When you lose a celebrity, that you didn't know personally, I know we all feel bad for the family and the talent that has left us for a higher place. But when I heard about Prince passing, it felt like I lost a person, a friend that was trusted that has been there in my life for many years.
I first learned of the greatness that was Prince, in 1978 with the song "I wanna be your lover", oh how I loved that tune and would play it constantly. My father's dance studio also had the record because turns out it was quite danceable even in ballroom format. A nice swing if you will. Since this was pre-video days and internet, I had to rush out to see what this angel looked like. I was not disappointed. He was a beautiful looking man with a sexy bad boy glint in his eye. I was hooked. Sounds good and looks good? Sold!
Then when I got into a college, my dorm mate had a huge poster of Prince on her wall. It was him in the shower and it was brilliant! I remember walking into her room and just standing there in a trance. All his music rushed back and I felt like he was there with us in that room. Obviously, this was not the case, but you get my drift. Prince was all over Atlanta in the early 80's and he would come to venues and bring other talented folks like The Time and Appolonia it was just a great time to be a young adult. Other musicians who have passed this year like Bowie and Glenn Frey they were around earlier than I recall and I considered them another generation of music back then, but Prince was my generation much like MJ. I feel like Prince and I went through these last years together on the journey we call life with it's ups and downs but we were still having fun and doing our thing. Prince was a few years older than me, but his loss feels greater to me because he was there when I was young and he's always been there, for all of us Im sure, until yesterday. April 21, 2016 was the day the world lost an icon, a legend, a peacemaker, a man who made us think, who showed us where love is and how to sprinkle love, kindness, good thoughts and how to strive to be better people as a whole.
He will always be missed by the masses, but thankfully, we will always have his music. May we never forget the messages he wove so well in his many amazing soungs. Rest in Peace Prince Rogers Nelson.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
This time of year....
Since today is St Patty's Day, I decided to type in green to be festive, cause I'm fun like that.
We are coming up on the 4 year anniversary of my Dad's passing. And to be honest, thankfully this past year was considerably easier than the first two. I still have good days and bad days, but for the most part, more good than bad. I know Dad is with me and we talk, again, because I'm fun like that. He had the best hearty laugh when something was really funny, which usually involved someone at the dinner table having a complete and total blonde moment. (I tear from typing this, but good tears)
My Dad was surrounded by females. I have a female sibling and all our pets were females, until we got his beloved Shep. But that was many years into all of us being there. I will have to do a blog solely on my Dad's love of his beloved dogs over the years. My Dad used to say that "it takes a real man to create a daughter". He was amazing that way. He never acted like he wanted boys, well with me. I was suppose to be the girl, and like a good girl, I listened. My sibling was supposed to be a boy so much so that they didn't even have a girls name picked out. She was named after the current hurricane that was blowing through south Florida. hahahahah. She was a whirlwind as a child too. But again, that's not this blog.
When I got pregnant is when my Dad expressed his interest in having a grandson. His comment was "I have two daughters, I don't need anymore girls". Again, I listen and complied. He got not one but two grandsons, you are freaking welcome Father. :)...but I always wanted boys too so it was a win win.
As I have shared before, my Dad went in for surgery in February and passed in April. But apparently, on this day 4 years ago, he told my sibling that "he just couldn't do this anymore". So this day is harder for her and I believe my Mum, but since I wasn't given this information until after he passed, it doesn't faze me as much as Easter. Four years ago Easter he passed away that Tuesday after. That holiday is more poignant to me than the Irish holiday is. And while it's been 4 years ago, some days seems like yesterday others seems like a lifetime ago. I guess because the people that surrounded me then aren't all the people surrounding me now. And that's ok.
Things change, people change, circumstances change and if we are smart and open, we change too. Hopefully for the good, but all any of us can ever do is our best. What's best for you, for your job, for your kids, pets and friends. As long as you are trying to be the best person, and doing things to help yourself or a friend in need, you can't go wrong. Just remember that. Take care of you and the rest falls into line.
Until we meet again, kiss kiss hug hug. And may all of you have a safe St Patrick's Day!
We are coming up on the 4 year anniversary of my Dad's passing. And to be honest, thankfully this past year was considerably easier than the first two. I still have good days and bad days, but for the most part, more good than bad. I know Dad is with me and we talk, again, because I'm fun like that. He had the best hearty laugh when something was really funny, which usually involved someone at the dinner table having a complete and total blonde moment. (I tear from typing this, but good tears)
My Dad was surrounded by females. I have a female sibling and all our pets were females, until we got his beloved Shep. But that was many years into all of us being there. I will have to do a blog solely on my Dad's love of his beloved dogs over the years. My Dad used to say that "it takes a real man to create a daughter". He was amazing that way. He never acted like he wanted boys, well with me. I was suppose to be the girl, and like a good girl, I listened. My sibling was supposed to be a boy so much so that they didn't even have a girls name picked out. She was named after the current hurricane that was blowing through south Florida. hahahahah. She was a whirlwind as a child too. But again, that's not this blog.
When I got pregnant is when my Dad expressed his interest in having a grandson. His comment was "I have two daughters, I don't need anymore girls". Again, I listen and complied. He got not one but two grandsons, you are freaking welcome Father. :)...but I always wanted boys too so it was a win win.
As I have shared before, my Dad went in for surgery in February and passed in April. But apparently, on this day 4 years ago, he told my sibling that "he just couldn't do this anymore". So this day is harder for her and I believe my Mum, but since I wasn't given this information until after he passed, it doesn't faze me as much as Easter. Four years ago Easter he passed away that Tuesday after. That holiday is more poignant to me than the Irish holiday is. And while it's been 4 years ago, some days seems like yesterday others seems like a lifetime ago. I guess because the people that surrounded me then aren't all the people surrounding me now. And that's ok.
Things change, people change, circumstances change and if we are smart and open, we change too. Hopefully for the good, but all any of us can ever do is our best. What's best for you, for your job, for your kids, pets and friends. As long as you are trying to be the best person, and doing things to help yourself or a friend in need, you can't go wrong. Just remember that. Take care of you and the rest falls into line.
Until we meet again, kiss kiss hug hug. And may all of you have a safe St Patrick's Day!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Forgive me Father for I have sinned....but then again, he knows that.
Happy March kids! With the arrival of this month we all know that means Spring is just around the corner, and then Easter. Who doesn't love the Easter Bunny? (yes, he is real, shut up)
In my lovely town in Georgia we had tee shirt weather yesterday and today I had to use my butt warmers in the car on my way to my job. It was very hard not to just keep hitting snooze and cuddle with my sweet puppy Gigi. This little lamb turned the big 1 on February 20, 2016. She had a small party of just family and her friend Stitch. And when I say family it was me and her Grammie because her human brothers thought it was too stupid to attend a birthday party for a dog. I really thought I had raised them better than that, but alas, they are adults now, I can only do so much.
As the warmer weather teases us it gets me excited for planting some vegetables in my garden, and putting mulch down on the lawn and planting a flower or two. Spring really is about new beginnings and a new promise to what we can do with our lives. All changes, for the most part, are up to us. I know sometimes things may seem out of our control, but you have to realize you are the only one in control of your life. If you aren't happy with someone, a situation, your job, your living area, it is solely up to you to make those alterations.
As I watch my beloved of a puppy grow and try to do sneaky things, like fake she went outside to do her business, it shows that even though things may seem the same, at the same time they change.
Look at your circle of friends last year and how many are still with you today? Did you have people you weren't talking to or fell out of touch with last year, that are prominent in your life now? I know my answer is yes. I have old friends that I see more now this year and I have others that have left my life, that were in it last year at this time. I know we have all seen that poster about people being in your lives for a reason, season or whatever the other rhyming word is, and to some degree it's accurate. Sometimes when people do come back into your life, that you were really missing, you wonder, should I let them go? Meaning things are as easy as last time or they may not truly want to be in your life, but they will allow you to do things for them. That's always so kind of them, right?
As I end today, I hope this made you think about things you were already pondering and wondering if you should make a change. If your change doesn't harm another and only brightens you and your outlook, then baby, what are you waiting for? Life is short, get out there and make your dreams happen. Only you can!
Hug hug, kiss kiss.
In my lovely town in Georgia we had tee shirt weather yesterday and today I had to use my butt warmers in the car on my way to my job. It was very hard not to just keep hitting snooze and cuddle with my sweet puppy Gigi. This little lamb turned the big 1 on February 20, 2016. She had a small party of just family and her friend Stitch. And when I say family it was me and her Grammie because her human brothers thought it was too stupid to attend a birthday party for a dog. I really thought I had raised them better than that, but alas, they are adults now, I can only do so much.
As the warmer weather teases us it gets me excited for planting some vegetables in my garden, and putting mulch down on the lawn and planting a flower or two. Spring really is about new beginnings and a new promise to what we can do with our lives. All changes, for the most part, are up to us. I know sometimes things may seem out of our control, but you have to realize you are the only one in control of your life. If you aren't happy with someone, a situation, your job, your living area, it is solely up to you to make those alterations.
As I watch my beloved of a puppy grow and try to do sneaky things, like fake she went outside to do her business, it shows that even though things may seem the same, at the same time they change.
Look at your circle of friends last year and how many are still with you today? Did you have people you weren't talking to or fell out of touch with last year, that are prominent in your life now? I know my answer is yes. I have old friends that I see more now this year and I have others that have left my life, that were in it last year at this time. I know we have all seen that poster about people being in your lives for a reason, season or whatever the other rhyming word is, and to some degree it's accurate. Sometimes when people do come back into your life, that you were really missing, you wonder, should I let them go? Meaning things are as easy as last time or they may not truly want to be in your life, but they will allow you to do things for them. That's always so kind of them, right?
As I end today, I hope this made you think about things you were already pondering and wondering if you should make a change. If your change doesn't harm another and only brightens you and your outlook, then baby, what are you waiting for? Life is short, get out there and make your dreams happen. Only you can!
Hug hug, kiss kiss.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Valentine's Day (this year Black Sunday)
As I've gotten older I have really come to loathe this day, and it's not for the reason you might think. I don't need ONE specific day to tell a special someone how much I love them. That needs to be done every day. I hate how we all buy into the hype of flowers, dinners, gifts, surprises etc. Now chocolate should be consumed daily, not just on February 14th. I mean come on, what are we cavemen?
Back in the day, I showered by boyfriends, or husband with gifts. I did special things, like post in the paper how much I loved him, or planned getaways. So I'm not immune in showing my love for someone. Once I got divorced my two beloveds became by Valentine's. Even when I had boyfriends, my two sons were #1 in my heart that day, well everyday.
Now they would look at me and roll their beautiful blue eyes at me, but that's a whole different blog. Beloved #2 has a girlfriend this year, so I'm sure he will do someone really fresh and sweet. He's that guy. He's the sweet sappy love muffin some of you dream about. I say some of you, because sometimes someone that sicky sweet makes me want to hurl. :)
As you can see this blog is quite short in comparison to most of my entries. I guess that's because this particular subject makes me violently ill. lol..
This year I will have my adorable puppy Gigi to shower with Valentine gifts. No chocolate of course, but she will get yet another new toy and absolutely the cutest little tee shirt or sweater to wear. I'm not totally heartless, just don't have much of a heart left.
Hugs and non Valentine kisses to you all. And if you choose to celebrate that dreadful day, do it! Go big, you never know if it will be your last one.
Back in the day, I showered by boyfriends, or husband with gifts. I did special things, like post in the paper how much I loved him, or planned getaways. So I'm not immune in showing my love for someone. Once I got divorced my two beloveds became by Valentine's. Even when I had boyfriends, my two sons were #1 in my heart that day, well everyday.
Now they would look at me and roll their beautiful blue eyes at me, but that's a whole different blog. Beloved #2 has a girlfriend this year, so I'm sure he will do someone really fresh and sweet. He's that guy. He's the sweet sappy love muffin some of you dream about. I say some of you, because sometimes someone that sicky sweet makes me want to hurl. :)
As you can see this blog is quite short in comparison to most of my entries. I guess that's because this particular subject makes me violently ill. lol..
This year I will have my adorable puppy Gigi to shower with Valentine gifts. No chocolate of course, but she will get yet another new toy and absolutely the cutest little tee shirt or sweater to wear. I'm not totally heartless, just don't have much of a heart left.
Hugs and non Valentine kisses to you all. And if you choose to celebrate that dreadful day, do it! Go big, you never know if it will be your last one.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Birthdays!
Remember when you were a kid and you were so excited to have a birthday party, or a sleep over ? Since my birthday falls around Thanksgiving mine have been tricky with coordinating parties or other things.
The one thing that I don't like about birthdays is sometimes it shows you no one likes you for real. LOL. I mean if you plan a party and people can't come, I take it personally. I know I shouldn't especially since it's the holidays, but for the most part, everyone wants to be liked. Even though I say how much I hate people, there are still some people I want to like me and when they don't, I feel like Jr High again. Not that any of these people are 'mean girls' but I view them as popular in our ring and who doesn't want to be popular, even at this stage in your life? I know some with say it doesn't matter, but on some level, it really does.
This year the blessing of my birthday falls on Black Friday. I hate shopping unless I'm going for a specific thing, and I hate traffic and crowds, so this day will be hell. Just kidding, it's going to be a beautiful, sunny, cool day and I will enjoy it no matter what. I will have breakfast with number #1 beloved then I have dinner with my 2nd beloved and my Mum. What more could a birthday girl ask for? Sure a beach trip would have been nice but I do love the cold, it goes better with my personality.
Wait, maybe that's why people don't like me. Hahahaha. I think I will look at me instead of pointing at others. As the saying goes, you can only control how you handle things, not how others do.
I hope everyone has a very happy thanksgiving and really, don't feel sad for me. I wrote this with some humor, yes I want to be liked but if you don't that's your loss, not mine anymore.
Hugs and kisses kiddies!
The one thing that I don't like about birthdays is sometimes it shows you no one likes you for real. LOL. I mean if you plan a party and people can't come, I take it personally. I know I shouldn't especially since it's the holidays, but for the most part, everyone wants to be liked. Even though I say how much I hate people, there are still some people I want to like me and when they don't, I feel like Jr High again. Not that any of these people are 'mean girls' but I view them as popular in our ring and who doesn't want to be popular, even at this stage in your life? I know some with say it doesn't matter, but on some level, it really does.
This year the blessing of my birthday falls on Black Friday. I hate shopping unless I'm going for a specific thing, and I hate traffic and crowds, so this day will be hell. Just kidding, it's going to be a beautiful, sunny, cool day and I will enjoy it no matter what. I will have breakfast with number #1 beloved then I have dinner with my 2nd beloved and my Mum. What more could a birthday girl ask for? Sure a beach trip would have been nice but I do love the cold, it goes better with my personality.
Wait, maybe that's why people don't like me. Hahahaha. I think I will look at me instead of pointing at others. As the saying goes, you can only control how you handle things, not how others do.
I hope everyone has a very happy thanksgiving and really, don't feel sad for me. I wrote this with some humor, yes I want to be liked but if you don't that's your loss, not mine anymore.
Hugs and kisses kiddies!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Fun Facts About Moi
As I see other countries that view my blogs, I thought perhaps I should do a mini bio on me. Here we go:
I am a blonde haired, green eyed Mum of two beautiful sons. They are 18 and 22 and I worked very hard to conceive them. These were completely wanted hoodlums. I say hoodlums with extreme love.
My father passed away 3 years ago April and I never realized just how much you miss a parent. I don't wish that loss on anyone. I've lost grandparents and those were hard, but your parent is a completely different feeling.
My Dad was 100 % Ukrainian and my Mum is adopted so she always said she was a "Heinz 57 Mutt". My sibling and I are not ugly women so it all worked out . :)
I have worked various jobs from Dance Instructor, Receptionist, Retail Sales, and currently have been doing Auto Underwriting for 20 years.
I am not really super outgoing until I get to know people. I have always had a small "inner circle" but the last few years I made that larger, got burned and I am back to a small group of trusted friends.
I love hard and fierce and if I really care about you, I have a hard time letting that go even if you aren't the nicest to me afterwards. But once I am done, or over you and the situation, there is no coming back. You are basically dead to me. I don't wish you any harm, I just don't want to be around you.
I say I hate people and for the most part this is accurate. I don't understand how people can talk out of both sides of their mouths, say mean or hurtful things just because you don't like someone and I have no patience for bullies at all. If I have something to say about you, I have said it to you first. People are treated equally until you piss me off or F*ck me over. Then refer back to the previous comment and welcome to the Dead Zone.
I say I'm perfect, in jest, because my Mum would always say we were "PIEW" which if your parents didn't like you, you never heard, but means "Perfect In Every Way"...:) I have flaws like everyone, I have insecurities like everyone, well most everyone. I do know some people who have egos larger than the world, and good for them, but I'm not like that.
I enjoy traveling and seeing new cities, people and places. If it has a beach you don't have to ask me twice. I am a beach girl and will have my ashes spread into the ocean when I leave this world.
I love being sarcastic, funny, sardonic, and I think I'm a good person. I don't go out of my way to be a hag, but if you start it, I will finish it.
I have a beloved puppy named Gigi, and she is my heart, my love, my life partner. It's true, it even says it on my Facebook account.
I love all of you who take the time out of your busy lives to read my blogs. That gives me great joy.
I am a blonde haired, green eyed Mum of two beautiful sons. They are 18 and 22 and I worked very hard to conceive them. These were completely wanted hoodlums. I say hoodlums with extreme love.
My father passed away 3 years ago April and I never realized just how much you miss a parent. I don't wish that loss on anyone. I've lost grandparents and those were hard, but your parent is a completely different feeling.
My Dad was 100 % Ukrainian and my Mum is adopted so she always said she was a "Heinz 57 Mutt". My sibling and I are not ugly women so it all worked out . :)
I have worked various jobs from Dance Instructor, Receptionist, Retail Sales, and currently have been doing Auto Underwriting for 20 years.
I am not really super outgoing until I get to know people. I have always had a small "inner circle" but the last few years I made that larger, got burned and I am back to a small group of trusted friends.
I love hard and fierce and if I really care about you, I have a hard time letting that go even if you aren't the nicest to me afterwards. But once I am done, or over you and the situation, there is no coming back. You are basically dead to me. I don't wish you any harm, I just don't want to be around you.
I say I hate people and for the most part this is accurate. I don't understand how people can talk out of both sides of their mouths, say mean or hurtful things just because you don't like someone and I have no patience for bullies at all. If I have something to say about you, I have said it to you first. People are treated equally until you piss me off or F*ck me over. Then refer back to the previous comment and welcome to the Dead Zone.
I say I'm perfect, in jest, because my Mum would always say we were "PIEW" which if your parents didn't like you, you never heard, but means "Perfect In Every Way"...:) I have flaws like everyone, I have insecurities like everyone, well most everyone. I do know some people who have egos larger than the world, and good for them, but I'm not like that.
I enjoy traveling and seeing new cities, people and places. If it has a beach you don't have to ask me twice. I am a beach girl and will have my ashes spread into the ocean when I leave this world.
I love being sarcastic, funny, sardonic, and I think I'm a good person. I don't go out of my way to be a hag, but if you start it, I will finish it.
I have a beloved puppy named Gigi, and she is my heart, my love, my life partner. It's true, it even says it on my Facebook account.
I love all of you who take the time out of your busy lives to read my blogs. That gives me great joy.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Childhood Memories
I was just in an Employee Performance Review and retold a favorite memory, and thought, why not share? So here it is.
I consider Southern Florida my home, specifically North Palm Beach as that's where I lived from 10-17. They were wonderful, beach filled, country club filled years that I adored. In high school I swam for the North Palm Beach Country Club and also Suncoast High School. I remember not being able to drive yet, so that meant me and my two neighbors, David and Karen, who also swam, would have to ride our 10 speeds to the country club for practice 4 days a week. I think it was a 15-20 minute bike ride and then we practiced for 2 hours and rode home. Thinking about it now, it's no wonder I would woof down anything my Mum made for dinner. That's a lot of exercise and why I wasn't a rail is beyond me, but whatever.
The thought of letting either of my beloveds ride a bike that far and at night is horrifying and I wouldn't allow them to do it. But back then we were safe and it was the three of us, and who is going to hassle two teen girls and a boy, apparently, no one because we all lived into adulthood.
I recall our coach was kind of a hard arse and he pushed us, but we were tough and could take it. I know you all think 'Alana let someone push her around?' Yes, teen Alana was not the "I don't think so homey" she is today. I do recall mouthing off somewhat but I think that was more complaining how cold the pool water was in the cooler months. That's more Princessy type stuff and I'm really not a prissy girl, but I don't like cold water when it's cold outside either. And don't sit there and say Florida doesn't get cold in the winter months, I beg to differ with you. Especially if you grew up in that atmosphere. 50 or below is cold and to jump into a pool is even chillier, so shut it. :) At least the northern states had indoor pools to wade around in, we did not have this luxury.
I so enjoyed being a part of the country club though. Every Fourth of July they did their own fireworks and I just remember them being so spectacular. We would all go pooling during the day, go home and eat and come back with blankets and watch on the golf course. So much fun filled with social interactions. It was like what subdivisions are now, that closeness you have and every one knowing who's kid you were etc. I know I sound like some 90 year old recalling his youth, but it really wasn't that long ago. More years than I want to admit to, but not like the 1800's.
Hope you all have fond memories of your childhoods that you share with your kids, friends, co workers and that they make you smile like I did.
Until we meet again, kiss kiss hug hug and tell the people in your life just how much they mean to you because tomorrow is never promised.
I consider Southern Florida my home, specifically North Palm Beach as that's where I lived from 10-17. They were wonderful, beach filled, country club filled years that I adored. In high school I swam for the North Palm Beach Country Club and also Suncoast High School. I remember not being able to drive yet, so that meant me and my two neighbors, David and Karen, who also swam, would have to ride our 10 speeds to the country club for practice 4 days a week. I think it was a 15-20 minute bike ride and then we practiced for 2 hours and rode home. Thinking about it now, it's no wonder I would woof down anything my Mum made for dinner. That's a lot of exercise and why I wasn't a rail is beyond me, but whatever.
The thought of letting either of my beloveds ride a bike that far and at night is horrifying and I wouldn't allow them to do it. But back then we were safe and it was the three of us, and who is going to hassle two teen girls and a boy, apparently, no one because we all lived into adulthood.
I recall our coach was kind of a hard arse and he pushed us, but we were tough and could take it. I know you all think 'Alana let someone push her around?' Yes, teen Alana was not the "I don't think so homey" she is today. I do recall mouthing off somewhat but I think that was more complaining how cold the pool water was in the cooler months. That's more Princessy type stuff and I'm really not a prissy girl, but I don't like cold water when it's cold outside either. And don't sit there and say Florida doesn't get cold in the winter months, I beg to differ with you. Especially if you grew up in that atmosphere. 50 or below is cold and to jump into a pool is even chillier, so shut it. :) At least the northern states had indoor pools to wade around in, we did not have this luxury.
I so enjoyed being a part of the country club though. Every Fourth of July they did their own fireworks and I just remember them being so spectacular. We would all go pooling during the day, go home and eat and come back with blankets and watch on the golf course. So much fun filled with social interactions. It was like what subdivisions are now, that closeness you have and every one knowing who's kid you were etc. I know I sound like some 90 year old recalling his youth, but it really wasn't that long ago. More years than I want to admit to, but not like the 1800's.
Hope you all have fond memories of your childhoods that you share with your kids, friends, co workers and that they make you smile like I did.
Until we meet again, kiss kiss hug hug and tell the people in your life just how much they mean to you because tomorrow is never promised.
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