You can read a bit about the pin here.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Bless This Woman
Tomorrow we're placing my mom's ashes in a niche at a local cemetary, the spot is overlooking the beautiful garden and facing a magnolia tree like the ones in our backyard. The other day I got this breast cancer pin to place in the niche as a momento as my mom was a breast cancer survivor:
You can read a bit about the pin here.
You can read a bit about the pin here.
Mother and Daughter
The day before we came back home, Pete bought me this figurine to remember my mom by. Just thought I'd share it with you all.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Day the Music Died
Thanks for all your support, the emails and tags on here, and for those who have sent flowers and cards. My mom passed away unexpectedly a week ago yesterday. They suspect it was a heart attack, though we haven't gotten the official word in yet. To anyone who knew her, or anyone that even heard about her, my mom was an amazing person. She had such a presence and gave so much to so many people that everyone feels lost without her, me most of all. We had a special bond, which I use to say meant that she made me do everything, but now I see it was in preparation for her being gone.
Pete and I were in England when it happened. We'd gone into Basildon to do some shopping, just for things we wanted to pick up. We went to a few DVD shops, he had to go the Job Center, and then we went to Asda (which is owned by Walmart). As we approached the CD/DVD section his mobile phone rang. We thought I'd be his friend Kate, but it was his mum. I remember Pete saying something about me not being on the phone with him but close, and then he told me to wait there while he walked away about 20 ft. I remember his face from that far away and I knew something was wrong. He wouldn't tell me what it was, which annoyed me because I thought it was about someone in his family. He said his mum was picking us up at a certain spot so we raced in that direction passed the crowds of people. I'm usually good under stress but I had to tell him to slow down because I felt numb and couldn't breathe. I guess we both looked in a state because a man who walked passed us asked if everything was alright. We got into his mum's car and drove home, I remember being so worried about Pete if something happened to one of his family members or friends. We got in the house, and I remember Pete's mum asking him if he wanted to tell me or if he wanted her to. That's when I knew it had to do with me. He took me into his room, closed the door, and made me put my bag on the floor.
It was the most surreal moment of my life. I remember him telling me the news, me wailing and him crying. Then I went numb and became frantic to get in touch with someone at home.
We got a charter flight out of London last Thursday and arrived around 3pm in the afternoon. The viewing was on Friday and the funeral on Saturday. Everyday is a little better and I get use to her not being here with us in person, but I know her spirit is with all of us and in every life that she touched.
Pete and I were in England when it happened. We'd gone into Basildon to do some shopping, just for things we wanted to pick up. We went to a few DVD shops, he had to go the Job Center, and then we went to Asda (which is owned by Walmart). As we approached the CD/DVD section his mobile phone rang. We thought I'd be his friend Kate, but it was his mum. I remember Pete saying something about me not being on the phone with him but close, and then he told me to wait there while he walked away about 20 ft. I remember his face from that far away and I knew something was wrong. He wouldn't tell me what it was, which annoyed me because I thought it was about someone in his family. He said his mum was picking us up at a certain spot so we raced in that direction passed the crowds of people. I'm usually good under stress but I had to tell him to slow down because I felt numb and couldn't breathe. I guess we both looked in a state because a man who walked passed us asked if everything was alright. We got into his mum's car and drove home, I remember being so worried about Pete if something happened to one of his family members or friends. We got in the house, and I remember Pete's mum asking him if he wanted to tell me or if he wanted her to. That's when I knew it had to do with me. He took me into his room, closed the door, and made me put my bag on the floor.
It was the most surreal moment of my life. I remember him telling me the news, me wailing and him crying. Then I went numb and became frantic to get in touch with someone at home.
We got a charter flight out of London last Thursday and arrived around 3pm in the afternoon. The viewing was on Friday and the funeral on Saturday. Everyday is a little better and I get use to her not being here with us in person, but I know her spirit is with all of us and in every life that she touched.
Monday, August 08, 2005
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory of My Mom
Barbara Ann
February 2, 1956 - August 2, 2005
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has
Breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Barbara Ann
February 2, 1956 - August 2, 2005
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has
Breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
I've been here a week now, its gone by fast but at the same time I feels like I've been here for ages and still have 3 weeks and a day to go. Been shopping a bit at Next the first day I was here and got:
And Lin got me this bag:
And Lin got me this bag:
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Puddle Jumping
Arrived at Gatwick around 7:30am yesterday, a bit late, very tired, but good. No matter what seat I choose from VA's website as my living space for the 8 and a bit duration of the flight I always seem to get behind the "SOD YOU TRAVELLER." You know the type, they don't care that another person is a mere 10 inches behind them, they will push their seat back AS FAR AS IT WILL GO ie into your lap so that your tray table is pretty much digging into your ribs. Well of course, this time was no different. I thought perhaps I'd be lucky and get at least the middle seat empty so that I could stetch a bit. A second after I said that a father and son walked up and killed my dream. The father reassured me, glancing at the -10 inches of space I had, "that'll have to go up soon, but the you know it'll just come down again." Yes, state the obvious why don't you? Bah.
Then miracle of miracles, the old couple that were sitting behind me decided to snag some empty steats right behind a galley (should have done myself but I didn't see them - bah.) So I swooped in and took the aisle seat behind me. So the woman at the window and I shared the middle seat for a bit of stretching out space, trash, and the like.
Surprisingly, the movies were kind of decent, so I saw HITCH once through, and bits of it again and MISS CONGENIALITY 2 - which was surprisingly good as my movie critic fiance previously told me.
Got througout immigration alright, weird to think its the last time I'll go through with a spousal visa (if all things go right of course.) VERY WEIRD. But being here again it feels as though I should be here, its weird to explain but it feels like home. Not that my actual home ie where I was raised, live currently, and where my parents are, isn't - but this is as well.
As for my inlaws, as mad as ever. Lin has lost a TON of weight so I officially hate her for that but she looks terrific and I'm glad I'll have a dieting buddy to keep my progress up while I'm here. On the wedding front I gave Lin their Save the Date and will give the others out as well while I'm here. A little over 10 months until we're married!!!! That's even scarier to think about!
Then miracle of miracles, the old couple that were sitting behind me decided to snag some empty steats right behind a galley (should have done myself but I didn't see them - bah.) So I swooped in and took the aisle seat behind me. So the woman at the window and I shared the middle seat for a bit of stretching out space, trash, and the like.
Surprisingly, the movies were kind of decent, so I saw HITCH once through, and bits of it again and MISS CONGENIALITY 2 - which was surprisingly good as my movie critic fiance previously told me.
Got througout immigration alright, weird to think its the last time I'll go through with a spousal visa (if all things go right of course.) VERY WEIRD. But being here again it feels as though I should be here, its weird to explain but it feels like home. Not that my actual home ie where I was raised, live currently, and where my parents are, isn't - but this is as well.
As for my inlaws, as mad as ever. Lin has lost a TON of weight so I officially hate her for that but she looks terrific and I'm glad I'll have a dieting buddy to keep my progress up while I'm here. On the wedding front I gave Lin their Save the Date and will give the others out as well while I'm here. A little over 10 months until we're married!!!! That's even scarier to think about!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Pond Hopping
I'm pond hopping tomorrow evening...thought I'd share a pic I took back in ummm early 2002 (the date says 11/06/2002 but I think its from January 2002 and the date was just messed up on the camera:
This is how much my in-laws and their friends drink - I think that was over New Years and it was only HALF the bottles (the rest were inside) LOL.
This is how much my in-laws and their friends drink - I think that was over New Years and it was only HALF the bottles (the rest were inside) LOL.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Deja Vu
Or something like it:
Latest Attacks in London - Today
It's amazing how we become desensitized so quickly, only one person mentioned it to me today here at my internship. But then again this is America and as much as I hate to admit it, we don't always care too much about what happens in other countries especially if its with minor injuries. Pete not in London today, so my stomach is normal and not tied in knots.
I'll be there on Tuesday...sort of reconsidering my idea about going to the London Eye during this trip..one of the few major attractions in London I haven't been to yet. I'm not afraid, but cautious.
Latest Attacks in London - Today
It's amazing how we become desensitized so quickly, only one person mentioned it to me today here at my internship. But then again this is America and as much as I hate to admit it, we don't always care too much about what happens in other countries especially if its with minor injuries. Pete not in London today, so my stomach is normal and not tied in knots.
I'll be there on Tuesday...sort of reconsidering my idea about going to the London Eye during this trip..one of the few major attractions in London I haven't been to yet. I'm not afraid, but cautious.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Found on Lydia's blog:
Your True Birth Month Is July |
 Tactful Honest Friendly Secretive Homebody Sentimental Hardworking Approachable Fun to be with Has reputation Not revengeful Easily consoled Very emotional Wary and sharp Waits for friends Likes to be quiet Witty and snarky Caring and loving Loves to be alone Overly concerned Loves to be loved Treats others equally Puts in effort in work Takes pride in oneself Moody and easily hurt No difficulties in studying Strong sense of sympathy Forgiving but never forgets Quiet unless excited or tensed Not aggressive unless provoked Concerned about people's feelings Temperamental and unpredictable Judge people through observations Easily hurt but takes long to recover Guides others physically and mentally Dislikes the nonsensical and unnecessary Difficult to fathom and to be understood Sensitive and forms impressions carefully Always broods about the past and the old friends |
Have very exciting news I posed on my wedding blog if anyone cares :)
Great Packing Extravaganza 2005 started over the weekend, but hasn't been touched since then. I'm thinking I'll start the major packing on Friday after my internship is over..that's if I don't need to work at the motel. I can't believe I'm leaving Monday!! Woohoo!
Great Packing Extravaganza 2005 started over the weekend, but hasn't been touched since then. I'm thinking I'll start the major packing on Friday after my internship is over..that's if I don't need to work at the motel. I can't believe I'm leaving Monday!! Woohoo!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
You Are 26 Years Old |
26 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
Found on Heidi's blog:
Hmmm pretty true except for the last two....
Then I found this from a link on that site...not surprising lol:
The Keys to Your Heart |
You are attracted to obedience and warmth. |
In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. |
You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change. |
You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. |
Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets. |
Your risk of cheating is low. Even if you're tempted, you'd try hard not to do it. |
You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage. |
In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now. |
Hmmm pretty true except for the last two....
Then I found this from a link on that site...not surprising lol:
| Your Career Type: Artistic |
 You are expressive, original, and independent. Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. You would make an excellent: Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary. |
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I'm American I Need Stuff
I'm a complusive over-packer, it's a genetic thing I inherited from my mother. She just went up to NJ for a funeral and brought: one big suitcase and a larger soft side cooler that she used as another checked in bag. She brought like 5 different handbags with her...she was only gone a week. I'm not much better.
"At least your not as bad as your mother," Pete's mum says to me. "We needed two cars when both of you came over." Yes, we had 4 suitcases in the summer of 2000. One was full of...wait for it...chocolate. Apparently after her 3 weeks of nothing but Cadbury's in Ireland in about 1980, my mom decided she wouldn't get stuck again starving. So we brought a suitcase full of chocolate.
This time I'm trying to be better, but I know I'll end up with my 2 trusty suitcases. The black one, which I've secured together with duct tape, because it's falling apart. And the blue American Tourister, which weighs a ton before I fill it. Yes. I'm American I need stuff. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
"At least your not as bad as your mother," Pete's mum says to me. "We needed two cars when both of you came over." Yes, we had 4 suitcases in the summer of 2000. One was full of...wait for it...chocolate. Apparently after her 3 weeks of nothing but Cadbury's in Ireland in about 1980, my mom decided she wouldn't get stuck again starving. So we brought a suitcase full of chocolate.
This time I'm trying to be better, but I know I'll end up with my 2 trusty suitcases. The black one, which I've secured together with duct tape, because it's falling apart. And the blue American Tourister, which weighs a ton before I fill it. Yes. I'm American I need stuff. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
A Letter from London
Sasoozie posted this on her blog and I thought it summed London's thoughts accurately:
http://www.lnreview.co.uk/news/005167.php
http://www.lnreview.co.uk/news/005167.php
Friday, July 08, 2005
Terror on the Underground and an Ocean Away
Pete usually doesn't go to London, especially at rush hour. This week he did and for 3 days it didn't seem worrying until yesterday.
Thank god he arranged for his friend Kate to call me (getting my brother on the phone while I was in the shower) who told me Pete was ok despite what happened. I didn't know what happened.
Unusually I had just gotten out of bed at 7am and before checking anything online I jumped in the shower. After getting the message that something had happened, I turned on the TV and frantically moved the channels to a news station. CNN told me what I was wondering - bombings on the London Underground. At least Pete was safe.
Pete, his mum, grand parents, and friends of the family were working in London this week doing robing for graduations at a University. The train they were on from Liverpool Street missed the chaos by 15 minutes. Thank God.
I had knots in my stomach all day at my internship. I dialed Pete's mobile number frantically over and over again trying to get the network to connect me to his voice. I had to make sure myself that he was ok. It's amazing what scenarios you think about when you don't know. What if anyone with them is hurt? What if they were stuck somewhere? What if he told Kate to call me just so I wouldn't worry? What if....
They were safe at the university, apparently the graduation had to go on, and they had to dress students who didn't want to be there. Not because they didn't care, but because their they wanted to find out about their own friends and family that might be affected by the chaos.
After such an unusual day, Pete and his family got seats on the underground going back home. They all sat down. His mum got out grapes and asked if anyone wanted some..."Grapes anyone?" I guess life goes on.
------
I finally got in touch with Pete around 2pm on his mobile through a bad connection. It was so great to hear his voice.
Thank god he arranged for his friend Kate to call me (getting my brother on the phone while I was in the shower) who told me Pete was ok despite what happened. I didn't know what happened.
Unusually I had just gotten out of bed at 7am and before checking anything online I jumped in the shower. After getting the message that something had happened, I turned on the TV and frantically moved the channels to a news station. CNN told me what I was wondering - bombings on the London Underground. At least Pete was safe.
Pete, his mum, grand parents, and friends of the family were working in London this week doing robing for graduations at a University. The train they were on from Liverpool Street missed the chaos by 15 minutes. Thank God.
I had knots in my stomach all day at my internship. I dialed Pete's mobile number frantically over and over again trying to get the network to connect me to his voice. I had to make sure myself that he was ok. It's amazing what scenarios you think about when you don't know. What if anyone with them is hurt? What if they were stuck somewhere? What if he told Kate to call me just so I wouldn't worry? What if....
They were safe at the university, apparently the graduation had to go on, and they had to dress students who didn't want to be there. Not because they didn't care, but because their they wanted to find out about their own friends and family that might be affected by the chaos.
After such an unusual day, Pete and his family got seats on the underground going back home. They all sat down. His mum got out grapes and asked if anyone wanted some..."Grapes anyone?" I guess life goes on.
------
I finally got in touch with Pete around 2pm on his mobile through a bad connection. It was so great to hear his voice.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
How to Post Comments on my Wacky Layout:
Click on the comments text link ---> This will bring you back to the blank page with the icons going up the left side ---> Click on the blog icon and that will take you to the post with a link "Post a comment" ---> Click on the link and you can comment!
Hmmmm not too much going on here....less than 3 weeks until I'm in England! yay. I know it hasn't been long since Pete left but it just feels so weird being here this time of year. I was actually in the country for the 4th of July!!! Woohoo. Actually it was pretty crap...I spent it cleaning and watching tv and feeling depressed. But whatever.
Click on the comments text link ---> This will bring you back to the blank page with the icons going up the left side ---> Click on the blog icon and that will take you to the post with a link "Post a comment" ---> Click on the link and you can comment!
Hmmmm not too much going on here....less than 3 weeks until I'm in England! yay. I know it hasn't been long since Pete left but it just feels so weird being here this time of year. I was actually in the country for the 4th of July!!! Woohoo. Actually it was pretty crap...I spent it cleaning and watching tv and feeling depressed. But whatever.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Again I've been a bit slacking on the blog front, not much to report. I felt better on Weds and by Friday I was completely back to normal though I am off salsa and similar good for awhile - yuck! Went with two of my friends to The Cheesecake Factory on Saturday - OMG if you know of one and haven't gone...GO NOW!!! The food was great and the cheesecake was AMAZING. I had the Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel, which you can see a picture of on the website if you go to the Menu -> Cheesecakes -> Then click on the picture icon next to the name mmmmmm. Also had a busy day on Friday...updated my wedding blog with the BIG NEWS!!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Been a bit lazy with my blog lately, basically just working and waiting til I go to England in late July :) I was up all night puking and with an upset stomach..I think I have this: Gastroenteritis I think I got it from my niece who I think has had it recently - the little carrier lol. It hasn't been bad today, at least the puking and upset stomach has calmed down..I just feel really weak and tired. Hopefully I'll sleep tonight and feel better in the morning. My ears have been bothering me too (as usual) really should get checked out soon lol. At least its not as bad as my food poisoning from pineapple chicken in July 2001 - that was horrible! Anyway I better end this here before my typing gets funny lol.
Friday, June 03, 2005
New template woohoo. Came across it on Blogskins.com and LOVE IT. Going to add all my links from my other template on here eventually but its late and I'm tired. Been doing my Save the Date's today...after a lot of drama they turned out ok. Only spending out like 35 invites because mostly inviting couple and small families, about 68 ppl so far I think. Anyway best be off...going to David's Bridal like an hour and a half away tomorrow...the quest for bridesmaids dresses begins!