Welcome 2009

May this year be bigger and brighter than the rest.
May the blessings outweigh the setbacks.
May happiness surround you always.
Dance like no one's watching.
Sing like you're in the shower.
And may there be a spring in your step.
And a glow in your heart.
Always.

Wow!

It's been a long time since I wrote here. I think what I need to start doing is posting what I write in LJ here on this blog. I think I was going to do that before, but never did, but now that I have more than just one person reading it, then perhaps I should.

I will put my last LJ post here. Well I will put up what I posted as I can't just copy and paste this.. LOL.

Twas merry Christmas wishes from our babies, Winni, Thor and Lucy. And for my dear friend Bethanna, my fish died months and months ago. We now have 3 kittens. We got them when they were around 4 weeks old, they are now almost 7 MONTHS old! LOL. They were from a feral mommy who brought them to a lady's door one day and John's mother's friend called to see if we wanted them. We just wanted two, but what more would be one more. They are a handful I must say but I love them. Right now they are sleeping... which is nice.. as its quiet now.

So here's my babies christmas pictures!

Here's Thor. He's our biggest baby, weighing around 8 pounds, he's 18 inches long from nose to bum and he's a long haired, that looks black, but he's really a dark chocolate brown. He's powerful so Thor suits him, but he's a baby at the same time, needing his "mommy" to cuddle up to!




















This is Lucy, named after Lucy from the Chronicles of Narnia. She's the more subdued, layed back one. Very long 18 inches as well, 6.5-7 pounds and a medium hair. She's sweet.



















And Winni! Named after Winnipeg where I used to live. She's our Diva. Our Princess... she told us so... LOL. She's also our smallest kitty, being only 15 inches long 6 pounds and also a medium hair. She's sweet too, but likes to start trouble.
















So there you have it! Merry Christmas from My Family to Yours!

I got Fishies

I bought my very first aquarium yesterday. It's just a one gallon tank. And inside I placed 5 neon tetras. They are very shy fish, very nervous fish. Yesterday I had no plants for them to hide in. Today I bought one and a fake clam shell. They are much much happier. I'd name them, but it would be hard to figure out who is who. And if I do well at keeping them, I will upgrade in about 6 months to a year to around a 10 gallon tank. For now however, this is nice. It sits beside my desk.

*giggles*

Okay, I have given my gmail account permission to put in entries. This was the only way I could figure out how not to have to sign out of gmail or close my IE page in order to sign into my blogger. So that's why it says El and El for users. LOL.

So I went to JCPenney today and picked up two new blouses suitable for work. Now I really will have to buy clothing. I love JCPenney. They have the best sales.

Then I mailed off some stuff to my mom.

Now I'm waiting for John to get home.

Today is a wonderful day!!

Over the Moon!!!

Okay, a week and a half ago, I received my EAC card. Which is my employment authorization card (Green card will probably be another 6 months or so as they are crazy busy now). So, I went to a couple of places for a job, did a few online apps, and then joined Monster.com. I wanted to work in a field that wasn't fast food or restaurant. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just after almost 17 years of it, I'd had enough.

So, I applied for call center work/customer service. Then on a whim, I decided to apply for data entry/clerical. I knew I had a few qualities they'd like, but I had no real office experience. but I thought, "What the hell! It won't hurt anyone to apply."

That was on the 28th. On the 29th I got a call from Human Resources from Leviton Manufacturing. I couldn't even remember what it was that I applied for. It was data entry operator. Full time. So I went on my interview last friday. That is when I was happy that I did so well on my typing test. I thought I as mediocre to be honest. Apparently not.

I loved it the second I walked into the security building of the company. Everyone was smiling. They were joking around with me. It was the most wonderful atmosphere. It was so great that when it was time for my interview I wasn't nervous in the slightest. Normally, I'd be all flubbering when I talk and turning 5 shades of red. I am very shy at interviews normally (Hence why I stayed at A&W for so long. That and I liked the people). They kept asking me if I'd get bored, doing the same thing over and over again. I reassured her that would be fine that at my old job, I did the same thing over and over again, that only the faces really changed.

The lady who'd be my boss really liked me. Said I was very personable and would be excellent in customer service. I told her I'd like to learn my way through the company and that entry level position such as data entry would be perfect. She liked that answer.

So, they said they'd call my references and get back to me. But they didn't say when. I figured it would be yesterday. As the lady said I may be able to start wednesday.

Monday I thought for sure I didn't get it. That someone more "qualified" got it. I was convinced. Poor John. He was so good through my swings of madness last night. Hehe.

Spent most of today outside. No calls in the morning. But.....

I got in this afternoon....

Four new calls....

Four new messages...

Last message.... WAS FROM LEVITON!!!!

I called back, got her voice mail. She called me back.

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

*huge smile, tears in her eyes*

I officially work in an office - well as of this friday coming. Sure it's data entry, but it's new to me. I am so excited.

My first job in America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say...

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

Here's a nice little picture I took in Central Park a couple of weeks back. Magnolia trees... mmmmmmm... pretty!

So...

I got my authorization to work here in NY now. Applied for a number of jobs - let's hope something works out very soon.

Spring here in New York is pretty sweet. I took a ton of pictures over the few times I have ventured to Central Park. And I am hoping to make it there on Tuesday.

I really don't have too much to say. Just been thinking about how I have been neglecting my various blogs and stuff and how I should keep them more up to date.

I will post more when I have something cool to say.. LOL :)

Heaven has another Angel

Today - friday - John's dad passed away. He was very sick over the past two weeks. But we thought he was doing so much better after they drained the fluid off his lungs and heart last night. Even the surgeon said that today he was responding very well. But then, this afternoon just before 4, he flat-lined. The chest tube to drain any fluid was pouring blood and when they opened him up there was no blood to his heart. There was nothing they could do.

John's dad was only 74 years old. In fact he spent his birthday in SICU with tubes in his body. He was a very sweet man with a HUGE heart and I will miss him alot. He was my second chance at a dad and now he's gone too.

*closes her eyes and talks to him* I will miss you Handsome. You still had many stories to tell me. And now you can have as many meatball heroes and pizzas as you wish. Love you.

Happy Easter

Glitter Easter Graphics

Why I haven't really been around

Not last monday but the monday before, John's mom went in for a scheduled surgery to remove a heart aneurysm. She had a little bit of trouble the following day, but was home 4 days later. And now she is doing well, thank goodness.

Well this Tuesday, she heard her husband calling for her. He had fallen down. Well they took him to the hospital. BIG TIME problems. He was rushed from one hospital to another one to have emergency surgery. His aorta had a tear. From his thigh up. When they opened him up the aneurysm they found ruptured. They had to chill his body to 15C so his brain and organs wouldn't function. Basically he was dead for 25 minutes the surgeon said. Well the surgery itself was a success, but they couldn't stop the bleeding. It took over SIX HOURS for them to finally stop it.. well slow it down.

They told us (all of us were at the hospital that day for over 12 hours) he will probably be asleep for 48 hours. Being it was such a major surgery. He was awake 5 hours later. He's doing well now. Though it's going to be a VERY long road to recovery. I am betting he will be in the hospital for at least 4 weeks. Yesterday when John and I went to see him, his eyes were open and focused. He can't talk for the ventilator tube down his throat and that annoys him ALOT. He's off the heart meds they were giving him. Now it's a slow process of taking him off the rest of the stuff. He's in SICU. They finally doped him up so he was forced to sleep, as he kept fighting the drugs they were sedating him with. So we didn't go yesterday. But he's doing alright. It's amazing really. The doctors said they almost lost him a few times during the surgery.

Today, John called his sister and they said his oxygen/ventilator is down to 60%, which is great, as it means he is breathing more on his own. We probably won't see him today, though I do want to, but it's not my decision to make. He is knocked out, but it doesn't mean he can't hear me. He's a wonderfully sweet man and my second chance at a dad, so I am kinda upset I can't see him today. Oh well. Maybe on Easter.

So for the past two weeks, we have been visiting his family ALOT. I am tired.

That is why I have been very quiet lately. Just haven't had the time to write. Though I will Irene comment on your trip which looked amazing soon.. Okay?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter.

St Patrick's Day Glitter Pictures

Biometrics

Well this morning I went and got the biometrics done. My appointment was at 10, but I got there at around 9:35 and was on the bus by 10! LOL. It was neat watching my fingerprints being smooshed on a screen. Now, I hope I will get my work permit very soon. I need to start working again. This sitting at home is driving me crazy. I mean like right now. I am sitting here wondering what to do with the rest of the day. oh well.

And it would seem I am making good use of John's medical benefits. Two weeks ago I went and got my eyes checked. They are fine, just a stronger prescription is needed. And with his benefits, I got new glasses free of charge and they are pretty nice. The next day - off to the dentist. Alot of work needs to be done. Last week - deep cleaning or gum treatment as they call it of all my teeth along with the polishing and fluoride (will talk about that in a minute). I will be going back in next week for work on my cavities. And then last wednesday happened. I did my usual stuff in the morning and then decided for my workout I'd take a long, fast-paced walk. I walked all the way to the nearest movie theatre and stuff. Which was a total of 54 blocks (27 each way). I did that in an hour. A good workout. Then about an hour later I took a shower. As I was drying off, I looked at my legs. Three red lumps around the sock line. I rolled my eyes. And then all my joints started to get sore. Wrists, ankles, knees, elbows. If any of you can remember, this happened to me in October of 2006 (I looked at my LJ last night). The doctor said it was some sort of joint inflammatory disease, but nothing major. though I do recall him telling me later that he really didn't know what it was, but that since I was alright, no need to worry.

*sigh* And now it's back, almost 1.5 years later. So that means now I get to use John's doctor benefits. It's not as bad as last time - yet. But I can feel it and I know it's not just my mind. Went to the doctor but he won't do anything for me until I have a complete physical. *eye roll* So I am hoping my ankles won't swell like last time. So far - so good. But I guess I am making good use of John's benefits from the union he works for.

Anyhow, the dentist. It was good. They put on soothing music on the iPod for me, sprayed some aromatherapy stuff on me to help calm me and even gave me sunglasses to wear so I wouldn't have to stare into the bright light. They numb your gums with that gel and because my front lower teeth are very sensitive - gave me the needle for that area. One girl talked to me while helping the other girl who did my teeth in no time. First the machine thingy that goes into the "pockets" to scrap out the plaque/infection, then manually with the pick thing, and then another time with the machine. Then they polished my teeth, gave me fluoride and sent me on my merry way. I said to the girls, "That's it??" They laughed and told me I was great and free to go. So I let them know I was shocked that that was all there was to it. And then thanked them. John told me he was standing at the door watching for 30 minutes to see if I would start to cry. I told him that though I may be afraid I wouldn't cry in front of them as what was the point. And besides, it wasn't that bad. Though I thought it was sweet that he watched over me.

There were moments when it did hurt as the numbing gel just takes the edge off, but my teeth look so clean it's amazing. Now I just wish they were white.. LOL. The next day my front bottom teeth were sensitive and a little sore, but nothing major at all. I am really surprised. I am looking forward to the filling of my cavities. It's a water laser, so no numbing, no drilling and virtually no pain.

Gentle Dental is amazing!! I will go every 6 months from now on. Though I have to go every 3 for the next year to see if my periodontal diesease is clearing up. They have been the first positive experience with the dentist I have EVER had. It really makes a difference.

So that is what has happened lately for me.

Don't make me go... :(

I don't like dentists. I never have - never will. I went last week. Periodontal Disease, I think 2 cavities and redoing of two fillings. Okay. I can handle the fillings and the cavities. What I CAN'T handle is the deep root cleaning they are going to perform in 2 hours. Where they go below the gum line, scrap your teeth and roots and then send you on your merry way.

The thought is seriously upsetting my stomach. John knows I am afraid, but he doesn't understand as he loves the dentist. So though he thinks he is being supportive, it just isn't doing the trick.

Yes, I know I will be fine. Yes I know the pain is temporary. I know this.

Still doesn't mean I can't be afraid and wish I didn't have to go. I know I will freak out when I see all the blood on the thingy that sits on your chest while they clean. And I will freak when they tell me to rinse and I see all the blood. John got it done last week. He said it didn't hurt but when he rinsed it was as red as tomato soup. His teeth are in good condition as he always went to the dentist. I haven't had a cleaning in a decade. Last cleaning I did have took two visits and the hygenist calling me a suck for crying because he kept jabbing my gums with the pick thing. Not a very good experience.

*cringes*

So please, anyone who is scared of the dentist as much as I am, think soothing thoughts for me?

I really wish I didn't have to go...

This goes out to Irene!

Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics



I hope you have a GREAT Day Girl!!!!

My Weekend!

Well it was nice as it was a long weekend for John. Saturday and Monday we went to his storage unit where we organized his collection of comic books. We were there around 5 hours on saturday and 2 on monday. We brought along some snacks and soda and just sat, looked at comic covers and put them in the appropriate box. It was more fun than I thought it was. The older man who was running the place had this radio station on that played older music - stuff I remember from when I was a kid. It was fun singing to the songs.

We had dinner at his parent's yesterday. Chicken Parmesan, meatballs and sauce, manicotti, salad, bread, apple pie, tiny little cream puffs, lots of laughs, great company (his parents, his younger brother and his wife, and Mr and Mrs Bryck) and many stories of times gone by when John's dad worked for the telephone company. Boy he did alot of pranks. LOL! It was good.

Also I found a radio station here that plays basically classic rock. I love all music, but this made me happy. Made me feel more "at home." Now if I could just get my barrings, then I would be happy. Still can't figure out north, south, east and west. LOL. It's all messed up. You think it wouldn't make a big deal right?? Wrong. It really bothers me for some reason. Oh well, one day I will figure it out.. LOL. I also installed CIV IV on my computer now that it can handle it and it's fun. I have sat and watched John play so many times and now I have it instead of CIV III. He gladly gave me CIV IV as he has CIV IV - Beyond the Sword now. LOL.

So all in all I had a really good weekend. I feel so content and at peace. but I should get back to cleaning. John's younger brother and wife (Michael and Danielle) are supposed to come over for Leftovers tonight and I want to make sure this place is spotless. You know how it is.

Anyhow, I hope you had a good weekend. And if not, I hope you have a better week.

TTFN.

Oh, one more thing. We might go to Comicon this year!!! John's friends Liz and Jimmy live in San Diego, and Jimmy gets press passes so we can get in for free. So we will see!! It would be too cool :)

Valentine's Day

Well this is my first Valentine's Day in the good 'ole US of A. And how romantic it is... ROFL!!

Actually it's been quite sweet. John got me a nice card and some chocolate (not that I need it) and I got him a card and baked him a cake. Now you may think.. "Ooooooh you baked him a cake. Big deal."

Well it is for two reasons... no 3. First of all, it's the first time I have made a cake for him. Secondly this is the second time in his ENTIRE life that a girl baked him a cake and thirdly, it wasn't just your average bake-a-cake-and-ice-it cake.

John LOVES comics. As in LOVES. So this is what I made him today. Granted it was my first time doing icing like this so it's not the best, but he liked it and next time it will be even better!!

So here I present to you... *drum roll*

Captain America's Shield!!! Or as John calls it.. the Captain Americake.. LOL

Did you Know?

Did you know that if the ice continues to melt at its current rate that polar bears will be extinct by the end of this century??

Very sad and extremely scary. Don't you think?

This evening I signed up for the WWF e-Newsletter at www.worldwildlife.org.

I bought a 2008 large wall calendar of theirs and there was a brochure included showing what you recieve when you make donations. Some of them were really cute. I have always wanted to donate but have never had the money to do so. So once I am working and have the money I am going to.

I am a big time lover of wildlife. In fact that whole Tiger incident in California where the young man was killed by the tiger at the zoo after they antagonized it and she jumped out of her enclosure really upset me. Why?? Because there was no need to kill that tiger. Siberian tigers are critically endangered. They could have given her a tranquilizer and put her in safer quarters until they rebuilt her own "home." She was doing what is in her nature to do. Yes the zoo was at fault. The enclosure should have been properly made. But they didn't have to kill her. She was beautiful.

Look at her...

Sometimes the human race gets me very angry. I really can't wait until I can truly afford to help in my way. It won't be long either. Hopefully in a few months time.

Until then.. think of the wildlife out there and how beautiful and fragile this planet is. Be kind.

The Waiting Game

Well paperwork was sent in, now it's just the waiting game. Waiting to see when I get my appointment for biometrics. Waiting for the interview. Waiting to see how long it will be until i am granted work. Which I hope isn't too long as John's mom knows a man (used to be her boss), who will give me an office job once I am able to work and it will be close to home. So I don't wanna screw that up by having to wait forever as I really don't want to do retail again. Office work would be great, though at this point in time I will be happy with ALMOST anything once I am given permission as I really need the money.

Most of the thank you cards have been sent out from the shower and wedding. Just have another 15 to do.

Spent a day and a half scraping off old paint from the kitchen flooring. Seems when they painted in here before he moved in they did a crappy job. *eye roll* So I got the funny idea of sitting on the floor with WD40 and a small scrapper and taking it alllllllllllllllllllllll off. Well it paid off as the floor looks so much better than it did before! My man was impressed :D

I am in a strange mood lately. I want bright colourful things around me. I'd love to go buy a small bouquet of flowers, but right now that wouldn't be money smart. I love my ivy plant, and she's growing like crazy, but it's not the same as some nice bright flowers in a vase. LOL. I am crazy!!

Love the weather here in the winter. Gets chilly but not like insane cold. I surely can get used to this. Though I can't wait for spring. I am sure it will be wonderful.

Anyhow, enough for now. Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!!

Ciao for now :)

A Colony of Cats

Over this past weekend, John took me to a hospital close to where he used to live on Long Island. He wanted to show me where he found a colony of cats a couple of years ago.

So we went there. The grounds this hospital is on is huge. He found the smattering of low-lying bushes where he first met these cats. And sure enough, if you looked hard enough you could see white and gray cats. All healthy looking yet not friendly. Feral cats? I guess you could call them that.

They get fed by what we assume are the hospital staff. There were foil pans near the building, hidden in the bushes filled with dry food and containers of water. They also took boxes, put straw in them, put a black garbage bag around them to create a wind-proof shelters.

These cats were beautiful.

John told me the first time he went there, there were kittens. Tons of kittens and as soon as he walked out of his car towards the building they all came running to see him. He picked them and they licked him and purred as their parents watched from beneath the bushes.

He's thinking of going this year when they have kittens and maybe take two of them. I am not sure I could take them away from their parents, but I also wonder if we did would it be better for them?

Any thoughts?

Hi

Just posting for the sake of posting. I really don't have much to say. I do have a new plant - an ivy - whom I have named Henrietta. In the week I have had "her" she has grown quite a bit. I am hoping to get a larger pot and some potting soil for her this weekend so she can be moved into a place where her roots can spread out as her roots are starting to show through the drainage holes in the bottom.

Still trying to motivate myself to wake up earlier. The typical time is around 10 since I have moved here, but if I can get John to come to bed around 11, then I just might stay up when he leaves for work at 5:45 in the AM. At least be up around 8. I set his alarm once he leaves and I still just get up, turn it off and curl back up. I suppose it's because I can't work yet. I am hoping it won't be too long once I hand in the papers. I am starting to go nutty.

Well that's about it. Until next time...

Heh

I have to admit there are times when I miss Winnipeg. Why? Only because it was familiar to me. I knew where everything was. Here in NYC I have no real clue how to get anywhere.

But the one thing I am NOT missing is the temperatures. Right now @ 9AM their time it's -40 with the windchill. Which is the same in C or F, hence why I didn't specify. Yes.. minus 40!!!

I sureeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee don't miss That! *giggles*

Here's a wedding pic :)




And another.. This one is a tad blurry. For some reason most of the ceremony pics turned out that way.

I'm Alive!!!

Okay I am alive. Still have the rest of immigration to get through - but I am still alive. I need to call USCIS and ask if I put my maiden name or married name on the forms... I have no clue!!! LOL.

The wedding was nice. I will put some pics up here once I send them from John's puter to mine.

Yes I am finally back up online!! On my own computer!!! Which got a nice little upgrade from John's friend Paul! I am very excited.

However I must get going for now. We are off to Target so I can get a cheap pair of sneakers.