Friday, August 3, 2007

   Michigan ! ^-^
August 1, 2007

Before leaving on our journey to South Haven, my brazen brave feathered friend came to chirp and chatter at me. The little Chickadee twittered when I spoke to him. I was elated to see him before we departed. On our perigrination, I saw 2 3 point bucks and 5 does grazing in Crown Point Cemetary. Apparently, they weren't bothered by the cars whizzing by and they were protected from any possible collisions since fence surrounded them. We saw a few classic cars and hot rods on the way as well. We finally arrived in South Haven, though there was a bit of a detour along the way. Soon as we made to room 205 at the Hampton, we ate at Tello's diner. They had moved from the country to the main drag, which was more convient. The food was sensational. I had spaghetti with cranberries, gorganzola and parmesian would be so incredible !
We finished it off with ice cream from Sherman's afterward. There was an old 50's Ford parked there, cream with a red hard top. It was tantalizing to behold. I finished the night off with a swim, dreaming about whatever auto show that beauty was attending. I would've followed that Ford, but a woman can dream.

August 2, 2007

We took a trip down to the lake, or as my mother teased us "the ocean". There were flocks of seagulls (or more appropriately lake gulls) that were on the beach. I was able to get a picture of one that was rather friendly and cocky gull who walked right up to me and didn't mind me photographing him. I was able to get a photo of a flock of the gulls as well. They were so cute, and so lovely when they sang and cried to one another. I saw a black squirrel that reminded me of Da Hattah from Neurotically Yours. I had never seen one before, but he was black as ebony and bright eyed and bushy-tailed. We bought some souveniers from MacDonald's (the local drugstore), bought chocolates and fudge from the South Bend Chocolate company, I bought a tie die shirt from The Dept Store and we stopped in to see how Ward was doing at Biddy Murphy's. The store is actually named after his mother, who is quite a character from what I have heard. We had eaten at Clementines before our shopping began. Believe it or not, this area had been a bank before it was converted into a restraunt. They have exquisite food. I ate a "Brewery Burger", which was made with a light ale, carmelized onions and mozarella cheese on sourdough bread.
Now that, is a burger lover's reverie. ^_^ We stopped at Sherman's again and I had yellow cake batter with blue moon. Blue moon's like Superman without the yellow and red and has a trace element of cotton candy flavoring. It's probably just vanilla ice cream with blue food coloring. He had bought Georgia Peach for mother, and we made another stop into Biddy's before ending the night. Ward was watching his son play Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Strangely enough I had seen a flier for the play at the Chocolate Store, which was amusing in and of itself. Amy was the Irish woman who was filling in for Ward, though her accent was almost completely gone. She wasn't originally from "the Sod" but born in America. We had a wonderful time chatting with her before we left. Eventually we came back to the hotel and I began reading "The Gift" which was about ESP. I finished it in one sitting. We finished the day off with a rather strange episode of CSI:NY, which was repeat, but beyond that the weekend was stellar and I really enjoyed my time in South Haven again. It proves my theory that most people that live closer to the water are indeed nicer. I would presume it gives them a more laid-back attitude since they can come and go as they please and be one with nature on the water.
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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

   ^_^ So Happy !
Tomorrow I am setting off on an adventure to South Haven, MI.
This will be my third time there, and I am looking forward to going once again. No worries, I will be taking photos and among them will be my baby, Rojo (so you can see what he looks like). The exceptional news I must share with you now is that my mother's fistula is shrinking. It was 2 cm, but it is now 1. This is sensational news as to what was and what is. So long as she keeps taking what she refers to as "the bitter pill with the horrible aftertaste", she'll keep healing. Her next appointment is August 27th. I will keep you updated on her well-being as I have promised.
:D

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Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Exceptional News
Both of mother's reports went stupendously. Monday's was a 5 year check up for her knee, but instead she had her left arm analyzed. She had no troubles, and her bone structure is perfect. She won't have to worry about surgery for 15 years. One couldn't ask for a better diagnosis. Also, her diagnosis today was magnificent. She has a clean bill of health for her bladder and the fistula is healing.
So long as she keeps following the doctor's instructions, she'll be fine. She is planning on going to school for 1 more year ! I cannot fathom my mother's energy and drive to keep working, but I am glad she wishes to do that of her own will.
We are also planning on taking some time off this month since she has to return to taking Flagel (sp) in the coming month. This medication is very powerful and causes her to become nauseous, lose her appetite and feel dizzy so she hates taking it. But it is helping her heal, so she takes it as prescribed. Beyond that, all is well.

One more note about "Waterfall to Another Plane". It won't be published here. You see, I wish for this to become a book someday, and hopefully with some hard work and perserverance it will.
I have currently completed Amnesia, and I will post that on FictionPress soon.

Other Projects:
1. Dib Almighty (IZ fanfic, version of Evan Almighty)
2. A Little Help From a Furry Friend (Ratatouille)
3. Next of Kin (original)
4. A Funny Piece of Herself (script, original, comedy)
5. Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' (script, original, comedy)
6. Go For the Gold (original)
7. King or Queen of the Pirates (One Piece, parody of Pirate Master)
8. Xandra's Treasure (original)
9. Illusions of Grandeur (original)
10. Songlian's Journey (original)
11. Centerfold (original)
12. Plague of the Tigress (Code Lyoko)
13. The Flock Carries On (PSAHF fic)
14. Europe Comes to Radiator Springs (CARS)
15. Foundation of Friendships (Code Lyoko, discusses my theory on the student's pasts, even Millie and Tamiya)

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Saturday, June 23, 2007

   News About Mom
Mother just recieved news that she does indeed have a fistula like we feared. She has been put on medication to cause her to be a little bit more loose in her bowel movements, as well as other medications to help her as well. I'm not certain how long it takes for a fistula to heal, but at least she is going to be alright so long as she follows procedure and goes through with her checkups as planned. Her next appointment is the 11th of July. I'll keep you updated on her. Her spirits are high and she is getting better. As for me I recieved a call from a friend who works for AT&T (whom I filed an application with). I should be hearing from a representative within 2 weeks. If I am interviewed, hopefully I can be hired on the spot and get some insurance for once. Plus, AT&T will reimburse me for college, so this is magnificent news. That's about all that's happening. I can't count my eggs before they hatch, so I am maintaining a positive viewpoint. Thanks for your concern though, it means so much !
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Sunday, June 17, 2007

   And Your F1 Winner Is...
Lewis Hamilton ! LEWIS HAMILTON everyone ! This is immense.
I am not just saying that. For F1, to see a black driver winning (especially a rookie) is monumental. He'll be the one to watch in the future. I actually had a feeling that he would be winning, but I couldn't imagine that my premonition would actually come true ! I had a great time at the F1 and got to see some Ferrari racers up close and personal (the cars, not the drivers). I was able to buy a Ferrari hat for $40 (yes, official merch is EXPENSIVE). Indy may or may not be hosting another Grand Prix, but I hope that we do have the honor of doing so. It's a great way to draw foreigners here as well as some ka-ching. ;) I drank a lot of water since it was a horribly torrid day (we probably broke a record with our unnaturally sweltering weather), but despite that it was great seeing so many interesting people, hearing so many different languages and hearing people around you talk about so many unique experiences. I won't be going to an actual F1 again, but at least I can say I saw one in real-time, as it was occurring. And for a Ferrari fan, I was in Heaven. Pure, pure bliss. Not much more to say, I am one happy fan. :}

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Monday, June 11, 2007

   About Mom

Mother's routine check up turned out to be a bit longer than we wanted but we found out so much in just this one visit. Thinking her problem was caused by radiation, it turns out that her first biopsy was a bit agressive, which caused a bit of displasia. The after-effects of radiation had nothing to do with her trouble. Only after getting a CT scan (and watching my mother grimmace while drinking contrast liquid, which apprently smells like cherries but doesn't taste too great) and having the final results given to us by Dr. Gardener did we know her only kidney is working well and she just has dead cells and gravity working against her. No cancer, and no fistula present. (Thank heaven). She's being put on new meds and every 5 weeks she will have to have treatment at IU, but thankfully the doctors are looking after her. The IU doctors have been nothing but helpful and they are the creme de la creme. Nowhere else have I met such attentive souls that wish to heal in every possible manner.

Also, please keep my new acquaintence in your thoughts and prayers. I just met him today at the hospital, and I never caught his name but he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer (the silent killer for men), and he is on radioactive treatments and hormone injections (his female friend he had along with him to support him), and isn't doing so well. Even though I don't know him, God does, and he'll be remembered. I am certain the doctors at IU can heal this man.

In some bad news, I recieved a rejection letter from the judges of Alice L. Haltom scholarship, but I have others I have entered...We'll see if I am a recipient of one or more. Here's hoping !
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Wednesday, June 6, 2007

   All Is Well
Both dad and mom's appointments went well at their respective doctors. Father had his joints checked and the orthopedic doctor told him that if he had any pain that he might want to consider surgery. Of course, that is always an option, especially considering his knee replacement (He had his knee replaced when he was 21, he's due for a 'tune-up'). But he is doing well, which is grand !
Now mother, she too had a tremendous check up. Apparently, the UTI had been caused by the internal radiation therapy 2 years ago. She's been put on Enablex for her small bladder and frequent trips to the bathroom, so maybe that will help as well. We're just glad she's still clear of cancer (dad was thinking that was a probability, I knew better but didn't say anything). And it looks like I will be applying for a loan this fall for College. I will be taking courses for a Library Science Masters Degree as well as getting some education in computer animation. I realize this is not going to be easy, but it will give me the ability to have more gainful employment and work in a field that will stimulate and edify my mind daily.
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Friday, June 1, 2007

   Bad News, Good News
Bad News
Mother might have cancer. We won't know the results or diagnosis until she has her appointment with the urologist. I'm concerned, but I am remaining calm, cool and levelheaded throughout this. 2 years ago, we had a terrifying encounter in which she had to undergo a complete removal of her uterus and ovaries. The polyp had been contained within her uterus, she underwent IRT (internal radiation therapy) and has been clean for 2 years. No sign of cancer. We just recieved this news recently, but we're keeping optimistic thoughts and maintaining our faith even though the news isn't that comforting.

Father is thinking of getting surgery to his rotator cuff, but we're not sure when he will do it. Once he does, I am afraid he won't go through with physical therapy. He doesn't do many physical things around the house, so seeing him go through with PT is about as likely as a leopard losing its spots.

I still hate my job, but I might be getting promoted. I have been getting daytime hours. I didn't have daytime hours since I had been hired long ago. I just have to keep myself upbeat and do the best I can to prove I can do the job well. (keeps fingers crossed, and does the 'promotion chant')

I am having a bit of trouble gaining money to return to college. I have been accepted to my parent's alma mater (IU), which is the first step in my journey toward higher education but it's getting the means to return that is sticking in my craw. I have already put many applications for scholarships, contests, and grants. I haven't heard anything from anyone...So I am becoming a little anxious. One of them should report to me if I have won...(sigh) Well, that's about it for the time being...

Good News

Formula 1 on June 17th. I will be taking photos, and they will be posted on Deviant Art.
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Friday, May 11, 2007

   Forgive me for not Blogging as much...
I've been busy looking for scholarships and entering contests, applying for grants. It might be a bit difficult for me to get the money to go back to college, but it will be well worth it. I want a better job than the one I have now.
Though I have become a supervisor, it's not what I wish to do for the rest of my life. I've completed the first step of being accepted, I just have to have the money to become enrolled and start educating myself once again.
It'll probably take me 2 years to get my Masters
including 2 years of work (which means a stable job for 2 years, that's always a positive).
I have finished Emma's Children (which is avalible for everyone's entertainment) on Deviantart as well as Fanfiction.net. Other projects that have been completed are Days of Salad and Ranch Dressing, and a few other parodies, artworks, poems, amongst other things that can be checked out at either site and even at FictionPress.com. I am currently working on these...

1. Stars and Stripes (Cars)
2. Movin' On Up (C3K)
3. Something Borrowed, Something Blue (Cars)
4. Amnesia (sci-fi/action script) 5
5. Next of Kin (original)
6. Go For the Gold (original)
7. Illusions of Grandeur (original)
8. Songlian's Journey (original)
9. Xandra's Treasure (original)
10. Life Comes At You Fast (XS)
11. Interview with Alou (IZ)

And, that's about the size of it for now.
My weekend is completely booked. I won't be able to have a suitable Mother's Day until Monday night, but at least it won't be so busy that night and more quiet for a lovely outing.
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Monday, April 9, 2007

   Scrapped Stories
I recently got rid of "Sentinels of the Sentry" and "Project: Chocolate/Vanilla". Neither one was going anywhere and they were rather juvenille. I mean, come on...A tale about the government hoarding all the chocolate and vanilla in an underground vault...stupid. The other one was about who watches over the soldiers in their endeavors during the heat of battle. I couldn't really develop a storyline for that one, so it was deep sixed.
Ah well. I still have these stories in the works...

1) Nada Mas (Nothing More)
2) Emma's Children (Last Mimzy fanfic)
3) Voices From the Past (Kodocha fanfic)
4) For the Love of a Gun (Gunslinger Girl fanfic)
5) Amnesia (sci-fi/adventure script)
6) Days of Salad and Ranch Dressing (romantic comedy script)
7) Xandra's Treasure
8) Illusions of Grandeur
9) LarryLabyrinth (a collab by CrystalGems and myself)
10) Stars and Stripes (CARS)
11) Something Borrowed, Something Blue (CARS)
12) Movin' On Up (C3K)
13) Songlian's Journey
14) A Question of How
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