Hmmm: 07/01/2004 - 08/01/2004

Saturday, July 31, 2004

Phones, fences, and cables!

I was without phone and cable for a while. I had satellite but I don’t really watch it – the cable is for Internet connection, satellite for TV, phone for my future alarm. Anyway, Husband and I have wanted a fence for a while now, but had not made the time to get some quotations. We finally did and the monthly payments are not all that bad: 78 bucks a month, that’s what we spend in a week of eating out so we went for it.

Monday we filled out the application, Tuesday it was submitted for approval, Wednesday we received the go, Thursday the workers came to start putting up the 4x4s to make the frame and hold them with cement, etc. These wood posts have to go at least 2 feet under ground and they did it rather quickly. I had mentioned to be careful with the cables and such, and according to the salesperson the guys had come to inspect the property beforehand to make sure they isolated the phone, light, and other cables. Well, they finished setting the posts and left. Next morning, Friday, I go out to do several errands: pay some bills, etc, and my mom calls me at the cel.

“Are you in the Internet?” she asked.

“Me? Nah. I’m outside. I’m driving. Why?”

“Because I’ve been calling you several times in the morning and your phone is always busy, so I thought you were on the Internet.”

“Oh we don’t use the phone for the Internet mom. We have cable net. Hmm. Maybe I forgot to hang up a phone or something… or… owwww I hope they didn’t break my line.”

“The fence guys?”

“Yah… I’ll check when I get home.”

So I did. I arrived home and picked up the phone at the kitchen and yes there was no dial tone. So then I went to the bedroom and noticed the same thing. I got my tool set and unhook a phone set and went outside, where the main phone box is. I disconnected the RJ that makes the round circle for the whole phone system and hooked up my phone. That’s what they people at the phone company always says to do: Before calling us, check that all phones are hooked up. Then plug a receiver outside and make sure there is (or isn’t) a dial tone. If there is a dial, then the problem is in your phones or home jacks and you may easily troubleshoot yourself. If there is no dial tone then it’s a different problem and give us a call.

No dial tone, so I gave them a call (via the cel phone). I was told that service would be restored by Saturday at 7pm. Alright… it was Friday 4:30pm… hmmm... okay, I could leave with no phone service for a day.

I started doing my housework and then my dad came over to take me shopping. When we got back, I gave him dinner and then went to his house to help him pack because he was taking a short trip to go to my sister’s at Laredo. Mom is with her, so he was going to come back with her. Well, when I got back home I went to check my e-mail and… Page not found. O_o Uh-oh… I looked at the cable modem and one light was blinking and 2 others were off… The only solid green was the Power one… ~_~

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I CAN LIVE WITHOUT PHONE, BUT PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY INTERNET CONNECTION!!!

*sigh*

I shut everything off, tried restarting the modem. I reset it a couple of times, but it was the same results. I turned stuff off again and went to wash the bathroom. I’d give a call the next day.

So, now it’s Saturday. The fence people came over at around 9am and I went outside to talk to them and asked if they had come across some wires while drilling the holes because… well, I was without phone and cable.

“Oh. Did it happen after we left.”

“Yep. I had not noticed until yesterday afternoon, when my mother game me a call and said my phone was just busy, busy.”

“Hm. Well, we saw this cable…” he began to walk over one corner of the lawn and I followed him, “but it was already broken so we thought it was some left over or something.” He scraped the dirt and yes, there was a torn black cable.

I looked at it and recognized it to be like the one connected to the phone box… and then I asked, “and an orange cable?” Good thing that each service has their own colors, eh?

“No. We didn’t see that.”

I kinda shrugged, “Yeah, well. I am expecting the technician from the phone to come over sometime today. He’ll check the stuff.” I smiled. Heh. No need to get all upset and stuff. It was an accident.

“Oh we’ll work quickly. All he’ll have to do is reconnect wherever the wire got broken.”

“Yeah. I hope nobody gets interrupted in the work. But yes, like you said, it shouldn’t be that difficult…” the phone power area is actually on my side of the fence, so it was easy acces, The cable may be a little more difficult since the main power box was at the neighbor’s property. Ooops. Oh wells. But now to the important part: “If there are any charges for fixing the line, if it was from the drilling… I just forward you guys the bill?” Tutututuuu.

“Yeah. Sure.”

Alright! So I left them at their work and I went to feed Chiquita, then gave a call to the cable company. They did not have a slot available until Wednesday morning and I took it. Oh man.. so many days with no internet. *weeps* Anyway, at around 2 the phone technician, Andres, came over and went straight to work. I saw the truck so I went outside and introduced myself. We chatted for some time while he worked.

“Yes, when I saw that there was a fence being built I knew it was a torn cable problem. Yeah, they cut it when they made the holes.” He was clipping tiny little red and green cables and hooking them up to the motherboard,

“I had not noticed until my mom called yesterday noon. If she hadn’t I still wouldn’t know. Hahaha. We just never use the phone. It’s just here because…well, everyone needs a phone.”

He laughed and nodded, “True, true. I am almost done, see? With these” he had two little pliers thingies that he was connecting to the wires to check the reception, “I am checking your line.” I was nodding and going ‘oooooh’ all airhead-like. Techies love that, so be nice, make their day. “Yep, it works. Now I’ll just connect the main line at your box and in 3 or 4 days somebody will come and bury the new line.” He showed me the cable.

We continued to chat and then I asked about the repair cost.

“Oh it’s nothing. When it comes to these type of problems, we never charge the client. It’s not your fault. And if we were to charge anything we’d charge the fence company, but we don’t do that either. ‘Cause you see, if we do, then the fence company may charge the client in some way, and well, that’s not fair because it wasn’t your fault.”

“Nice policy!” He then said that in a few minutes he’d ring the phone and then would go around to give me his card, so I left him at his work. On the way back to the house I saw the fence guys and I gave them thumbs up. “I’ve got my phone back! Yey.”

They kinda smiled and nodded while I walked inside. Minutes later Andres gave me a call and asked if the line was fine, I said yes so we hung up. Then he went to the house and gave me his card. Told me to call him at his pager if anything was odd with the line in the next few days. “You know how a pager works?”

“Hmmm. I dial the number, then I leave my own number.”

“Yes. Pager, beeper same thing. Just leave me your cel phone number… otherwise if I call…” We said the next thing together, “there won’t be an answer ‘cause the main line is down.”

“Got it! No problem. Thank you very much.” I waved his card and then he excused himself and I closed the door.

A couple of hours later and my neato fence was done. Came out pretty good ^_^ AND… when I came to the office, I noticed my modem lights all solid green! YEY!!! I guess the cable company was updating something in the block. Still, I will wait one more day and if everything is still working fine then I will call the cable company to cancel my Wednesday appointment with the technician.

^_^

Friday, July 30, 2004

Of planes and travels

Alright, so what was the whole plane ride post all about yesterday? My sister-in-law is sending our niece down here on vacation for 2 weeks. She is ten (or is it eleven?) and due to regulations she cannot travel alone, nor would we want her too… it’s dangerous out there with so many twisted people around… So anyway, we had been planning this for a couple of months and my husband gets to go to New York to come back with Bashma (pronounced Baah-sma) on Sunday. In the process he also sees his parents who are visiting the country and staying at his sister’s apartment. After the 2 weeks are done, my sister-in-law flies down here and then goes back with my niece. Nice arrangement.

I hope Bashma doesn’t get bored while down here. We have the beach at 30 minutes travel and also plenty of public pools and 2 water parks. Then there are the parks, Peter-Piper’s, Chuck-E-Cheeses, and the city’s recreation area. We don’t have much in the area of ‘cool’ museums, except for the historical places (well… historical for the area). Oh yes! We have the Zoo! You know, that cool place where all the animals are always asleep inside their cages? ~_~ Now, I don’t know how many places I will be able to take her. My husband will be working all day so we’ll probably do the whole-day-long activities (water park, beach, zoo, etc) on the weekends and I’ll take her around the smaller places on the weekdays.

I’ve been getting tons of kiddie anime (the one with nothing censorable or questionable) to keep her busy in the mornings or before bedtime. These 2 weeks should be good for me as some sort of training. Ehhhh. We’ll see what happens.

Well, for now, I think I should give a call to my in-laws. I still haven’t… I really should… really, really should…

I have an excuse on why I did not call yesterday when my husband arrived. ^_^ I did not wish to bother them because I knew they would have so many things to talk to him! Yeash, that’s it.

Truth is… I was upset. They called yesterday, probably looking for hubby to find out how the trip was going. I answered the phone (remember that I gave him mine because he forgot his at home) and they hung up on me. I said, maybe, since they were calling his cel phone and a girl answered (yes there is the probability they still do not recognize my voice) they thought that it was a wrong number. So I said, they’ll call again… but they didn’t. I had given my number to his sister (when she called his cel phone) so that she could be informed of his whereabouts and she surely gave it to her parents. So, if they dialed his number and then hung up thinking it was a wrong number, why did they not dial it again? Easy. Because they already knew that my husband was using my phone, so they probably dialed that number then.

They could have at least said ‘hi.’

This cracked me up

Click on the link
Tell me what you see
Refresh it a couple of times
It changes all around

http://worldnews.online.fr/tm/tm.htm

Wow, and I am poetic about it too!

Thursday, July 29, 2004

What a hectic morning

My husband left for New York at 5:45am, but things would have been less stressful in the morning had we woken up at 3:20 as originally intended.

We have one of those alarm clocks that can have different times set for weekends and weekdays. He generally plays around with the times, depending on how tired he is. Most of the time he changes the times by 10 or 15 minutes. Well, last night he changed the settings for 3:20am and before going to bed he asked me to check it. I turned it on and saw the 3:20, no pm next to it, so I told him it was fine. It was a little before midnight and I told him I was not sleepy, that perhaps he should just let me stay awake and then after I dropped him off the next day at around 4 that I would come back and sleep all the way through. He insisted, ‘I cannot sleep without you’, etc, etc so I turned in.

I remember stirring up and kicking the covers aside and I pushed him a little while doing it. The next thing I hear is “oh no! Shit!”, so I pick up my head and I ask, “What’s the matter?!” , “It’s FIVE!” I checked the clock; the alarm was set at 3:20… but for Sunday.

Darn. We’re talking… Five am… plane leaves at 5:45, gates close at around 5:30-something and we’re about 20 minutes away, driving fast... and the truth is that we didn’t really wake up at five - it was like 9 after. I pulled up jeans and a blouse while he was running around tucking in his toiletries (he was supposed to wake up early enough to take a shower and then pack those bath items). Well, we got out the driveway and the car clock said 5:22.

I dug my nails onto the seat all the way to the airport. He was going over 80 in the city, cursing at every single driver that dared to go the actual speed limit. Finally we got there 3 minutes after 30. He took out his bags and ran inside. I began to circle around thinking that there would be the probability that the airport people would not let him in, since he still needed to get boarding pass, check in the luggage, and then get the whole checkup thingy at the gates… plus the lady on the speakers was announcing that gates to flight 2728 were ‘now closed.’ I went around the front once more and he was coming out, I thought they had refused him so I was already taking out my wallet to make some sort of last minute changes to the ticket and hopefully get him a seat aboard the next earliest plane.

Nope. He just needed the cel phone. I handed it to him by the window and he shouted a hasty “I love you!” while I shouted back, “Yes, yes! Go!” and he ran back inside. I parked, just in case. At 5:56am I left back for home…

Husband called me at 7:20am from Houston. I was waiting for that call since 7am. Things went okay and he was going to the next gate. He said that here in Brownsville, gate check still made him wait longer before boarding… They made him take off his shoes, belt, went through the entire luggage, phone, PDA, and his documents. He was laughing as he told me, the stress already gone. I reminded him to please find a bathroom and to at least wash his face when he had time.

Oh man… I had bought him this really nice shirt to wear today so that his parents wouldn’t see him all crappy… Darn, the first thing he got was the shirt that he had used at work yesterday. ~_~ Now they’re gonna say I don’t take care of him… which I don’t, actually… but still… that’s not for the in-laws to know.

Saturday, July 24, 2004

The Bourne Supremacy

Whoa! Now that’s an action movie!

The trailers and commercials say “They should have left him alone.” And I say: Thank goodness they didn’t!!! The movie rules! It has a good length, and you do not wish it were any shorter. It moves at a fast pace with unexpected happenings around most all corners. Special effects are normal as are the fight scenes… but what makes it very good is that they are … pretty real. Matt Damon as Jason Bourne does his kick-butt amnesiac super-CIA agent role in which he does nothing out of the ordinary… well… for a CIA Super agent that he is.

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne

The movie is shot in India, Germany, Russia, and USA. Chase scenes are sweet, with such nice camera angles that you believe you are at the passenger’s seat… ohhh yeahhhh I could feel my eyes popping out every time there was a 360-degree spin. Some people may get a little confused, a little nauseous – just as if you were in the chase yourself. ^_^ The main chase is so good that pretty much it is at the same level as the chase scenes from Gone In 60 Seconds or The Italian Job (mini coupers are soooo cute).

And if car crashing scenes aren’t your thing… then do it for this guy: ^_~ You will see this young actor in movies such as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He played Eomer, the Rohan Warrior… you know, Eowyn’s brother… (she kills the most powerful of the Undead Evil Kings in the 3rd movie because She’s No Man).

Wow Looks different, no?

Karl Urban as Kirlill;

Go watch The Bourne Supremacy. GO GO!

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Me gusta Avon

Yesh me likes it a lot. You get a nice little catalog to your door; samples of the new stuff, if you don't know much about their items you can always ask the local representative to give you some. You place your order with your rep and 2 weeks later you get your items delivered to your door. It's just great.

Of course... only buy from catalogs when you are not in desperate need of the products... so gotta make sure you're not close to the last drop of make-up when you order. Two weeks without blush... eeeckkk!

My favorite stuff from Avon are its hair products. The oil treatments are wonderful. They leave your hair shiny, soft, and smelling sweet. Eye shadows, eye liners, and nail polish are a few of the other products I buy from the catalog. I stick to earth tones, and the occasional frosty pink or violet for the eyes, but brown and golden suit me best. Lipsticks have to be golden, sand, light coffee, anything light brown to natural lip color. I do not feel I look good with red, oranges, or bright pinks - my lips are not thick enough... and they're crooked so those colors make it too obvious ~_~. See piccie on profile Nail polish colors: clear, clear with sprinkles, tan, light brown, mauve rose, those tones that are not too obvious, but that still show a little if you pay close attention.

Pretty color!

So very me

A couple of fragrances are good too, but I don't buy fragrances from Avon often, except for the aromatherapies - Avon has some nice orchid and lavender ones. When I buy my perfumes, I only get one, which does not happen to be an Avon one. It's a perfume I have been wearing since the teenage years. It mixes very well with my skin and my natural scent. I do not give out my perfume brand. ^_^ Wouldn't want the whole world smelling yummy like me! Too bad it is getting more and more difficult to find. So I guess I better start trying out new fragrances. I tried patchouli once... nice but not me. I also bought this bottle of Acqua di Gio for women... it smells wonderfully on other people. With me it's just too sweet, but darn it, I paid close to 70 bucks for it so I have to wear it from time-to-time.

Oh yes. And I used to sell Avon when I started college. ^_^ I would make nice little comissions ranging in the 100s. Paid for books and gas for a semester with this part-time job. I no longer do it, though; I do not like to order things for people when I don't get the money up front. Hehehe. You can't always trust that everyone will have money to pay for everything they order once it gets here.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

What Tree Did You Fall From?

Cedar Tree (Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

I've got one thing to say: ALL BOW TO THE GREAT KITTY!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate, also in line with Celtic astrology.

Dec 23 to Jan 01 - Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only) -Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 ! - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only) - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 -Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only) - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only) - Beech Tree

YOUR TREE (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive,
well-developed sense of justice, fun to be a! round, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, ! loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner , dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

Woo hoo!

I am almost done with a project, remember that one I put some pseudo for? Yes, that one. I am missing the shop entrance for the cart. Hmmm… I am slacking a bit on that one.

I have another project underway, a much smaller one. Yes, I know I said I would not do any others but my it’s like a favor. My dad asked me to do it for an acquaintance of his, so how can I say no to that? It will be a small little site, just to quickly summarize what the industry does, etc. Something sweet and to the point so I should not have much problems. I have basically finished it… except that it’s empty. I need to get the ‘meat’ from the company so that I can input all the text into my layouts. So me’sa waitin’!

Colors chosen are shadow green (or so I call it that), hazy blue, and red. A border company that houses 3500+ employees, so it’s gotta be borderly-like. No database programming… unless I want to be mean. But I don’t, so I’ll keep it at simple HTML and stuff.

Thursday, July 15, 2004

Six reasons why Chess is better...

I think I have a much better appreciation of 'Chess' now...

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Spam

Dear Friend, sounds a bit generic infomercial to me, but alright...

This letter may come to you as a surprise due to the fact that we have not yet met. I have to say that I have no intentions of causing you any pains so i decided to contact you through this medium .As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday.
Ahum, well if you don't know me really you could not be contacting me any other way. Now get to the point!

My name is HAKEEM SADIQ, a merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E. I have been diagnosed with prostate and esophageal Cancer that was discovered very late due to my laxity in caring for my health. It has defiled all form of medicine and right now, I have only about a few months to live according to medical experts.I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business. Boo hoo... that must suck. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. ... and that's why you got the cancers... I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that I know my time is near, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close friends and Schools in the UAE. I have decided to give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the U.A.E,
London and Ireland. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this my self any more. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and donate the money, which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Well, family needs money too. Isn't it good to give money to people you know and love as opposed to total strangers who won't give a damn where the money came from? Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. The last of my money which is the huge cash deposit that I have with Financial Firm Abroad .I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations and let them know that it is I HAKEEM SADIQ that is making this generous donation. So you don't trust family members... but you trust Me, a total stranger. Riiight okay.

I am writing this from my laptop computer in my hospital bed where I wait for my time to come. I didn't know doctors allowed laptops inside rooms, but even if they did... ever heard of wire-transfers? I know you're using the Internet, otherwise I would not have gotten the e-mail. I pray that God uses you to support and assist me with good heart

God be with you.
HAKEEM SADIQ.

NB: I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished as I dont want anything that will Jeopadize my last wish. and Also I will be contacting with you by email as I dont want anybody to know cos they are always around me. Do endavour to send your phone as well as your fax for easy communication. Umm... No.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Mexico Vs. Ecuador

Mexico defeats Ecuador 2-1 and for the first time passes to the next round without a single defeat and 1st of it's group.

GROUP B - POINTS
Mexico - 7
Argentina - 6
Uruguay - 4
Ecuador - 0

The game overall was okay. It was almost one-sided and seemed easy. By the first half Mexico had already scored 2 goals and the game was going down in pace. Goal 1 was a giveaway because the ref counted a penalty against Ecuador when it truly wasn't one (not like I'm complaining... :d gave Mexico the advantage.) The 2nd goal cam on minute 42, near the end of the first half, Mexican player Bofo completely gets rid of the men tracking him, nobody guarded him, gets the pass and strikes with a right leg slamming that ball into the net. Ecuador's goal came on minute 26, it was a nice two-man play, finished with a head shot, there was nothing for Mexican goalie to do, it was a very well executed goal. Mexico's play could have been a little more aggressive, while Ecuador's could be said that it was the best they played in the entire cup.

Now on to the next round... We either play Paraguay or Chile, I'm not too sure...

Sunday, July 11, 2004

Mexico Vs. Argentina

1 - 0

YEAHHH. The game yesterday was soooooooo stressful. I finished off all my nails. Gawwww But we won!

And now in the words of my sister:

VIVA MEXICO!!!!CAMPEONES!!!!##1

Hehehehehehe

Saturday, July 10, 2004

Random Quiz that my friends sent me. ^_^

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME Renee Lara Puente de Ali

2. STAR SIGN: Leo - hear me roar!!!

3. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? baby blue PJs ^_^

4. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Maldita Vecindad with Cafe Tacuba y El Inspector - Amnesia

5. WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER? 3502

6. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Habas with powdered chile

7. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I'd be red.

8. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? Hot and Sunny! Woo hoo Texas!

9. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? hmm... Dad. yes my Dad.

10. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS? Yes, yes. ^_^ What's not to like?!

11. HOW ARE YOU TODAY? erm... sexy in that 'I just woke up' way so my eyes are dreamy and lazy. *flutters lashes*

12. FAVORITE DRINK? dnL!!!

13. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? Frozen Margaritas

14. FAVORITE SPORTS? Soccer, Soccer, Soccer. GO MEXICO!

15. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with those water-drawn reddish highlights.

16. EYE COLOR? brown

17. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

18. SIBLINGS AND THEIR AGES? Mantiz erm... 22? or is it 20? Dunno. she looks 18 to me.

19. FAVORITE MONTH? December

20. FAVORITE FOOD? Hmmm oh yeah! CHEESE!

21. Last movie watched? City Hunter with Jackie Chan on VHS. (And Casey... OMK Debbie Does Dallas?!!! How was it? I've heard so much about it... :P:P:P)

22. Favorite day of the year? December 31.

23. Worst day of the year? ... December 23? Not sure, really.

24. Are you too shy to ask someone out? Not at all. If you want it, you gotta go out and get it.

25. Hugs or kisses? Hugs

26. Relationships or one night stands? Relationships

27. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

28. Do you want your friends to write back? yep!

29. Who is most likely to respond? I would say Lore but... she sent this to me first. So.. hmm. Xeno!

30. Who is least likely to respond? hmmmmmm right now Savior 'cause he ain't got access to the net. :P hehehe.

31. Living arrangements? The litle house that my hubby bought for moi.

32. What book are you currently reading? Identidades Indigenas, a photobiography of indigenous people of Mexico.

33. What's on you mouse pad? My mouse is a boy. It don't need a mouse pad.

34. Favorite board game? Sorry!

35. What did you do last night? Finished compiling all the posts from the Falshback series based on the Alternate Universe.

36. Your favorite smell? Dirt after a rainy day.

37. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Not really. I ain't special. Oh! But I can do pretzel!!! erm.. nevermind... that's for my husband to know only.

38. What inspires you? I've never thought about it. But according to Palmistry, I've got no Destiny line... therefore no inspiration?

39. Plain or salted popcorn? Salted

40. Favorite car? Hyundai Sonata 'cause it looks like a cute Jaguar... I know, I know, I should get the Jaguar instead but... Sonata's are just soooooo cute! ^_^

41. Favorite flower? Baby's Breath

42. How many keys on your key ring? 7 or something... *shrugs*

43. Can you juggle? Nahhh

44. Have you ever loved someone so much that it made
you cry? It was more of an enfatuation, but yeah, I've cried.

45. Do you think that this person has ever cried over
you? OF COURSE! I made him cry! AND IT FELT GOOOOD. SO MUCH THAT I MADE HIM DO IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN! and by 'him' I mean a bunch of guys. Man, I'm so fricken mean.

46. What is your least favorite Month? hmmm i like all the same.

47. Do you prefer showers in the AM or PM? AM

48: What is your favorite type of cookie? home-made buttery mazapan cookies

49. What candy bar best describes you? Chamoyada! I just like that candy best. It's this icee type of thing... with flavor of sour lemons and sweet peaches, and you pour chamoy all over it and sprinkle powder chile on top. ahhh yeaaaaahhh. it's cold and hot at the same time. Plus sooo spicy! yes, that's me alright!

50. If the world was going to end in an hour, what
would you do? I'd gather my immediate family and my husband along with our cels and important documents. Gather all the water and food we could frmo our homes. End of the World may not necessarily be the End of the World. There are always survivors and I plan on being one of those, damnit! I've got a brain and I know how to use it! That or we'd just go to Mexico... ever notice how in the movies nothing ever happens to Mexico? HEHEHEHEH.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Copa America has started

>_< Mexico played against Uruguay at 5:45pm, the ending score was 2-2. Unacceptable! This one was such a boring game! Both teams were just tossing the ball around the field. The players looked tired and without a longing for real game. It seemed like they just wanted to tie… Mexico did at least. Uruguay seemed to be trying for part of the game. I think Mexico went into the game thinking it was going to be too easy. Never underestimate the seemingly weaker teams… they have nothing to lose and all to gain. And while Uruguay has not won a cup in many many years… they were at one point extremely important players. They’ve got the school… and they can give a nice surprise.

The next game I watched was Argentina and Ecuador. >_< Darned Argentinians!!! Why are they so damned good?! They won 6-1… The entire first half was 1-0, then Ecuador finally scored on the 2nd half… and then… Argentina rose to the occasion. Those guys don’t let anybody reach their shoulders… one goal and that’s all it takes for them to turn around and seek revenge. Why can’t Mexico do that? Mexico gets a tie and that’s good enough… *shakes head* No no no. Gotta go out there and kill!!! No stopping. No Mercy. Argentina sure won’t show any this Saturday when they play against Mexico.

So yeah, we’re waiting for the Saturday game, Mex-Argentina, and Ecuador-Uruguay. Then it will be Mex-Ecuador, which should (BIG SHOULD) be the easy game. Ecuador, while not the greatest in technicality has very physically powerful players. Tall, fast, rough. Finally, Argentina-Uruguay. This is definitely the Death group of the cup, Group B. As my sister says: The final will be played this Saturday: Argentina-Mexico. Argentina will go out to get Mex and Mex will go out to kill Argentina or they won’t make it to the next level. We are really hoping to see these 2 play again in the Final. ^_^ Mex should win it.

Anyway, Paraguay plays against Costa Rica tomorrow and afterwards Brasil-Chile… uff. Nice nice nice games – I hope. Sometimes we the fans get such disappointments. The players come to these cups, wanting to take care of themselves too much. They don’t want to run fast, kick far, or slide hard. And yes, while we do not wish to see them get injured and then completely miss them on the bigger cup (the World Cup) we don’t want to watch mediocre football either.

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Kitty's result: 43 points.

41 TO 50 POINTS:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and
always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of
attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their
head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding;
someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

=================================

Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now...... not who you were in the past.

Have pen or pencil and paper ready and keep track of your letter answers. Number you paper 1 to 10 first .

Ready? Begin...

====
1. When do you feel at your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk.....
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people, you...
a) stan d with your arms folded
b ) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) a big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering, you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. When you're working or concentrating very hard, and you 're
interrupted, you...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before
going to sleep, you lie...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

============

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2 . (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 ; (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS:
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered and one who is extremely domineering. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS:
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, one who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try
anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS :
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return.

Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS :
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady
plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS:
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisi ve, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Friday, July 02, 2004

Recuperating

Hubby dropped me off at mom's early today. I was reading 'Bloody Bones' by Laurell K. Hamilton (Anita Blake Series) until I heard my mom and sis waking up. We ate cereal and watched soaps for a bit and then I started cleaning the house. The usual stuff: dishes, vacuuming, washing toilets, sinks, clothes, no mopping today... mom didn't have pine sol and I didn't want to use soapy water. I was afraid that I wouldn't rinse it out completely fromt he floors, especially the bathrooms, and that she may slip. Sis took care of the lunch. She made rice, beef with veggies, and then more veggies. yum yum. More dishes. Well, we took mom shopping after that. She now has pine sol... well, Fabuloso, a Mexican brand for floor cleaner. It smells great and is what I use at my own house. ^_^ I use it for everything, floors, commodes, sinks, tubs, the kitty's litter box, man it's great, economic, and the bottle lasts for month and months. I gotta love Mexican products. Got back to her house, watched a movie, Hubby and Dad got back home and then Hubby and I left. He took me to eat at a Mexican restaurant and then I went to the beauty salon to get a haircut.

hehehe... can you say 80s punk rocker?

It's SPIKEY!!!

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Released!

Mom was released today! Doc came over to see her again at around 8:30 am and said all was aaa-okay! Said that she was super healthy, in good shape and that all the nurses said that all she did was walk around over and over and over. Yeah, you would think she didn't have a 6-inch slice on her abdomen!

Gaw, that's when we see how much her training helps her. Have I ever mentioned that mom is a half-marathon runner? Gaw, she runs 3-5 miles daily, and that's for mere training.

^_^

We left the hospital at around noon. I stayed with her at the house until hubby got out from work. I made sure to clean her house and all so that she could be comfortable.

Hmmm