Pippi Longstocking & Friends during recess.Tsk, Tsk 

Who Needs Makeup?

I was just clicking through the channels and came upon Stars Without Makeup. Click. People can not really believe that these stars are all natural beauties. Bite the lips and pinch the cheeks and they’re ready to go. Hello! There are some of us that look a tad better with some color applied to our faces, for me it’s lipstick. If I didn’t have lipstick on I would look like the walking dead. I actually tested this theory once. One day at work I took off my lipstick and no sooner than you can say MAC, a co-worker asked if I was feeling alright. OK, that did it, never leave home without lipstick.
Every once in awhile, I’ll attend one of the makeup events at Sephora,
I’ve let them have their way with me and have walked out with a totally different look. It’s almost the same feel as if you are were wearing a mask, quite fun.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

Disturbing Blogs

I have been reading other people’s bogs, and find some quite amusing. But, then there are those that really disturb me. It’s the ones from young people talking about cutting himself or herself, or being mentally abused by a parent and we are not talking about a child not getting their way, we are talking about real mental abuse. Then I came across a gentleman’s blog, he has a wife and a child. The blog is about how he hates life and wants to die and that he was also self-mutilating. His last post was in December and he stated that this was to be his last post. I really hope this gentleman got the help he needed.

When I was young, my mom had to hide the newspapers from me as I was way too sensitive and would cry and all the terrible news. I am not naïve to think that there are not horrible things going on all around me, but it still makes me feel helpless. I will continue to post my comments in hopes that someone will seek out the help and/or assistance that they need.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

What a strange view. 

J&R's backyard. 

Wise Words From A Bumper

I saw this bumper sticker while on my way to the East Bay:

Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

So true, so true.

The Family Says Goodbye To Uncle Lee

We had a memorial for Uncle Lee last night. It was held at my cousins Joe’s house in San Lorenzo. My cousin Gloria was there along with her husband, who I have never met. Joe’s 3 children were there: Chrissy, Carry and Joey and his wife Arlette. Gloria’s niece was there, I guess that would be my 2nd cousin, her name is Carly. John a friend of Joe’s from high school was there too. Gloria had made a poster of pictures of Lee, these included pictures of Emma, and their grandchildren. A picture of my mom was also included, she was so cute. Everyone had a good time. Joe called Gloria and I together and said that we need to make an effort to keep in touch. He wants us to get together at least 3 times a year. That would be nice, I really did have a good time with them.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

In The Chips

Well, I made $10 last night at poker. I lost some hands that I shouldn’t have due to bad judgment. I also stayed in some hands that I should have folded. There were six players; there were two others that wanted to play but the hostess felt that six was enough.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

Just Deal Them Cards!

It’s poker night again and with each game I tell myself that I will be more discipline and play tighter. I miss John P. , but since we have been playing on Saturday, he hasn’t joined us.

It’s raining here in San Francisco and I will have to watch out for umbrellas turning in to lethal weapons.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

He is so cute! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day From The Queen!!

Today is also known as chocolate overdose day. There is chocolate everywhere!! I came to work today and there was a big red-foiled chocolate heart on my desk, in training today there were piles of chocolates in the center of each table.

It’s a rainy day in good old San Francisco; I am so ready for spring. I talked to my aunt today; she just lost her husband this past Saturday. I was glad to hear that she is doing so well, she is already thinking of the future and planning a trip to Las Vegas. My aunt spent almost 12 years caring for her husband, it is her time now, she is 85 years old so she does not have the luxury to bide her time.

There is going to be a small memorial for my uncle at my cousin’s house. My aunt wanted me to invite my friend JG, she really likes JG and she was so happy to hear that he was going to attend. She told me to tell him that she was going to give him a hug. My aunt is so different that my mother, my mom was very demonstrative and so am I, but my aunt is just the opposite. So I like to tease her that I’m going to give her kisses, she runs away going no, no. I get the biggest kick out of her reaction to my attempts of affection.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

The Queen Bids Goodbye to Uncle Lee

My Uncle Lee passed away this morning. It has been 2 months and 1 day since my mom died. I had called my Aunt this morning to check on her, her son’s wife, Sharon, answered the phone and I knew right then that Uncle Lee had passed away. I talked to my cousin, he let me know that him and his wife were going to have his mom stay with them for at least a few days. Knowing my Aunt I’m sure that she’ll protest, but will give in in the end. My Uncle had been ill for a long time, I think it has been about twelve years. My Aunt has taken care of him all this time. My Aunt is a very independent woman and doesn’t like asking for help. It was sad since she had such great plans for when the two of them retired. She had wanted to travel, see places that she only saw on the television, but that was not how life played out for her and her husband.

My Aunt is 85 years old and is in incredible shape, I hope that it is not too late for her to do things that will bring her joy. I hope that this spring or summer she takes that trip to Yosemite she had put off.

Well It’s Shuffle Up And Deal Time Again

It’s poker tonight at Lisa’s, this is the 3rd week that we have played on Saturday. John can’t play with us on Saturdays since he’s a regular at another game. Marissa will probably play and she’ll be glad that John won’t be playing, Marissa just hasn’t warmed up to John yet, maybe in time she will.

Once again I am telling myself that I will be more discipline in my playing, we’ll see how long that will last.

Gray, Gray Go Away

I will be getting my hair colored and cut today. You know that I have to keep up that youthful appearance.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

Ask your doctor, she'll know. 

Not Fit For A Queen

I think the owner of the Laundromat down the street from me should be arrested for false advertising. The place is so neglected that it is depressing. No longer can you buy individual boxes of soap or fabric softener should you run short. The dispensing machine still hangs on the wall, the cover is missing. Dust and little white flakes line the empty machine. Over a third of the dryers are not operating. It is not that they are in need of repair but are new dryers that have never been fully installed. They have been there over a year now.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

Gung Hay Fat Choy from the Queen of the Universe

The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 B.C., when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. This year, it falls on Feb. 9, 2005 -- Lunar Year 4703, the year of the rooster.

The sign of the rooster indicates a person who is hard-working, confident and unwavering. This means roosters can really crow about their own accomplishments.

I know that you are curious to know what sign the Queen of the Universe is, well I was born in the year of the ox.

People born in the Year of the Ox are Keeper of tradition, the Ox maintains a classic and sophisticated style. Iron-willed, they remain true to their beliefs. A strong leader, their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all. Ox people never stray from their chosen path.

……………..I work in the field tomorrow, no not that type of field silly. I will be in the city of Alameda providing technical assistance to one of my clients. I was in Alameda earlier this week and boy has it changed from when I was a kid. I hadn’t been to Alameda in at least 4 decades, it has grown. I remember Alameda as being a little sleepy town with houses that were built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Now there’s housing developments, malls, and of course Starbucks.

I don’t care where you go these days, there’s a Starbucks. Now don’t get me wrong I am not a Starbucks hater, but they are such clones. I prefer a coffeehouse to have character, I like eclectic furnishings. Give me a place with overstuffed chairs and loveseats. Give me a place that has lots of AC outlets so if I need to I can plug my computer in, a place that plays good music and somewhere that you feel comfortable bringing in your own music to be played. That’s why I like the Javacat Coffeehouse.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

Deal Them Cards!!

The regular poker game was held on Saturday, with the usual suspects. Sam is back to playing. Due to a falling out with the hostess, he had not been playing. John didn’t play as he has a regular game on Saturdays and he plays with us on Fridays. Marissa, played, she is he newest player. She doesn’t like John, she finds his personality a bit abrasive. It took me awhile to get use to John and his ways, but he has grown on me. Rafael played, he is a tough player to figure out. I know he bluffs a lot, but then he’ll surprise you with a great hand. Keeps you on your toes.

I walked away $6 up, every bit helps. I have been telling myself that I was going to start playing differently, play a bit tighter. I find that I don’t fold at times when I know that I should fold. Taking the chance that I will force someone out, or that someone is bluffing. Sometimes it works, but it is just the odds.

One thing I do need to do is to start playing with my glasses as opposed to my contacts. I just can’t see down to the far end of the table, it’s a bit of an eye strain.

We played Assassin a couple of times last night, I found the game in the “Little Black Book of Poker”. It’s a five card draw game. Deal 5 cards, bet, draw up to 3 cards, if someone discards a Jack they are the Assassin and they can take anyone out of the game. The number of Jacks that you discard is the number of people that you can take out.

I dealt this game first, everyone checked the bet except me, then we went for the draw, I was taken out by the player to my right. The game is risky, but fun.

Well, I’m off to a friends house to visit and play games, until then…..

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

She Speaks!!!

Friday was a long day, I had to be up early since we were taking a friend to lunch for his 51st birthday. I wanted to have enough time to have a cup of coffee and a little something to eat. I had stayed up too late on Thursday and I really didn’t feel like getting up, but I did, but I was moving very slow.

We had lunch at Houstons, as always the food & service was excellent. We started with a grilled artichoke, just yummy. Then Richie and I had the Clam Chowder soup, I could just jump into the bowl and die happy. Then I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye Steak with mashed potatoes (they make them with chopped chives and leave some of the skins on). Richie had the double pork chop, with mashed potatoes, my god that chop was huge. JG had the ribs which are his favorites, they come with fries and coleslaw. Johnny had the prime rib with mashed potatoes. We left there happy and full.

Then it was off to get ready for the party being held at Johnny and Richie’s for Kathy’s 50th birthday. The party was also for JG, but since it was Kathy’s 50th birthday, she was the main focus. I had to stop downtown to get JG’s gift. I had bought him a present but then I remembered that he had mentioned that he really wanted some aprons, so that is want I got him.

The five of us worked to get the house in order and the fruit and vegetables all cut up and arranged on platters. We washed off the outside furniture, and made a nice seating arrangement around the terra cotta chimney they have in their yard.

Since it was Kathy’s birthday she did the inviting, so there were several people that I had never met. Kathy’s friends were all so nice. One of Kathy’s friends named Helen brought her guitar, she played and sang. She had just completed cutting her first music CD. She had a great voice. We were all sitting around the fire and singing, I asked if she could play Goody-Goody, she could so I sang Goody-Goody. That song always reminds me of my mom, so that is a good thing.

I pooped out at about 12:30 and called a cab and went on home. Tonight we are playing poker.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder

The Queen Says Goodbye To Cecil

Cecil was the Best

I received an email from my friend today letting me know that his cat, Cecil had passed away. Cecil was the best cat ever, if he saw you walking down the street, he would prance up to meet you and walk you down to the house. Once inside he would jump up on the counter and say (in kitty talk) notice me, pet me. Once that was done, he would go on his merry way. Cecil will be missed not only by his owner but by those that have known him and loved him. There was only one Cecil.

I didn’t get to post last night, as I was unable to access the net. It was an absolutely beautiful day yesterday. I had a staff meeting at 10:00 a.m. for about an hour and a half, and then I had a 2-hour conference call. I disconnected from the conference call at 2:00 p.m., the call was still going on, but it was just Q/A. I had to get outside, I headed downtown, it was soooo nice out, I went to Compusa to purchase Adobe Photoshop Elements. I ended up with the Photoshop Elements plus Premiere Elements. It was a bundle deal, I’ll get a $30 rebate since I was updating from Adobe Photoshop Deluxe. It was hard going back to the office; days like this just make me want to retire sooner.

Find joy in what you do and smile at strangers, it will make them wonder