VERY BAAAAAADDDD........
Okay, folks. I've been very bad about keeping up with my blog. But, I have good reason. Since my last post, lots has happened in my house.
I had to focus on my college classes. I had two, but they were both writing-intensive. It was Media Writing and Introduction to Poetry. For those of you who remember, this was my first semester back in college in 13 years. Well, the results are in!
Media Writing: A
Introduction to Poetry: B+
So, my GPA is: 3.65! I have NEVER had a 3.65 GPA in my entire educational career!
Also, during this time, I ended up chairing for Cassi's school, Teacher Appreciation Week. I had a team of 8 moms who helped. That week, coincidentally, occuring during my finals week at school was May 8-12. Every day, we either had breakfast or gifts or lunch for the teachers. They were all so very surprised. The reason is that the group is the Parent-Teacher Club. Well, as the chair, I didn't want any of the teachers to be involved. Because the gifts were for them, I wanted them to be completely surprised. The head of the group told me she was getting thank yous from the other teachers for the good work that was done. She told me that she had to tell them they had nothing to do with the gifts. She was just as surprised as they were.
With that, I am now in my summer semester. Because I started in the Spring, I was eligible for financial aid for summer. So, I took it. My classes are 6-weeks long. AND, I am taking Creative Writing and Priciples of Public Relations. Both classes are going to be a BEAR!
Here's my work load for Creative Writing: one 12-14 page screenplay, two short-short stories 1-3 pages, two non-fiction stories 1-3 pages, 4 form poems (sestina, villanelle, rondeau/trioloet/pantoum, and portrait poem), 8 in-class writing assignments, and 2-pages per day journals. My final is the memorization of a 20+ line poem that will be videotaped. It appears my experience in communications will help with this class. For my screenplay, I have to use my camcorder to record it or still photos. Also, we have reading to do from SIX books. AND, as a group, we have a group portfolio of everyone's works for a class assignment. I'm glad I'm not working.
Now, for my Public Relations class. As a group of 3-4, we have to determine an industry to create a group presentation. This is 40% of our grade. There will be RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. So, it appears every waking moment will be doing homework. Cassi will not like me once she is done with school. She'll be wanting to continually go places, but I won't be able to until the end of June. I'll make sure she's busy the entire time.
Okay. That's it for now. Since I have to keep a journal for Creative Writing, I'm going to add it here. You'll get to see what I'm doing and what's going on for the next 6 weeks. It's school-centered, but it also talks about my personal life too.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
I'm a Baby...
That's what my husband said. Because I don't know how to share. It is my house; it is my phone; it is my television.
Day 2. I like to have things a certain way. I'm anal and proud of it. I don't want anyone answering my phone but Rob or I. When I want to watch tv, I only want to share with Rob.
That's how it's always been.
So, I just have to grin and bear it. I have to do my "wifely" duties, even though I don't want to. Sorry, can't go into details.
Bottom line is, my family is awesome and his family sucks!
Cathy
That's what my husband said. Because I don't know how to share. It is my house; it is my phone; it is my television.
Day 2. I like to have things a certain way. I'm anal and proud of it. I don't want anyone answering my phone but Rob or I. When I want to watch tv, I only want to share with Rob.
That's how it's always been.
So, I just have to grin and bear it. I have to do my "wifely" duties, even though I don't want to. Sorry, can't go into details.
Bottom line is, my family is awesome and his family sucks!
Cathy
Sunday, April 09, 2006
I'm a Control Freak...
I know that I am a Type-A personality. I'm always on the go. My tag-line has always been, "I go-go-g0, but when I stop, I drop."
Today started out like a pretty good day. Then again, maybe not, not that I think of it.
All of you know I like to write. But, my writing comes at the last minute, when things are due.
Today, I had an English paper to put into a final draft. Usually, I would have waited until now to even start the paper that is due tomorrow.
I'm done already. I finished it at noon. That should have told me something was wrong.
Cassi was at Pa's overnight. Because Pa and Nana got sick, they couldn't see her for the past few weeks. Not that they won't get her again on Thursday for 9 days while she is on Easter break.
When we went to pick Cassi up, I had a few errands to run. First, we had newspapers to take to the school for recycling. They get the money to use for the school. Good idea! While there, I also had to take pictures for Teacher Appreciation Week. We are using the logo in creative documents we are giving to the teachers that week. Then, Rob needed to see where he was supposed to park tomorrow on his first day of his new job at the Cleveland Clinic. Finally, I am going to Fox 8 TV on Wednesday for my Journalism class and needed to know how to get there myself.
I was happy-go-lucky the whole time away from home. It changed when we got home. I got very upset. Don't know why. Rob was asking me why, but I didn't want to tell him. Instead of trying to get me to tell him, he walked away. Making me further upset.
We haven't talked the rest of night, except to bicker. The only thing I can say is that I'm having one of my depressive episodes. I'm also having a "it's mine" episode too. So, I'm very sad right now and took a pill to help me get over this overnight.
No, Marie, don't call. I hope to be better tomorrow.
Thanks for listening.
Cathy
8^ (
I know that I am a Type-A personality. I'm always on the go. My tag-line has always been, "I go-go-g0, but when I stop, I drop."
Today started out like a pretty good day. Then again, maybe not, not that I think of it.
All of you know I like to write. But, my writing comes at the last minute, when things are due.
Today, I had an English paper to put into a final draft. Usually, I would have waited until now to even start the paper that is due tomorrow.
I'm done already. I finished it at noon. That should have told me something was wrong.
Cassi was at Pa's overnight. Because Pa and Nana got sick, they couldn't see her for the past few weeks. Not that they won't get her again on Thursday for 9 days while she is on Easter break.
When we went to pick Cassi up, I had a few errands to run. First, we had newspapers to take to the school for recycling. They get the money to use for the school. Good idea! While there, I also had to take pictures for Teacher Appreciation Week. We are using the logo in creative documents we are giving to the teachers that week. Then, Rob needed to see where he was supposed to park tomorrow on his first day of his new job at the Cleveland Clinic. Finally, I am going to Fox 8 TV on Wednesday for my Journalism class and needed to know how to get there myself.
I was happy-go-lucky the whole time away from home. It changed when we got home. I got very upset. Don't know why. Rob was asking me why, but I didn't want to tell him. Instead of trying to get me to tell him, he walked away. Making me further upset.
We haven't talked the rest of night, except to bicker. The only thing I can say is that I'm having one of my depressive episodes. I'm also having a "it's mine" episode too. So, I'm very sad right now and took a pill to help me get over this overnight.
No, Marie, don't call. I hope to be better tomorrow.
Thanks for listening.
Cathy
8^ (
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Marie, eat your heart out!
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. Any of the older topics will most likely get discussed as I am writing these topics above.
- My history with depression
- Why I'm going back to school (the work-thing and the family/home-thing go in this)
- My parents
- My sister
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )
P.S. Any of the older topics will most likely get discussed as I am writing these topics above.
My Weight...Part 2 (don't forget to start with Part 1)
All through high school I had a very difficult time finding clothes, shoes, etc.
After high school, I went to college for a year in Philadelphia. I did have one boyfriend there, but it was nothing, just a small fling.
All that time, my priority was being in school. I think because of my weight issues, I focused a lot on school.
From 1990 until 1993, I worked and went to school and just stayed to myself. On a trip to Washington, D.C. I met Jason Birzer, who I am not with today. (separate story too)
In 1993, we moved here to Cleveland, OH. Just after, I started working for Ernst & Young. About a year after starting, my boss asked me if I would like to learn how to program in Lotus Notes. Sure, why not!? They paid for it. During those four months, I lost 40 pounds. I was so happy with myself. There was this guy I was working with. Because I had been losing so much weight, I started dressing classy-er with heels and dresses. One day, I passed by him, getting off the elevator, while he was getting on. He stopped and got back off the elevator. He couldn't believe how good I had looked because he hadn't seen me in a few months (travel schedules didn't mesh). He only realized it was me when he looked at my eyes.
Well, let's just say he REALLY made my day that day. I wish I had that dress to use when I can get back into it again.
Then I started traveling. I had an opportunity to travel and do technology work for the firm. When I did, we spent every evening eating out at restaurants or having dinner at banquest facilities. Well, I gained the weight back on. I've gained it ever since.
In 1999, I became pregnant with Cassi, my life and joy. In the beginning, I lost 20 pounds. My OB said that he didn't care if I lost weight the entire time, as long as Cassi was healthy. But, low and behold, I gained the 20 back and 15 more to boot.
I am very scared now. Rob says that I am currently sliding toward the 400+ weight. I don't know how to stop. Yes, I know keeping active helps. But, there has to be something more.
I'm scared because I want to live until after Rob (joke). But, I want to live a full life. I am going to try LA Weightloss Center because it seems the best for me right now. It's a weight loss program that teaches you how to cook and eat right.
The bottom line is, if I don't get the weight down, that's it for me. I know I make it all sound like a joke, but it's not. I think if I think about it too much more, I'll cry.
Plus, it's 11:30pm on a school night for me. Time to go to bed.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ (
All through high school I had a very difficult time finding clothes, shoes, etc.
After high school, I went to college for a year in Philadelphia. I did have one boyfriend there, but it was nothing, just a small fling.
All that time, my priority was being in school. I think because of my weight issues, I focused a lot on school.
From 1990 until 1993, I worked and went to school and just stayed to myself. On a trip to Washington, D.C. I met Jason Birzer, who I am not with today. (separate story too)
In 1993, we moved here to Cleveland, OH. Just after, I started working for Ernst & Young. About a year after starting, my boss asked me if I would like to learn how to program in Lotus Notes. Sure, why not!? They paid for it. During those four months, I lost 40 pounds. I was so happy with myself. There was this guy I was working with. Because I had been losing so much weight, I started dressing classy-er with heels and dresses. One day, I passed by him, getting off the elevator, while he was getting on. He stopped and got back off the elevator. He couldn't believe how good I had looked because he hadn't seen me in a few months (travel schedules didn't mesh). He only realized it was me when he looked at my eyes.
Well, let's just say he REALLY made my day that day. I wish I had that dress to use when I can get back into it again.
Then I started traveling. I had an opportunity to travel and do technology work for the firm. When I did, we spent every evening eating out at restaurants or having dinner at banquest facilities. Well, I gained the weight back on. I've gained it ever since.
In 1999, I became pregnant with Cassi, my life and joy. In the beginning, I lost 20 pounds. My OB said that he didn't care if I lost weight the entire time, as long as Cassi was healthy. But, low and behold, I gained the 20 back and 15 more to boot.
I am very scared now. Rob says that I am currently sliding toward the 400+ weight. I don't know how to stop. Yes, I know keeping active helps. But, there has to be something more.
I'm scared because I want to live until after Rob (joke). But, I want to live a full life. I am going to try LA Weightloss Center because it seems the best for me right now. It's a weight loss program that teaches you how to cook and eat right.
The bottom line is, if I don't get the weight down, that's it for me. I know I make it all sound like a joke, but it's not. I think if I think about it too much more, I'll cry.
Plus, it's 11:30pm on a school night for me. Time to go to bed.
Love to all,
Cathy
8^ (
My Weight...
Okay. I'm about to discuss an item on my list, AND IT'S A HUGE ONE!
All of my life, I have dealt with weight problems, but mostly from fourth grade on. I have school pictures that show how chubby I was. I don't even remember how it all happened.
I remember, we used to have snack time each morning in first grade. Mom would pack me twinkies. I always remember Laura Colby (if you're reading, I still remember you!) bringing in white American cheese. I also remember always switching the twinkies for the cheese.
I do remember not being very active. I just wasn't interested in playing outside, even though mom would always say, go outside and play. There were kids in the neighborhood, but I just didn't think I belonged.
But, until fourth grade, my mom was home with me. I learned about soap operas and watch them to this day (yep, over 20 years of experience!).
Come fifth grade, I was already wearing a bra, which I don't think anyone else was at that time. I realized at that point that, even though I knew a lot of people, I didn't have many friends. Even the person I thought was my best friend I just wasn't sure about.
So, all through high school, I gained weight. I didn't have one boyfriend; I didn't attend the prom, homecoming, or any other boy-girl date dances. But, I had LOTS of friends, male and female. None of the boys wanted to date me.
I know I dealt with a lot of depression in high school (different blog story). There would be a new guy that I was attracted to. I would approach this guy of my intentions, that I was interested in going out with him, even if we went dutch. But, everytime the guy shot me down. I would go home and cry for a day or more. After I cried, I was fine. I usually ended up being friends with the guys. I figured I might as well be friends. I think at that time, I learned how to deal with depression.
Right after high school, I started having my first of three knee surgeries on my right knee. Well, being even more inactive due to surgery didn't help. Right now, it's not helping me either.
...more to come.
Okay. I'm about to discuss an item on my list, AND IT'S A HUGE ONE!
All of my life, I have dealt with weight problems, but mostly from fourth grade on. I have school pictures that show how chubby I was. I don't even remember how it all happened.
I remember, we used to have snack time each morning in first grade. Mom would pack me twinkies. I always remember Laura Colby (if you're reading, I still remember you!) bringing in white American cheese. I also remember always switching the twinkies for the cheese.
I do remember not being very active. I just wasn't interested in playing outside, even though mom would always say, go outside and play. There were kids in the neighborhood, but I just didn't think I belonged.
But, until fourth grade, my mom was home with me. I learned about soap operas and watch them to this day (yep, over 20 years of experience!).
Come fifth grade, I was already wearing a bra, which I don't think anyone else was at that time. I realized at that point that, even though I knew a lot of people, I didn't have many friends. Even the person I thought was my best friend I just wasn't sure about.
So, all through high school, I gained weight. I didn't have one boyfriend; I didn't attend the prom, homecoming, or any other boy-girl date dances. But, I had LOTS of friends, male and female. None of the boys wanted to date me.
I know I dealt with a lot of depression in high school (different blog story). There would be a new guy that I was attracted to. I would approach this guy of my intentions, that I was interested in going out with him, even if we went dutch. But, everytime the guy shot me down. I would go home and cry for a day or more. After I cried, I was fine. I usually ended up being friends with the guys. I figured I might as well be friends. I think at that time, I learned how to deal with depression.
Right after high school, I started having my first of three knee surgeries on my right knee. Well, being even more inactive due to surgery didn't help. Right now, it's not helping me either.
...more to come.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
My Trip to the Plain Dealer...
Okay, almost two weeks since my last post. I dropped my math class. Yep, I did. I thought I was passing, but didn't really know. So, I took the withdraw (W). Since I transferred into the college with math credits, and I'm really only .7 credits short (that's point 7), I'm going to try to petition for them to give me the credit.
Even though I'm down to two classes, my class load seems to have grown, mostly from my Media Writing (AKA Journalism). In the past month, we have been doing all kind of writing assignments. There was the "Man on the Street" interviews. We had a columnist from The Plain Dealer, John Campanelli, come in. He gave us a presentation and we asked him questions for a news story. Then, Thom Greer, retired Senior Vice President of The Plain Dealer, who basically did the same thing for us. However, with this story, the best news story would be published in the student Communication's Department Laboratory newspaper. Guess what? I was that story. The story is going to be published this week. I think it was due, in part, because I did extra research after to get extra information about him for the story. Plus, I was so excited to meet someone who's here, who's from my home state. He grew up in Pt. Pleasant (08742), New Jersey. Plus, he started out in news at the Trenton Times; a newspaper that we read regularly while growing up. I'll post the news story after it's been published.
On March 22, we took a field trip to Euclid, Ohio and met the mayor, Mayor Bill Cervenik. We held the meeting like a news conference, and, of course, did a news story about the news conference. After we got the stories back, my grade was 9.5 out of a possible 10 points. We discussed the information from the news conference. Someone tried to tell me that my facts were not correct. Because I've been tape recording the projects, I went back to my tape to prove I was right. Plus, I've been recording the projects to get accurate quotes for my news stories. EXCELLENT OPTION!
So, this past Friday, we took another field trip to The Plain Dealer. For those of you who might not know of the newspaper, it's the main newspaper for Cleveland, Ohio. We had an opportunity to sit in on their 4 p.m. Editor's Meeting. This meeting determines what stories will be on the front page of the first section of the newspaper for the next morning. They also showed photos and decided which stories could wait a day or two.
They went around the room and talked about the different segments of the newspaper. There was a story that was going to be on the front page, that also had additional information and photo slide show on their website, www.cleveland.com. They turned to us as visitors and asked if we had ever viewed additional information like that on their website. One of the editors argued that they wouldn't know about the slide show until they read the newspaper. Well, he asked again. Plus, he asked us how the website worked for us, were we able to search, etc.
I told him that I've never seen slide shows or anything like that from the website. Plus, it was very difficult to search. I had however been able to find information I was looking for by doing a "google" search (but I use Yahoo!). I had been able to find pages through Yahoo!, but was unable to find them directly through cleveland.com. The website really SUCKS for search capabilities. He didn't like that answer. But, one of the editors also agreed with what I said about search capabilities.
Then, he asked us if any of us were journalism majors. There were five of us from class. Because not all of us could go, the instructor gave us 3 extra credit points for going. Anyway, we all said no. I elaborated that, No, I wasn't a journalism major, but I was an English major. I guess he was really offended because he grunted and dropped the entire subject. That was it for talking with the editors.
The whole point of going was a networking opportunity for us. They were supposed to be giving us their business cards for coming for when we graduated. Well, I bit my tongue, which I should not have done, in hindsight. After, I told my instructor that I wanted to tell him that just because I was an English major doesn't mean that I didn't like to write. I love to write, ANYTHING. That's why you all live through my funky blog posts. But, I'm also getting A's in this class because I do like to write. The instructor told us we should have argued back to get them to listen to us. I just figured I was showing respect. GUESS I WAS WRONG!
Okay. Gotta go for now. I've got lots to do and about an hour to do it in. Rob goes tomorrow morning to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for his prestart date HR stuff and medical stuff. So, I've got to get up early, plus get Cassi and I ready for schools.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay, almost two weeks since my last post. I dropped my math class. Yep, I did. I thought I was passing, but didn't really know. So, I took the withdraw (W). Since I transferred into the college with math credits, and I'm really only .7 credits short (that's point 7), I'm going to try to petition for them to give me the credit.
Even though I'm down to two classes, my class load seems to have grown, mostly from my Media Writing (AKA Journalism). In the past month, we have been doing all kind of writing assignments. There was the "Man on the Street" interviews. We had a columnist from The Plain Dealer, John Campanelli, come in. He gave us a presentation and we asked him questions for a news story. Then, Thom Greer, retired Senior Vice President of The Plain Dealer, who basically did the same thing for us. However, with this story, the best news story would be published in the student Communication's Department Laboratory newspaper. Guess what? I was that story. The story is going to be published this week. I think it was due, in part, because I did extra research after to get extra information about him for the story. Plus, I was so excited to meet someone who's here, who's from my home state. He grew up in Pt. Pleasant (08742), New Jersey. Plus, he started out in news at the Trenton Times; a newspaper that we read regularly while growing up. I'll post the news story after it's been published.
On March 22, we took a field trip to Euclid, Ohio and met the mayor, Mayor Bill Cervenik. We held the meeting like a news conference, and, of course, did a news story about the news conference. After we got the stories back, my grade was 9.5 out of a possible 10 points. We discussed the information from the news conference. Someone tried to tell me that my facts were not correct. Because I've been tape recording the projects, I went back to my tape to prove I was right. Plus, I've been recording the projects to get accurate quotes for my news stories. EXCELLENT OPTION!
So, this past Friday, we took another field trip to The Plain Dealer. For those of you who might not know of the newspaper, it's the main newspaper for Cleveland, Ohio. We had an opportunity to sit in on their 4 p.m. Editor's Meeting. This meeting determines what stories will be on the front page of the first section of the newspaper for the next morning. They also showed photos and decided which stories could wait a day or two.
They went around the room and talked about the different segments of the newspaper. There was a story that was going to be on the front page, that also had additional information and photo slide show on their website, www.cleveland.com. They turned to us as visitors and asked if we had ever viewed additional information like that on their website. One of the editors argued that they wouldn't know about the slide show until they read the newspaper. Well, he asked again. Plus, he asked us how the website worked for us, were we able to search, etc.
I told him that I've never seen slide shows or anything like that from the website. Plus, it was very difficult to search. I had however been able to find information I was looking for by doing a "google" search (but I use Yahoo!). I had been able to find pages through Yahoo!, but was unable to find them directly through cleveland.com. The website really SUCKS for search capabilities. He didn't like that answer. But, one of the editors also agreed with what I said about search capabilities.
Then, he asked us if any of us were journalism majors. There were five of us from class. Because not all of us could go, the instructor gave us 3 extra credit points for going. Anyway, we all said no. I elaborated that, No, I wasn't a journalism major, but I was an English major. I guess he was really offended because he grunted and dropped the entire subject. That was it for talking with the editors.
The whole point of going was a networking opportunity for us. They were supposed to be giving us their business cards for coming for when we graduated. Well, I bit my tongue, which I should not have done, in hindsight. After, I told my instructor that I wanted to tell him that just because I was an English major doesn't mean that I didn't like to write. I love to write, ANYTHING. That's why you all live through my funky blog posts. But, I'm also getting A's in this class because I do like to write. The instructor told us we should have argued back to get them to listen to us. I just figured I was showing respect. GUESS I WAS WRONG!
Okay. Gotta go for now. I've got lots to do and about an hour to do it in. Rob goes tomorrow morning to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for his prestart date HR stuff and medical stuff. So, I've got to get up early, plus get Cassi and I ready for schools.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Monday, March 20, 2006
New Template
Okay, friends! I've changed my template. I didn't like the "all pink" hues of my blog before today! So, I changed it. I'm much more the blues and greys kind of girl. I'm much more subdued, like this template I found.
Last week was Spring Break for me. Cassi still had school. I was STILL married. So, last week was about trying to catch up on laundry, dishes, etc. Stuff that I have to do EVERYDAY anyway. Let's just say, I really did housework last week.
Plus, even though I had a WHOLE WEEK to do homework, did I? You got it! Nope! I didn't start homework until Friday. Plus, Rob was off a few days while I was, so I wanted to spend time with him.
For those of you who don't remember, we had our 9th anniversary on 3/14. I made dinner, but can't remember what?
I'm working right now on brain burnout. We got back a news story that we wrote before break. A man came in to visit us and answer our questions. He was retired from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. My story was picked to be published this week.
There is a lab newspaper that is published weekly for Journalism students at Cleveland State University. Our instructor is the faculty advisor for this newspaper. Of course, he was us in the Media Writing class to have one story published. I had to come home today with some minor changes for the paper. I've been going non-stop since I walked in the door.
I, picked up Cassi from school at 3:15, came home and cooked dinner (home-made burgers and onion rings), remanipulated my story and emailed it back to my instructor, and then have been getting everything ready for tomorrow.
On Tuesday, I have to head to Mayfield, which is east of downtown Cleveland, to meet with our speaker and take a few pictures for the story that will be running this week. Then, I am going to school on my day off to meet with someone in carrer services, talk with someone in the library, and finish my story for this week's publication.
So, for a day off of school, I've got lots to do! And that's not all my housecleaning that I usually do on Tuesday's.
Plus, Wednesday, we head to Euclid City Hall for a press conference with the Mayor. Euclid is also a suburb east of downtown Cleveland. This is a news story of Journalism. I've got a meeting with the department chair of the History Department on Thursday for a story for my beat in Journalism.
Then, I've got my second English paper due in first draft next Monday. This is where the library comes into play. I haven't had to do citing of sources in an English paper in 13 years. I have to now. The professor called it MA citing, which I know nothing about. It's probably something I did over a decade ago, but it was called something else then.
Okay. My brain is FRIED. I need to close this for now.
Love to all,
Cathy
Okay, friends! I've changed my template. I didn't like the "all pink" hues of my blog before today! So, I changed it. I'm much more the blues and greys kind of girl. I'm much more subdued, like this template I found.
Last week was Spring Break for me. Cassi still had school. I was STILL married. So, last week was about trying to catch up on laundry, dishes, etc. Stuff that I have to do EVERYDAY anyway. Let's just say, I really did housework last week.
Plus, even though I had a WHOLE WEEK to do homework, did I? You got it! Nope! I didn't start homework until Friday. Plus, Rob was off a few days while I was, so I wanted to spend time with him.
For those of you who don't remember, we had our 9th anniversary on 3/14. I made dinner, but can't remember what?
I'm working right now on brain burnout. We got back a news story that we wrote before break. A man came in to visit us and answer our questions. He was retired from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. My story was picked to be published this week.
There is a lab newspaper that is published weekly for Journalism students at Cleveland State University. Our instructor is the faculty advisor for this newspaper. Of course, he was us in the Media Writing class to have one story published. I had to come home today with some minor changes for the paper. I've been going non-stop since I walked in the door.
I, picked up Cassi from school at 3:15, came home and cooked dinner (home-made burgers and onion rings), remanipulated my story and emailed it back to my instructor, and then have been getting everything ready for tomorrow.
On Tuesday, I have to head to Mayfield, which is east of downtown Cleveland, to meet with our speaker and take a few pictures for the story that will be running this week. Then, I am going to school on my day off to meet with someone in carrer services, talk with someone in the library, and finish my story for this week's publication.
So, for a day off of school, I've got lots to do! And that's not all my housecleaning that I usually do on Tuesday's.
Plus, Wednesday, we head to Euclid City Hall for a press conference with the Mayor. Euclid is also a suburb east of downtown Cleveland. This is a news story of Journalism. I've got a meeting with the department chair of the History Department on Thursday for a story for my beat in Journalism.
Then, I've got my second English paper due in first draft next Monday. This is where the library comes into play. I haven't had to do citing of sources in an English paper in 13 years. I have to now. The professor called it MA citing, which I know nothing about. It's probably something I did over a decade ago, but it was called something else then.
Okay. My brain is FRIED. I need to close this for now.
Love to all,
Cathy
Sunday, March 05, 2006
New and updated list...
- My history with depression
- Why I'm going back to school (the work-thing and the family/home-thing go in this)
- My parents
- My weight issues...
- My sister (Marie, you're now #5!)
Okay, here's my updated list of specific topics I want to cover. Don't know how long it will take to cover them, but these are it. Yep, Marie, you're moving up the ladder. Maybe I'll talk about you next this week!
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Rob and I, continued....
So, Rob answered my add just after Valentine's Day. He stated to me that he didn't live half way across the world and wanted to get to know me. I replied directly to his email address through my work address. At the time, my email was cathy.valliere at ey.com. From this email, he was able to look me up through the internet and call my apartment. I was shocked and excited as well. Who was this guy who was so worried about me because of my email address and called? He said he was concerned because Ernst & Young (who I worked for at the time) used our full first and last names in our email address. I never saw any problem.
Anyway, we spent the first week getting to know each other through email and the phone. Also, that same week, instead of working in our downtown Cleveland offices, I was working at our training facility in Middleburg Heights. Within a few days, he calls me and tells me that he sent a surprise to me at work! Well, I was so excited, but also sad. I had never gotten anything at work, but all the other girls there did! So, he had to get off the phone and re-route my package to my apartment. When I got home, at my front door was a half dozen red roses. I was so excited to see them! My neighbor was so jealous. She brought in the roses because they had been left outside at the side door.
That next weekend, we had our first date. He took me to Lone Star Steakhouse and to see The Empire Strikes Back! Yes, folks. I am a Star Wars buff. When he came to pick me up, the first thing I did was give him a hug. I love to hug people, so this is what I would have done. He was so shocked. The next day, I had a tremendous amount of laundry to do. So, I told him to come over. I would cook him dinner, and we would have date 2 at my house. Since my parents lived across the street, my laundry went there where I could wash it for free! (such luck!) We went up stairs, and Rob met my parents. On date 2, we discussed the idea of getting married. I figured, "What the heck!" I felt like it. It sounded like a good idea!
That next Wednesday, Rob came over and spent the night. In the parking lot of my apartment building, there was only room for three cars. So, my car (oh yeah! A month after I dropped Jason, I went out and bought my own first car! A saturn!) went across the street to my grandfather's parking lot. You see, my parents live in the same building with my grandfather, his business on the first floor and two apartments on the second. The next day, I went to retrieve my car. I went upstairs to say hello to mom and dad.
Dad says to me, "I see you had company last night!"
Was I embarrassed as heck or what!? I replied yep. Not much to say here!
Dad says to me again, "Where did you meet him?" Where I replied on the Internet. He says, "Oh, you have to watch those guys on the Internet. Remember, if you look in the trunk of his car and find a bowl and some flakes, RUN LIKE HELL! He's a Cereal Killer!"
Oh, my god! My dad just busted on Rob! Okay, here's the deal. If my dad likes you, he picks on you. In the four years I dated Jason, he didn't once pick on Jason. So, I just knew that my dad approved of Rob. Believe me, Rob and my dad are completely the SAME!
After that, I started staying at Rob's apartment and commuting into town to work. Rob lived in Elyria, about a half hour from my apartment.
We got married on March 14, 1997! We're coming up to our ninth wedding anniversary. It has been good times and bad ever since. Mom and dad treat Rob like their missing son! Go figure!
When my parents found out we were getting married, they were cool with it. Rob's parents wanted to disown him. With or without their approval, we got married. It was a civil ceremony, in front of a judge. The whole thing took five minutes. My mom came to the ceremony; then we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner! Rob's mom was very jealous because at first my mom wasn't going to be there because of a dentist appointment. At the last minute, she rescheduled the appointment and went. Well, we didn't call his mom to tell her of my mom's change of plans, which further pissed her off.
Oh, well!
The week after we got married, I had to take my first-ever major business trip. I had to go to Phoenix for 10 days. While I was away, Rob and my dad moved all my JUNK from my apartment to his. What a site when I got back, jet-lagged and exhausted! Just about ALL my stuff was in a separate storage room, where I had to make heads or tails of the stuff. My stove, tv, and bed all went to my mom. The two dressers I had went to an antique dealer.
Remember all those emails Rob sent me? Well, I still have them to this day! For those of you who don't know, we are a family of 3. It's Rob, me, and our daughter, Cassi. Plus, the adopted cat, Charlie. That's all we need.
All my life, growing up, I admantly denied that I would ever have a family. I didn't want to get married, just have a career. Of course, I didn't want kids. But, Cassi is a hoot! She can be a real PITA (pain in the a**). But, she can also be so much fun. You can see all the wonder that is going on in her brain.
Okay, enough of that for now, I have to get back to my English paper. I've got the final due tomorrow. I had to analyze a poem. Of course, I do things at the last minute, but it's done so well.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
So, Rob answered my add just after Valentine's Day. He stated to me that he didn't live half way across the world and wanted to get to know me. I replied directly to his email address through my work address. At the time, my email was cathy.valliere at ey.com. From this email, he was able to look me up through the internet and call my apartment. I was shocked and excited as well. Who was this guy who was so worried about me because of my email address and called? He said he was concerned because Ernst & Young (who I worked for at the time) used our full first and last names in our email address. I never saw any problem.
Anyway, we spent the first week getting to know each other through email and the phone. Also, that same week, instead of working in our downtown Cleveland offices, I was working at our training facility in Middleburg Heights. Within a few days, he calls me and tells me that he sent a surprise to me at work! Well, I was so excited, but also sad. I had never gotten anything at work, but all the other girls there did! So, he had to get off the phone and re-route my package to my apartment. When I got home, at my front door was a half dozen red roses. I was so excited to see them! My neighbor was so jealous. She brought in the roses because they had been left outside at the side door.
That next weekend, we had our first date. He took me to Lone Star Steakhouse and to see The Empire Strikes Back! Yes, folks. I am a Star Wars buff. When he came to pick me up, the first thing I did was give him a hug. I love to hug people, so this is what I would have done. He was so shocked. The next day, I had a tremendous amount of laundry to do. So, I told him to come over. I would cook him dinner, and we would have date 2 at my house. Since my parents lived across the street, my laundry went there where I could wash it for free! (such luck!) We went up stairs, and Rob met my parents. On date 2, we discussed the idea of getting married. I figured, "What the heck!" I felt like it. It sounded like a good idea!
That next Wednesday, Rob came over and spent the night. In the parking lot of my apartment building, there was only room for three cars. So, my car (oh yeah! A month after I dropped Jason, I went out and bought my own first car! A saturn!) went across the street to my grandfather's parking lot. You see, my parents live in the same building with my grandfather, his business on the first floor and two apartments on the second. The next day, I went to retrieve my car. I went upstairs to say hello to mom and dad.
Dad says to me, "I see you had company last night!"
Was I embarrassed as heck or what!? I replied yep. Not much to say here!
Dad says to me again, "Where did you meet him?" Where I replied on the Internet. He says, "Oh, you have to watch those guys on the Internet. Remember, if you look in the trunk of his car and find a bowl and some flakes, RUN LIKE HELL! He's a Cereal Killer!"
Oh, my god! My dad just busted on Rob! Okay, here's the deal. If my dad likes you, he picks on you. In the four years I dated Jason, he didn't once pick on Jason. So, I just knew that my dad approved of Rob. Believe me, Rob and my dad are completely the SAME!
After that, I started staying at Rob's apartment and commuting into town to work. Rob lived in Elyria, about a half hour from my apartment.
We got married on March 14, 1997! We're coming up to our ninth wedding anniversary. It has been good times and bad ever since. Mom and dad treat Rob like their missing son! Go figure!
When my parents found out we were getting married, they were cool with it. Rob's parents wanted to disown him. With or without their approval, we got married. It was a civil ceremony, in front of a judge. The whole thing took five minutes. My mom came to the ceremony; then we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner! Rob's mom was very jealous because at first my mom wasn't going to be there because of a dentist appointment. At the last minute, she rescheduled the appointment and went. Well, we didn't call his mom to tell her of my mom's change of plans, which further pissed her off.
Oh, well!
The week after we got married, I had to take my first-ever major business trip. I had to go to Phoenix for 10 days. While I was away, Rob and my dad moved all my JUNK from my apartment to his. What a site when I got back, jet-lagged and exhausted! Just about ALL my stuff was in a separate storage room, where I had to make heads or tails of the stuff. My stove, tv, and bed all went to my mom. The two dressers I had went to an antique dealer.
Remember all those emails Rob sent me? Well, I still have them to this day! For those of you who don't know, we are a family of 3. It's Rob, me, and our daughter, Cassi. Plus, the adopted cat, Charlie. That's all we need.
All my life, growing up, I admantly denied that I would ever have a family. I didn't want to get married, just have a career. Of course, I didn't want kids. But, Cassi is a hoot! She can be a real PITA (pain in the a**). But, she can also be so much fun. You can see all the wonder that is going on in her brain.
Okay, enough of that for now, I have to get back to my English paper. I've got the final due tomorrow. I had to analyze a poem. Of course, I do things at the last minute, but it's done so well.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Saturday, March 04, 2006
How Rob and I got married...
Okay, I'm going to spend some time over the next week talking about my "list of topics" from earlier.
As for a little history, I had met this guy, Jason Birzer, in Washington, D.C. We met in passing on the subway system. At this time, I'm not going to get into detail about Jason, just that we dated for four years. At the end, he complained to me that I wasn't trying hard enough to be with him in the Washington area. I had indeed tried very hard to get a job in that market. But, I had a lot of bills at that time. For me to move to that area, I would have needed to buy a car and insurance, along with rent an appartment, which would have costed me over $800 a month. At the time, I was living in an apartment for $200 a month and didn't need a car or car insurance. The only position I was able to find was comparable in salary to the one I had. Now, I was being very logical about the whole issue. Why should I move to another part of the country, paying more than I needed, for the same pay? Plus, Jason was planning on moving in with me. So, what was the point? I dropped him like a dead weight.
After that, work started to go well and I was working a lot of extra hours at the office. One particular Saturday, I was working and the computer decided it didn't. So, instead of working, I be-bopped around the internet and found Match.com. Don't ask me how I got there, I just did. I applied and looked around. That was in November of 1996. By February, I had received an email from Rob (of course I don't know him yet), stating that he didn't live around the world, etc and wanted to meet. I figured why not?
It was a week after Valentine's Day when we met through the internet....
Okay. That's it for tonight. More to follow tomorrow.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay, I'm going to spend some time over the next week talking about my "list of topics" from earlier.
As for a little history, I had met this guy, Jason Birzer, in Washington, D.C. We met in passing on the subway system. At this time, I'm not going to get into detail about Jason, just that we dated for four years. At the end, he complained to me that I wasn't trying hard enough to be with him in the Washington area. I had indeed tried very hard to get a job in that market. But, I had a lot of bills at that time. For me to move to that area, I would have needed to buy a car and insurance, along with rent an appartment, which would have costed me over $800 a month. At the time, I was living in an apartment for $200 a month and didn't need a car or car insurance. The only position I was able to find was comparable in salary to the one I had. Now, I was being very logical about the whole issue. Why should I move to another part of the country, paying more than I needed, for the same pay? Plus, Jason was planning on moving in with me. So, what was the point? I dropped him like a dead weight.
After that, work started to go well and I was working a lot of extra hours at the office. One particular Saturday, I was working and the computer decided it didn't. So, instead of working, I be-bopped around the internet and found Match.com. Don't ask me how I got there, I just did. I applied and looked around. That was in November of 1996. By February, I had received an email from Rob (of course I don't know him yet), stating that he didn't live around the world, etc and wanted to meet. I figured why not?
It was a week after Valentine's Day when we met through the internet....
Okay. That's it for tonight. More to follow tomorrow.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Current classes... Updates!
Okay, last week, in Journalism, we had a guest speaker. He does a special section of the Sunday Plain Dealer. He came into class, talked to us about what he does, how he got there, etc. We also had to come to class with questions ready to ask him, much like a news conference.
I came to class with a tape recorder. Boy, was that ever HELPFUL. I was able to record the entire class, which helped me to re-listen to the discussion to include exact quotations in my news story. I received a 5 out of 5 for the news story! It appears I may get an A in the class, which is my goal!
My math class is something else. We had our first exam. My score was 51 percent. Okay, that was pretty bad. But, the highest score was a 79, and my grade was the sixth highest. The average grade was a 17! He wouldn't give letters grades for the percentages, but it appears that for his grading system, I'm about a B. Even if I get a C, that would be fine for my GPA.
My English class has become a hoot! I am always saying that I don't like analyzing poetry. But, according to grades we have gotten back, it appears that I'm better at it than I thought. We have in-class writing assignments. She has given us back two of the assignments thus far. Both of these assignments would make a grade between an A and a B.
I would LOVE to get a 3.0 GPA for my first semester. Once my grades are in, I'll start applying for scholarships. I think with a good GPA like a 3.0, I'll be able to get a few, even if they help pay for part of my schooling.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay, last week, in Journalism, we had a guest speaker. He does a special section of the Sunday Plain Dealer. He came into class, talked to us about what he does, how he got there, etc. We also had to come to class with questions ready to ask him, much like a news conference.
I came to class with a tape recorder. Boy, was that ever HELPFUL. I was able to record the entire class, which helped me to re-listen to the discussion to include exact quotations in my news story. I received a 5 out of 5 for the news story! It appears I may get an A in the class, which is my goal!
My math class is something else. We had our first exam. My score was 51 percent. Okay, that was pretty bad. But, the highest score was a 79, and my grade was the sixth highest. The average grade was a 17! He wouldn't give letters grades for the percentages, but it appears that for his grading system, I'm about a B. Even if I get a C, that would be fine for my GPA.
My English class has become a hoot! I am always saying that I don't like analyzing poetry. But, according to grades we have gotten back, it appears that I'm better at it than I thought. We have in-class writing assignments. She has given us back two of the assignments thus far. Both of these assignments would make a grade between an A and a B.
I would LOVE to get a 3.0 GPA for my first semester. Once my grades are in, I'll start applying for scholarships. I think with a good GPA like a 3.0, I'll be able to get a few, even if they help pay for part of my schooling.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Slacked off on my writing!
Okay, sorry to y'all about my not writing in ALMOST 2 WEEKS! It has been VERY stressful and hectic here at the homestead. The main problem was the dogs. You see, since we had gotten the dogs, I was unable to go anywhere. My girlfriend, Jacci, well, she lives in Euclid. I haven't seen her in ages. A trip to her house is one hour, one way. Rob and I also have campground friends, who live in Wooster. A trip to their house is an hour and a half, one way. Needless to say, all I have done for the past 2 months was: 1. be mom to the puppies, 2. be mom to Cassi, 3. go to school. I have had NO social life. The most Rob and I had the chance to get out was going to the Home & Garden Show, which we were out for four hours. Let's just say the puppies needed to pee a river when we got home!
I kept saying to Rob that it was very difficult for me to be able to do all the things I needed to do to get my grades and not have so much stress. Plus, on top of it all, my sleep was starting to get affected from all the stress. So, he kept saying to me, "If you don't want the dogs anymore, call Dave & Pat and give them back." I wanted him to confess that it had been a bad idea to get the puppies, which he finally did last week. Pat & Dave Manning were the couple who play Santa & Mrs. Claus for the kids at the Kindergarten Village where Cassi is going this year. Because of them loosing the mom of the puppies from the fire, along with four of the six puppies (we got the only two survivors), I contacted them about the stress we have been dealing with.
So, last Wednesday, we took the puppies back. Last Monday, I talked with Cassi, explaining to her we needed to give the puppies back. She started to cry. Since they came into our lives, she has been pushed into her bedroom. She has kept trying to bring her toys out, play dress-up in the living room, etc. But, because the puppies lived in the living room, NOTHING of hers could come out there. They were chewing up everything in sight. But, I explained, that once the puppies go to their old home, we would be able to see our friends, "Nana Betty" (from campground), Aunt Jacci (in Euclid), and Aunt Patty (in Brunswick). She said, Okay, let's take them back. After taking them on Wednesday, we continued our trip to Wooster to see Nana Betty. Cassi just loves visiting with Bob & Betty.
So, it has been VERY quiet since they've been gone. We just have Charlie, our cat, who adopted us at Christmas 2004.
Today, after taking Cassi to Pa's for an overnight sleepover, Rob took his afternoon nap for work, and I took a nap in the living room. The nap was three hours. I could imagine what Charlie was saying when she laid down on my chest to help me to sleep. "Oh, the dogs are gone. Mom is sitting in the recliner with her blanket and pillow for a nap. I get to FINALLY take a nap with her on her boobs!" So, she slept with the entire time I was sleeping. We used to do this constantly before the puppies. I know she's happy.
So, I'll be able to continue my writing here more regularly!
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay, sorry to y'all about my not writing in ALMOST 2 WEEKS! It has been VERY stressful and hectic here at the homestead. The main problem was the dogs. You see, since we had gotten the dogs, I was unable to go anywhere. My girlfriend, Jacci, well, she lives in Euclid. I haven't seen her in ages. A trip to her house is one hour, one way. Rob and I also have campground friends, who live in Wooster. A trip to their house is an hour and a half, one way. Needless to say, all I have done for the past 2 months was: 1. be mom to the puppies, 2. be mom to Cassi, 3. go to school. I have had NO social life. The most Rob and I had the chance to get out was going to the Home & Garden Show, which we were out for four hours. Let's just say the puppies needed to pee a river when we got home!
I kept saying to Rob that it was very difficult for me to be able to do all the things I needed to do to get my grades and not have so much stress. Plus, on top of it all, my sleep was starting to get affected from all the stress. So, he kept saying to me, "If you don't want the dogs anymore, call Dave & Pat and give them back." I wanted him to confess that it had been a bad idea to get the puppies, which he finally did last week. Pat & Dave Manning were the couple who play Santa & Mrs. Claus for the kids at the Kindergarten Village where Cassi is going this year. Because of them loosing the mom of the puppies from the fire, along with four of the six puppies (we got the only two survivors), I contacted them about the stress we have been dealing with.
So, last Wednesday, we took the puppies back. Last Monday, I talked with Cassi, explaining to her we needed to give the puppies back. She started to cry. Since they came into our lives, she has been pushed into her bedroom. She has kept trying to bring her toys out, play dress-up in the living room, etc. But, because the puppies lived in the living room, NOTHING of hers could come out there. They were chewing up everything in sight. But, I explained, that once the puppies go to their old home, we would be able to see our friends, "Nana Betty" (from campground), Aunt Jacci (in Euclid), and Aunt Patty (in Brunswick). She said, Okay, let's take them back. After taking them on Wednesday, we continued our trip to Wooster to see Nana Betty. Cassi just loves visiting with Bob & Betty.
So, it has been VERY quiet since they've been gone. We just have Charlie, our cat, who adopted us at Christmas 2004.
Today, after taking Cassi to Pa's for an overnight sleepover, Rob took his afternoon nap for work, and I took a nap in the living room. The nap was three hours. I could imagine what Charlie was saying when she laid down on my chest to help me to sleep. "Oh, the dogs are gone. Mom is sitting in the recliner with her blanket and pillow for a nap. I get to FINALLY take a nap with her on her boobs!" So, she slept with the entire time I was sleeping. We used to do this constantly before the puppies. I know she's happy.
So, I'll be able to continue my writing here more regularly!
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Saturday, February 18, 2006
4 out of 5! That's what I got on my interview. I had one grammatical error; I forgot a comma. I had one paraphrase error. And, he didn't like my opening paragraph. So, if I rewrite the story, which I have already done, I will get a half point more.
So, I'll get that 4.5 out of 5 yet.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
So, I'll get that 4.5 out of 5 yet.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Friday, February 17, 2006
Man-on-the-Street...the interview went better than planned. My concern was getting 2 people to give me their names, along with answering my questions for my interview. But, luckily, I was able to find a group of 5, who all allowed me to use their names AND answered my questions. The news story had to be 100 words minimum, with 2 sources. I had 250+ words and 5 sources. The story I was able to use was from the Plain Dealer on 2/14/05. It was a front-page story talking about how victims of bullies and their families are suing bullies and their families for monetary damages caused by being bullied. The story was very interesting. You can find the actual story in the cleveland.com website, look-up PD Archived stories. You'll be able to see them for the last 2 weeks.
So, I'm curious what my grade will be. The points available are 5. I hope I get a 4 out of 5 or 5 out of 5. If I get a 4 out of 5, I will have the opportunity to make changes for a half point higher. My hope is for an A or B in this class.
My overall goal is a 3.0 or higher this semester. If I do, it will help me get scholarships so I do not have to keep getting student loans, although I will if I have to.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
So, I'm curious what my grade will be. The points available are 5. I hope I get a 4 out of 5 or 5 out of 5. If I get a 4 out of 5, I will have the opportunity to make changes for a half point higher. My hope is for an A or B in this class.
My overall goal is a 3.0 or higher this semester. If I do, it will help me get scholarships so I do not have to keep getting student loans, although I will if I have to.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay all. Wish me luck. I have my first "man-on-the-street" interview in Journalism today. I have to out into the student union (where all the students hang-out) and interview 2 students regarding a story from yesterday's Plain Dealer. But, before we do it, as a class, we have to decide which topic to pick. Yesterday's newspaper had stupid stories, except one on students' families suing bullies' and their families.
Okay. Relax!
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay all. Wish me luck. I have my first "man-on-the-street" interview in Journalism today. I have to out into the student union (where all the students hang-out) and interview 2 students regarding a story from yesterday's Plain Dealer. But, before we do it, as a class, we have to decide which topic to pick. Yesterday's newspaper had stupid stories, except one on students' families suing bullies' and their families.
Okay. Relax!
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Monday, February 13, 2006
My Grandma Muriel...
Okay, I've been having a number of dreams over the past few years about my Grandma Muriel. She is my dad's mom. She died in 1989, and died while being in a diabetic coma. Even though she took insulin shots everyday, she also ate what she wanted. I remember her always having ice cream sundae cups in the fridge. Marie ate the fudge ones and I ate the strawberry ones. But, she also had lots of fruits when we came to visit. Marie loved to eat the cherries and I loved the grapes. Hmmm, I wonder why Marie loves grapes now? Okay, I digress!
Last week, I had a dream about her house after her death. I was there at her house, but was seeing things very strangely. In her kitchen, she had a U-shaped kitchen area, where were were a ton of cabinets, with one set coming out of the wall like an island. Well, they were gone. When Marie and I were growing up, we usually sat there to eat on small bar chairs that appeared to be made for that island. Plus, they whole room reminded me of the 1950s or 60s. Also there was a chest freezer in the kitchen, which I said, "I'm glad the freezer is up here now, instead of in the basement." But, I don't EVER remember there being a freezer in the house. AND, on the wall, there appeared to be a copper baking set, with a bowl, cookie cutters, etc. I was adamant that they were to come to me. All of a sudden, there is someone else in the house, and a some-sort of diplomat who was having us auction the house. The person who placed the highest bid on the rental price of the house would own it. What the dream was saying was, you can buy the house, but only to rent it out and the person with the highest rental price would win.
VERY strange indeed! It seems that I have unfinished business in MA where my Grandma lived, but won't know unless I go there for a visit. This is what my dream seems to be telling me. But, when will I get the chance to visit there? Don't know. Dad took us a few times after Grandma died to see his cousins and his Grandpa (known as Gramps). He passed away a year after my Grandma. Since then, we have not been there to visit. Dad absolutely refuses to go there at all. After my Grandma died, everything was supposed to be in her will to go to my Dad, which didn't happen. She never changed her will and everything went to her ex-husband (another story in itself).
It also seems when I have these dreams, there is a jukebox in the dream. I remember, in her basement, there was a jukebox, which I thought was a Wurlitzer, but I'm not sure because I only saw it a few times. There was also a player-piano that my Dad used when he was growing up to learn to play the piano. Now, in our new house, it appears that we have the same piano that he had when growing up. We moved in to this house in July and was blessed to have adopted a dining room table and a piano. It took until Christmas for him to realize that the piano we have is the same type of piano he grew up with. Rob and I would like to eventually restore the piano and bring it into the house. I know it will be expensive, but it appears to be rather old.
So, the bottom line is, something (or someone) is subconsciously telling me that I need to make a trip to MA. Haverhill to be exact! So, any suggestions about when and where to go would be great. I know I would take Cassi.
Okay, gotta go for now.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Okay, I've been having a number of dreams over the past few years about my Grandma Muriel. She is my dad's mom. She died in 1989, and died while being in a diabetic coma. Even though she took insulin shots everyday, she also ate what she wanted. I remember her always having ice cream sundae cups in the fridge. Marie ate the fudge ones and I ate the strawberry ones. But, she also had lots of fruits when we came to visit. Marie loved to eat the cherries and I loved the grapes. Hmmm, I wonder why Marie loves grapes now? Okay, I digress!
Last week, I had a dream about her house after her death. I was there at her house, but was seeing things very strangely. In her kitchen, she had a U-shaped kitchen area, where were were a ton of cabinets, with one set coming out of the wall like an island. Well, they were gone. When Marie and I were growing up, we usually sat there to eat on small bar chairs that appeared to be made for that island. Plus, they whole room reminded me of the 1950s or 60s. Also there was a chest freezer in the kitchen, which I said, "I'm glad the freezer is up here now, instead of in the basement." But, I don't EVER remember there being a freezer in the house. AND, on the wall, there appeared to be a copper baking set, with a bowl, cookie cutters, etc. I was adamant that they were to come to me. All of a sudden, there is someone else in the house, and a some-sort of diplomat who was having us auction the house. The person who placed the highest bid on the rental price of the house would own it. What the dream was saying was, you can buy the house, but only to rent it out and the person with the highest rental price would win.
VERY strange indeed! It seems that I have unfinished business in MA where my Grandma lived, but won't know unless I go there for a visit. This is what my dream seems to be telling me. But, when will I get the chance to visit there? Don't know. Dad took us a few times after Grandma died to see his cousins and his Grandpa (known as Gramps). He passed away a year after my Grandma. Since then, we have not been there to visit. Dad absolutely refuses to go there at all. After my Grandma died, everything was supposed to be in her will to go to my Dad, which didn't happen. She never changed her will and everything went to her ex-husband (another story in itself).
It also seems when I have these dreams, there is a jukebox in the dream. I remember, in her basement, there was a jukebox, which I thought was a Wurlitzer, but I'm not sure because I only saw it a few times. There was also a player-piano that my Dad used when he was growing up to learn to play the piano. Now, in our new house, it appears that we have the same piano that he had when growing up. We moved in to this house in July and was blessed to have adopted a dining room table and a piano. It took until Christmas for him to realize that the piano we have is the same type of piano he grew up with. Rob and I would like to eventually restore the piano and bring it into the house. I know it will be expensive, but it appears to be rather old.
So, the bottom line is, something (or someone) is subconsciously telling me that I need to make a trip to MA. Haverhill to be exact! So, any suggestions about when and where to go would be great. I know I would take Cassi.
Okay, gotta go for now.
Love to all,
Cathy 8^ )
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Update on Topics:
Had to add it here because I thought of it. Thought it was a neat tid bit of info!
Cathy
8^ )
(okay I'm getting a little better feelings-wise!)
- How Rob and I got married
- My history with depression
- Why I'm going back to school (the work-thing and the family/home-thing go in this)
- My parents
- My weight issues...
- My sister (sorry, Marie, you got moved to #6!)
- Rob's Brother, the full-time Criminal (Still!)
Had to add it here because I thought of it. Thought it was a neat tid bit of info!
Cathy
8^ )
(okay I'm getting a little better feelings-wise!)
Free Time...Our journalism instructor had a car accident two weeks ago. Because of this, our class was post-poned until Friday. I did get my homework done for today. Cassi was out sick on Monday. I was unable to go to school myself because Rob had to sleep after working Sunday night. So, I emailed all my professors to make sure I had the homework for today.
So, today, I came to class and found out he had to leave because he had a car accident. Today, was a court appearance by both parties that occurred this morning. He was unable to change the time. So, class was out. I now have this time to blab.
Monday and Tuesday were very bad for me. Rob had to work this weekend, which required me to stay put in the house and not go anywhere. Plus, with the puppies, we cannot go anywhere for more than two hours at a time without needing to get back to take care of them. Now, I know we didn't go to very many places before the puppies, but my freedom has been cut 100%. Even now, I cannot go visit my friend Jacci because she lives so far away. Because we are in Elyria and she's in Euclid, the trip is almost an hour one way. Plus, when I go to visit, it's not just a quick, "Hello. How are you visit?" We gossip and have a good time. And, when Cassi goes for the trip, Jacci always has grandkids there. Cassi loves to go because she ALWAYS has kids to play with and has freedom that she doesn't have at home. Example, she now has to keep EVERY single piece of toy in her room. Because of the puppies, none of her toys can come out in the living room. That was the way I wanted it, but kinda slid because she has always had toys in the living room. She can't take anything out now because if the puppies get them, they will destroy them.
With that said, next point. I am really enjoying going to school. When Cassi came home from grandpa's Sunday really sick, I knew that I would be unable to go to school, which made me even more depressed and made me REALLY tired. Because we have the puppies, who cannot be left alone, when they are out of their cage, someone must sit with them 100% of the time they are out. If you don't, and even when you do, you don't watch them, they potty on the carpet. This happened Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! So, I get to clean it up everytime! Our living space is a huge room. The room is 28 feet by 13 feet, which consists of living room and dining room. After getting the puppies, we purchased two baby gates to keep them confined to oen area. Well, I rearranged the living space to physically break up the room into two spaces, limiting the puppies to a smaller space. I cannot even sit in the dining room side of the living space to work on homework because I have to watch the puppies.
Rob doesn't realize how upsetting this is to me. In the beginning, when we were first married, Rob knew that I didn't want to have children because of my career. But, God decided that I was to have a child. After having Cassi, I lost my career and have been unable to get a new job IN FIVE YEARS!!!!! So, on Monday, when I didn't get a chance to go to school, I was frustrated even further, even though I knew that I was going to school today.
To top it off, Rob and I have been running a Watkins Home-Based Business. 2005 was the first year that we would be getting a 1099 for making enough income to report on our taxes. But, we are STILL waiting to get the tax paper. Rob's dad processes our taxes each year. We are waiting on this one document to complete the taxes.
Going into Tuesday, we get a communication from Rob's dad that he wants Rob to call him. I have been very anal in tracking every dollar in expenses and income from our businesses. Last year, I also added a creative services business to what I do at home to try to make income. Not much happned. Because we moved in July, any extra spending money we had to do craft shows went down the tubes because of the extra expenses we had with purchasing the new home. Rob's dad tries to imply that I shouldn't be running any kind of home business. I should be working at a job. This is the impression I get from his comments. Last year, I tracked our tax expenses and income the same way I did this year, but tracked even more detailed this year. AND IT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH!
Day #2 of being depressed. Plus, I don't feel any empathy or compassion for the fact that I trying sooooo hard to keep all this stuff tracked, keeping up the house so Rob can work, and now going back to school to try to regain my career when I'm finished.
I know the phone rang for me over Monday and Tuesday, but I just couldn't answer. I had an email requesting that I come to a meeting for the Berea Animal Shelter. There is an animal shelter in the area, that had a fundraiser this past weekend. I donated a gift basket in name of our business toward their effort. Because the shelter is a no-kill shelter, they are trying to raise funds to build a larger building for the animals. Okay, that said. On Tuesday afternoon, I received an email that they were having a meeting in Berea about volunteering with the shelter. We had two hours before we had to go. I still had homework that had to be completed. We had to eat dinner and get the puppies out before we left. Rob sat on the computer for two hours, instead of helping me decide what to eat and help prepare it. I was SO frustrated that I had laundry to put in the dryer, dishes to put away from the dishwasher and dishes to put in to wash. Even after getting that done, there was no help on dinner. So, we ended up not going. Also at the same time, Rob's work called, asking him to come in for overtime. He worked the 11-7 shift. We need the money bad.
Today, I'm kinda on the blah side of my episodes. I am getting very frustrated that I feel like certain people in my life are putting me down because what I am trying to do. Typically, the comments don't bother me, but they did these days. I am trying to better myself in school. I cannot get a career, one that paid me like I did at Ernst & Young five years ago. Nor am I am able to even obtain a job in the field that I want because of my education. I currently have an Associate's Degree in Communications, with over eight years experience in the technology field. So, I'm sick of people telling me I have to get a job. Even the $10 an hour jobs don't want to hire me because they know I'm over-qualified. Plus, they feel that I won't be there long enough for them to make the investment in hiring me. I will get my degree to support the work experience that I have.
Hopefully life gets better. I know it can get worse because it hasn't gotten worse yet.
Okay, that's it for now. I know it's alotta rambling, but I needed to get it off my chest.
Cathy
8^ (
So, today, I came to class and found out he had to leave because he had a car accident. Today, was a court appearance by both parties that occurred this morning. He was unable to change the time. So, class was out. I now have this time to blab.
Monday and Tuesday were very bad for me. Rob had to work this weekend, which required me to stay put in the house and not go anywhere. Plus, with the puppies, we cannot go anywhere for more than two hours at a time without needing to get back to take care of them. Now, I know we didn't go to very many places before the puppies, but my freedom has been cut 100%. Even now, I cannot go visit my friend Jacci because she lives so far away. Because we are in Elyria and she's in Euclid, the trip is almost an hour one way. Plus, when I go to visit, it's not just a quick, "Hello. How are you visit?" We gossip and have a good time. And, when Cassi goes for the trip, Jacci always has grandkids there. Cassi loves to go because she ALWAYS has kids to play with and has freedom that she doesn't have at home. Example, she now has to keep EVERY single piece of toy in her room. Because of the puppies, none of her toys can come out in the living room. That was the way I wanted it, but kinda slid because she has always had toys in the living room. She can't take anything out now because if the puppies get them, they will destroy them.
With that said, next point. I am really enjoying going to school. When Cassi came home from grandpa's Sunday really sick, I knew that I would be unable to go to school, which made me even more depressed and made me REALLY tired. Because we have the puppies, who cannot be left alone, when they are out of their cage, someone must sit with them 100% of the time they are out. If you don't, and even when you do, you don't watch them, they potty on the carpet. This happened Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! So, I get to clean it up everytime! Our living space is a huge room. The room is 28 feet by 13 feet, which consists of living room and dining room. After getting the puppies, we purchased two baby gates to keep them confined to oen area. Well, I rearranged the living space to physically break up the room into two spaces, limiting the puppies to a smaller space. I cannot even sit in the dining room side of the living space to work on homework because I have to watch the puppies.
Rob doesn't realize how upsetting this is to me. In the beginning, when we were first married, Rob knew that I didn't want to have children because of my career. But, God decided that I was to have a child. After having Cassi, I lost my career and have been unable to get a new job IN FIVE YEARS!!!!! So, on Monday, when I didn't get a chance to go to school, I was frustrated even further, even though I knew that I was going to school today.
To top it off, Rob and I have been running a Watkins Home-Based Business. 2005 was the first year that we would be getting a 1099 for making enough income to report on our taxes. But, we are STILL waiting to get the tax paper. Rob's dad processes our taxes each year. We are waiting on this one document to complete the taxes.
Going into Tuesday, we get a communication from Rob's dad that he wants Rob to call him. I have been very anal in tracking every dollar in expenses and income from our businesses. Last year, I also added a creative services business to what I do at home to try to make income. Not much happned. Because we moved in July, any extra spending money we had to do craft shows went down the tubes because of the extra expenses we had with purchasing the new home. Rob's dad tries to imply that I shouldn't be running any kind of home business. I should be working at a job. This is the impression I get from his comments. Last year, I tracked our tax expenses and income the same way I did this year, but tracked even more detailed this year. AND IT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH!
Day #2 of being depressed. Plus, I don't feel any empathy or compassion for the fact that I trying sooooo hard to keep all this stuff tracked, keeping up the house so Rob can work, and now going back to school to try to regain my career when I'm finished.
I know the phone rang for me over Monday and Tuesday, but I just couldn't answer. I had an email requesting that I come to a meeting for the Berea Animal Shelter. There is an animal shelter in the area, that had a fundraiser this past weekend. I donated a gift basket in name of our business toward their effort. Because the shelter is a no-kill shelter, they are trying to raise funds to build a larger building for the animals. Okay, that said. On Tuesday afternoon, I received an email that they were having a meeting in Berea about volunteering with the shelter. We had two hours before we had to go. I still had homework that had to be completed. We had to eat dinner and get the puppies out before we left. Rob sat on the computer for two hours, instead of helping me decide what to eat and help prepare it. I was SO frustrated that I had laundry to put in the dryer, dishes to put away from the dishwasher and dishes to put in to wash. Even after getting that done, there was no help on dinner. So, we ended up not going. Also at the same time, Rob's work called, asking him to come in for overtime. He worked the 11-7 shift. We need the money bad.
Today, I'm kinda on the blah side of my episodes. I am getting very frustrated that I feel like certain people in my life are putting me down because what I am trying to do. Typically, the comments don't bother me, but they did these days. I am trying to better myself in school. I cannot get a career, one that paid me like I did at Ernst & Young five years ago. Nor am I am able to even obtain a job in the field that I want because of my education. I currently have an Associate's Degree in Communications, with over eight years experience in the technology field. So, I'm sick of people telling me I have to get a job. Even the $10 an hour jobs don't want to hire me because they know I'm over-qualified. Plus, they feel that I won't be there long enough for them to make the investment in hiring me. I will get my degree to support the work experience that I have.
Hopefully life gets better. I know it can get worse because it hasn't gotten worse yet.
Okay, that's it for now. I know it's alotta rambling, but I needed to get it off my chest.
Cathy
8^ (
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