So it took me a few days to decide what I was going to say about the death of Michael Jackson. In the last years of his life, it was the travesty of his personal life that everyone knew about. The accusations, the trial, the odd behavior out of a man that had spent almost his entire life in the spotlight.
But I think, overall, that the music speaks for itself. The man will forever leave an imprint on musical history with the amazing music that he released in his lifetime. I tried to find a good video to use since my fave song ("The way you make me feel") has a stalkerish video. So I'm going with the legendary Motown performance of "Billie Jean" when Michael Jackson introduced the infamous moonwalk.
And because I love them...New Kids on the Block's tribute to Michael Jackson with their rendition of "I'll be there"
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
RIP to an Angel
It was with much sadness today that I heard that 70's/80's icon Farrah Fawcett passed away after a long battle with cancer.
I grew up with Charlie's Angels and loved everything about that show. And Jill Monroe was my favorite Angel. She was a lot kooky in real life, well in the publicized version of her real life anyway, but she was always fascinating. And it was so sad to hear that she lost the fight this morning. She was fierce in life and if they reair her "diary' of her battle with cancer, you should all check it out. Have your kleenex handy, though, it was devastating and sad.
RIP Farrah! Your star will shine on in peace now.
(Yes I know Michael Jackson passed away as well and it is just as sad, but I wanted to show some respect for Farrah.)
I grew up with Charlie's Angels and loved everything about that show. And Jill Monroe was my favorite Angel. She was a lot kooky in real life, well in the publicized version of her real life anyway, but she was always fascinating. And it was so sad to hear that she lost the fight this morning. She was fierce in life and if they reair her "diary' of her battle with cancer, you should all check it out. Have your kleenex handy, though, it was devastating and sad.
RIP Farrah! Your star will shine on in peace now.
(Yes I know Michael Jackson passed away as well and it is just as sad, but I wanted to show some respect for Farrah.)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
On my soap box!
I usually try to keep this light and fluffy but a situation occurred today that has me just in a state of anger and I have to get it off my chest.
A couple of the girls from work and I went to lunch at Carl's Jr. today and when we walked in there was a couple of caregivers there with their adult mentally handicapped charges. We didn't think anything of it, placed our orders, and grabbed a seat. The lady caregiver ushered two of the mobile adults out the door and left them wandering the parking lot while she came back in to get the man in the wheelchair. We made a comment about how irresponsible and went back to chatting. The lone caregiver was in the restaurant still with a gentleman that was probably in his late 30's. The man was getting agitated and started to yank at his hair in frustration. Now honestly we didn't see what he did that was so bad, but suddenly the caregiver jumps across the table and grabs the man in a chokehold, knocking him to the ground. He sat on him and started to rudely berate him. He finally climbed off of him, yanking him up by his shirt and yelling at him to pick up his belongings that were dropped, yelling at him to not look at an elderly woman walking in (thus scaring her), and to get out to the parking lot. We commented amongst ourselves about how unprofessional that was handled and how the caregiver was acting like a bully but didn't think much of it.
It didn't end there, of course. In the parking lot, the male caregiver and the client had another "altercation" of the man still in a state of agitation not wanting to get in the van. Th ecaregiver again put him in a chokehold and slammed him down on the asphalt, sitting on him. He didn't stop there, though. He pulled this gentleman's pants down and proceeded to SPANK him! Yes, he did! He spanked this handicapped man that was in his care! And when the man started to fight, he began to punch him. We were just stunned watching this happen. The female caregiver got the man in the wheelchair in the van and opened the doors for the other two to get in and pulled out her phone to call someone. How utterly irresponsible of her! If the other patients had become agitated over what was going on there would have been no way the caregivers could have controlled what was going on. The male caregiver finally got up and again pulled the man up by his shirt. He kept making the patient put his arms up in the air and would poke him in the sides before making him hug him before he would be allowed to get in the van. This had gone on for at least ten minutes and then another fifteen minutes with the caregivers on the phone doing an incident report. The male caregiver was having his "wounds" documented by the female and had bloody knuckles. We had had enough and Annette stopped him to ask where he worked and what his name was. He only gave up where he worked and that was it.
We filed complaints with the company and Annette finally got the director on the phone before we left work to tell what had happened. The two caregivers were being suspended while an investigation was going on. The biggest issue was there was absolutely NO need to take this man to the ground in such a manner. He was agitated, he wasn't making any threatening moves, he was pulling at his hair to express himself. There was nothing that should have ever told the caregiver it was alright to humiliate his patient in the form he did by terrorizing him in front of everyone and spanking him. I was so disturbed over the whole situation that I just didn't know what to do. I have never seen someone treated in such a bullying and degrading manner and to know it was a person that couldn't even defend themselves made it even worse.
I hope this institute sticks to what they told Annette today and the caregivers are not allowed to take patients out like this, if they are even allowed to keep their jobs.
A couple of the girls from work and I went to lunch at Carl's Jr. today and when we walked in there was a couple of caregivers there with their adult mentally handicapped charges. We didn't think anything of it, placed our orders, and grabbed a seat. The lady caregiver ushered two of the mobile adults out the door and left them wandering the parking lot while she came back in to get the man in the wheelchair. We made a comment about how irresponsible and went back to chatting. The lone caregiver was in the restaurant still with a gentleman that was probably in his late 30's. The man was getting agitated and started to yank at his hair in frustration. Now honestly we didn't see what he did that was so bad, but suddenly the caregiver jumps across the table and grabs the man in a chokehold, knocking him to the ground. He sat on him and started to rudely berate him. He finally climbed off of him, yanking him up by his shirt and yelling at him to pick up his belongings that were dropped, yelling at him to not look at an elderly woman walking in (thus scaring her), and to get out to the parking lot. We commented amongst ourselves about how unprofessional that was handled and how the caregiver was acting like a bully but didn't think much of it.
It didn't end there, of course. In the parking lot, the male caregiver and the client had another "altercation" of the man still in a state of agitation not wanting to get in the van. Th ecaregiver again put him in a chokehold and slammed him down on the asphalt, sitting on him. He didn't stop there, though. He pulled this gentleman's pants down and proceeded to SPANK him! Yes, he did! He spanked this handicapped man that was in his care! And when the man started to fight, he began to punch him. We were just stunned watching this happen. The female caregiver got the man in the wheelchair in the van and opened the doors for the other two to get in and pulled out her phone to call someone. How utterly irresponsible of her! If the other patients had become agitated over what was going on there would have been no way the caregivers could have controlled what was going on. The male caregiver finally got up and again pulled the man up by his shirt. He kept making the patient put his arms up in the air and would poke him in the sides before making him hug him before he would be allowed to get in the van. This had gone on for at least ten minutes and then another fifteen minutes with the caregivers on the phone doing an incident report. The male caregiver was having his "wounds" documented by the female and had bloody knuckles. We had had enough and Annette stopped him to ask where he worked and what his name was. He only gave up where he worked and that was it.
We filed complaints with the company and Annette finally got the director on the phone before we left work to tell what had happened. The two caregivers were being suspended while an investigation was going on. The biggest issue was there was absolutely NO need to take this man to the ground in such a manner. He was agitated, he wasn't making any threatening moves, he was pulling at his hair to express himself. There was nothing that should have ever told the caregiver it was alright to humiliate his patient in the form he did by terrorizing him in front of everyone and spanking him. I was so disturbed over the whole situation that I just didn't know what to do. I have never seen someone treated in such a bullying and degrading manner and to know it was a person that couldn't even defend themselves made it even worse.
I hope this institute sticks to what they told Annette today and the caregivers are not allowed to take patients out like this, if they are even allowed to keep their jobs.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Another shot of Tyson!
There is nothing that I love more than when he covers his eyes when he sleeps. And he gets in a deep sleep where he snores and drools.
The List
I've talked about this book before, "The List: 100 ways to shake up your life" by Gail Belsky and last night went back to it, reading through it. Some of the ideas in there are a little over the top and some of them I would never be able to do (hello, hydrophobia means I am not diving into any body of water) but the overall feel of the book is to shake up your life. Do something "crazy", do something that you have never thought you would have the courage to do or that you never actually thought about doing. It doesn't matter how silly you may think someone else will find it to be, if it is a challenge to you and something you want to do, then you should do it.
I know I have quite a few things on my list that I want to accomplish and while I am sure some people are going to give me that "what is wrong with your head" look, I think that if it is something that I want to do, I should do it.
What would you have on your "list"? What is that one wild thing that you want to do?
I know I have quite a few things on my list that I want to accomplish and while I am sure some people are going to give me that "what is wrong with your head" look, I think that if it is something that I want to do, I should do it.
What would you have on your "list"? What is that one wild thing that you want to do?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Catching up!
I always have a lot to say and then never sit down to say it. And now that I am sitting down to blog, I don't remember everything that I wanted to blog about! *sighs* Ain't that always the way!
My darling friend, Lisa, has a blog, The REEL: Box Office Buzz, and asked me if I would write up a review of "The Hangover" for her since it wasn't on her list of movies to go see. Of course, I jumped at the chance! I love movies and was really excited that she wanted me to share my review. Not only did she ask me if I wanted to write the review but she asked me if I would be interested in being her partner in crime over there! I, naturally, said yes!! My first review is up and I hope you will check it out: Go Ahead and Laugh - It's The Hangover.
My sister and the kiddies are coming home this coming week. :) Jeremy is going to fly to Jacksonville, FL to meet them and drive back with them. (If anyone lives in Jacksonville, I'm sorry in advance for the chaos he can possibly cause.) They should be home on Friday and then Saturday, my friend, Rose, is driving up from Tombstone where she will be vacationing. We are taking her out to lunch for her birthday (and yes, Rose, if you read this we are!) and letting her finally meet the girls, Allie and Kayleigh. It will be great to have them home...even if Tyson is not going to think so.
Allie has, however, informed me that we are having a Barbie party while she is here. I do have two Barbies somewhere in the closet so I will have to bust them out.
Earlier this week two of my friends and I were talking and we decided that in 2011 we are going to take a little jaunt over the pond. Yep, England. I want to do more traveling, see more of the world and these two (Shelley and Angelina) are also wanting to travel around. I can't wait to get planning that. But first I decided that for my birthday next year I want to make it a big one...I think I'm going to take a week, at least, off and hit up both coasts -- start in LA and end up in NYC with friends to celebrate.
What has been the best Birthday celebration you have ever had?
My darling friend, Lisa, has a blog, The REEL: Box Office Buzz, and asked me if I would write up a review of "The Hangover" for her since it wasn't on her list of movies to go see. Of course, I jumped at the chance! I love movies and was really excited that she wanted me to share my review. Not only did she ask me if I wanted to write the review but she asked me if I would be interested in being her partner in crime over there! I, naturally, said yes!! My first review is up and I hope you will check it out: Go Ahead and Laugh - It's The Hangover.
My sister and the kiddies are coming home this coming week. :) Jeremy is going to fly to Jacksonville, FL to meet them and drive back with them. (If anyone lives in Jacksonville, I'm sorry in advance for the chaos he can possibly cause.) They should be home on Friday and then Saturday, my friend, Rose, is driving up from Tombstone where she will be vacationing. We are taking her out to lunch for her birthday (and yes, Rose, if you read this we are!) and letting her finally meet the girls, Allie and Kayleigh. It will be great to have them home...even if Tyson is not going to think so.
Allie has, however, informed me that we are having a Barbie party while she is here. I do have two Barbies somewhere in the closet so I will have to bust them out.
Earlier this week two of my friends and I were talking and we decided that in 2011 we are going to take a little jaunt over the pond. Yep, England. I want to do more traveling, see more of the world and these two (Shelley and Angelina) are also wanting to travel around. I can't wait to get planning that. But first I decided that for my birthday next year I want to make it a big one...I think I'm going to take a week, at least, off and hit up both coasts -- start in LA and end up in NYC with friends to celebrate.
What has been the best Birthday celebration you have ever had?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Things that both amuse & make me happy.
I thought it was time to do a list of things that make me happy. Seeing a listed reminder of that which makes me happy usually puts the week in a better light for me.
* The cinema! Seriously the best way to beat the summer heat of Phoenix.
* "GUESS WHAT???" As excitedly asked by my adorable nephew, Curtiss, and sweetie pie niece, Allie. That is their favorite saying.
* Upcoming trip to CA in July.
* Tyson headbutting me to pet him because he is so desperate in that moment to get his ears scratched.
* Veggie chips from Fresh & Easy Market, my favorite place to grocery shop lately.
* Fresh summer flowers in their bright colors.
* My awesome friends that are always there no matter what.
* VH-1 reality TV. Love it for all of it's train wreck goodness!
* Strawberry frozen fruit bars from Dole. It is a love thing!
* Mi familia, both immediate and extended.
* A good song on the radio that brings memories to me.
* The cinema! Seriously the best way to beat the summer heat of Phoenix.
* "GUESS WHAT???" As excitedly asked by my adorable nephew, Curtiss, and sweetie pie niece, Allie. That is their favorite saying.
* Upcoming trip to CA in July.
* Tyson headbutting me to pet him because he is so desperate in that moment to get his ears scratched.
* Veggie chips from Fresh & Easy Market, my favorite place to grocery shop lately.
* Fresh summer flowers in their bright colors.
* My awesome friends that are always there no matter what.
* VH-1 reality TV. Love it for all of it's train wreck goodness!
* Strawberry frozen fruit bars from Dole. It is a love thing!
* Mi familia, both immediate and extended.
* A good song on the radio that brings memories to me.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Getting my Greek on!
A couple of months ago I saw a cute trailer for a little movie that was coming out this summer. In the midst of all the big summer blockbusters, this little movie is going to be lost in the shuffle, I'm sure. But I am a big fan of the star so I popped into my favorite AMC theater after work to take in "My Life in Ruins" starring Nia Vardalos. Nia starred in one of my fave movies, another little indie film that became a blockbuster. Of course, I am talking about "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".
This movie was just absolutely charming. It is going to get lost in the shuffle of the other two movies opening this weekend, "Land of the Lost" and "The Hangover", both of which I plan to see this weekend as well. I was the only person in the theater seeing this movie until about 20 minutes in when two ladies came in and sat down. BUT I thought it was a great movie. You have a mix of characters that are all quirky in their own right. You have the wise man that gets through to the heroine, played by Richard Dreyfuss. You have the too good to be true leading man. And then you have my favorite of the heroines. Georgia (Nia Vardalos) moved to Greece to hope to teach at the University there. She ended up taking a job that she didn't like and is floundering because she is blind to life and to what direction her dreams are taking her. Through many mishaps and a little guidance from said wise man, Georgia stops to look at life as an adventure, not a job.
The message of the movie was just that -- Don't plan life, let life happen. And I really think that so often we all forget that. We are so busy trying to make sure that everything is perfect that we get caught up in all the planning of it and life rushes by while that is happening. You always know what your job is, but you don't know what the next adventure is going to be or where it is going to lead you. Maybe you need to just let it happen and enjoy the ride that it takes you on.
I definitely recommend the movie. I think you will enjoy it. And the scenery -- GORGEOUS!!! Greece has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And the history is so amazing.
This movie was just absolutely charming. It is going to get lost in the shuffle of the other two movies opening this weekend, "Land of the Lost" and "The Hangover", both of which I plan to see this weekend as well. I was the only person in the theater seeing this movie until about 20 minutes in when two ladies came in and sat down. BUT I thought it was a great movie. You have a mix of characters that are all quirky in their own right. You have the wise man that gets through to the heroine, played by Richard Dreyfuss. You have the too good to be true leading man. And then you have my favorite of the heroines. Georgia (Nia Vardalos) moved to Greece to hope to teach at the University there. She ended up taking a job that she didn't like and is floundering because she is blind to life and to what direction her dreams are taking her. Through many mishaps and a little guidance from said wise man, Georgia stops to look at life as an adventure, not a job.
The message of the movie was just that -- Don't plan life, let life happen. And I really think that so often we all forget that. We are so busy trying to make sure that everything is perfect that we get caught up in all the planning of it and life rushes by while that is happening. You always know what your job is, but you don't know what the next adventure is going to be or where it is going to lead you. Maybe you need to just let it happen and enjoy the ride that it takes you on.
I definitely recommend the movie. I think you will enjoy it. And the scenery -- GORGEOUS!!! Greece has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And the history is so amazing.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Thought you might be missing him!
I haven't posted any Tyson in a while so you are getting lucky tonight and seeing him!
Michaela and my mom bought him a new toy...he is picky about toys. Okay, honestly, he hates them. He will play for a few minutes and then lose all interest. Too cute.
And he can't stand sleeping with his head down flat, he always props it up on something, tonight it was the remote control, which is his favorite.
Yes, yes, he is pretty dang cute!
Michaela and my mom bought him a new toy...he is picky about toys. Okay, honestly, he hates them. He will play for a few minutes and then lose all interest. Too cute.
And he can't stand sleeping with his head down flat, he always props it up on something, tonight it was the remote control, which is his favorite.
Yes, yes, he is pretty dang cute!
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