Tuesday, August 28, 2007

MBTI and Me...

Does anyone know what the MBTI is? MBTI is short for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It is a personality test that was created to determine if you are intraverted, extraverted, etc.

For my homework for my Tuesday-Thursday class, I was to take the test online and bring my results in.

The test can be found on: here. The test is free. Try it and see what you are. There are 72 questions.

And, the results:

ENFJ

E is for extraverted
N is for intuitive (don't know why they don't use I, maybe because I is for intraverted)
F is for feeling
J is for judging

They also gave me 2 sites that explain what these letters mean. (along with we'll be going over the letters Thursday)

First Site
Second Site

Basically, the descriptions say that I'm to be a good teacher. Hmmm. The class this homework was for deals with the theory of teaching composition. Plus, I've already had experience has a teacher, when I taught technology classes and all the technical writing stuff I do now.

Cool!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

P.S. I still have to write about my first day and Cassi's first day (with pictures of Cassi). But, I'll have to wait to do that until Thursday. I'll be on the go tomorrow with court for my friend, then 2 classes and back-to-school night at the elementary school. I won't be done until 11!

Giving Cassi a bath tonight...

made me smell and remember something. As I was washing Cassi's hair, I smelled the bathroom smell with the shampoo and soap in the tub. The smell reminded me of when we would go in the summers to my dad's mom's house for vacation. It had that same smell.

I swear I'm going to get up to Haverhill, MA as soon as possible. I even keep having dreams again about her and the house she lived in.

I swear she's watching out for me.

Okay. Just thought I'd share.

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Thursday, August 23, 2007

MySpace and Facebook...

This is bad news if you've got one of these sites and you work. I just got an email from a Web site called ITproPortal.com. The following story was posted:

Facebook banned by half of employers
'Get yer nose out of that 'Book... '

By Tim Ferguson
Published: Tuesday 21 August 2007

Half of businesses are restricting employees' access to social networking site Facebook, due to concerns about productivity and security.

According to research by security company Sophos, 43 per cent of workers polled said their employer blocks Facebook access completely.

A further seven percent said access is restricted depending on whether it's required for a particular job.

Cheat Sheets
Web 2.0
Mash-ups

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, told silicon.com: "I think it's a growing concern for employers for a number of reasons. The most pressing concern at the moment is one of productivity."

He said: "Some people are spending an inordinate amount of time on non-work related websites."

Cluley added it is difficult to tell when people are using a social networking site when they are at a computer.

The issue of security was also raised by the Sophos research. In a separate poll by the company, 66 per cent of workers said they are concerned about colleagues sharing information on Facebook.

Details such as employment history and mobile numbers have been found on the site and could be used for identity theft or to launch corporate phishing attacks.

Sophos research found 41 per cent of Facebook users are willing to divulge personal information to complete strangers.

Cluley said: "Everyone's just sort of letting it all hang out online without thinking who might be watching."

Facebook told silicon.com it provides users with the ability to hide personal information and "welcomes every opportunity to educate users about how to protect their data online".

Of the 50 per cent of companies that allow access to Facebook, Cluley said some view it as a valuable networking tool while others are nervous about the possibility of an employee backlash to a ban.
__________

So, this is the story. My soapbox moment: All of you who like to blog at work, that might be next.

Anyway, the purpose of this, as you've read, I've got a WONDERFUL step-daughter. Her name will not be changed because she's very guilty. Her name is Nicole. She has a MySpace account. Here is the link:

http://www.myspace.com/samsbabygurl620

"Fuck What U Heard Recognize What U C Bitch" (sorry, that's what it says on her site)

Can you see why I call her what I do? She plays so innocent with Rob (see the following story to realize why she's not: here).

And, I messaged Rob, asking him if I should send a message to her Tuesday night. "Sure, why not? Let me know what you talk about." I asked him because she's told him she's afraid of me. Well, after that day in July, she better be. I was in an accident because I was where I shouldn't have been to get her.

No problem. I send her one message, "Hello, Nicole. How are you?"

No response. I tell him this later in the evening that there was no response. But, low and behold, the minute he messages her, she responds. She tells him she never got the message. Now, with technology the way it is these days (very good), there's no way she didn't get the message. I know she's lying through her teeth. He agrees. She tells him that I should send another message Wednesday (yesterday).

Huh? You know I've sent you a message. It's your turn to respond.

Today, first off, knowing that Rob is working, decides to send him a message at 12:30pm. He worked last night and is working tonight and tomorrow night. Tonight and tomorrow are 12 hour shifts.

This means, he's in bed sleeping. What does she say to him?

"Well, she didn't text me." And he told me. Um. We were a little busy yesterday. He stayed up until 12:30 because we ran out for an errand together before he went to bed. Then, I worked on PTO bills and taxes, then my business, getting things ready for my first craft show. Then, we had company over and Rob went back to bed while company stayed (Dan and Alexis).

I WAS A LITTLE BUSY! She knew I tried to contact her. CALL ME!

I think she's full of SHIT, saying she's afraid of me. It's all just a big game. And her MySpace account proves it. She thinks she's all high and mighty.

Yes, Marie, I'm in a VERY difficult situation. But, it appears Rob is on my side, making him have a difficult position. I think he trusts how I am dealing with her. And believe me, if she lived here, she wouldn't have the freedoms she's got. Nor would I allow her to have things like a cell phone. She would wish she was living somewhere else.

Ok. That's it for my soapbox this evening. Hmm. I'm starting to feel better already. This outpour has been good for my soul.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Being Animated...

Lynda just posted on her blog about becoming a Simpons character. Here's her link so you can see what she looks like:
http://lkscherf.blogspot.com/2007/08/simpsonized.html

Now, don't forget, I got a link from Vegas Princess to allow me to become a South Park character. Here is what I look like: (and got many agreements on what I really look like to the character)
http://cathyasmom.blogspot.com/2006/11/im-animated.html

For those of you who wish to become a South Park character, here is the link: http://www.sp-studio.de/. Go cartoon-ize yourself.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Monday, August 20, 2007

When Your Spouse or Significant Other...

Has friends of the opposite sex.

This was a main story the other day through the main page on Yahoo! It is entitled: Your Friends Scare Me. Read on and you'll start to understand what I've been dealing with for the past 4 months. I am starting to calm down a little about the situation, but the situation is still there. The post below this will have the details of that situation. Names will not be changed to save the guilty.

Read on: web link here

Your Friends Scare Me

Why do I feel threatened by my partner's opposite-sex friends?
By Dr. Scott Haltzman
hitchedmag.com
Updated: Aug 22, 2007

Question: Why do I feel threatened by my partner's opposite-sex friends?

Answer: If your partner is enjoying the company of another person, and that person is someone of the opposite sex from your partner, the answer is pretty obvious: you're worried about your mate becoming sexually attracted to that person, and, well, you know what happens next....

It's quite common for a couple to struggle with the thorny issue of opposite-sex friends. Sometimes the problem arises from one partner refusing to let go of past boyfriends or girlfriends. Individuals who keep the old flames' phone numbers in their contact file believe it doesn't make sense to dispose of the friendship just because the romance fizzled out.

Some opposite-sex relationships spring from the workplace. In many job sites, including the military, men and women work side by side. When put into high-intensity situations, people bond. Some people, even if they're married, think that it's artificial to limit these positive work experiences to the office. They figure that if it feels good to be around their officemate during work, it should feel good spending time together after work as well.

Even though your mate sees lots of good reasons to foster these friendships, you have an even better reason not to: because it threatens your relationship. You're concerned that if your partner has a friendship with a person today, it could grow into a love affair tomorrow. And you have every reason to be concerned.

The Warning Signs

When one individual shares intimacies with another of the opposite sex, they develop a familiarity that binds them closer together. This connection breeds feelings of "specialness" that leaves each with the sense that they have a unique understanding of each other -- one that other people can't appreciate. The big problem with this arrangement is that it excludes you and directs the energies that should be going into your relationship out toward other people.

Your mate may believe that opposite-sex friendships are harmless because his or her friend is married. But that's just dead wrong! Many friendships outside of marriage start as "just friends" and grow closer and more intimate. Because these friendships are so fresh, interesting and compelling, it's not long before the two people involved start to think they are more compatible than their own life partners. It's a small step from that realization to the development of a full-blown affair, and the destruction of a marriage.Do you need to be concerned?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the person someone whom your partner would consider "attractive"?
2. Are they spending time together outside of the office (even for office lunches) when other people are not around?
3. Has your partner excluded this "friend" from your life, either by not telling you when they are meeting, refusing to introduce you, or going into another room to talk on the phone when you are nearby?
4. Does your partner tell you that he or she has the kind of relationship with this friend that you just couldn't understand?

A "yes" to question #1 and any of the other three questions means your partner's friendship may be a threat to your relationship.

If your mate is involved in a special relationship that makes you uncomfortable, don't ignore that feeling. You've got to ask for what you need -- for your mate to end further personal and exclusive friendships with people of the opposite sex. Remember, your partner may not be intending to hurt you, and may honestly feel like there is nothing to worry about. You can help him or her understand your concerns; it may help to read this article together.

Finally, your partner may feel it's rude or unfair to the "friend" to end the exclusivity of the friendship. That may be right, but frankly, not taking action is rude and unfair to you. In all cases, the needs of your relationship outweigh the needs of a friend. After all, you should always be number one on your partner's buddy list.


My personal experience recently has been #1 as a yes and #3. I know he talks to her, even though he doesn't work directly with her anymore. But, he tries to tell me no that he hasn't been talking with her, but the text messaging logs just don't lie. He doesn't want to tell me because I know how she feels about him. (oops, getting into the next entry)

Keep reading with the next entry.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Other Woman

To continue from the above post:

My personal experience recently has been #1 as a yes and #3. I know he talks to her, even though he doesn't work directly with her anymore. But, he tries to tell me no that he hasn't been talking with her, but the text messaging logs just don't lie. He doesn't want to tell me because I know how she feels about him.

This whole problem started when Rob started working at the Cleveland Clinic the first time in April 2006. The first thing I found out about was the last night he worked with this woman, Judy, her and her daughter decided to saran wrap my station wagon. When I'm in school, Rob has the mommy car.

At the time, I thought it was cute, kinda funny. (not now, more to come)

All through the time he was working at the clinic the first time (back there again since the beginning of the month), she would call his cell and call here at the house. She has a foul mouth and leave the messages on the phone. I would let Rob know and that would be it.

The problems started after we got the current phones we've got now. We have Verizon Wireless as our service provider and have been with this about 10 years, when it was Airtough (yep, that long). This past holiday season, we upgraded our phones. Marie got the phone first. But, I always liked seeing her phone. It is the LG theV. It has a REAL keyboard right on the phone. Yes, the phone is a little heavier than most, but I can quickly send text messages, etc. Even though Rob got his phone first, he switched numbers with me so I could have the phone first. The whole reason we got the phone was so I could text Marie. It made it easier. Also, I am able to text Vegas Princess, my sister by proxy. But I digress.

In February-ish, Rob and I tried to get a friendship relationship going with Judy and husband, Al. They came to our house for dinner. Rob also helped them with suggestions for their taxes. Then, we went to their house for dinner. At that dinner, because Rob and Judy smoke, they went to Judy's basement to smoke away from me because I don't smoke. Al decided to kick the idea in my mind about them being an item.

I knew nothing was going on then. But, for the next 2 months, all Rob did was send her text messages. We would be sitting watching a movie because he was off of work, messages would be flying. I called him on it. I couldn't believe how rude he was being. Here we were having some private time together, just the 3 (THREE) of us. So, my mind went back to that dinner at their house. It was so bad for me for almost a month. He actually asked me twice during this time if I wanted a divorce.

This was supposed to be my best month ever. In March, we were married 10 years. He thought I was just being jealous. I know I'm being jealous. This is my husband. AND, to top it off, I know she's in love with him. He's just been too stupid to see it. It's that "I know something" feeling inside that just won't go away.

He just kept telling me that nothing was going on. In April, things calmed down. Kinda. He started working with her again because of issues with the floor he was working on at the clinic. To appease me, he went to work on another of the floors that she didn't work on. But, that didn't matter, she was still working in the same facility as he.

Now, am I freaking out about this whole thing or what? For the past few months, I've been reviewing the text messaging logs from Verizon. You can see them a few days after the bill is ready for the next month. What he's been doing is deleting his messages, not allowing me to know what they are talking about.

I am so glad they don't work together any more. He's back at the clinic, but he still has the capability to text message. He has started to listen to me more lately, but it didn't help when it was supposed to be OUR time.

That time will never return!

I know he loves me and tells me so as often as he can. I am just insecure about this woman and he knows it.

We had this incident about this time a month ago. Not going to go into it. Too personal. At the same time, we were helping our friend, Dan get his bathroom completely renovated. She kept texting him. I was so mad because I did get the messages. He left his phone where I could get it. Messages like, "I'm worried about you." "Why haven't you responded?" "I hope you're drinking." "Call me if you ever need me."

You know, first off, he's not your husband. He's mine. Second, it's none of your business how he's doing. That's MY JOB!

Just because your husband cheated on you (yep, found out in April-May-ish), don't try to take mine! You'll NEVER get him.

See how my summer has been? This and my slut for a step-daughter to deal with.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

The Other Man (from above)...

Just to be frank, I've also got male friends.

There is one guy, we dated shortly before I met Rob. His name is Rick. We've seen each other off and on over the past 10 years, while being married to Rob. I consider him to be my only male friend. I ran into him at the flea market about 2 months ago, when I started my stand there. He was so excited to see me. He's said how I am the only friend out of all his friends he's really got left.

That's usually what happens when people get older. They settle down into closer relationships with fewer people. Besides, I don't think some of his friends were really "there" for him. But, Rob got to see him too. Rob reminded me to give him my business card. It's got my address and phone number on it.

I told him to call me. He actually invited me to his parents' 50th wedding anniversary. His mom was always a "so and so," but always treated me with respect because I enjoyed spending time with her, chatting.

He told me mom was asking about me. He said they talk about me a lot. After having Cassi, I have sent him pictures of her growing up (as I do to all my friends who were around when she was born). He told me he's kept all the letter and pictures I've sent him.

But, as I told him to call me. I've even invited him over for dinner with Rob and I because I would like him to see the house and stuff.

He hasn't called me. My instincts say it's because he was raised to be a gentleman and not to intrude in my personal space. My guess is that he doesn't want Rob to get jealous of my having a male friend.

In the end, I wasn't able to go because he didn't call me to tell me when the party was.

A little sad, but understandable.

Unlike Rob's friend, my friends respect my personal space and family.

Ok. That's it for now on this subject. Remember, this is just between us.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Friday, August 17, 2007

An Apology...

Just want to send a quick message to all my blog friends and family.

My apology for not being "here" lately. So much has been going on in my life right now. I just don't feel like myself. Hopefully I get back to being "me" before school starts, which happens to be August 27. And before Cassi starts school too.

I will try to recap everyone with the famous, "What I did for summer vacation" story before school starts.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ (