Here and There...

It's been a while. I have not had anything of interest to say. And truth be told, I still don't. But I feel the need to write.
Mom and I are finally settled into our new and FINAL home. I think she has 1 box left to unpack. All the pictures are up on the wall, and we've even had company stop by to say hello. A few nights a week, we go down to the beach and watch the waves come in. Actually, I sit and watch, she walks the beach. Hopefully soon, my legs will let me start walking the beach as well. I've been fortunate so far that I haven't seen any ships leaving the port. I think it would make me sad to watch them sail without me.
I'm still looking for work. I've had a few bites, but nothing has seemed to pan out. I know the right job will come in time. I just have to be patient. Ok, you can stop laughing now.
Football season is only 18 days away. I CAN'T WAIT! Brett called the other day as he heard the CBS opening song for college football on TV and it brought chills to him. When he told me about it, I got chills too. Amazing the little things in life that can excite you. Speaking of Brett, he moved out of his Dad's house and into a place of his own (with a roommate). I am so proud of him. He's working hard, towing the line...there's a very good possibility he is getting his life straightened out. I couldn't be happier! I know he can succeed if he just puts his mind to it.
Big Brother has been just too good for words this season. It is my guilty pleasure of the summer. I just can't seem to get enough.
Lastly, a shout out to my friend Kenney, who just graduated from Santa Fe with his A.A degree. He worked relativ...I mean very hard to attain this goal. Now he moves on to getting his Bachelor's in Health Care Administration. Lord, have mercy on his soul.
That's about it for now. Hopefully I will have some good news to report soon. As the good Empress would say, don't forget to leave a comment.

Heaven For Me

As I sit on my back patio, it is a beautiful night: the moon high in the sky so bright, reggae music playing from the CD player, listening to the crickets chirp and the sound of the waves hitting the shore are in the background. It makes me want to be in Jamaica, mon.
Soft breezes, beautiful beaches, fruity drink in my hand. I am on a hammock on the beach. The hammock is hung between 2 beautiful palm trees, reggae playing in the background. Ahh...this is my Jamaica. Now I know there are many of the "crew" who believe that this wonderful country is full of scoundrels trying ever so hard to make a buck. "Can I braid your hair, sistah?" or "I've got some good green here for ya my, sistah." Once you get past all of them and get to the beach, I swear, it's heaven on earth. I need a little piece of that heaven right now. I think I'm as close as I'm going to get for the time being. And it is good enough for me.
"Don't worry, bout a ting....every little ting gonna be arie'"

At the Beach

The move went as well as could be expected. There were a few little hiccups, but nothing major. I've been spending my time looking for a job, unpacking boxes, and re-arranging furniture. I would love to tell you that the above picture was taken at my beach, but I can't. I've yet to find my camera. But my beach looks something like this. :) I've been down to the shore once so far, and that was for only 5 minutes. I am sure once life becomes more settled I will have many pictures to share with all of my beach.
I've also yet to see a cruise ship go by my home. Mind you, I've been a bit too busy to look but I will try to make time this weekend. I'm not really sure I want to see the ships sail away without me. I've done the math and considering how far in debt being laid-off has left me, I believe my next cruise will be with Gavin for his 5th birthday. This is assuming of course Stephen and Casey will let me take him. 4 years seems very far off before I set foot on a ship again, but hey, I've survived worse, right? :)
Back to the grind I go...but I don't mind...I'm livin' the dream. I'm living near the beach!
p.s. Don't you just hate those :) at the end of a sentence. I know I do.

The Words I've Been Waiting to Hear

Today I had my bi-annual visit with my oncologist. I asked him if he realized I had been coming to see him for 8 years now and told him that was longer than both my marriages had lasted. He laughed. We spent a lot of time talking about Electronic Health Records and I scolded him for not even knowing how to use a computer.
When he finally finished his exam, I said the same thing I always say at the end of my visit: "So, doc, I'm cured, right?" He normally responds with, "Well, remember Elaine you had a very advanced form of cancer that we had to treat very agressively. But because you are ___ years without a recurrence, it's LIKELY the cancer won't return." Blah, blah, blah. So today when I asked the question, he turned to me and said, "Elaine, I'm happy to report that given the amount of time that has past, based on all studies and clinical trials, you are cured. There is a 0% chance you will ever have a recurrence." All I could do was look at him oddly and say, "Seriously?" And he responded with "Very seriously." How freakin' cool is that? I feel the need to celebrate as I thought I would never hear those words from his mouth. He did, however, mention that he can't make any promises about lung cancer. His nice way of saying, 'quit the damn cigarettes'. I told him I was working on it, which is half true.
Needless to say, Mom and I are going out for dinner to celebrate!
What a great day!!

Another Great Weekend and Other Stuff

So, Stephen called early Friday afternoon and asked if I had any plans for the weekend. Well, of course I did...I'm moving in 2 weeks, right? Saturday was going to be spent packing at my mom's and Sunday was to be spent packing in my house, as Brett was coming to get his stuff. Anyway, Stephen says, "Would you like some company?" And all of a sudden, just like that, I had no plans for the weekend. "Absolutely, when will you be here?" was my reply.
And so, for the second weekend in a row, I spent 2 1/2 days with Stephen, Casey, Brett and Gavin. Not so much Brett...he's 19 and has a life, don't ya know. And in-between all the visiting, I actually got some packing done.
"Buck-a, buck-a, buck-a". This is Gavin's favorite saying. Have no idea what it means, but it's his answer to everything. And, and...this is so cool...AND I got kisses before he went to sleep the other night!! Love it, love it, love it. It's the little things in life I'm learning to appreciate again.
Casey looks amazing and we spent quite a bit of time talking. Stephen is Stephen...what a man he has become. I am so proud.
Only 4 days left of work...well paid work anyway. Then comes the down to the last minute, nitty-gritty packing and cleaning. I swear, this is my LAST move. Never again, never.
I found out this week that my new house is only 2 blocks from a hotel that has "reggae Sundays" on their back deck every Sunday. I have a feeling I know where I will be found on most Sundays. I must find a job quickly so I can afford all those laid-back Sunday's I'm dreaming about. And being so close to the beach...well...it's just a dream come true for me. However, it will be hard for me on Saturday's and Sunday's watching all those ships leave without me. One of these days I will be back to cruising again. :)
And happiness begins to take root....stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Gavin!

My how time flies! Yes, it was 1 year ago today that my beautiful grandson Gavin Riley Scott was born. I swear it seems like only yesterday. But oh my how he's grown.
He talks to me on the phone...well, kind of. Mostly I talk to him and sing his favorite song to him. I hear he is walking on his own and has a small vocabulary including, "da, da" and "no, no". As well, he has no time for baby food anymore...he likes "real" food, especially pasta.
Mom and I will be driving down to Lakeland tomorrow for his birthday party. I can't wait. Check the blog next week for details and pictures.
In the words of my favorite Empress: "Have a great weekend! I know I will!"

And Now I'm Back

Time has served me well. My spirits are a bit better. A very good friend e-mailed this to me today. It made me smile and I wanted to share. It made me think of all of you.

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.

Home Safely....Except for My Liver

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am back in Gainesville after a WONDERFUL week away. Will tell you all the juicy details, pictures included in a few days. I need some time to get my land legs back and allow my liver to flush out the way too much drinking I did.
And for those of you who were seated at my table for the duration of the cruise, I say....
"Tank you." "Tank you veddy much."

Bon Voyage!!

Yes, I know I still have 40 hours until I leave. But with all the running around I have to do tomorrow, I'm not sure I will have time to blog.
So, in 40 hours, I will board a plane to New Orleans, where I will spend 2 fun days hanging with the other Princesses and the Crew, as we wait to board the Carnival Fantasy on Saturday. Then it's 5 fun-filled days aboard the ship. Activities include a PJ Party in the piano bar (wait til you see the pajama's I've chosen to wear...you'll love 'em), a special beach excursion for blogger's only and a Male Nightgown Contest (Yo, Kevin!!). I promise lots and lots of pictures when I get back. Until then, I've posted a picture from last year's blogger's cruise. This picture is of Princess Sue, the quiet one, Princess Laura, the sweet and innocent, myself,(Princess Elaine, the quiet and single) and Princess Barb, the good one. Since then, we've crowned 2 other Princesses: Princess Nanni of the Muchos Huggos, and Princess Lori, the happy one. Unfortunately, Nanni and Lori will not be able to join us, but I hope to meet them in person one day soon.
So, off I go for some rest and relaxation. But more importantly, some time away from the issues that have been bringing me down. I'm NOT packing THEM in my suitcase!
Later Gators!!

Umm...I Think You Have the Wrong Person

Very interesting morning I had today. Last week my mom, who volunteers every morning at a local elementary school, told me that one of her teachers needed help grading papers. Would I be interested in helping this teacher? Sure, no problem. So I woke up early this morning (well early for someone that is unemployed) and off to school I went. I met my mom there and she introduced me to all her friends. Then we walked in to the classroom full of 2nd graders. Mom introduced me to the teacher and I said, "I understand you have some papers that need grading?" Whereby the teacher responded, "No. Actually you're going to help the students build gingerbread houses." I'm thinking to myself, "Oh my, no. You SO have the wrong person." As most of you already know, I am completely inept in a kitchen and with food. I know where the sink and the stove are located, yet I only know how to use one of them. Creative cooking to me is actually boiling the hot dog as opposed to microwaving it. As well, being of the Jewish faith I have no, none, zilch experience with gingerbread houses. This is usually a "Christmasy" activity of which I am totally unfamiliar.
Well, the teacher would have none of it. She scooted me off to the back of her classroom with milk cartons, graham crackers, 4 cans of icing, gum drops, chocolate chips, licorce, and M&M's. I took 4 students at a time and attempted to show them how to make a gingerbread house. It's a good thing they were 2nd graders, as I could only hold their attention for 5 minutes and they were hell bent on eating the candy as opposed to "decorating" their milk carton.
It was a comedy to be sure. And since I had so much fun, I'm going back tomorrow to help them make Christmas stockings. Now, clothes, I know!

A Good Day

Today was a good day. I tell you this to begin with, as I haven't had many good days lately. Hence, so few blogs as of late. But yes, today was a good day.
I was able to have breakfast with "Empress Bee of the High Seas" and her husband "Sarge Charlie". Then, my mom and I watched as the GATORS kicked the snot out of the Georgia Bulldogs.
I need more days such as this.

Buying Passing Grades, Dried Legumes and Oh Yeah, We're Doomed

I'm sure you're wondering what this blog will be about considering the strange title. Honestly, I couldn't tell you. Today I have so many thoughts running through my mind, I will just write what's in my head instead of my usual writing from the heart.
I miss being in school. Never thought I'd hear myself say that one out loud. Green vegetables, especially lima beans and peas are pretty icky. They get smooshy in your mouth. I'm seriously considering, for the first time in my adult life, of not voting in November. I don't particularly like any of the candidates. I can't wait for football season to start. There are 3 seasons in the South: chilly, hot as hell, and football. I'm watching "The View". This proves I must get a job soon. I feel bad because I didn't drunk dial Adam last night (sorry, dude). I'm ready for this move to be over. I miss Stephen, Casey and Gavin. "Mama Mia" opens tomorrow and I still haven't seen "Sex and the City". How many more years will Oprah last? Angela is going to Vegas tonite! WIN BIG! Shea Stadium is going bye-bye. Another piece of history bites the dust. Corporate America is too greedy for words. Brett has a job interview today! I hate secrets. If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there, do you really care if anyone can hear it? I hope I'm not here for armageddon...doesn't sound like it would be much fun. But if I am here, I hope I'm on a cruise when it happens. We can send people into space but most men can't remember to put the damn toilet seat down. What's up with that? Jaime is doing well in school...I knew she would! I need to get a new bathrobe. Watermelon filled with rum rocks. I like Facebook. I think I may need to sleep more. We're not really doomed, just my warped sense of humor. Finally, someone out there realizes it IS all about me. I'm going to miss living with my mom. I am happy today.
'Nuff said.

Word of the Week...and Cruising Part 1

After a 3 week hiatus, back by popular demand, it's the Word of the Week:

zenacious (adjective) : committed to a relaxing pursuit or interest

I'm sure it will come as no surprise to those of you that know me, that I am zenacious about cruising. My next cruise is scheduled for February 7th, 2009...that's 7 months and 5 days, for those of you that need accuracy. That's just not soon enough for me.
Why cruising? Because I have found it to be the best vacation deal for the money. Let's say you wanted to take a trip to Las Vegas, for 7 days. Round-trip airfare, hotel for 6 nights, 3 squares a day for 7 days, drinking and gambling, you're easily looking at upwards of $2,000. For less than that, I can drive to a port, my room and food paid for, drinking and gambling money, AND I get to visit different countries. How awesome is that? Not to mention the entertainment, pool, piano bar (shout out to my sistah Princess Laura), art shows, lounges, and games. All this for about $1,200. Less than that if I drink a lot of fruity drinks throughout the day. I get so hammered, that I don't drink the next day.
Cruising for me is all about the ship. Yes, the ports are lovely; love seeing different cultures, eating different foods and seeing new beaches. But the ship...ah, that is the end all. Sea days are orgasmic. Get up early, grab some breakfast and head to the pool. Finding a GOOD chair is a chore sometimes, but I'm usually up early enough to grab the chair I want: The one closest to the pool bar and to the right of the band. Pure heaven. For me, it doesn't get much better than that. Oh, and for pure extasy, I have the drink of the day in my left hand and a cigarette in my right. I am zenacious in my attempt to reach this state.
Usually, I cruise with my sister Lisa. She's all about the ports; actually, she's all about the beaches at the ports. On port days, we usually get room service early, and then we're off the ship. We have scouted and scouted months before and know exactly what beach we are going to. We spend as many hours as possible at the beach, before heading back to town to do the other activity we BOTH love on port days: shopping. I usually know exactly what it is I want to purchase in each port (see blog "It's Hard Being Anal") so we go from shop to shop until I find the best price. Lisa has a large family of 8, so we go to ALOT of stores (especially the shops that have "stuffies"). Once shopping is done, it's back to the ship.
The atmosphere on board is to die for. Everyone is laid back, the REAL world is far off, and all the passenger are zenacious about just kicking back and relaxing for an entire week.
Many people I know suffer from various addictions: alcohol, marijuana, OCD, soft drinks. I'm addicted to cruising. A very expensive habit to be sure, but oh, so worth it.
What are you zenacious about?
Next: Cruising takes a new twist with the bloggers of Big Ed's Evil Krewe.

A List

diet coke*baby powder*line dancing*"oh the humanity"*Josh Holloway*Cozumel*fruity drinks on the lido deck* tiaras*pigs*the smell of Coppertone suntan lotion*dippity doo*Windows XP*Barry Manilow*my bed*tailgating*Lillian's*bugger*flip flops*American History*grits*Gators*cherries*classic rock*my mother*"Top Chef"*holding hands*morphine*the Atlantic Ocean*stewie*F.I.L.F*Holiday Inn*Julia Roberts*Queen*"tank you vedy much'*Dubs*grilled onions*cancer free scans*"The Catcher in the Rye"*new credit cards*anything purple*Saturday Night Live*G-d*"outta site"*bacon*beth*The Declaration of Independence*VW vans*soccer*smell of fresh mowed grass*captain and diet*"it's still not funny"*the bee gees*the Mets*moonlight on the beach*"Forever In Blue Jeans (damn)*Stephen and Brett*ESPN GameDay*Salty Dog Saloon*men with nice tushy's*"Rocky Horror Picture Show*"Stellllaaa.."*Max*cruises*everyone in Big Ed's Crew*discos*creamed spinach*berber carpet*sweatshirts*"Ocean's 11"*Chevy Luv*Atlanta airport shops*dolphins*Bree*japanese cherry blossom lotion*"Why you gotta hit my hair?"*pinhead*benjamin*rorscache tests*AC/DC*Pittsburgh Steelers*"Charmed"*John Heald's Blog*gender studies*JFK*grape Nehi*Shul*"The Stand"*disney world*Jamacia, mon*simple things*Bravo*"I hate spunk"*steak*rubies*Noah Wylie*"The Love Boat"*"one wild and crazy guy"*bud light*making love during a thunderstorm with the windows open*"The Goodbye Girl" (song and movie)*honesty*omelettes*piano bars*CB's*"we washed our socks"*Banana Splits Show*roses*the time warp*gold*HIM(you know who you are)*"Tonight's the Night"*Hannukkah*TV Guide*Marc*positive people*reggae*"gag me with a spoon"*Big Brother*Bath and Body Works*gopher*gator flannel pj's and matching slippers*Ben Franklin*money*"Saturday Night Fever"*cucumbers*loyalty*"Where ARE we?"*"Fat Bottom Girls"**Latka*Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies*LOST*"Night Moves"*lounge chairs*Rex*"Pretty Woman"*Jack and diet*blogging*talapia*Gopher*"are we there yet?"*GREASE*"Brown-Eyed Girl"*Kohl's*"Mr. Ed"*boxers*Jaime*jewelery*"Life is like a box of chocalates, you never know what you're gonna get"*Thomas Jefferson*hot tubs*"Good Morning America"*the beach*candles*MASH*
potatoes*Barbarino*bubble baths*TMM*sleeping*xanax*Lisa*babies*romance*
These are a FEW of my favorite things.

When I Was a Kid....

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

If I'm going to vent on this site, then I have to share the good too. Today was a great day! Probably one of the best I have had since I walked up the gangway on that gorgeous January day. I haven't smiled this much in a very long time.
In honor of my happy mood, I would like to introduce you to one of my best friends. He makes me so happy, even when I'm in my darkest places. His name is Max.
Max was actually given to Stephen and Brett by thier Dad 14 years ago. At the time, they were 7 and 4, and they loved to play with Max; however, when it came time to feed, bathe or walk him, yeah, they weren't into that. So Max became mine. Which, I actually didn't mind. He was and still is perfect: he doesn't talk back, he's clean, he is ALWAYS happy to see me, and most importantly, he loves me unconditionally.
When I was sick, going through the worst of the chemotherapy, there were times when I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't eat, I just laid on the bed like a lump of coal. Max never left my side; he didn't get out of bed, he didn't eat; he stayed in that bed with me until I moved. When I got up, he got up and followed me where ever I went. It was as if he could feel my pain, my anger, my frustration. You can't find that kind of commitment everyday...even if it is from an animal.
To this day, he can sense when I'm down and tries to make me smile (which usually works). He knows when I'm happy and even though he's getting old and has a touch of arthritis, he jumps up and licks my face to share in my happiness.
Now I know there maybe a few of you thinking, "Damn girl, you need to get out more." Well, that maybe true, but even if I do "get out", I know I'll always have someone home waiting for me to put a smile on my face.
May you all have happy days ahead.