My Trip To Vegas

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Adam, Kristina, Shaun, Jeremy, Andy, Tara, Danny, Zoey, and Wolverine

The Birthday "Fake-Out"

My son Calvin has wanted a pogo stick FOREVER! But I made it sound like he would NEVER get one. I told him they don't make them anymore, and if they did... you would have to special order it, and even then it would be WAY too expensive for us to afford. lol

So I made a decoy pogo stick to give him for his birthday. After the boys were done opening their presents, Calvin realized he had less presents than Jude, and suddenly became sad. So I told him I got him something special... his face lit up with excitement. So I went into the back room and got the decoy pogo stick and hid it behind my back. I then asked Calvin, "What do you want the MOST that you haven't gotten yet?" He yelled, "A POGO STICK!!!!" That's when I pulled the decoy out from behind my back excitedly and yelled... here it is. His face suddenly dropped. I then tried to keep my excitement up without laughing. "We couldn't afford one, so I MADE YOU ONE! Isn't it great?!?" His face fell even more, but he attampted a half smile for my benefit.
I told him to try it out, and I handed it to him. (Knowing full-well that it would snap under his weight) As he held it out, slowly said, "I dont think this will...work...mom."
"Just try it!" I encouraged repeatedly.
So he jumped on it with trepidation and it instaly snapped. He just held it looking sad. Poor little guy. He was a trooper though, and looked up and said, "Thanks mom" as sincerely as possible, not wanting to hurt my feelings. I couldn't take it anymore, and had to pull out the REAL surprise. So I ran in the back, grabbed the real pogo stick and told him to try "THIS" instead and held it out. I have never seen Calvin more excited. It was fun and we all had a good laugh.

"Jude and Calvin's Birthday"

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T-Minus 22 hours!

Tomorrow I am jet setting to Las Vegas with a big group of friends! I'm planning on sleeping in, walking the strip, riding roller coasters and tying the knot. And by "Tying the Knot", I mean... tying up my skates and taking to the strip. So if you happen to see some blonde chick, roller skating down the strip in Vegas this weekend... and falling all over herself while laughing hysterically... that would be me. I can't wait.

This Week's Movie

Are you a movie lover? The Movie Buzz is the place to be. Weekly homework assignments, that consist of watching AWESOME movies that you, and other people have hand-picked. Afterwards, we all discuss anything and everything about the film. Why couldn't my old High School have implemented this learning curriculum? I would have gotten straight A's. It is like Oprah's Book Club on crack. This week's assignment? The Blues Brothers... Discuss.

Calvin N Hobbes

Over 9 years ago I found out I was pregnant with Calvin on a warm, rainy August afternoon. Simon and Garfunkel, Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water was playing on the radio. I remember laughing through the whole birth, because the drugs made me feel funny... so I laughed and then would yell "Ow", laugh and yell "Ow". Needless to say, that went on until he came into the world. He was my first son, and he was/is so adorable. He is my little genius. He was creating works of art at age 1 and reading at a very young age. When most kids are playing video games, Calvin is usually off somewhere reading. And while I have never taught him what men "should do", he learned on his own. He won't go into the house unless I go in first and he hold the door for me. I have tried to refuse him sometimes when the weather is bad, and I tell him to go ahead inside first... but he will stand at the door waiting faithfully until I am inside. He has a heart of gold and is so kind. He always worries about my feelings. And I never go a day without a hug from him. He is my artist, my genius, my reader and my gentleman. I named him "Calvin" after Calvin and Hobbes. He even has a Hobbes tiger that he treats like a real person (see one of the pictures above). It is so cute. I'm so proud of my little man. I truly am blessed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little man!

The Movie Buzz

Are you a movie lover? The Movie Buzz is the place to be. Weekly homework assignments, that consist of watching AWESOME movies that you, and other people have hand picked. Afterwards, we all discuss anything and everything about the film. Why couldn't my old High School have implemented this learning curriculum? I would have gotten straight A's. It is like Oprah's Book Club on crack. This week's assignment? Fight Club... Discuss.

Hey Jude

8 years ago a little boy came into my life on St. Patrick's Day. I was even wearing a green shirt that read "Irish" on it when I went into labor. I decided to call my new little man Jude Patrick. I named him Jude because "St. Jude" was the patron Saint of lost causes. I figured he would grow up to be a man who would help those in need, when all seems lost. I added Patrick to the name because of my Uncle Doobie (Patrick) and because he was born on St Patrick's day.

My little Irish man... he truly is a Saint. He knows how to make me laugh when I'm down. he is always very helpful around the house... and I don't know where he got it from, but he is a little genius in school. Straight A's. I couldn't have asked for a better son. I love my little Saint. I am proud to call him my son. Happy Birthday Little Man!

(SPECIAL) Tuesday's Song Of The Day

I need to give a little background on today's "Song of the Day" because it was created by a good friend of mine. I grew up with Dave Andreadakis in New York. He was talented back then, and even more so today. He wrote and performed this song, Fixing The Girl. Here is what Dave says regarding his song:

"I have a dear friend that has had several years of just plain bad luck. All of the worst things you can have happen that will disrupt what is supposed to be your happiest years. After a while, it is easy to begin to feel jaded and broken as a person, in this case, feel broken as a woman. The good news is that she is married to a wonderful guy that makes her feel like the queen of the world. So this is a song about a very sad girl and a great guy that knows all of the right things to say to lift her heart and make her feel whole again. This is called Fixing The Girl."

Enjoy!

David Andreadakis: Fixing The Girl

Near the mountains

and the ocean

She forgets her pain

It seems the only time

she can free her mind

is when she feels that way

And he holds her

as he scolds her

not to be so brave

and though she tries to be strong

when the feeling comes on

then its down like rain

and he says baby dont you cry

because there's so much more inside

than your tears

won't you let it out

because I'm waiting

And baby I dont mind

and all I have is time

for your tears

I'm never going to let you down

I'll never let you go

In the darkness,

In the quiet,

she can hear him breathe

although he says that he'll stay

she's afraid that he'll stray

and that her love will leave

so now he's sighing

while she's crying

he doesn't understand

why all that she knows

is everything she loves goes

but he can hold her hand

and he says

Baby don't you cry

because there's so much more inside

than your tears

wont you let it out

because I'm waiting

And baby I don't mind

and all I have is time

for your tears

I'm never going to let you down

I'll never let you go

Monday's Song Of The Day

Muse: Take A Bow

I love this song, firstly, because it is Muse, and secondly... because it is powerful. Now I know what you're going to say... "You like this song because it was the associated with the movie Watchmen". Negatory-Good-Buddy! While I like the comic Watchmen, I HATED the movie!! But this song rocks! Enjoy. Instead of posting the lyrics and taking up too much space, you can find them HERE.

The Geek's Family

Family is EVERYTHING to me. It started with my parents, I couldn't live without them. They were my life source, my comfort, my guidance and my source of true love. Over time my siblings were added to the mixture (I have 3 sisters and 3 brothers and a newly acquired 4th sister). They soon became my best friends, playmates, confidants, and partners in crime. Don't get me wrong, I fought with my parents, and I fought with my siblings, but our family bond was stronger than any fight I ever had with them. Down the road I added children to the equation. And as most people who have children know... you have never TRULY felt the pure bond of "family" until you have held your son or daughter in your arms for the first time. They are a part of you, and you of them. That bond will be forever. No matter what happens, no matter the ups and downs... there will always be unconditional and infinite love weaved into the fibers of the parent-child relationship. There is also another bond that forms, one that is not a blood bond, but an emotional bond that can be equally as powerful. The best friend. Some people marry their best friend, making sure they never go a day without them in their lives. Unfortunately, this bond can easily be broken if not nurtured, or if another becomes selfish and looks out for their own personal interests, wants and desires. If you truly love someone you will sacrifice anything and everything for their well-being without asking, "What's in it for me". I can guarantee you that if someone I loved was in trouble, and it was a question of life or death... I wouldn't think twice about stepping up and giving my life if it meant saving them or making their life better. That is FAMILY, and we are always adding to it throughout our lives. But the important thing is to always live for each other... not one's self. Then, and only then, can we truly be happy. I am grateful for my family, I am grateful for my children, and I am grateful for my best friend. I am the luckiest.

MY DAD

MY MOM


My Brothers And Sisters


The Boys


My Daughter
And the ones who aren't pictured here... my best friends, my other half... This is what makes me happy

Thursday's Song Of The Day

Anberlin: Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode Cover)

Words like violence
Break the silence
Come crashing in
Into my little world
Painful to me
Pierce right through me
Can’t you understand
Oh my little girl

All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm

Vows are spoken
To be broken
Feelings are intense
Words are trivial
Pleasures remain
So does the pain
Words are meaningless
And forgettable

All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm

All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm

Heart Wrenching 911 Call from a 7 Year Old Boy

Warning, this is an intense call, especially if you have a heart. I am just glad that it ended without anyone being harmed. Thank heavens for little boys!

Authorities are hailing a 7-year-old Norwalk, CA boy as a hero after he hid in a bathroom and called 911 as three armed attackers burst into his home and threatened his parents. During the harrowing emergency call, the child pleaded with Los Angeles County sheriff's dispatchers to send help.

"Can you come really fast? Please! Please! . . . They have guns. They shoot my mom and dad," the boy said, according to a copy of the 911 tape released by authorities.

The incident began about 8:30 a.m. when the three suspects, armed with handguns, stormed through an unlocked door and said they were going to take what they wanted, the Sheriff's Department said.

The boy hid in the bathroom with his 6-year-old sister and locked the door.

"There's some guy who's going to kill my mom and dad," he told the emergency dispatcher. "Can you come, please? Bring cops . . . a lot of them! . . . And soldiers too," the boy said. He told the dispatcher that he thought his parents had been shot.

The attackers broke into the bathroom and found the boy. At that point, screaming is heard on the 911 tape.

Authorities said one of the suspects grabbed the boy and asked who he called. "911," the boy responded, according to the department.

The suspects fled without injuring anyone or taking any property, authorities said.

"If not for the brave and educated actions of the 7-year-old boy, this might have ended tragically," said Capt. Pat Maxwell. Authorities declined to identify the family.

FULL Eclipse Trailer Here

THE FULL ECLIPSE TRAILER

Wednesday's Song Of The Day

I have been in more of a 30 Seconds to Mars, AFI and Evanessence mood this week.... so to honor that... here is something for you to rock out with. (just hit the little play button on the boom-box... easy cheesy) And no, this is not 'meant for anyone'. I just love the power behind it, and the amazing cellos!

Apocalyptica: I Don't Care (feat. Adam Gontier)

I try to make it through my life, in my way, there's you
I try to make it through these lies, and that's all I do

Just don't deny it,
Don't try to fight this ,and deal with it
and that's just part of it,

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
Cause i swear (i swear),i don't care

I try to make you see my side
Always trying to stay in line
But your eyes see right through
That's all they do

I'm getting buried in this place
I got no room your in my face
don't say anything just go away

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just go and leave this all behind
Cause i swear (iswear) i don't care

[ instrumental ]
love changing everything
You won't be left for me x2

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care, I don't care
Just and and leave this all behind
Cause i swear(i swear)i don't care

If you were dead or still alive
I don't care(i don't care), I don't care(i don't care)
Just go ahead and leave this all behind
I don't care(i swaer), I don't care
At all...

The 10 Second ECLIPSE Trailer

Finally, there is a sneak-peek for all the Twi-Hards. The full trailer will be shown before Robert Pattinson's new movie "Remember Me".

TRON... Looks good!

Clash of the Titans... Iron Man 2... Robin Hood... The A-Team... and TRON! I'm in geek heaven!!!

Save Water-Damaged Books, Docs, and Photos by Putting Them in the Freezer

Ever drop a book in the tub? Don't despair, you can save it. Put it into a plastic bag (not vacuum seal) and place in the freezer. The dehydration process, which keeps things cold, will pull the excess water out of the book. Takes up to 2 weeks depending on the size of the book. Just tell your friend that you aren't done with it yet.

A little googling backs up the claims—like this long-ish piece on freezing flood-damaged photos, documents, and books, which featured the same advice from an Iowa State University Extension specialist. Their instructions are pretty similar.

Tuesday's Song of the Day

The Used: The Bird and The Worm
(This reminds me of something that would be in a Tim Burton film)

He wears his heart safety pinned to his backpack

His backpack is all that he knows

Shot down by strangers

Whose glances can cripple

The heart and devour the soul

All alone he turns to stone

While holding his breath half to death

Terrified of what's inside

To save his life

He crawls like a worm from a bird

(ALL ALONE)

Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind

The weight pushes him whispering

Must have been out of his mind

Mid-day delusions

of pushing this out of his head

Maybe out of his mind

(Out of his mind)

All alone he turns to stone

While holding his breath half to death

Terrified of whats inside

To save his life

He crawls like a worm

Crawls like a worm from a bird

(ALL ALONE)

(ALL ALONE)

(Crawls like a worm from a bird)

(Crawls like a worm)

(Crawls like a worm from a bird)

All he knows

If he can't relieve it it grows

And so it goes

He crawls like a worm

Crawls like a worm from a bird

Out of his mind

The weight pushes him whispering

Must have been out of his mind

All alone he turns to stone

While holding his breath half to death

Terrified of whats inside

To save his life

He crawls like a worm from a bird

All alone

He's holding his breath half to death

(Holding his breath half to death)

Terrified

To save his life

He crawls like a worm

(CRAWLS LIKE A WORM)

Crawls like a worm from a bird

(ALL ALONE)

Crawls like a worm from a bird

(ALL ALONE)

Crawls like a worm from a bird

(ALL ALONE)

Crawls like a worm

Crawls like a worm

Crawls like a worm from a bird

Monday's Song of the Day

Weezer: Smile

Open the door and let your love come down

Over the wall, you're spinning 'round and 'round

'Cause you wanted some love

I'll make it happen

'Cause I don't wanna break

Your fine face. I can't take

The way you wanna wrap me up

Inside your smile

Open your heart and let the good stuff out

Water me girl and let me ease the drought

'Cause you wanted some love

I'll make it happen

'Cause I don't wanna break

Your fine face. I can't take

The way you wanna wrap me up

Inside your smile

I can't be gone, darling

For very long, no

Never know what you're gonna do

Standing there deep in front of you

Take a look in between my eyes

Because I'm back, yeah

'Cause I don't wanna break

Your fine face. I can't take

The way you wanna wrap me up

Inside your smile

I can't be gone, darling

For very long

Never know what you're gonna do

Standing there deep in front of you

Take a look in between my eyes

Because I'm back, yeah

Give me a chance if you can force yourself

Look at me girl and get up off your shelf

'Cause you wanted some love

I'll make it happen

Iron Man 2 Trailer 2 (OFFICIAL)

Are You excited? I know I am!

My Song For Today

James Morrison: You Make It Real For Me

There's so much craziness, surrounding me

There's so much going on, it gets hard to breathe

When all my faith has gone, you bring it back to me

You make it real for me

When I'm not sure of, my priorities

When I've lost site of, where I'm meant to be

Like holy water, washing over me

You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby

You are the only one who saved me

That's why I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

When my head is strong, but my heart is weak

I'm full of arrogance, and uncertainty

But I can find the words, you teach my heart to speak

You make it real for meee, yeaaa

And I'm running to you baby

Cause you are the only one who saved me

That's whyyy I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

Everybodies talking in words

I don't understand

You got to be the only one

Who knows just who I am

Your shinin in the distance

I hope I can make it through

Cause the only place

That I want to be

Is right back home with you

I guess there's so much more

I have to learn

But if you're here with me

I know which way to turn

You always give me somewhere,

Somewhere I can run

You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby

Cause you are the only one who saved me

That's why I've been missing you lately

Cause you make it real for me

You make it real for me

Aliens and Dogs

Off to the Museum with the kids to see Wolf to Woof. then we are off to see the movie Planet 51. I tried to get us on the Ice Skating rink, but they are closed for the season. That actually made me HAPPY to hear... that means spring has finally come! I love the fact that as I type this, sunlight is streaming through my bedroom window and keeping my back toasty warm.

I'll post pictures later of our adventure.

Here I Come Vegas!

I am headed to Vegas in three weeks with my friends. I am so excited! It has been a while. I used to go to Vegas once a year, but my pilgrimage stopped after I became a DJ. Time to go back... maybe even catch the Vegas Phantom of the Opera show.

Retailers Are Selling Used Panties!!!

Ewwwwww.... I'm glad I go shopping for undergarments elsewhere!!!! I make sure they are sealed in plastic!

You've Got Mail

I'm going to get cliché for a moment, maybe even a little whimsical. Those of you with weak constitutions...you've been warned!

I'm not going to dissect mail clients or recommend Gmail over Hotmail & Yahoo (everyone knows I will do that regardless).

No... I am not going to talk about the technicalities of email, rather... the emotional benefit. There is something about personal emails that make me giddy. There is so much SPAM and marketing emails these days... you have to filter through 50 messages to get to one that actually means something to you. But in all honestly... as long as I have those one or two emails from someone that means something to me, it is worth the sorting. These days I have been getting, and looking forward to a "Good Morning" and "Good Night" email from a good friend of mine. It has actually been better than my alarm clock , knowing that there might be a new message from him, makes me pop up in bed and scan my email for a REAL letter in my inbox.

It reminds me of the time when I was 8 and my cousin was my Pen Pal. We would write each other non-stop. It was always so exciting to see that one letter that stood out from the rest. Don't get me wrong, I communicate with people ALL day long. I chat/IM, FB and Buzz with tons of people... but there is something about an email or message from a close friend that makes you feel happy and complete for the day.

*You've Got Mail*

Gotta run! =-)

My Life... Summed Up In 6 Minutes & 25 Seconds

I'm happy again... and I'm rolling in the right directionThanks to my family and my good friends (You know who you are) =-)

Mood Today:

And Here is a Fun Video For Today... To Add A Smile To Your Face As Well

Social Experiment Leaves Designer Chairs Around NYC for People To Snatch