying that...........I realized how the two have no correlation whatsoever. Only in my world)
I started laughing because, really......where a person lives really doesn't have any affect on what you buy them. That was kinda dumb. Still, he was getting on my last nerve. I don't think he really knows too much about his nephew other than he's getting married and we're invited. I can't really hold it against him because, in all honesty..........he has a ton of nephews!
This wedding has a Hawaiian theme. I can not imagine that man in a floral print. As I type this, I am laughing.....because Hawaiiian would be waaayy to "metrosexual" for him........ He loves Fall colors and looks very good in them. Where I wear too much black, he wears too much brown...........all year round. But, I was snooping in his closet the other night and found a Fall color scheme, Hawaiian style shirt with the price tags still on from a few years ago. I never knew such a thing exsisted!
As I was snooping through his closet, (yes, he was aware of this! we are both nosy!) I came to the realization that if we ever do finally live with eachother, we are going to need a closet pretty close to the size of a small state, to HOUSE all of our clothes. Yes, he's a clothes whore too! And? He's bossy..........sometimes even bossier than I! Heh!
I met Sweetie at a Blues Festival a litlle over two years ago. I am sure he completely hated me when we first met but he states otherwise. See, I can be a little bossy and/or pushy........Really? You ask. Yeah, just a tad. I am the oldest child and queen of my humble abode so, I can get a little bossy/pushy. Well, when a girlfiend and I entereted the club that was hosting the festival, I just dropped all of my crap...purse, coat, phone, whatever.....just on top of Sweetie's table. In other words, I kinda took it over. He was just looking at me with complete amazement that someone could be so ballsy. I really wasn't thinking because I was wrapped up in a conversation with my girlfriend. She caught on quick to Sweetie's glares and basically reprimanded me for my rude behavior. We're very good friends, known eachother for years, she's Italian as well.....so we can kinda tell eachother when the other is out of control.
I apologized to this poor man for invading his space and he just, kinda, shook his head, lke...yeah, whatever and I moved my stuff to the side. My girlfriend and I started dancing with a group of people and other that her, no one could dance. I mean, most everyone dancing seriously lacked rhythm. So, being the "ballsy" woman that I tend to be, I go over to Sweetie and say: Can you dance? That was probably my way of apologizing again for my pushiness. And, yes, that man can dance! This is probably one of the reasons we get along with one another so well because we share so many interests.
We danced a lot that night. I guess through the dancing and the several Cosmos that I consumed, I gave him my phone number. I don't usually offer up my number unless for business purposes, but.......I usually don't drink Cosmos either.
It took me along time to accept an invitation to dinner with him......a very long time. Most of my reasons happened to do with a death in my mother's family and how that event changed all of us emotionally, financially, etc...... That, in itself is an entirely completely different post. One of these days.
We started dating and realized just how much, regardless of our skin colors, that we had in common. He comes from a very close family just like I do. In fact, family is probably both of our number one priorities. And? This is the truth......we don't fight! We can bicker....sometimes we sound like an old married couple, but we never fight. There is some irony behind that as well. Our personalities are very, almost too similar. But, it works for us. I think, my perspective, is that before one of us wants to seriously blow, we stop and think how the other is going to feel. And knowing how the other feels because that is how you would feel, allows each of us to just pause.
Plus, he accepts me for who I am. He doesn't want to change me. He doesn't speak for me, etc. He accepts me for me. The greatest compliment someone can give.......acceptance.
One of our differences is how we communicate. He tends to tell stories or situations very similar to how I do.......long winded. But?! And this is a big but.......details, please. I am huge on details. I find the more details I am given, the better or more logical conclusion I can draw. Men really aren't big on details.
Example: This was our conversation last night........over dinner.
Me: What time is that wedding on Saturday? (his nephew is getting married)
Him: I don't know! (all indignant) You looked at the invitation.
Me: I forgot the time. Don't you remember?
Him: Sweetie, I don't know.
Me: (rolls eyes, gasps a few times) Alright.......you need to bring it out again. Oh, what do you want to get them? I remember the invite said something about a gift card or cash. ( I kinda find this odd/rude)
Him: I dunno.
Me: It's your nephew! I'll pick it up tomorrow after I cater. It will save you a trip. Where should I go?
Him: I dunno.
Me: Do you know anything? Anything at all about this man, your nephew? Where do they live?
Him: I dunno. Why would you ask where they live?
Me: Because if I knew where they live, I might know what store to get them a gift card from.
Him: (glares....with those big, dark eyes.....) I really don't know where someone lives would help you to figure out what you wanna buy them. That makes no sense..........am I correct?
Me: No, you're not correct! You are, however, getting on my last nerve! I guess if I knew where they lived, I would kinda know what they like. (As I was saying that...........I realized how the two have no correlation whatsoever. Only in my world)
I started laughing because, really......where a person lives really doesn't have any affect on what you buy them. That was kinda dumb. Still, he was getting on my last nerve. I don't think he really knows too much about his nephew other than he's getting married and we're invited. I can't really hold it against him because, in all honesty..........he has a ton of nephews!
This wedding has a Hawaiian theme. I can not imagine that man in a floral print. As I type this, I am laughing.....because Hawaiiian would be waaayy to "metrosexual" for him........ He loves Fall colors and looks very good in them. Where I wear too much black, he wears too much brown...........all year round. But, I was snooping in his closet the other night and found a Fall color scheme, Hawaiian style shirt with the price tags still on from a few years ago. I never knew such a thing exsisted!
As I was snooping through his closet, (yes, he was aware of this! we are both nosy!) I came to the realization that if we ever do finally live with eachother, we are going to need a closet pretty close to the size of a small state, to HOUSE all of our clothes. Yes, he's a clothes whore too! And? He's bossy..........sometimes even bossier than I! Heh!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Not Going to Sugar Coat It
This will probably be one of my least "politically correct" posts..but I seriously don't care. Violence and pain inflicted on inocent and not so inocent people just can not be glossed over. I seriously can not find any rational behind it nor from the words the "experts" use to explain it.
In my neck of the woods, we have been dealing with a lot of gang violence of late. Well, I should not say of late because it has been going on for many years, but it really has escalated to some seriously dangerous levels since the beginning of the year. I think my city will have more homocides that the previous "leading" year of 1987. I mean, there is a horrible homocide involving youngsters on a daily basis or pretty damn close.
The most recent homocides involved two unassuming young females leaving a night club. One was shot by cross-fire from two rival street gangs and the other thought she knew someone who was honking at her. She pulled over (not too bright, but......) and was shot and killed instantly. Did I mention each of these young women just turned 21, were bright college students, from great families, yada, yada, yada........ that just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time? My heart goes out to them and their families. What a waste of life.
I have always worried about my own kids being in the the wrong place at the wrong time. A party or a nighclub. Someone gets a little pissed off because someone else is wearing the wrong colors or listening to the wrong music. A fight breaks out. security does all that it can do WITHOUT involving the police. Because, the more times the police are called out to a particular club, the more danger the club owner is in of losing his liquor license. Without booze, what good is a night club? Oh, did I mention how great of a mix alcohol and fire arms are? Sweetie's son-in-law was killed at a gas station by stray bullets meant for another group of youngsters. He left behind a wife and son. Pretty damn sad. And in the most simplistic terms.......I just don't get it!
I can not condone violence in any way shape or form. Yeah, sure, I've contemplated ringing someone's neck. The boyz' dad comes to my mind as I type this. But, would I act on it? Nah....that is what blogging is for.
What I am having a hard time understanding and I know this should not even be an issue because crime is color blind and effects all groups of people, is race on race or ethnic groups killing eachother. I guess being second generation, Italian-American is why I don't get that part. See, we, as an ethnic group went through all of this crap a few generations ago. I guess you could say we were the original.......O.G.'s. We killed eachother. I remember so clearly the older women talking about how they lost a son or a grandson, nephew or whomever (women weren't quite yet involved in this crap) to either death or prison, This is probably why someone could not even pay me good money to sit through a Soprano's episode. I truely don't like seeing my herritage portrayed that way. In my world, I would like to think.......we have educated ourselves and have moved on from being the original thugs or gangstas (ers). Yes, there still are a few "bad apples."
No......it is not someone elses turn to take over the thug role. It should just stop. But, seriously how can it? Hmmmmm........do the math......dealing drugs, illegal gambling, running guns or other mass weapons of destruction, prostitution or a day working at WalMart. What nets more cash? And do you even have to report that cash?
Well, our education system in this country promotes all of our youngsters to become CEO's and to not persue any trades because, God forbid someone work with his or her own hands.......so that leaves a lot of young people left out of the grand scheme of things. Because, I am sorry, but not all of our young people are cut out to be CEO's or posess any skill even remotely resembling business in general. And we won't even touch on the fact that most of the assembly related jobs have moved off-shore because of cheaper labor and less taxes etc.
Yes, I am completely aware of the fact we have a huge problem of illegal immigrants in this country and especially this state that have moved up from picking grapes and/or cleaning hotel rooms (neither job suited too many people) into the construction industry and other professions that, even today, we as citizens of this country wouldn't mind working. The pay is pretty good...........work is still hard, but it beats picking grapes.........anything beats picking grapes. Trust me, I know. I did it for about five minutes because I worked in the wine industry as a sales rep and the company I worked for thought it would be oh, so fun to "let" us pick grapes. Sucky. Sucky. I could not find the humor or any amusement. Go Cesar Chavez!
But, this crime wave.........wow. I know it is not just my city, where I live. It's national and not just in the inner-city any longer. But what is the answer? Prison? Yeah, that reforms people and makes them all righteous and upstanding upon exiting. The death penalty? Sorry, I can't see how that works. It never brings back the victim and seriously, how does it promote or create "closure?" I just don't believe in violence, even state sanctuated violence. That, too, is premeditated.
Speaking of immigrants.........this is the part I seriously do not get. We have a huge Russian/Ukranian immigrant population in the out-lying areas of where I live. They are, by nature, Fundamentalists or Evangelical....Baptist? I believe. I am sorry, spoken like a typical Italian....I know Catholicism and have spent many years running from that, as well. So, excuse me, really, for not being up on Protestant religions. But, any way.........there new thing. Go beat the holy shit out of a homosexual man. It's ok and your Pastor condones it. Really....truthfully. That is the new one.
Gay men, downtown, are being warned.....by posters, fliers, e-mails, etc.......about a group of young Russian or former Soviet Union youth ENCOURAGED to beat the crap out of them. This has been highly publisized and completely condoned by so-called, "Christian Pastors."
What I fail to understand about this scenario is...........these are the same people that chose to come to this country, this state, this city to flee persecution from their homeland. One would possibly remember how it felt to be "persecuted".....correct? It really wasn't that long ago when the wall came tumbling down and the former Soviet Union ceased to exist. So, my question to these up and coming thugs is.........Why would you, YOU, of all people inflict persecution on someone else just because they do not share YOUR beliefs. You seriously don't remember how you and your family felt? Why? It's NOT God's will.......I don't know of any Bible that would state that your behavior is acceptable. Your Pastor has some serious issues and perhaps even some closet homosexual tendancies himself.......I dunno, nor do I honestly care.
I just want my streets, my family, friends, loved ones, etc.........safe from all of your stupid......Yes, Stupid.........shit.
My rant for the day! And, for the record............this was written by a liberal. Please, no one call me a racist. You can call me a miraid of many other choice words. But a racist.....I am not.
Be safe! Ciao!
Angie
In my neck of the woods, we have been dealing with a lot of gang violence of late. Well, I should not say of late because it has been going on for many years, but it really has escalated to some seriously dangerous levels since the beginning of the year. I think my city will have more homocides that the previous "leading" year of 1987. I mean, there is a horrible homocide involving youngsters on a daily basis or pretty damn close.
The most recent homocides involved two unassuming young females leaving a night club. One was shot by cross-fire from two rival street gangs and the other thought she knew someone who was honking at her. She pulled over (not too bright, but......) and was shot and killed instantly. Did I mention each of these young women just turned 21, were bright college students, from great families, yada, yada, yada........ that just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time? My heart goes out to them and their families. What a waste of life.
I have always worried about my own kids being in the the wrong place at the wrong time. A party or a nighclub. Someone gets a little pissed off because someone else is wearing the wrong colors or listening to the wrong music. A fight breaks out. security does all that it can do WITHOUT involving the police. Because, the more times the police are called out to a particular club, the more danger the club owner is in of losing his liquor license. Without booze, what good is a night club? Oh, did I mention how great of a mix alcohol and fire arms are? Sweetie's son-in-law was killed at a gas station by stray bullets meant for another group of youngsters. He left behind a wife and son. Pretty damn sad. And in the most simplistic terms.......I just don't get it!
I can not condone violence in any way shape or form. Yeah, sure, I've contemplated ringing someone's neck. The boyz' dad comes to my mind as I type this. But, would I act on it? Nah....that is what blogging is for.
What I am having a hard time understanding and I know this should not even be an issue because crime is color blind and effects all groups of people, is race on race or ethnic groups killing eachother. I guess being second generation, Italian-American is why I don't get that part. See, we, as an ethnic group went through all of this crap a few generations ago. I guess you could say we were the original.......O.G.'s. We killed eachother. I remember so clearly the older women talking about how they lost a son or a grandson, nephew or whomever (women weren't quite yet involved in this crap) to either death or prison, This is probably why someone could not even pay me good money to sit through a Soprano's episode. I truely don't like seeing my herritage portrayed that way. In my world, I would like to think.......we have educated ourselves and have moved on from being the original thugs or gangstas (ers). Yes, there still are a few "bad apples."
No......it is not someone elses turn to take over the thug role. It should just stop. But, seriously how can it? Hmmmmm........do the math......dealing drugs, illegal gambling, running guns or other mass weapons of destruction, prostitution or a day working at WalMart. What nets more cash? And do you even have to report that cash?
Well, our education system in this country promotes all of our youngsters to become CEO's and to not persue any trades because, God forbid someone work with his or her own hands.......so that leaves a lot of young people left out of the grand scheme of things. Because, I am sorry, but not all of our young people are cut out to be CEO's or posess any skill even remotely resembling business in general. And we won't even touch on the fact that most of the assembly related jobs have moved off-shore because of cheaper labor and less taxes etc.
Yes, I am completely aware of the fact we have a huge problem of illegal immigrants in this country and especially this state that have moved up from picking grapes and/or cleaning hotel rooms (neither job suited too many people) into the construction industry and other professions that, even today, we as citizens of this country wouldn't mind working. The pay is pretty good...........work is still hard, but it beats picking grapes.........anything beats picking grapes. Trust me, I know. I did it for about five minutes because I worked in the wine industry as a sales rep and the company I worked for thought it would be oh, so fun to "let" us pick grapes. Sucky. Sucky. I could not find the humor or any amusement. Go Cesar Chavez!
But, this crime wave.........wow. I know it is not just my city, where I live. It's national and not just in the inner-city any longer. But what is the answer? Prison? Yeah, that reforms people and makes them all righteous and upstanding upon exiting. The death penalty? Sorry, I can't see how that works. It never brings back the victim and seriously, how does it promote or create "closure?" I just don't believe in violence, even state sanctuated violence. That, too, is premeditated.
Speaking of immigrants.........this is the part I seriously do not get. We have a huge Russian/Ukranian immigrant population in the out-lying areas of where I live. They are, by nature, Fundamentalists or Evangelical....Baptist? I believe. I am sorry, spoken like a typical Italian....I know Catholicism and have spent many years running from that, as well. So, excuse me, really, for not being up on Protestant religions. But, any way.........there new thing. Go beat the holy shit out of a homosexual man. It's ok and your Pastor condones it. Really....truthfully. That is the new one.
Gay men, downtown, are being warned.....by posters, fliers, e-mails, etc.......about a group of young Russian or former Soviet Union youth ENCOURAGED to beat the crap out of them. This has been highly publisized and completely condoned by so-called, "Christian Pastors."
What I fail to understand about this scenario is...........these are the same people that chose to come to this country, this state, this city to flee persecution from their homeland. One would possibly remember how it felt to be "persecuted".....correct? It really wasn't that long ago when the wall came tumbling down and the former Soviet Union ceased to exist. So, my question to these up and coming thugs is.........Why would you, YOU, of all people inflict persecution on someone else just because they do not share YOUR beliefs. You seriously don't remember how you and your family felt? Why? It's NOT God's will.......I don't know of any Bible that would state that your behavior is acceptable. Your Pastor has some serious issues and perhaps even some closet homosexual tendancies himself.......I dunno, nor do I honestly care.
I just want my streets, my family, friends, loved ones, etc.........safe from all of your stupid......Yes, Stupid.........shit.
My rant for the day! And, for the record............this was written by a liberal. Please, no one call me a racist. You can call me a miraid of many other choice words. But a racist.....I am not.
Be safe! Ciao!
Angie
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)