1. I like kind people.
2. I dislike rudeness and dishonesty.
3. I am patient.
4. I have four children, all boys.
5. Exercise doesn't always pay me.
6. I work and study hard.
7. I spend too much time reading labels and going to health food store.
8. I research way too much!
9. My experiences make me wise.
10. I smoke an ecig now.
11. My schedule is always packed.
12. I'm busy but can still be spontaneous.
13. My cooking is healthy and amazing, if you like ethnic and spicy.
14. My skills are many, phlebotomy, photography, accounting, and nutrition a few.
15. Sports are fun, soccer, volleyball, racquetball, and I watch wrestling.
16. I hate my car.
17. I love my gas mileage.
18. I've been divorced twice.
19. I married my wife.
20. I have a SPOILED, BAD, SPOILED BAD min pin and an adorable granddaughter.
21. I'm getting old but only in numbers.
(I'll end this one on 21, every year on my birthday when I'm asked my age, that is my reply :)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Week 8: Prompt 36. A city street--
On foot, we saunter to the folk festival. Twenty minutes there and twenty to get back. Taking everything in, we talk about times and how they've changed. Our neighborhood is peaceful, pleasant, and clean, the closer we get to State Street, the worse it gets.
It's sort of ironic, walking down most of the tree streets, we can take in nature, watch the squirrels chasing each other, and hear the birds chirping. It's pretty quiet, not too much going on. Three blocks down, we hit State. The noise and sirens make you wonder what's happened now. Down the hill, through downtown, the shops are neat, though most of them closed by now, except places to eat and grab a beer.
Traffic, hell if you don't look both ways, your bound to get hit by a car. Kids are driving that shouldn't even have a license, talking to friends and texting instead of watching where their driving! Then up the hill, near the bus station, you can see the cloud of cigarette smoke linger and all you can smell is the reek of stale brew rolling off the bystanders. Ugh! What a nasty smell. It could make me puke!
Coming back, we hear sirens again, no surprise there! This woman is apparently high on something, talking to herself making strange hand gestures. The officer pulls over and walks up to her as she tries to get away. She's hollering, swearing, and lifts her shirt up. We kept walking down this city's street. Days like that kind of make me not want to walk down the city street.
It's sort of ironic, walking down most of the tree streets, we can take in nature, watch the squirrels chasing each other, and hear the birds chirping. It's pretty quiet, not too much going on. Three blocks down, we hit State. The noise and sirens make you wonder what's happened now. Down the hill, through downtown, the shops are neat, though most of them closed by now, except places to eat and grab a beer.
Traffic, hell if you don't look both ways, your bound to get hit by a car. Kids are driving that shouldn't even have a license, talking to friends and texting instead of watching where their driving! Then up the hill, near the bus station, you can see the cloud of cigarette smoke linger and all you can smell is the reek of stale brew rolling off the bystanders. Ugh! What a nasty smell. It could make me puke!
Coming back, we hear sirens again, no surprise there! This woman is apparently high on something, talking to herself making strange hand gestures. The officer pulls over and walks up to her as she tries to get away. She's hollering, swearing, and lifts her shirt up. We kept walking down this city's street. Days like that kind of make me not want to walk down the city street.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Week 8: Prompt 35. Three of them sitting there in complete silence.
When they were little, they got tossed in the tub together. The three of them, just easier than one by one. Two were mine and one was my dad's girlfiend's son. One was five, one three and the other only two. All boys, so I figured it was okay.
It was amusing, I would hear them giggle. They would laugh, they would splash, and make on hell of a mess. There was soap on the wall, bubbles on the floor and toys filled the tub. Who would have thought, matchbox cars in there too?!
When they's finish giggling and splashing, scrubbed down one by one. When it came to their hair, oh, how they hated it!
Three of them sitting there in complete silence, NOT! The little goofs!
It was amusing, I would hear them giggle. They would laugh, they would splash, and make on hell of a mess. There was soap on the wall, bubbles on the floor and toys filled the tub. Who would have thought, matchbox cars in there too?!
When they's finish giggling and splashing, scrubbed down one by one. When it came to their hair, oh, how they hated it!
Three of them sitting there in complete silence, NOT! The little goofs!
REWRITE: Week 7: Prompt 33. Imagine someone you know is taking this course and has decided to write about you.
I met a woman in my freshman year of college. She, at first, is kind
of quiet and reserved but when you get to know her, watch out! She
like's to have fun and can be quite a riot! In the summer you can find her around town. More than likely if it's nice, or well, atleast 50 degrees, she will be crusing downtown on her scooter. She's a trip, she loves to have a good time. She doesn't care how silly she looks or what others think. She's married to a woman now, who is just like her! They act like a couple of kids most times. They are both funny and love to laugh. Their laugh is infectious, guaranteed to bust a gut! That's why I love to hang out with them!
She is older, though you would never believe how old she is by looking at her or by how she acts. She's one of those "cool" mom's with a great sense of humor! Her older son's friends like to hang around and visit with her and their girlfriends adore her. Many of them call her 'mom.' Hell, she kept us younger college students in line and encouraged us to do well by leading study groups and literally lectured us when she felt we needed it, she may as well be our second mom too! Many of us students, even some that have graduated, still keep in touch with her, we do lunch or call for advice every now and then. She loves to hear from us!
She
likes to watch people, and is fascinated by the uniqueness in each of
us. She is different herself, in a good way, not like any average
person you would meet. She hides nothing and will talk about most anything to most anyone. Bravery and patience are second nature to her,
she is selflessness and compassionate to all. She is very kind and always
giving of herself in many ways. She'll buy you lunch if you forgot your lunch money, she'll encourage you to be yourself and screw what other people think! She drops what she's doing if you just need an ear or a little advice. Don't cross her though, she stands her ground for what she believes
in and don't mess with others in her presence, she will put you in your
place. She thinks nothing to say something to a perfect stranger who gets out of line!
She is older, though you would never believe how old she is by looking at her or by how she acts. She's one of those "cool" mom's with a great sense of humor! Her older son's friends like to hang around and visit with her and their girlfriends adore her. Many of them call her 'mom.' Hell, she kept us younger college students in line and encouraged us to do well by leading study groups and literally lectured us when she felt we needed it, she may as well be our second mom too! Many of us students, even some that have graduated, still keep in touch with her, we do lunch or call for advice every now and then. She loves to hear from us!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Week 7: Prompt 33. Imagine someone you know is taking this course and has decided to write about you. Write their piece for them!
I met a woman in my freshman year of college. She, at first, is kind of quiet and reserved but when you get to know her, watch out! She like's to have fun and can be quite a riot!
She is older, though you would never believe how old she is by looking at her or by how she acts. She's one of those "cool" mom's with a great sense of humor! Her older son's friends like to hang around and visit with her and their girlfriends adore her. Many of them call her 'mom.' Hell, she kept us younger college students in line and encouraged us to do well by leading study groups and literally lectured us when she felt we needed it, she may as well be our second mom too! Many of us students, even some that have graduated, still keep in touch with her, we do lunch or call for advice every now and then. She loves to hear from us!
She likes to watch people, and is fascinated by the uniqueness in each of us. She is different herself, in a good way, not like any average person you would meet. Bravery and patience are second nature to her, she is selflessness and compassionate to all. She is very kind and giving but don't cross her, she stands her ground for what she believes in and don't mess with others in her presence, she will put you in your place.
She is older, though you would never believe how old she is by looking at her or by how she acts. She's one of those "cool" mom's with a great sense of humor! Her older son's friends like to hang around and visit with her and their girlfriends adore her. Many of them call her 'mom.' Hell, she kept us younger college students in line and encouraged us to do well by leading study groups and literally lectured us when she felt we needed it, she may as well be our second mom too! Many of us students, even some that have graduated, still keep in touch with her, we do lunch or call for advice every now and then. She loves to hear from us!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Week 7: Prompt 34. --those short, very evocative, mysterious, and poetic grafs.
Cheryll Braden
Where are you? I used to have a blast hanging out at the park with the kids. You were always there when I needed an ear, you were a great friend. I loved our chats and how good you were at giving advice, even though we were both young. The last time I saw you was at your daughter's birthday party when you had moved to New Jersey. Then I moved back to Maine. I've looked for you through address changes and on facebook. I've even called your old numbers I found searching for you; they belong to someone else now. I will never forget you and our friendship! I miss you.
Where are you? I used to have a blast hanging out at the park with the kids. You were always there when I needed an ear, you were a great friend. I loved our chats and how good you were at giving advice, even though we were both young. The last time I saw you was at your daughter's birthday party when you had moved to New Jersey. Then I moved back to Maine. I've looked for you through address changes and on facebook. I've even called your old numbers I found searching for you; they belong to someone else now. I will never forget you and our friendship! I miss you.
Week 7: Prompt 32. Who's the last person you'd want to remember?
*This one's not worth a title, it wouldn't be kind.
Wow, did he have a sense of humor! I have never been attracted to a red head before. He was suave and came from a nice family. He was from Queens, N.Y. and liked to talk tough. You could tell by his large vocabulary that he was quite intelligent. He swept me off my feel, quite like a whirlwind.
Whirlwind it was. We met in boot camp, in Orlando, Florida, December 1987. We'd mail letters and hope we didn't get caught since fraternizing was taboo. I got stationed in Millington, Tennessee for air traffic control school while his A school was in Orlando. I caught wind of when he was taking leave and dropped out of air traffic control school two weeks before graduation so I could spend a week of leave with him in New York. It worked out well, I got to come to Maine and see my family for a week, then off to see him for the other week. His duty station was Norfolk, Virgina, I put that as my first request for mine, NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach as my second. After spending a week in New York, I went to my duty station in Virginia Beach. It was a long week but at least there were phone calls. Finally he arrived in Norfolk, he had promised to look me up. The next day he shows up at my door and we go for a ride. He asks, "what do you want to do tonight?" I replied, "I don't know, what do you want to do?" By my surprise, he says, "Let's get married!" Wow, eighteen and stupid, I tell him let's wait a week. Six days later, we're married! His mother about killed us! His father was pissed! Ironically, my father thought I was kidding when I told him, since we got married on April 1st!
Two weeks later I conceived our first son. I live in the barracks and he's on a ship. I scrape by on $800 a month and save for an apartment while he spend his on beer. Fourth of July weekend, we get an apartment. Wow, talk about fireworks! That's when the physical abuse started! What a fake m.f. he cried and was so apologetic!
He'd come home late or not at all and give me some bullshit story like he didn't have a ride. I walked into the club in Norfolk only to witness him working his charm on some skank sitting on his lap. My 5 month pregnant belly didn't seem to matter to either of them. So I kindly inform her, that's my husband she sitting on! He would have taken first place in a track meet, the speed he sprinted out that back door. Another night, looking for him, I went to a Go Go bar and the woman knows him by name! Excuses and bullshit was all that could come out of his mouth. So much for the sense of humor. He wasn't so funny and charming anymore!
Mr. Charm charmed his way onto the local police department when we moved to Pennsylvania. His intelligence helped him pass the psychological exams to get in. Yet, he could come home, beat his wife to the point of black eyes and stitches, and put his uniform on in the morning to serve and protect!
I lived that hell for 6 1/2 years. His girlfriend of one year was the last straw. I took my two little guys and moved back to Maine. It didn't take long after leaving to realize the sense of humor and charm was a cover up for the insecure, sick man that he is.
To say he is the last person I would want to remember would be too nice, he is, though, the first person I'd love to forget!
Wow, did he have a sense of humor! I have never been attracted to a red head before. He was suave and came from a nice family. He was from Queens, N.Y. and liked to talk tough. You could tell by his large vocabulary that he was quite intelligent. He swept me off my feel, quite like a whirlwind.
Whirlwind it was. We met in boot camp, in Orlando, Florida, December 1987. We'd mail letters and hope we didn't get caught since fraternizing was taboo. I got stationed in Millington, Tennessee for air traffic control school while his A school was in Orlando. I caught wind of when he was taking leave and dropped out of air traffic control school two weeks before graduation so I could spend a week of leave with him in New York. It worked out well, I got to come to Maine and see my family for a week, then off to see him for the other week. His duty station was Norfolk, Virgina, I put that as my first request for mine, NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach as my second. After spending a week in New York, I went to my duty station in Virginia Beach. It was a long week but at least there were phone calls. Finally he arrived in Norfolk, he had promised to look me up. The next day he shows up at my door and we go for a ride. He asks, "what do you want to do tonight?" I replied, "I don't know, what do you want to do?" By my surprise, he says, "Let's get married!" Wow, eighteen and stupid, I tell him let's wait a week. Six days later, we're married! His mother about killed us! His father was pissed! Ironically, my father thought I was kidding when I told him, since we got married on April 1st!
Two weeks later I conceived our first son. I live in the barracks and he's on a ship. I scrape by on $800 a month and save for an apartment while he spend his on beer. Fourth of July weekend, we get an apartment. Wow, talk about fireworks! That's when the physical abuse started! What a fake m.f. he cried and was so apologetic!
He'd come home late or not at all and give me some bullshit story like he didn't have a ride. I walked into the club in Norfolk only to witness him working his charm on some skank sitting on his lap. My 5 month pregnant belly didn't seem to matter to either of them. So I kindly inform her, that's my husband she sitting on! He would have taken first place in a track meet, the speed he sprinted out that back door. Another night, looking for him, I went to a Go Go bar and the woman knows him by name! Excuses and bullshit was all that could come out of his mouth. So much for the sense of humor. He wasn't so funny and charming anymore!
Mr. Charm charmed his way onto the local police department when we moved to Pennsylvania. His intelligence helped him pass the psychological exams to get in. Yet, he could come home, beat his wife to the point of black eyes and stitches, and put his uniform on in the morning to serve and protect!
I lived that hell for 6 1/2 years. His girlfriend of one year was the last straw. I took my two little guys and moved back to Maine. It didn't take long after leaving to realize the sense of humor and charm was a cover up for the insecure, sick man that he is.
To say he is the last person I would want to remember would be too nice, he is, though, the first person I'd love to forget!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Week 6: Prompt 27 The safest place in the world....
Hearing the sound of birds chirping coming up the crushed asphalt driveway. Facing the drive sits the two car garage, and house to the left. The screen door has slightly worn stain, and the inside door squeaks every now and then. The brown old wood floor is rustic, and the hardwood could use a clear coat.
The kitchen with the stone look wall is inviting. The smell of wood fills every room and sometimes a spicy candle too.
Unveiled windows fill the front where sunshine pours in and in the early evening sunset can be seen. Squirrels and birds can be seen eating from the feeders and playing in the yard.
The energy is calming, and peaceful. In the winter months, the pellet stove fills the place with heat and a faint firey light. The ambiance abducts those that enter.
Now you can see why this is my safe haven, to me, the safest place in the world. This is my home.
The kitchen with the stone look wall is inviting. The smell of wood fills every room and sometimes a spicy candle too.
Unveiled windows fill the front where sunshine pours in and in the early evening sunset can be seen. Squirrels and birds can be seen eating from the feeders and playing in the yard.
The energy is calming, and peaceful. In the winter months, the pellet stove fills the place with heat and a faint firey light. The ambiance abducts those that enter.
Now you can see why this is my safe haven, to me, the safest place in the world. This is my home.
Week 6: Prompt 29 When you finally arrived, it was nothing like you imagined...
Two years ago to date (February 19, 2010) I had to go to Seattle to help care for my terminally ill mother in law who passed a month later. Her dream of traveling had come to a standstill when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Upon my arrival, entering the RV Park, it was a quiet quaint little place. RV's filled every spot in the park. People everywhere, some visiting, some walking. The porch had an indoor-outdoor carpet that was weathered from the good ol' Seattle rain. A ramp connected for Heidi (the family dog) to walk down to go potty. The grill camouflaged by a layer of grease, bag of trash needing to find it's way to the dumpster, and a commode took residence on the deck. Upon entering, a walker stood in the livingroom area, bears covered the shelves. The smell of fresh roses drifted from the two dozen long stems by the bedside. Shades were opened wide, the sun was shining in brightly. The kitchen table had been folded down and mattress upon it for sleeping. Thirty three days later, we returned to Maine.
February 18th, we got an unexpected call, Father in law just passed. February 19th again, we arrive at Seatac Airport.
Pulling into the RV park was different this time. The moldy, stagnant smell lingered, several lots were empty, no one was around and many had passed. Heidi, too, was gone. It wasn't how we left it, it wasn't what we expected. The porch was empty, bears were boxed. The closets were bare. On the table sat food and dishes that had been pulled from the cupboards. Carpets were soiled and a film so thick on the windows, one could hardly see. The walls were yellowed from smoke and grime. The clock that hung over the door was found in the bedroom laid on the bed. Photos stacked on the benches by the table. This time, there was no sun, only rain.
It wasn't what we remembered, it wasn't what we imagined.
Upon my arrival, entering the RV Park, it was a quiet quaint little place. RV's filled every spot in the park. People everywhere, some visiting, some walking. The porch had an indoor-outdoor carpet that was weathered from the good ol' Seattle rain. A ramp connected for Heidi (the family dog) to walk down to go potty. The grill camouflaged by a layer of grease, bag of trash needing to find it's way to the dumpster, and a commode took residence on the deck. Upon entering, a walker stood in the livingroom area, bears covered the shelves. The smell of fresh roses drifted from the two dozen long stems by the bedside. Shades were opened wide, the sun was shining in brightly. The kitchen table had been folded down and mattress upon it for sleeping. Thirty three days later, we returned to Maine.
February 18th, we got an unexpected call, Father in law just passed. February 19th again, we arrive at Seatac Airport.
Pulling into the RV park was different this time. The moldy, stagnant smell lingered, several lots were empty, no one was around and many had passed. Heidi, too, was gone. It wasn't how we left it, it wasn't what we expected. The porch was empty, bears were boxed. The closets were bare. On the table sat food and dishes that had been pulled from the cupboards. Carpets were soiled and a film so thick on the windows, one could hardly see. The walls were yellowed from smoke and grime. The clock that hung over the door was found in the bedroom laid on the bed. Photos stacked on the benches by the table. This time, there was no sun, only rain.
It wasn't what we remembered, it wasn't what we imagined.
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