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It's been so long since I've posted anything I think my loyal readers have probably moved on. Still, I'm torn. Do I account for my 6 month's absence or pick up as though I never left? I don't really have an explanation for my prolonged absence other than I just didn't feel like i had much to say. I don't even know what to title this post.

My first year on my own in my business has been a very good one. I have been blessed. If someone had told me that this was how my first year was going to go, I don't know that I would have believed them. I plan on hiring a PR/Marketing company to carry me to the next step. I'm nervous about it because it's a lot of money but I think I'm doing the right thing.

There was a brief moment where I was dating someone. It didn't last long. I just don't think he was that into me. I can't really pull anything interesting from the our time together except for the story of how we met. He actually inadvertently followed me to a local place for breakfast. He didn't intend to, he just did. And the place that we went to is frequented by gays. And he was driving a miatta, so at first I automatically assumed he was gay. Then while we were waiting for a table, we started chatting with one another. Then when they called his name, he asked me to join him for breakfast. When he asked me out on a date a few days later, I knew he wasn't gay. I told some gay friends about him and they told me he was "metrosexual". That's the first time I'd ever heard that term and they explained it to me. Yes, he was definitely metrosexual. Our little dance lasted about three months.

I've taken some of the money I've earned this year and revamped my wardrobe a little and completely changed my makeup. I even went to Jose Eber and had a make-up lesson from Edward Sanchez. And a new hair color from Urban Retreat. I also lost quite a bit of weight. I don't have a scale, so I don't know how much I lost but my clothes are much looser and I can see a difference in the mirror. I feel great. I don't think I'll ever be a size 6 again, though, because my body has changed. It's not weight that's keeping me at an 8/10, it's a shift in my body.

Little Bear died in July. He was sick on a Sunday, I took him to the vet Monday morning and then that afternoon he died at the vet's office. No one know what killed him. I had recently had my home exterminated for roaches but the vet was pretty adament that it the insecticide wasn't the source of his illness.

I loved that kitty and wanted to get another persian, so I did some research and found the sweetest little boy. He's white and red, also known as a bi-color persian. Since he looked celtic I wanted to give him a fitting name. His name is Seamus Heiney MacCool. Seamus Heiney after the Irish Poet and Finn McCoul is an Irish character. But I wanted him to have some Scottish too, so I butchered the name McCoul and changed it to MacCool. He's a little love machine. I absolutely adore him.

I saw a really good movie recently that everyone should see. It's called Lars and the Real Girl. It's such a sweet poignant movied. I loved it.

Ok, what else? Oh, I have lots more to say, I'm sure. It's just been so long since I've said anything. Cheers everyone.

Storms

I love a good storm, especially when I'm home and cozy and dry. At least, I used to love a good storm.

Since I've moved to my new place, I don't like them as much. For some reason, lightning strikes very very close to my duplex. I'm talking feet away, and it is so loud, it makes my teeth hurt. It's very unnerving and I can't figure out what it is that makes lightning strike so close.

My Blackberry Pearl arrived yesterday morning! I wasn't expecting it until Saturday. I'm so very very happy to have it. I just love it. I like the feel of the touchpad. I'm not accustomed to the trackball, yet. I like the maps feature, as a realtor, that comes in very very handy. I like that it has a loud ring. My last one had such a soft ring. Sometimes, I would hear my cockatoo say "hello"...."hello" and that was how I knew my phone was ringing. She could hear it but I couldn't.

I hit pay dirt on this one.

It's a Good thing

I have a Blackberry T7100 that I bought last July. I love this phone. But lately, it's been freezing up on me, giving me Java errors and resetting itself. Yesterday I was stuck in voice mail because the phone wouldn't let me hang up. I had to open the back and take out the battery in order to end the call.

So,today I marched right down to the store from where I bought the phone. Ready to raise hell and get some satisfaction. Turns out the phone is under warranty and that they can replace it. However, they no longer have my model available.

So, they are going to replace it with THIS.

Isn't life SWEET sometimes?

More campaign thoughts.

I think that the Republicans made a mistake having their debates so early in the game. A couple of weeks ago, I heard a commentary on NPR where they were saying that Guiliani had incredible support in South Carolina and that it was shocking because he is pro choice and supports gay marriage (unions).

Guiliani watered down his position during the political debates and has lost his footing and he is now neck and neck with McCain. When I saw that Guiliani watered down his position, he lost my support. The way he watered it down insulted me. It was a coward's approach. What I HEARD was, I support the idea of pro choice and gay unions but I support the party line, too. Somewhere in there, Guiliani stopped being Guiliani.

So, now I'm back to the Democrats AND drum roll please...... I am even open to the idea of voting for Hillary Clinton! OMG, what a shock! Here is this born and bred Republican girl entertaining the idea of voting for Hillary Clinton.

Why the change? Because I believe it should be the responsibility of the next administration to exit from Iraq for a lot of reasons. First of all, the administration that makes the exit needs to believe in the exit because it's going to require a lot of thought and work. Secondly, the exit strategy might be complicated so I think that it should be done while there isn't going to be a "change in command". And thirdly, I believe it should be done by someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience of the region. I think Clinton has that and she has Bill and his experience.

I do believe that over the years Hillary has become more conservative than when she became First Lady.

I do wonder if Barack could be a world leader.... I think I have to watch and see.

Thoughts of the campaign trail.

I've been reading about the campaigning that both Clinton and Obama are doing. Hillary has been very pointed and blunt in her criticism of Bush and Obama is not quite as direct, though he is implying some feelings of dissatisfaction with the current administration.

A lot of people are unhappy with Bush, including myself. The problem I have with any politician running to replace the current administration by campaigning against it is that it just gives the signal that nothing is changed. If I criticize how someone is doing a job and I'm trying to take their place, my criticism implies that I would do it without making mistakes.

But the truth is, whoever takes Bush's place is going to make mistakes. One of the things that is good about Bush is that he can stand his ground. Going to the extreme with someone who cannot stand their ground is not good either. Compromise is not always good and it isn't always bad.

It's easy for those who oppose the war to demand withdrawal. I think that the plan to withdraw should be the mission of the incoming administration, though. I would suspect it's a long process and should probably be done by a team of people who are going to be around for more than a year in order to get it done right.

God help the Democratic party if it's them. They are screaming for withdrawal, they may be given the opportunity to show the rest of the world just how difficult it is to withdraw. Then, when they discover how complicated it really is, they can stand there with egg on their face. Or just spend their term blaming the previous administration.

I hope that doesn't happen. I hope that the new person, whoever he may be, picks up the torch and does things intelligently and deliberately. I actually think that Clinton, Obama or Guiliani could handle it. I don't think anyone else has what it takes to do the job. I'm pretty encouraged, though, that we actually have three strong contenders with some leadership skills. Very encouraged.

Catching up.

I have spent the majority of the day working on my business website. I have so much to do. I am getting ready to map out a campaign to really get things rolling. I have had a great first quarter but things for me are slowing down and this is not a good thing. We are heading into the moving season when things traditionally pick up and get busy. If I'm not busy, something is wrong.

Working from home has some really interesting challenges. I'm so thankful that my new "office" is no longer attached to my living room. The T.V. is in a whole other room and I am unable to watch any T.V. while in my office.

I have a tendency to get bored and start focusing on stuff, such as global warming, political campaigns and other such distractions. I used to wonder why Freebird was able to post as much as she did. Now I understand. When you work from home, you just don't have the same distractions you have when you're at the office.

Tonight is Madonna Ramma at South Beach, a local gay bar in Houston. They play Madonna songs all night long and drag queens come out dressed like her and lip sync her songs. I have some gay friends that are going tonight. I should go. I think it would be fun but I'm just not up to it. I want a quiet evening with wine and some lobster a friend of mine just dropped off.

John had Bob's Steakhouse on his radio show today. They brought him food to try and discuss. He always has leftovers from his show. Unfortunately for him, he has to go out of town for the next few days and he can't eat it. So he brought it over to me along with two bottles of wine.

Pinatubo

I got to thinking about yesterday's post and started reading up on the volcanic eruption of Pinatubo. I think I know what my father meant when he said that is put 100 years worth of industrial gas in the air. They actually refer to it as a stratovolcano.

According to Wikipedia beginning 5/5/1991, it was emitting 500 metric tons of sulfur dioxide per day and then by 5/13/1991 it had increased to 5000 metric tons/day and then rapidly decreased on May 28th. Eruptions then began June 3. "Over the following months, the aerosols formed a global layer of sulfuric acid haze. Global temperatures dropped by about 0.5 °C (0.9 °F), and ozone destruction increased substantially." The total mass of Sulfur Dioxide that was emitted when all was done was 20 million metric tons. There was measured damage to the ozone layer right after this.

Every time I read anything that discusses what our (mankind's) refineries put into the air the number is like 14.5 metric tons. But it doesn't state if it's daily or annually. Honestly, I don't think we could put a dent in this. Even if we reduced emmissions by 100%, which we can't do, it wouldn't amount to a hill of beans to something like this.

And if 50 - 60 volcanos are erupting annually, obviously not of this magnitude, then I believe that is the source of gases. The earth, in effect, is passing gas.

What's Not Being Said -

Ok, now that I'm working from home, I have time on my hands. So, be forewarned, this is a soapbox post.

I read that the Earth's population is 6.5 billion. If I'm not mistaken, that number looks like this 6,500,000,000. The population of the US is about 330 million; 330,000,000. We make up about 5% of earth's population. If indeed, man is contributing to Global Warming, I seriously doubt that the U.S. is contributing as much to it as some politicians would like us to believe.

Did you know that 50 - 60 volcanic eruptions occur annually? Not all of them as great as Pinatuba or Mount St. Helen. But they are emitting gases into the air. Gases like CO2 and SO2. I remember when Pinatuba erupted, my father, who was a geologist, said "That volcano just put 100 years worth of industrial gas right into the air". He didn't specify if that was U.S. industrial gas or worldwide industrial gas. It's too late to ask him to which he was referring.

I don't doubt that the earth is warming up, the evidence is pretty clear. I'm just not sold on "man" being the big culprit. I seriously doubt man can really do that much to control the earth's warming. And if man could do something about it, it's way beyond anything that our country can do. If man is actually 50% of the problem, then would that make us only 2.5% of the solution?

If we could prove, without a doubt, that man contributed enough gases such that if we changed our ways we could actually reverse the impact, then I would think the culprits are going to be the larger populations..... China, India ..etc.

Hmmmm.

Dilemma

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I was born and raised a Republican. Initially, I voted Republican because my upbringing was that way. Then, as I got older, I found that my values were more in line with those of the Republican Party. During Bush's second term I found myself seriously questioning my loyalty to the GOP. As "punishment" I voted Democrat during the local elections last year.

I was hoping that Giulianni would run for President because I believed he would breathe confidence in the GOP back into my weary heart. But lo and behold someone else has surfaced and I cannot believe how much I like this person. Barack Obama.

I absolutely adore this man. He's non-invasive, smart, articulate, fair, consistent and doesn't come across as an ambitious politico. I can actually visualize myself voting for a Democrat during this upcoming election. Not only voting for one but actually liking my choice after I've done it. All the other options feel like bulldozers to me.

So, what's my dilemma? Obama is THE ONLY Democrat I could vote for. I cannot bring myself vote for Hillary. And if she is on the ticket with Obama, it could really screw it up for me. But that's not the dilemma.

This is the dilemma. I want to vote in the primaries to help insure Obama wins as the Democrat's nominee for President. But it is my understanding that if I vote in the primaries, I have to vote that party during the Presidential election. I can't decide to vote the Republican candidate if I don't like which Democrat makes the nomination.

What's a girl to do?

Run! Don't Walk - Houston

Recently, I went to Stages Repertory Theater to see a play titled I Am My Own Wife. You must see this play.

The play is performed by a single actor who plays each character without a costume change. Initially, when John invited me to see the play I thought it would be interesting to see an entire play performed by one person especially since I somewhat knew the actor in person. But what really transpired was so much more than I was expecting.

To start with, the actor Philip Lehl, is a phenomenal actor. He was the lead in John's musical "Deep in the Heart" and he did a really nice interpretation of the leading role. But in this particular piece, he had to play each role with such distinction so that the audience could never mistake who was who. It worked. I didn't see John's friend Philip on the stage ever; I saw only the characters he portrayed.

The play pulled me in and held my attention through to the very end. I didn't find myself scoping out the audience during the performance, which is something I have a tendency to do in a small theater. The story itself was riveting. And most importantly, his portrayal of the lead character is so very poignant.

If you live in Houston, go see this play.

.....Gorgeous

This is the Amaryllis that just recently bloomed in front of my little duplex. I love Amaryllis. I have 4 in pots that I'm trying to get to bloom.

Firefly

I'm not a big Sci Fi fan but my sister is. She was a major Trekky while I was growing up. Even today, she has the coolest ornament for her tree. It's a small replica of the Enterprise and it lights up by using an existing light socket from the tree lights.

Well, this past Christmas, she introduced me to a Sci Fi program that didn't last long called Firefly. I loved it. I watched every episode she had. Anyway, I was trolling through my nephew's journal and saw he took the Serenity quiz. Looks like we both are Malcolm. He and I are very similar in many ways, though I doubt he would probably agree. I see it in hindsight because I'm older, I guess.

Your results:
You are Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)

Honest and a defender of the innocent.
You sometimes make mistakes in judgment
but you are generally good and
would protect your crew from harm.



Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz

New Favorite Passtime

Meet Little Bear. He is the sweetest kitty a person could want to have. And unfortunately, has become the source of twisted amusement for me.

It's not that bad, really. I have hardwood floors now. Something I've never had before. I find it amusing to chase him and watch him slip and slide all over the floor as he makes his getaway.

Believe me, this little kitty gets a ton of kisses and affection.

This is a picture of him on my desk. He has decided this is his new spot.

Take me Out to the Ballgame

My brother and I went to the game today and watched the Cardinals smear us all over the field. But hey, the Astros have 156 games left in the season, they have to pace themselves. At least that's what I tell myself.

We enjoy going to see the Astros play. Every season it always seems to come down to a game between the Astros and Cardinals in a race for the pennant. And it always seems to be so so close. It has to be said, the Cardinals are a great ball club.


This yummy guy is Albert Pujols. A guy I have a very strong Love/Hate relationship with. Whenever he comes to the plate, the whole stadium boos him. And he answers back by hitting the ball out of the park. According to the light bright score board, his batting average was .059. Not a great average, but it just doesn't matter because he hits the ball when it seems to count the most. Every time he comes up to the plate, my stomach turns into knots.

So, over the years, as I begin to embrace the idea that the Astros are always going to have to go toe to toe with the Cardinals, I've grown to accept Pujols as part of the package and I really like the guy. I can't help it. He's hot. He's talented and he's cocky. And I can't help but wish he were on our team. So, I can't really bring myself to truly "boo" him when he comes to the plate. Because I really think that he should be worshipped.

Oh, God, did I just say that?
Source of image.

Color me......?

Anybody want to guess what color this Amaryllis is going to be?

Just stuff

I released the last three butterflies yesterday afternoon. They all hatched at about the same time. They were so cute.

It takes them a while after their wings have dried to move on. They remind me of planes on the tarmac prepping to fly. They open and close their wings and they move their heads back and forth. It's almost as though they are going down a checklist of things prior to take off. I kissed them goodbye... how cool is that? I only had the cocoons a few days but I miss them.

I want to plant milkweed to attract more butterflies.

The Amaryllis bulb is opening up but I am still unable to determine what color it is going to be. It's driving me crazy. I go out and check it every day.

I'm pretty well settled into my new home. We all seem to be well adjusted. I feel different. Funny, I don't really miss the Allen House. I think I had outgrown it a couple of years ago. I just needed that "push" out the door.

Butterflies are free to fly. Fly away. Fly Away. Bye Bye

I released the third butterfly this afternoon. When I awoke at 10 this morning, I found the second had hatched and was ready to be released. The ritual is that I take it outside, let it rest on my finger until it flies away. But it seems that each one wants to linger just a little longer.

There are three remaining; and I think can tell which Cocoon will hatch next.


I got tired of waiting for this one to fly away on his own, so I stuck him on a rose bush.

Shhh Butterflies hatching

Last night I had an event celebrating the opening of my new business. I have these fabulous personal financial advisors and they hosted the event for me. It was absolutley wonderful and I had a great turnout.

One of my guests raises monarch butterflies and he brought me this most wonderful little gift. As you can see in the photo it's a "hatchery" of sorts for butterflies. He said it symbolizes my new business. When he gave it to me last night, there were 6 cocoons. Now as you can see, there are five as one has just now hatched. As soon as the butterfly's wings are dry, I will set it free.

How cool is that people?

The Other Guys

This is my nephew's "band". He's the one singing this song.

The video quality isn't as good as it should be but he's the one at the beginning in the red shirt; reddish blonde hair, beard and mustache.

I'm not sure who wrote the song.

Their website is: www.theother-guys.com

Enjoy!

I love flowers.

I love flowers! My new place has a huge rose bush that is blooming like crazy. The flowers are just beautiful. they are somewhat like the antique roses. You know, the yellowish kind with the pink edges. It's hard to tell from the photograph.

And I was sitting out on my tiny little patio out front and I noticed what looked like Amaryllis leaves protruding from a bulb in the ground. A few days later, sure enough, a bloom is working it's way up from the bulb. There are four Amaryllis but it appears that only two have decided to bloom. I can' wait to see them. I wonder what color they are.

I brought four over myself. They bloomed the first year I had them but I haven't been able to get them to bloom again. I have them in full sunlight now and I've been feeding them. So, I'm hopeful that I can get them to bloom soon.

I also have pink impatiens that have been blooming. But when I moved, I had to cut the whole thing back. The move really stressed them.

Ok, that's all I have now. Yes, I do plan on taking photos of my new place, but it's still not quite where I want it to be.

Cheers everyone.