I had an interesting weekend. Yesterday was Joan's birthday. As per her request we didn't go all out to give her a big celebration. Mom won a free night's stay at the new hotel at Mohegan Sun last month and she booked it for last night. Mom wanted it to be a part of Joan's bday gift but she, Jane, and I only wanted to check the room out. The three of us couldn't bare to stay and sleep in the same room as our parents. It's just not, cool. Even if they reassure us that their days of action are over and they don't intend to make the night a second honeymoon. I did some spy work and took a few photos of the 'King' room we had to ourselves. Jane & Joan did some roaming around on the casino floor while I watched some Cartoon Network and took a nap. If you ever plan on staying at this hotel, it's absolutely fabulous. Everything is beautiful. Furniture and pillows in the room were purple! Soda at the machine is hella expensive, so I'd suggest you buy one of the automobile cups at the casino and get free refills for life for $5. I can't comment on the spa or room service because we're cheap and didn't want a bill for extra charges. Although, the free toiletries and stationery were delightful. I could go on and on about all the new sights at Mohegan but, no.
Today we had a sisters day spent shopping. We ate lunch at the Neon Chicken in New London. Oh Lawdy, their rotisserie chicken and corn bread were heavenly. The description of our shopping events would bore you to death and frankly I know you wouldn't care less hearing about what I bought. Living in southeastern Connecticut in this season though, I'd like to tell you about a bumper sticker that expresses my feelings exactly:
"If it's tourist season, then why can't we shoot them?"
Yesterday one of my friends told me she's pregnant. I seem to have that kind of luck with having friends being blessed with a baby. I'm absolutely happy for her of course. Now it's that time for me to steal the responsibility to wonder if the baby will get all the support it needs with young parents.
My friend is eighteen years old. She's a responsible woman, has a good head on her shoulders, and a pretty organized life with a future that's clear and promising. Her boyfriend Steven, the baby's father, is probably around the same age though I didn't ask much else about him besides his name. No matter what I still believe a girl as young as me is still very young to have a baby. I'm not ignorant to the fact that much younger girls get pregnant and are even burdened with raising their babies alone either. Still, there is nothing that I can do to prevent my friend from changing her mind and un-pregnating herself. Though I've got all these hopes that the two of them are willing and able to take on such a big responsibility despite all that they need to deal with in their lives thus far.
It takes a lot to raise a child. Time and money are two of the biggest necessities. Right now she's working full time and taking a short break from school to make more money she needs for her education. If you've raised a child already you know how much it costs to buy a multitude of baby items. Keeping a baby isn't a part-time job that you can choose to quit when you're tired of doing it. Once that baby is born it needs all the attention it can get. It looks to me like she's going to need some help or it'll be really difficult to juggle a baby, a job, and an education all in one.
Back in the day it wasn't until after a couple got married that they decided on having children. Now childbirth happens either by surprise or just for the sake of having someone to love. That's pretty unfortunate when it usually results in kids being put up for adoption. Numerous children go unloved or neglected because their parents are unable to support them adequately. Either way, that's not the reason I like to hear why kids are born these days. I certainly wouldn't like to have my parents tell me that I was born because my mother had unsafe sex, and stubbornly thought she could take care of me but was then got put up for adoption after she didn't want the burden or couldn't feed another mouth other than her own. I wouldn't like to find out that my biological father was once a caring guy but turned into a denying deadbeat dad after I was born and chose to run from his girl and baby. Not very many good things come out of having a baby at a young(ish) age and not yet being completely financially stable and positive that bearing a child will be the right decision for the parents. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it takes a lot and very few young mothers get through it on their own. Hopefully my friend's family will be accepting of the baby and will be willing to help out if they're asked to.
I can't help but worry about them though. Why do I do this to myself? It's not my responsibility and any conflict they face wouldn't be my problem. I guess I just care too much about my friend. Like I told my other friends, if they need any help I'm here. So far they haven't come to me asking for a big huge favor. Maybe I should trust that this time won't be any different. I keep on telling myself it's not my responsibility. I have practically no control over the situation. All that I can do is hope that the two of them are able to give their child the best upbringing they can and love it with all their heart. I think they can. Yes. They can.
07:56 PM [Link] [2 comments]
June 22, 2002
If any of my lovely visitors are from the Southeastern region of Connecticut, gimme a shout. and if you're going to any of the events listed on the right lemme know. one more thing, if anybody wants to go see Norah Jones with me in July at Foxwoods, talk to me. anyone. let's talk. i'm online.
09:34 PM [Link] [Comment]
I can't believe I don't hear about things that happen in my own town until a day later. Two people reported seeing a Cessna plane flying low over Smith Lake and dropping a box-like object into the water. Local and state police, FBI, and environtment officials immediately investigated the scene. The plane hasn't been located yet and the lake is still cut off from the rest of the reservoir system until tests come back that it's safe to use.
I drive by that lake almost everyday, and the one time that something interesting happens (we don't get much action in this town) I didn't go out.
I'm relieved that the people and official here, almost a year after 9/11, are still alert at observing things out of the ordinary and providing a quick reaction to such reports.
07:31 PM [Link] [Comment]
This is a bit scary to read about since I own a cell phone myself. I try not to use mine often (as if I really have calls to make) anyways, even though studies have only shown that some of the phone radiation can cause 'increased protein activity' in the brain. But one of the scientists said that even if these studies prove to be true, they're "not life-threatening problems but can cause a lot of discomfort," and his study doesn't suggest a need for new restrictions on mobile phone use.
At least it hasn't been discovered that cell phones to the brain aren't like magnets to a harddrive. ...should we worry? Take some precautions and not use our cellphones too long each use, maybe, but throwing them away and cancelling our service would be an overreaction to the issue.
12:48 AM [Link] [4 comments]
I'm doing the Blogathon this year. Would you be interested in sponsoring me? Your generous donation would help out the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. And I would love you lots for your support! All my sponsors will get a lovely thank you gift from me after the event. More info about the Blogathon can be found here. (I know you've got a heart to support a good cause for once out of all the times you pay for porn.)
07:32 PM [Link] [1 Comment]
June 17, 2002
Have an old cell phone you don't use anymore? Don't throw it away! The batteries and parts of the phone contain nickel, cadmium, and other toxic elements and there are thousands of cell phones thrown away in dumps every year. Most of them can still be used by others. Know about The Wireless Foundation. Try donating your old cell to a battered-women's shelter or any other local orgatization so that clients can make emergency phone calls. [Link via ConsumerReports.org]
11:39 PM [Link] [2 comments]
June 16, 2002
I'm a comedy junkie and when I heard these two crank call clips done by one of my favorite comedienne's, Wanda Sykes, I had to tell you and your mom about it. I believe you'll hear both of these in a future episode of Crank Yankers on Comedy Central sooner or later. [Clips found via Ian and Davezilla, you two kick ass]
I can't say if one is more funny than the other but you'll laugh nonetheless: TowYardComplaint.mp3, she makes a complaint to a Tow Truck Company that one of their employees left a "surprise" in her car's backseat. conjugal_visit.mp3, she inquires about a conjugal visit at the jailhouse, but I won't spoil it for you.
I really enjoy Wanda Syke's comedy. Her jokes all come from her life, experiences, and things that are happening in her environment that she can make good humor out of. She'd be a great guest on "Who's Line is it Anyway?" because she's got quick wit and very clever at improvising, but the content of some of her humor may not be totally suitable for a general audience that Who's Line caters to. No jokes that are too sexual, but she can talk about nasty things with a straight face that would make you cringe at. Then again, her level is somewhat at the level of Ryan Stiles, and he sneaks in quite a few sexual jokes in the show that make me wonder how he gets away with it from the censors and the people who edit each show.
Who are your favorite comedian/comediennes?
10:49 PM [Link] [1 Comment]
1. How often do you do laundry? Every sunday during the school year, now it's only until I run out of clothes to wear. 2. What's in a typical wash load? Jeans, shirts, and unmentionables. 3. Front or top loader? Powder or liquid detergent? Top loader. Liquid. Usually Downy, but most likely whatever goes on sale at the store. 4. Do you use fabric softener in the rinse cycle? Never bother using it. 5. Dryer or clothesline? Dryer during the winter, clothesline during the summer.
01:33 AM [Link]
Congratulations Fitch Class of 2002 (and all other classes)! I'm sure you've heard this time and time again, but I repeat, welcome to the real world. Too bad it rained today for an outside ceremony brought inside, as I was begged to come watch, but I still saw the whole ceremony live on tv. I'm proud of you all and wish you the best in your futures.
I remember this same day last year.
01:13 AM [Link]
This just breaks my heart. In summary, Jill Mazurek, 19, goes to court along with two others facing charges for torturing and killing her roommate's cat. Her roommate Cat Towle was having problems with her and asked her to move out, then took her cat to shave his fur, write on his skin with a marker, repeatedly threw the cat in a lake, and dodged beer bottles at him until he died.
What bothers me is that she would waster her time to bother releasing her anger, assuming she had some, on an innocent pet belonging to her roommate. If you're having problems with someone, you deal with the matter with the person directly. Hurting another individual or animal indirectly related to the person will not help the situation any better. You'll only be creating more problems that you don't need. Plus, picturing the violent things she did to the cat was not necessary. I bet the same amount of time that her and the two others spent torturing the cat could have been used to resolve the problems she was having with her roommate.
She was asked to move out. Find another apartment, pack your bags, and go. Maybe her two friends were able to help out differently and could have offered to give her a place to stay, possibly changing her mind that was set on getting revenge on a cat.
She's facing a maximum of 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
05:39 PM [Link]
I'm sure you've seen the commercials for these. Burger King introduces the BK Back Porch Grillers. Is it just me or does that sound obscene?
02:58 PM [Link]
June 12, 2002
So we went to the Salvation Army right when itd this morning. I scored myself a couple jeans that are pretty close to new for cheap. Also an original Star Wars pillow case, and Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water vinyl. Add on to that a half off discount for everything because every wednesday is senior citizen day, thanks mom and dad.
There was a mother with two little kids there. They were so cute. She'd be yelling at them to catch up past the racks but they just thought she was only playing around with them when she was being serious. "Come here! Did you hear me? We're almost about to go. As a matter of fact, we're going now. Boy! Get over here!" And then they'd repeat, "Get over here!" Actually I thought she was playing around too because she was weaving in and out of all the racks that I ended up browsing through before going to the register.
I was deferred from donating blood today. I tested 2% below the acceptable amount of iron in my blood to donate. It's probably because aunt flo is knocking on the door, damn her. But! I'll be able to donate again after tomorrow as long as I get more iron in my system and find another donation center. Too bad, too, they told me I was a special case and there must be demand for my blood type right now. Oh yeah, they want me!
One more thing, happy birthday Sean.
06:02 PM [Link]
I'm going on an adventure tomorrow (or later on in the morning rather). After mom and dad come home from fishing we're going to the Salvation Army thrift store to look for any preloved treasures. Okay, maybe it's not really an adventure. An adventure to me would be more like browsing through a great flea market in California (re: Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic). Again, okay, maybe not. It's still fun.
Also, it's that time for Joan & I to giveblood again. Wanna know my blood type? B+(!!!) Say it: Be positive.(!!) I can't stress how great my blood type is.
A tidbit of info that will most likely not benefit your life: My cat is a good competitor for "Fear Factor." He just ate a dead bug that flew in from outside with not much but me saying to him, "Eat it. No, don't. Do whatever you want."
01:41 AM [Link]
June 11, 2002
The Mole is killing me. They say that there is one clue in every episode to the mole's identity, but I have not been able to catch one of them. There was something at the end of tonight's episode: as Rob picked up his bag (i'm gonna miss his spunk in the team) and the camera showed every bag lined up with everyone's names on the sides, there was one bag that had white tape over the name. I'm not sure if that was intentional and since I didn't clearly see what I thought I saw without the episode recorded, I'm just going to have to wait for another new episode next week.
10:03 PM [Link]
June 10, 2002
I know of a lot of people who've taken the Colorgenics test before. This is my first time. I guess all the time beforehand I've been half skeptical that it'll be correct in understanding my personality, and half not willing to believe what it tells me. Here's my profile.
07:58 PM [Link]
June 9, 2002
I love Ani Difranco as a musician. I love Jackie Chan as an actor. But tell me, who's idea was it for the two of them to do a duet? When Pigs Fly: Songs You Never Thought You'd Hear features a track of them singing Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable". I didn't know that Jackie Chan records music as much as he makes action movies. It's quite amusing. Especially with Jackie's accent on some of the words in the song.
01:31 AM [Link]
This is great. I bought a tote bag at Job Lot last month and it fits anything and everything. The bag is huge, the biggest size tote bag I've seen anywhere. 21" by 16". It's perfect for the beach if I ever went but fits all my stuff for a weekend away from home. I'm not a purse afficionado, but if you love to have many purses in your possession, a tote bag is a must. Oh, and don't get me started on my purse collection. I'm taking after my mom on the situation and filled my closet with bags of different sizes, shapes, and eras.
My cousin Joy is graduating from high school tomorrow and I'm so happy for her. She's going to college in Boston near home and I'm not sure if she'll be living on campus or not but I've reassured her that college will be a great experience. I kinda feel bad for her, though, because she's still so very naive within her surroundings especially living in a big city. I'm not blaming anybody, but her parents haven't yet given her any trust that she'll take responsibility with her own life. She's not a bad kid or anything. More of an angel if you ask me. Her parents have not given her permission to go to any graduation parties unless they're acquainted with her friends parents. She does everything they demand of her, lives up to all their expectations in school, perfect. My parents used to be as protective with me as Joy's parents are with her. We're both sensitive people, but now understanding that my parents love me, want the best for me, and want to keep me safe from harm, after giving me some trust and knowing that I can make the right decisions in my life I have more of a freedom to do what I want. Oy, it's not my problem nor my business. That's how asian families are. Eventually she'll get to experience life at its fullest when and how she wants to and her parents will understand.
My friend Pam turned 19 today. Amy's turning 19 tomorrow. It completely slipped my mind up until today so I've sent both of them e-cards in the meantime while I get their gifts shipped off on Monday. They'll understand because I love 'em very much. To those just going to college, you don't need to join a sorority to meet your best friends like they all say. Psshaw.
I've made plans with a friend to go see About a Boy next week. Have any say about the movie? Me being the person to mostly see comedies in the theater, should I expect to cry at any point in the movie?
12:38 AM [Link]
June 8, 2002
Hi folks. So, Skakel is guilty and his sentencing is given on July 19. Do you think he did it? I can't say for sure, but most of the clues I know of obviously point to him. Ah well, the jury has spoken. Whoever really killed Martha Moxley will probably get what they deserve. And a reminder, not all of us Connecticutians are killers.
11:24 PM [Link]
I found the girly scream Joan! It was Ned Flanders! He flailed his arms and everything!
05:23 PM [Link]
June 5, 2002
I had such a wonderful dream a couple nights ago. In it I was having a family dinner at a really hick outdoor restaurant, but for some reason there was a concert with a bunch of british mucisians there too. (I think I had that queen mum concert in mind when I went to sleep) Robbie Williams was there to perform and I nearly crapped my pants when I saw him. The good thing was that nobody else was running to ambush him and I had no other female competition to try and shake his hand or something. For some reason there were two chainlink fences that separated us and he was reaching his hand out to shake my hand but I was about five feet away squeezing my arm thru a hole in the fence. Dumb me realized I could run around the fence to shake his hand so I did. We held hands, I gazed lovingly into his eyes, and he held my hand while he sang a line from one of the Swing When You're Winning album directed to me. le sigh, how I wish that would ever happen in real life.
Oh and look at Raye's fabulous new design.
08:41 PM [Link]
June 4, 2002
Remind me. The next time I see the name Franco Lombardo pop up on Joan's caller ID, I shall pick up the phone. I'm not sure how long this has been going on, but there's a young boy in the Lombardo residence who keeps on dialing Joan's number and leaving messages for his friend. The first few messages were funny when we're surprised the kid hasn't gotten the idea that he might be dialing the wrong number, since his friend probably isn't aware to 'call back' anytime afterwards. One time, and it may not be my business but since I heard the answering machine anyways, he couldn't go to a party because he had scouts that evening. He just left another message not too long ago. I feel bad now that his friend isn't getting his messages.
The next time he calls I'm going to pick up the phone, tell him he has the wrong number, and that'll be it. To spare his embarassment I won't mention all the lost messages he left.
I can't believe we let this kid keep on calling.
03:46 PM [Link]
June 3, 2002
I've found more things to blog. This is my first Monday Mission.
1. Who or where do you go to when you need help for web-related problems? Google.com.
2. There is a big mess of gossip going on in some Blogs out there due to revelations about a very popular Blogger. I got very caught up in reading all the links to links about it until I stopped myself realizing it was none of my buisiness. Do you ever get caught up in gossip, either speading it or listening to it? How does it make you feel? Or have you ever been the subject of gossip? Yeah I get caught up in all the gossip and drama and hubbub that I read and I'm just glad I've got nuttin' to do with any of it. =P
3. In a relationship, when your other takes a dig at you (read: a fight), do you go for the jugular and get "in their face" or try to peacefully smooth things out and have a calm discussion? The middle? More like a loud argument.
4. A friend once told me "You can tell when someone is bored with what you are saying to them when they reply with 'That's interesting.'" And I have found this to be pretty dang true. How do you know when someone has lost interest in what you are saying? In real life, they say "Yeah..." and trail off, turn around and find something else to concentrate on than our conversation. Online, especially in instant messenger chats, people give me the smiley face then log off a few minutes later.
5. Ever get jealous of the popularity other Blogs? At times, hell yeah.
6. What is your favorite dirty word? (those who don't curse can pick your favorite happy word) In sticky situations and bouts of my clumsiness I usually say "shit."
7. (the continuing story...) OK, we are definitely doing that again. But seeing as it is nearly 6am now, how about breakfast? Anywhere you'd like to go or should we fix our own? What do you like? Or is there something else we need to do first?IHOP baby. Gimme an omelet with a stack o' pancakes on the side.
BONUS: What have I done to deserve this? You said you were paying.
(Psst! Is it me or does Mister Promo Guy look a bit like Judd Nelson?)
11:47 PM [Link]
I've got a few cute crafts that I'd like to sell, I'll put together a page for 'em sooner or later. I also have these kick ass bowling shirts that are begging to be worn. I thought it'd be neat to whoever I sold them to that I'd embroider names on them but I don't exactly know how to embroider. Prices are cheap, get them before they're gone folks.
I watched Breakfast at Tiffany's last night on AMC. I might watch it again just to see and understand a few things that I didn't see the first time, but it's a pretty good movie. Not to mention that Audrey Hepburn looked absolutely ravishing in every scene. The funny thing was that her character, Holly, was really young while she tried living so freely in New York City... something like 14 or 18 years old and she smoked, drank, and even had an estranged husband and son back home.
Speaking of movies I wanna see a bunch this summer. Austin Powers: Gold Member, Hey Arnold!, Powerpuff Girls... etc. even Undercover Brother looks kinda funny to see (re: the scene where he does a 360 on the road without spilling his drink).
Something random: I wish I were friends with Christina Ricci.
Here's something fun. The "Blogwhore" game. My buddy Rannie is participating in it. Should be interesting, like the survivorblog of yesteryear
07:29 PM [Link]
June 1, 2002
Here's a topic that I can answer where you'll learn a little bit about me.
What is your middle name? Labrador.
What are your feelings on it? I like it. Very much. It's pretty unique if I do say so myself. My parents are very traditional and old-fashioned and it's tradition for asians to give their children middle names that is the same name as the mother's maiden name. Before my mom got married, her name was Manuela Rosario Labrador. When she married she took my dad's last name and her original last name became her middle name. At the birth of me and my sisters she made our middle names Labrador. As a child I used to be embarassed to tell people my middle name because all the other children would associate Labrador with the dog. So someone along the lines would call me a dog, and that was pretty disrespectful. Though now when my friends and I talk about our middle names I get excited that I have the opportunity to tell them a neat story of how my middle name came about. I'm practically the only person with parents who do that for their child's names. Everyone else either doesn't have one or their parents just pick one that sounds pretty or sounds good to say when their kid gets in trouble. Erin Elizabeth get over here!
Do you wish you had a different one? Nope. It's perfect.
