Me & JJ at Field of Dreams spending all our winings. 

Just got back from Vegas, too much work to catch up on! I'll have pics up by tomorrow.

Isn't it funny how you can be so behind in your work, stressed out, and worried and then something happens that just makes you smile? I'm sitting here trying to put a dent in my paperwork with my aching back, broken hand, and the lingering affects of a shot given to me yesterday, and I get an e-mail from just about the last person I would expect to hear from. A friend of mine that I haven't seen for about 14 years found me on the internet. It's a surprise because last time I saw him it was in Ohio and now he lives half way around the World. I cared deeply for this person at one time, even thought about moving back to Ohio at the time. It'll be good catching up. Anyway, it was a wonderful surprise and now I'm smiling. Sometimes it's the little things that make you the happiest:)

I spent the day in court yesterday to obtain a restraining order. The police told me that I needed to do that to help them protect me. Basically I was told I'm stupid if I don't follow through with it. I realize that a piece of paper doesn't stop anything from happening, but allows the police to arrest that person if they come near me. I'm hoping that this ends up being unnecessary, but better safe than sorry. It is a very time consuming and tiring process. It took from 8:30am until about 4pm to have the papers in hand. The court room I was in was so over loaded. I was sitting there scared, with my back hurting, my hand throbbing from filling out all the paperwork, listening to the longest testimony from a "never mind the prenupt agreement" divorce, and thinking how could things be worse? That's when the 4.9 earthquake hit, the building was on rollers so it was quite a ride. I guess that was my answer along with the reason my cat was crying all night and hiding behind the toaster in the kitchen. They're still making a fuss, they have been all week because of all the quakes we've been having. There must be more on the way. Either that or they just sense how upset I've been. Cats are by no means stupid creatures.

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing okay. Don't worry about me, I always land on my feet. I'm just really sad that what took place had to happen for things to end. I'm sure once the bump on my head goes away I'll be able to think more clearly. Gotta get back to enjoying life......... it goes by way too fast, with or without you.

I didn't mean to worry anyone with that post the other day. Thanks for all the e-mails asking if I'm ok. Let's just say that after a very scary encounter last night I have an Emergency Protective Restraining Order. My neighbors called the police, Thank God. I'll be just fine as long as he leaves me alone. I'm just happy to escape with a bump on my head and a big dent in my driver's side door.

Life is too short for all of this drama.

Very appropriate sign on the Orco building off the 55 Fwy:

"Honesty pawned can never be redeemed"

I don't even know how to begin this post or even if I should write it but I can't ignore the fact that my life has just dramatically changed. My current relationship is now completely over. I just went through another man. Apparently I forgot to check the expiration date on this one. Apparently I thought that a "promise ring" meant that they were making a promise. I mistakenly bought into the idea of "I love you " meaning just that. I don't want to sound like a whining, crying, overly-dramatic, hysterical, scorned female......................... but I just had my heart ripped out! I didn't realize that when someone has your wedding thought out, picked the area where to buy a home together, picked out the name of the child we were possibly going to have ( it was Zachary, or Zack for short,) and professed their undying love over and over again, that it was all a fantasy story. A screen play, written and directed by a pathological liar. To have the ability to take a tiny little part of a truth and twist it into an elaborate collection of never ending fantasy stories is frankly a scary, evil, disgusting individual! The sad thing is that there's no happy ending for anyone involved. I will spare the details of this tragedy in hopes that he receives some serious help so that an absolutely adorable 3 year old will one day have a decent father to be there for her. I couldn't imagine growing up without my father, he shaped who I am today. I wish he were alive today so I could go cry on his shoulder. We are all still "Daddy's little girl" no matter what our age.

The Chili Cook-Off in Tustin was last Sunday and us Republican Area Ladies had a great booth. We registered voters and had people write messages to send to the Troops. I even got talked into the "Hot Legs" contest..................No, I didn't win. A mere second place with no trophy:(
It's always a fun day with about 18,000 people roaming the streets of Old Town Tustin while drinking beer and eatin' chili.

In a totally un-related story on E-Online:

http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,16711,00.html?tnews

I talked to this reporter a while back after mentioning Majestik Magnificent in this blog. Didn't think I would be included in the latest news story covering the Michael Jackson trial. Very bizarre.

Tustin chili Cook Off June 5th 

Okay, on the broken hand deal, here's my unofficial statement:

"I had a short conversation with a long winded liberal!"
(Come on, it sounds better than smashing my hand in a car door.)

I received an interesting e-mail from a school teacher that I corresponded with during the recall campaign. It's somewhere back in the archives, his class actually read my blog and one of his students did a report on me. Anyway, he's obviously an outstanding teacher with some pretty amazing students. They have been working on getting the "Mississippi Burning" murder investigation reopened. You can see their progress one the following website:

http://www.mississippiburning.org

I'm pretty impressed with Mr. Bradford and his students. I don't have a complete understanding of what happened, but I guess I'll learn from them.

I went to the Angels game against the White Sox Thursday night to see if they remembered how to hit the ball. It was a good game, too bad I had to leave the stadium to watch the end of it. I may be a little spoiled with the Diamond Club seats, but left field is definitely not happening in my future attendance. It started out okay, made it in time for the national anthem........ one of the best parts of the game. Nevermind the fact that only about 20% of the fans were there 10 minutes before the game. Hey, it's California, where getting to the game slightly before the 4th inning is the norm. The trio behind us could've been the cast from Will & Grace, "Oh my God, I just totally got a free beer cuz I chugged it cuz there was a hole in the bottom of the cup and the bartender lady said if I drank it real fast I totally wouldn't have to pay for it! Goodie, it's like I'm so lucky!" He said while primping and then commenting on the nice tight pants the players were wearing heading back into the bullpen. Don't get me wrong, I like Will & Grace, just don't want to listen to them at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California of the Western Hemisphere. Then it was time for playing dodge ball with a broken hand. Try watching the the tiny little ant like figures play ball while 99Cent store beach balls are coming at you from every corner. I saw a 6 year old take out at least 2 full beers with one serve. Try eating nachos (of course with a pound of jalepenos,) with one hand, drinking a perfume smelling thimble glass of the best box wine available with a generous 2 ice cubes, dodging balls, taking pictures of some die hard, 45 year old Chicago fan wearing a White Sox belt buckle who's carrying a 50th Anniversary Disney tote with his diposable fuji who practically cried when a Sox struck out( he was making me want to become chatty with the Will & Grace cast,) having to stand up every 2 minutes because now the other 16 people in our row have decided to show up and we're on the end seats, some 16 year old is trying to swagger up the stairs completely drunk out of her skull, and watching a ball game! We left and watched the end at a sports bar.

Wow, I really lapsed this time. Time flies when you're busy being a Republican in the most Republican County in the Country:)

Last week I went to the Grand Opening of our new OC Republican Headquarters over by the Anaheim Pond of Anaheim, OC, southern California(it's no where near LA, but it's right next to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Any questions? Anyway, Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas was the guest speaker. At least what's left of him, apparently he has lost a lot of that "gravy" weight they put on in that part of our Country. Very likeable guy. At least I was able to stay for that speaker, sorry to miss Governor Pataki at the Summit earlier this spring.

I went to another Angels game a few weeks ago to watch the Indians pound the crap out of us. Third row behind home plate would've been a nicer place to sit if we had won. There were even fans left at the end of the game, and we lost 9-3. I remember years ago when the stadium would be half empty by then. I guess winning the World Series in 02 helped OC stay in the spirit.

As for my health.......... not much change in the back. I have another MRI tomorrow. Lovely. Oh, and I broke my right hand. Caught in a car door, ouch! Well, not the whole hand, but enough that I'm a lefty for at least 6 weeks. Figures. At least I'm getting more coordinated with my left. I'm practicing right now, so forgive my errors. I got a cool cast that's water-proof. That may have been a bad idea. I drove through tar leaving the Registrar of Voters (it's in such a lovely area) so I ended up washing my car. Then a nice neighbor ( not the one who threw razor blades in my pool,) came over and loaned me some kind of "magic clay" for my car. So of course I ended up basically detailing it, I'll pay tomorrow. At least I got a good tan:)

This weekend is going better than the last one. I attempted to sit through the Republican Summit last Saturday morning and, well, let's just say I made it out of the very warm room without an incident:) this cold/ flu thing that is going around is weird. I think I'm over it now.

I sent my Mom 20 tulips to Tennessee for Mother's Day...................say that five times real fast! My brother didn't do anything so I get to be her favorite kid for today. It was 78 degrees there today where my Mom is at, about the same here. Where's the global warming? I'm cold! My pool water is warmer than the temp out side, where's the heat?

Arnold will be in Santa Ana tomorrow morning, he turned in something like 2.6 million signatures for his initiatives. I'd go support him but I've got to do some work to balance my own budget:)

Having a great time running around the Capitol! 

Inside the Senate Floor. 

Arnold speaking at our meeting in Sacramento. 

Sacramento is always an interesting trip. Arnold spoke at our meeting on Monday before lunch. Hopefully we gathered enough signatures for his ballot initiatives:) We could really use that redistricting plan, it may help get rid of a certain Congress person in the 47th.
On Tuesday we ran around the Capitol and visited with several of our local representatives. I ducked into a Senate committee hearing, that stuff goes quick! I think they even speak a different language:) Back at the Hyatt we heard from the Honorable Matt Fong, Howard Kaloogian ( Co-Chair, Move America Forward www. moveAmericaForward.com ,) Tom Campbell, Budget Director, and State Senator Tom McClintock.
There are always protestors outside the Capitol, everywhere. There were several gathered on one side to protest the regulation of acupuncture. I'm not big on regulation, trust me, but if someone is going to stick needles in people................ well, maybe it calls for some sort of guidelines. It's never boring up in Sacramento!

We were such the Gangsters! 

Mary is always the life of the party! ( Is that an Assemblyman in the bcakground?:) 

Me & Jeremy @ Roaring 20's Party 

I'm just getting caught up on things so here goes..........

I went to a Roaring 20's party for Aliso Viejo Republican Women Federated the night before I took off for Sacramento. Mary always puts on a great party every year! Pictures to follow...

I went to Sacramento last Sunday and I guess the politicians made me sick................I have a cold which turned into the flu today. More later.....

I received an e-mail yesterday letting me know that M2 Collision has been seized by it's creditors. Shocking. Guess I'm lucky they totaled my car after screwing it up for 5 1/2 months. I'm sure my insurance company is glad they removed them from their list of shops to do business with. That must be so upsetting to all those people who have their cars stuck there.

I received yet another e-mail asking for more information on Majestik. This was from the "Jimmy Kimmel Show", supposedly. Majestik really has the media stumped. I met someone the other day that says he's met him before, or seen him around. I'm assuming it was by coincidence. This drummer named Jonathan sat next to me at one of my "spots" on Monday and introduced himself. He was/is a drummer for Michael Jackson, Cameo, and currently Kenny G. Nice guy. Reminded me of Majestik a little bit. He doesn't drink or smoke and was a complete gentleman. Sort of strange running into him like that. What's funnier is someone told me that Michael Jackson's drummer was playing at Opah's in Tustin last week. So Jonathan was really surprised when I asked him if he was there. Just more proof of what a small World we live in.

I just learned today that Arnold is going to be our guest speaker on Monday at our luncheon on Monday. I'm sure he won't be slipping up about "closing our borders." A lot of people are angry with him but I can't imagine anybody doing a better job right now. Mary Carey the porn star who received over 10,000 votes was arrested for touching herself inappropriately at a club in Washington. I guess she had to leave the state to find anyone who hasn't already seen her naked. It was a long 6 hours watching her tape that game show during the campaign!

Well, off to the doctor again today to find out results of my nerve tests. I'm not liking the idea of replacing any parts of my back/spine. I'm going back to my Electrogenics "Doc!"

Me & Arte Moreno........... ( he sort of owns the Angels:) 

Me & Bill Engvall 

Anaheim Stadium 

I went to my first Angels game this year. We didn't win, seems we had a problem of not hitting all those home runs like the Mariners. Anyway, it was a great day, the sun was out, ran into several friends I haven't seen in a while. NO annoying "Rally Monkey" until the end of the game. When are they going to get rid of that thing? The monkey is making Chuck E Cheese look good. I guess I should've mentioned it to Arte Moreno when I had a little chat before the game:)

It gets better.............. Bill Engvall was just sitting there with his beer enjoying the game. I politely waited until the game was over before taking pictures. If you don't realize who he is ( as most OC people at the game,) he's a completely hilarious comedian and is on the new Blue Collar TV with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy ( "git 'er done,") and sometimes Ron White.

Hey, there's more going on in the Diamond Club at Anaheim Stadium than on any Lakers floor this year!

Sky divers at the Long Beach Grand Prix. 

Here they are removing my car from the race:) 

Last weekend I went to the Long Beach Grand Prix for the first time. I went with friends that had tickets to a party in a condo overlooking the races. That's the way to do it, stand on a balcony drinking wine and have good food cooked for ya!

My cat decided to bring me a mocking bird today, he is such the great hunter. Leaves it laying in the middle of the living room for me. Nice. Thanks cat.

Back still the same, just finished laying on ice again, my favorite friend:)

I have a nerve test and something else scheduled for tomorrow, wish me luck!

The shot didn't work and made things way worse! I know everyone is tired of hearing how much my back hurts........... Looks like I'm going to need back surgery:( They think now that I have a torn disk and they want to replace it. Lovely.

As for the Majestik the Magnificent, several people have contacted me. The London Mirror and E-Online being two of them. I got an e-mail today from someone who put a link to my blog from 2003:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Community/MrSmartyPants_view?oid=oid%3A263655

Well, I talked to E-Online but I don't believe they used any info I gave them.

More............ later

Well, I survived! I've been taking it easy waiting to see how the injection is going to work. Ice every hour for 20 minutes and pain meds. It was a different experience, that's for sure. First the nurse couldn't find a vain so she kept poking my left arm, it's turning a lovely shade of purple and yellow now. Finally a Doctor came over and stuck the IV in my right wrist, fun. Then they left me waiting for 2 hours! They kept running in and out of the operating room, apparently they were having problems with a long procedure. Great. Then finally the Doctor comes up to me in goggles, covered in that stuff they wear when they do x-rays to protect your body parts, I didn't recognize him. Then they tell me to walk into the operating room and climb up on the table, lay on my stomach, then they bring this giant X-ray machine over. At this point I looked at the anesthesiologist and told him that this better be the point at which they knock me out. Next thing I know they woke me up gave me juice and got me dressed. This was like 10 minutes later, weird. Anyway, my left leg was completely numb so I had to stay there another 45 minutes until I convinced them my boyfriend could carry me if he had to. Anything to get out of there! So now I have to just wait and see.

I'm listening to the news right now and KFI just reported that Michael Jackson has his personal magician with him now, sitting with the family. That's Majestik the Magnificent that I was talking about sometime ago. I used to assist him on stage up in Hollywood back when I first moved to California. I have some pictures of him around here somewhere, I'll have to dig those up. That's how I got to meet Michael a long time ago at Universal Sheraton during some R&B party. I was there with Majestik and Cory Feldman. Cory used to do Michael impressions on stage at the Hollywood parties, he was obsessed with Michael. I also saw him on TV a few weeks ago saying how Michael never laid a hand on him, I think he had to testify. I haven't seen Cory since we ran into each other on a flight back from London, years ago! Funny, it's such a small World. Majestik always tried to keep a low profile, he move out of CA a long time ago because he's deathly afraid of earthquakes. Last time I ran into him it was in a club in Las Vegas. He used to live at the Jackson's house there in Vegas. Well, that's my news update.

Back to the ice for now.............

I know it's been awhile. Still trying to deal with this....whatever it is! I go in tomorrow for an epidural finally. I had to start calling the doctor everyday to try to get in. Apparently this guy is good, my Chiropractor said he's the Doctor that detoxed Rush Limbaugh. That's all I needed to hear. If Rush trusts this guy I guess he's good enough for me. Anything to not be in chronic pain any longer! I've been laying in bed all weekend. The terrific idea my Chiro had to use Lanacaid and ultrasound sent me overboard on the pain factor.
I also had to get tax stuff ready, Corporations are due March 15th. That gave me a month less to procrastinate.
Well, wish me luck tomorrow!

I went to see a doctor yesterday about "Pain Management." Apparently that phrase means only one thing.......... an epidural! I'm so not looking forward to getting a shot in my spine. The 2 1/2 hour wait at the doctor's office didn't help me feel any better so I just might go through with this. I also learned that they actually put you to sleep while they do it now.

I haven't been up to much lately. Gordon Dillow was our speaker at the last Tustin Area Republican Women's meeting last Friday. I enjoy listening to him talk about the Marines he went over to Iraq with twice. I guess they just left for their third tour the other day. There's luncheon tomorrow in Irvine where the Chairman of the Republican Party, Duf Sundheim, and Sir Eldon Griffiths, former Chairman of the World Affairs Council of America will be the speakers. Should be interesting!

Well, I'm going to go put an ice pack on my back, I went to the chiropractor today for my weekly torture.

My neighbor took this picture out in the desert on the way to Vegas.  

I halted construction on my ark, at least for now. It's actually not raining today.....yet. So this little shower is quickly turning into what could be a record breaking wet year. Terrific. I feel like I'm in Ohio again, always raining and depressing. At least in Ohio it snows and that's a lot more fun than this. Okay I know it snows in the mountains here but that's one place I don't venture. It's cold there, I hate skiing, it's cold, did I mention it's cold? I'll enjoy the snow by looking at it covering the mountains on the clear days from here ........thankyou. My cat isn't happy about it either. He likes to yell at me as if I could turn off the rain or something. Yeah, I'm conspiring against him so he has to use the indoor litter box that I have to clean. Whoever said cats were so smart? I especially like it when he comes in soaking wet and jumps on me when I'm sleeping to cuddle up.........how cute. The only time that was funny was when he tried drinking water out of the pool and fell in. He then came crying to me and jumped up to give me a big hug in the middle of the night. Now he drinks out of the toliet. Well, he did until I put that blue stuff in there. My other cat only drinks Sparkletts, go figure. Oh, and that one's a girl:)

I'm sad today to learn of the passing of my ex-stepfather, James Herrin. Apparently he died after having surgery on his hip because of a problem with his heart. I was told that he knew about the risks of the operation but went ahead with it anyway because he didn't want to live if he could not get out there and golf. It was a quality of life issue. Jim lived to golf and enjoy life, he did both of those things very well. He didn't retire until into his 70's, and only so he could move from Ohio to Florida so he could golf everyday. After a day out on the course he would sit back at the country club and enjoy a glass of Sky vodka on the rocks. The last time I saw him was in Findlay at a local nightclub when I went back for a reunion. I walked into the bar and we had Stoli's and then he pulled me out on the dance floor, it was so good to see him. He certainly knew how to have fun no matter what his age! Long before my mother ever married him when my father was still alive we used to buy our family cars from Jim at his dealership, Jim Herrin Pontiac. Jim will be missed, I'm so glad he lived it well!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I still have that cold, this thing hangs on for a long time. I've talked to people that have had it anywhere from 3 weeks to a couple of months-yuck! I've already been through a Z-pak so I guess the trick is to rest and get a steady stream of vitamin C into my system. If I drink any more OJ I think I'll turn orange!

I've been trying to resist a bad cold that finally caught up with me on Superbowl Sunday. The bar was packed yesterday and the patrons cooked a ton of good food. We had BBQ'd tri-tip, mushrooms, zuchini, meatballs, goulash, etc................. No one left hungry that's for sure!

I went to the "Lincoln Day" luncheon that's held by OCFRW every year last Thursday. Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby is a good speaker and always makes us stand and read The Gettsburg Address. You can tell that he used to be a history teacher. The keynote speaker was Bruce Herschensohn, Professor at the School of Public Policy, Pepperdine University. Okay, he's done a ton of stuff other than that but he gave us a great breakdown on the President's State of the Union speech. He also talked about the idea of creating a group of Nations for Liberty where only governments truly for liberty could join. Sounds good to me, I'm sure the UN will love that one. But who really cares what that useless group thinks?

I'll just leave you with this.....

...It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Today I ventured into Chuck E Cheese. There is a reason they sell beer there. I normally don't drink beer but it tasted really good for a change. There's a big mechanical mouse, a trillion kids, and sucky pizza. A rather hefty young fellow got excited when the giant rat started singing and fell under the booth I was sitting in. Carlos then managed to get himself wedged between the table and booth for a short time until Mom came to his rescue (she had to put down her beer, I emphathised.) After that a large group gathered at one of the long tables down in front by the overstuffed mechanical vermin. I was certain that an episode of " Jerry Springer" was about to break out. It was very evident that they were all related, they had tattoos to tell each other apart ( and that was just the Mom's.) Anyway, at least I went with the absolutely cutest kid in there and she just wanted to play some video game where acorns crush the skull of a bear and a token lasts all of 10 seconds. She was happy, that's all that matters. It was just like being at deva's, only the customers were younger, beer was more expensive, and then there's that big goofy mouse-thing that's raking in a fortune.
Always an adventure!

WeSupportU

I haven't written that much lately due to the fact that it just kills my back to sit here at my desk for very long. Actually today it hurts no matter what I do so here I am. Now it feels like a fire is rushing down through the left side of my leg from my back, lovely.

Anyway, I just noticed a documentary on the Recall "How Arnold Won the West" has been released. After reading the reviews let's hope I'm not in that one! I know I signed a few different releases for various documentaries, but I have no idea where that footage ended up.

I just finished my DE 7 and my 940EZ FUTA tax returns. Those were the final 2 I have to do myself for 2004, yeah! I just figured out that you can now submit your DE 6 and DE 34 online. I know that's just thrilling to everyone, but anything that makes paperwork easier when it comes to EDD makes me happy! I'm still doing paperwork regarding an employee that filed for unemployment benefits after working a whopping 10 shifts before quitting in 2001! It made it all the way through the courts before I got a favorable ruling to reverse the charges on my account and it still shows up on my statement that I got charged. Unbelievable! I've protested and called for 4 years now. I guess EDD figures eventually I'll give up. No one can imagine how much paperwork there is for one little bar, it's a full time job. Several of my patrons think I sit at home all week long lounging around in my pool of money. I just try to make sure all the bills are paid so when I get to deva's I know there will still be booze for me to drink! Trust me, by the time I get to work I need one! What they fail to understand is that I can't work all day and then go to their place of employment get drunk, obnoxious, stupid, unreasonable, and bitchy to make myself feel better and then run a tab and not pay for the pleasure of doing so! That's why I need to bartend a couple days a week and be really mean to them, it's a self prescribed sort of venting that makes me feel better. Okay, I'm not really mean, just brutally honest. Maybe a bit of politically incorrect humor, a smart ass comment or ten. Oh, and bossy, yeah. Sort of nagging when it comes to tabs. Okay, Mean. I'm just going to stick with mean, in a funny way:)

Since I'm on a roll.............. my new car died on Saturday afternoon. I picked up the hard top ( yeah, like I'll ever use that) and took it to the bar for storage. After removing the top, the key still being in the "on" position apparently drained the battery in all of maybe 15 minutes. I was happy! After several professional beer drinkers poked around in my car to find a button that would pop the hood, a voice stared giving me options. Nevermind that the battery is in the trunk, the engine onlookers and myself were a bit surprised. After figuring out that there was an operator somewhere to help me I was somewhat relieved. "Little Al,"our in house mechanic that has a tendency to fall asleep under the big rigs that park at the end of the parking lot, was swaying there with jumper cables in hand ( still trying to locate the battery under the hood). The friendly lady came on and told me I was in heavy snow and she wasn't sure they would be able to rescue me. They didn't have their system updated yet and my car came from Pennsylvania. After telling her I was in California she looked me up on the GPS and let me know I was in Tustin. Thankyou. Now why did the people at the dealership try to sell me "Lo Jack?" Anyway, a little while later a nice man pulled up and dropped a new battery in for me. At least I wasn't somewhere in the dark by myself when it happened. But come on, how is my car certified pre-owned and they didn't test the battery? I still don't have the floor mats, a working second key, and a date to fix some minor damage on the front spoiler. Here we go again.

My new baby........... 

I finally received the call..................... they are totaling my BMW. It only took 5 months and 10 days to resolve this problem. I don't think the insurance company will be using M2 Collision services any longer. What a nightmare. It's a little sad in a way, I loved my car. I had it for 8 years and it only had 75k miles on it. After the body work, it looked almost perfect. Just too bad it rains inside the car:( For some reason I'm having trouble posting any pictures to my blog again so I'll try to get one up later of my new car.

My father past away 14 years ago yesterday which explains why I've felt so sad all week. I can't believe it's been that long. I miss him so much. It's good to remember though. I think I'll go pull out the old photo albums. I think I have the picture that The Courier ran from his funeral in the gymnasium at Findlay High School. The school was supposed to rename the gym the Coach Roger Renz Memorial Gymnasium or something to that affect. I never found out why that didn't happen?

It was such a nice day today I actually did nothing but read the Sunday paper outside. Finally things are drying up a bit. There's still the massive pond at the end of my driveway where all the water from my street ends up. The city will never fix it so I guess I'll just have to drive my new car through the mess my neighbors make every Saturday morning when they wash their 16 trucks & SUV's. I'm not sure how many people live there but they pretty much take up any additional parking out front. It's fun to watch them play musical trucks on street sweeping day. They thought I went on vacation the other week and when I came home my driveway was full of their vehicles. That made me happy. I just love all my neighbors. Especially when I get a weekly delivery of rotten lemons thrown into my pool. Sometimes they are even accompanied by half-eaten chrizos, plastics bottles, and big rocks. Lovely. The neighborhood welcome wagon I'm not, but I was nice enough to collect several soccer balls and return them in a garbage bag along with the lemons:)

Enough about my cozy little neck of the woods. I better get paperwork started and the laundry finished.

I finally put up a few New Year's Eve pictures. I would've had more but my camera lost it's charge before I could catch people doing embarrassing New Year's antics.

My car is still in the shop. I went to pick it up last Saturday after they assured me they tested and re-tested the top and there were absolutely no leaks. Then they left my car out in the rain all night. Good call! It was soaking wet inside again. So the manager told me to keep the rental car and she would call my insurance company. Gee.................. It's only been 5 months now. I gave up and went straight to Fletcher Jones to test drive a new car. I figured not too many people would be out in the pouring rain looking for a convertible. I forgot it's Newport Beach. Still, it wasn't that busy. I ended up driving a SLK 55 AMG. Nevermind the fact that this car is a rocket, I felt like I was in some sort of James Bond vehicle. It would take weeks to learn how everything worked inside. I thought I didn't like SLK's, the old style looks like someone kicked it in the ass. However, the automatic sensor on the windshield wiper, the automatic down shifting when you take your foot off the brakes, and the beautiful Diamond Silver colour made it very likeable. I was tempted by hot chocolate to enter into the little cubicle where the salesman utters those scary words, " Do you want to throw some numbers around and see what we come up with?" The next thing I knew I had a great credit score and for the small amount of, let's say.......... a home mortgage, I could drive away in this rare Mercedes. I thought about it.......... for all of 10 seconds before reality kicked in. I politely declined and that's when they sent in the "closer." Apparently the "closer/manager" didn't realize that I wasn't seeking a vehicle inspired by Formula 1 racing cars with bi-xenon headlamps, the 7 G-Tronic seven-speed auto transmission and AIRSCARF( A little fan that blows hot air on your neck when it's cold- how could you survive without that?). Of course it has a 265-kw/360hp output and 510 Newton metres of torque, but I just wanted something that looked "cute."
Next I went to Crevier BMW where I acquired my poor baby that sits in the rain and has a pending terminal prognoses. You have to valet your vehicle there just to walk on the lot, they were that busy! Apparently BMW's are flying off the lot faster than they can remove them from the containers down at the port. I would have to put my name on the particular 330 M3 that I had decided on that may find it's way to Santa Ana sometime next week.
So one last dealership I ventured to for the weekend. There it was in the showroom................ The perfect used SL 500 that wouldn't require a second mortgage, my first born, and several years without a vacation. No instant depreciation while driving it off the lot. A certified pre-owned extended warranty. And finally, a car that's not squishy inside. Now I can rest once again. I'll post a picture of my new baby as soon as it stops raining!

JJ ready for Mardi Gras New Year's Eve 

Jennifer ready to Karaoke! 

Barbie & Todd on New Year's Eve 

Let's see................... I still don't have my car, my back is killing me, still searching for the bottom of my desk, and the Democrats still won't admit they lost the Election. Different year, same story.

The M2 Collision place had a power outage the other day , which explains why no one answered the phone. They weren't exactly thrilled to see my BMW driving back in yesterday. So I have yet another rental car to figure out. I wonder how long it will be this time? They better have put the car inside or it's going to be a BMW pond. It's always nice to have the option to shower in your car while driving on those days you're running late.

Well, this is my last entry of the year, I can't believe 2004 will be gone in a few hours. I always tell people that in the bar business as soon as Halloween comes around, you blink and it's New Year's. Superbowl isn't until February, so I get a month off between parties. I better get this party in the rental and head to the bar...............................

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Deva's stayed open until 2am on Christmas and we had a steady stream of customers. Everyone is so much nicer on Christmas, a few people even brought me turkey dinner.

So I left my car outside last night in the pouring rain, or as the media refers to it; "The big Storm!" That was a good test for my supposedly "fixed" car. I sat down in a lovely puddle and had a nice shower as I drove to the store. Apparently the water soaked all the way through the convertible top and I'm sure that's going to smell wonderful after the rains go away. It's okay though because I called M2 Collision where they fixed my car and the phone just rang and rang. Maybe they are out of business I thought. So, I called my insurance agent and he is out of town for 2 weeks. They promised me someone else would get back to me right away. It's after 6pm and I guess they forgot. I hope the "Doc" I'm going to see in the morning doesn't mind working on a soggy patient. ( Yes, my back is still killing me!) I guess I will need a new car after all. That's if I can get my insurance company to understand a new phrase I picked up called "diminished value."

Well, I've vented enough for this evening. Back to cooking my rainy weather beef vegetable stew.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had quite a few people come by deva's yesterday. There's already a few there this morning. I guess most places are closed so at least there's somewhere to go if you're alone on Christmas. Today hasn't been much different than any other day so far. I did paperwork, went through the banks, and now I'm getting ready to go bartend. Deva's has never been closed for a day since I bought it over 6 years ago. So when no one volunteered to work this year I got to be the lucky bartender:) I better get my Santa hat on and start serving those "Holiday Spirits!"

Here's a cute little Christmas poem............ enjoy!

THE LITTLE GIRL AND THE COP

A city cop was on his horse waiting to cross
the street when a little girl stopped beside him on
her shiny new bike.

"Nice bike," the cop said, "Did Santa bring it to you?"

"Yep," the little girl said, "He sure did!"

The cop looked the bike over and handed the
girl a $20 ticket for a safety violation, saying,
"Next year tell Santa to put a reflector light on
the back of it."

The young girl looked up at the cop and said,
"Nice horse you got there sir, did Santa bring it to you?"

"Yes, he sure did," chuckled the cop.

The little girl looked up at the cop and said,
"Next year tell Santa the dick goes underneath the
horse, not on top."

I just returned from the Grand Opening of the new renovations at the Harrah's Rincon casino out past Escondido. The place is extremely nice, they did an excellent job with the $168 million they spent. I left them a little cash to help with all the expenses, I'm good like that! JJ and I had a great time and I will definitely be going back after the new year. I needed a "Girl's night" out, maybe we'll do an employee's trip from deva's.

Anyway, I'm off to the bar to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

It's only 5 more days until Christmas! I spent the entire weekend laying in bed trying rest my back. Just me & my cat watching every stupid movie on the dozen movie channels I have. I didn't get to go Christmas shopping like I usually do so I hope $$ fits everyone just fine. I tried to get near South Coast Plaza last week, what a nightmare! An hour in the mall was all I could handle. I was lucky to find a place to park, good thing I had my little car back. Everyone has an SUV which can't fit into the "Compact" parking spots without taking up two spaces. Guess if I buy a Hummer I can't go shopping anytime soon.
Well, off to work................... Happy Monday!

It's been a long week! I've been to the Chiropractor and the Electrogenics "Doc" and I feel absolutely terrible! My back is hurting more than ever at this point, I can't believe it. I'm sure you're as tired of hearing about it as I am tired of complaining! It just helps to vent, so I can't help it.

Getting ready for deva's Christmas party tomorrow night. Yes, it's a "Christmas Party!" It's not a "Holiday Party," it's Christmas and that's the way it's going to stay. We have a "Christmas Tree" not a "Holiday Bush." Growing up I never would've imagined everyone trying to take the "Christ" out of Christmas. Politically correct Holidays............. give me a break. Everyone can celebrate whatever they believe in, I have no problem with that. December 25th is Christmas, there's nothing else you can call it that would make sense to me.

Have fun at whatever politically correct event you attend this weekend!

The Holiday party was really nice last night at Alexandria Coronado's parents home. Alex even played the piano for everyone. She is such a genuinely nice person, I wish she would've kicked Loretta Sanchez' butt! Well, maybe next time we'll be able to get Sanchez to actually debate.

I went to the Chiropractor again today to get heated up, worked over, and iced down. Therapy is rough but hopefully it will work. I'm so tired of feeling this way!

The latest rumor on my recently departed employee is that her ex-boyfriend in New Mexico, whom is living on her property, used her gun to kill someone and buried the body on her land. I did see the listing of the land and a picture of the house, it's one of those under ground types. I forget what you call it but it's the kind of place you would go where you definitely have privacy, could live off of the land, and just disappear. Spooky. The ex also embezzled all the money from their business together, wrote bad checks from her account, and didn't pay any taxes for a few years. The property is supposed to be in foreclosure, it's comprised of 171 acres. I guess I can understand why she had to leave. She's moving out of state next week. Crazy!

Well, I better get ready for a Holiday Boat Cruise in Newport Harbor tonight. The Orange County Federation of Republican Women are having their annual Holiday event, this should be fun!

Tustin News - Online Edition

Okay, it's not a real big deal but I'm in the Tustin News today. I'm on page 10 if you care to look at the picture. I have my hair pulled back so I almost didn't recognize me:)


I'm off to a Holiday Party!

I just got back from the Chiropractor and I feel like a truck hit me. It's really painful getting worked on but I know it'll help. On the way home I stopped by Weinerschnitzel to continue with the Chili Dog Diet. Their 2 for $2.22 deal is going to make me fat! I heard a commercial last week and now I'm hooked. I've been to Weinerschnitzel twice in my life until then. I guess their advertising is working well. At least their fries still taste good, unlike the "healthy" grease they use at McDonald's. Jack In the Box & Burger King have horrible fries as well. That's my expert fry opinion being the self-proclaimed fast food critic.

Well, I had an employee quit last night. It seems she was under too much pressure from the job. I can completely understand how pointing out to her that it was not a good thing that she left the back door open to the bar one night last week was really being cruel to her. Also, I have to admit it was extremely pushy of me to request she come in early so I could attend a City Council meeting last night and to show disappointment when she showed up on time for the first time in months instead of early. I didn't even get to part where tabs were mysteriously not rung in the register, yet the banks came out perfectly even. I'm such a difficult boss to work for, a real slave driver. Most of my employees think that their shift starting times are merely suggestions. Any rules I may have are basically guidelines. I have to say I have several rules they must adhere to........... kind of.

Rule #1 Don't get drunk while working. Which was later modified to "No drinking while working." Which ultimately led to them to keeping the shots to a minimum.

Rule#2 Be on time for your shift. Which was changed to "Please try to come in somewhere close to your starting time." Now no one feels the need to rush in and out of traffic as they make the mad dash to work because they leave their homes 5 minutes before work and seem to forget that this Southern California and there may be just a little bit of congestion on the parking lots that we refer to as "Freeways."

Rule #3 If you need a day off please let me know way ahead of time in order to get your shift covered. That became " Call at least the day before if you're going to miss work." Which then was changed to "At least call sooner than 1/2 hour before your shift when you finally get your lazy butt out of bed and realized that you're to hungover to schlep booze all day long to dirty old men that are trying to look down your top."

Rule#4 Don't Steal. The fact that you forget to charge your friends for that last round of drinks is completely permissible considering no one is perfect and little mistakes can happen, besides it's not like we have to inventory.

Rule#5 No boyfriends at the bar while working. Modified to " Well, if he's there you might as well have him get you ice, stock the beer, and please buy him a drink on me." After all he's only there to eyeball any customer that may attempt to flirt with the bartender, affectively scaring away customers spending money or taking up too much of the bartenders time by ordering drinks, asking for change to play pool, or other activities which could cut into the quality time they could be spending together. Besides the bartender doesn't actually need all those extra tips anyway.

Rule #6 Don't flash... Ever! No modification on this one, I'd like to stay in business. There was one particular blonde that thought I was kidding. She lasted about 3 hours.

Rule #7 No Drugs! Again, no changes to this rule. One employee actually thought it was okay to smoke pot during her shift as long as she went out back............. she was both Wrong & Unemployed quickly! After she left someone found the bottle of Tequila with her name on it she hid behind the jukebox. No wonder she played so many songs!

Everyone thinks they want to own a bar someday. Follow me around for a week and I'll change you're mind real quick! Don't get me wrong, I have good employees as well that go out of their way to help make deva's a fun place. It's just the turnover in this business is high for a reason.

Finally! I just got the message that my car is ready! I don't believe it, it's only been 8 days short of 4 months! Now if I can actually drive it, that's another story. On Monday I argued with the M.D. that is supposedly treating me. Dr. Sharma told me there's nothing he could do because the MRI results came back normal and there is absolutely no way my sciatic nerve could be causing me pain. He said I would need to go to "pain management" and get shots in my back. I refused and he told me to get another doctor. I don't do shots, especially in my back! I refused to go to therapy until I was seen by the Chiropractor that runs the office. That was earlier today, and it took him all of 5 minutes to diagnose me with piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve and causes pain in the back, rear, and down the leg into the foot. The pain is basically "sciatica." Figures, I don't trust doctors that don't listen to their patients and dismiss them as anxiety ridden females because their medical results say that nothing is wrong. They worked me over pretty hard today and iced me down, I have a feeling I'll be bruised tomorrow. That's okay as long as I start feeling better. Finally! I guess this is my lucky day, after almost 4 months of intense pain they figured something out and I get to go pick up my car! My car should be perfect by now!

It's Monday....... again. Still no car, still in extreme pain, still not able to sleep well. On the bright side I get to go to work and do inventory, deal with the liquor salesmen, wait for the phone to ring to see who can't work for whatever reason. I had to bartend yesterday because one of my employees decided to go to Vegas Saturday at 3am and just couldn't make it back. Lovely. This is the same girl who called in hungover 1/2 hour before shift, and missed the following week because she fell down and sprained her ankle (while drinking). She's a sweet girl, just not all that reliable. The best excuse was when another bartender called in and couldn't come to work because her luggage was lost at LAX returning from vacation. Apparently she couldn't come to work because she had no panties or makeup to wear. I had one girl a couple of years ago who called in that her Dad had a heart attack (which was a lie), the next week she didn't show up because she was in a coma, and the next week she couldn't make it because she was in jail (not really). There's' never a dull moment in the bar business.

Finally I can actually get to my "create" page to write on this blog. The last several times it wouldn't let me connect for some reason?
On November 19th the Tustin Area Republican Women Federated had "A Salute to America and our Military" at the Tustin Ranch Golf Course. It was a terrific event honoring several of our local Military members. The " Catch the Spirit" singers provided the entertainment. They are group ranging from age 4 to college students that celebrate the U.S.A. in song. Paula Burton started this group several years ago to teach people about our Constitution, the Military, and to celebrate this great Country. The Honorable Todd Spitzer said a few words and donated generously to our event. He seems to be involved with just about every event here in Orange County, where does he find the energy?

I'm still waiting for my car to be completed! Can you believe it? It's been 3 1/2 months! My back is hurting worse than ever but I thought you could fix a car faster than a person. Maybe I'll have it back for next year??

Well, I've got a turkey in the oven that needs my attention. I'm cooking a big Thanksgiving Dinner for the patrons at deva's like I do every year. Happy Turkey Day!

Before the "Salute to the Military" event on Nov.19th with former Gunnery Seargent Jeremy Hauser. 

"Catch the Spirit" singers on Nov.19th at Tustin Ranch Golf Course 

I had a fairly busy weekend. Friday night I went to the Opera at the O C Performing Arts Center to see Turandot. It was terrific! I would highly recommend this Opera to those of you interested. It certainly did not drag on like some shows tend to. The costumes, staging, and lighting were all excellent as well as the talent. Well, that's my expert opinion anyway.
Saturday I had to bartend, one of my girls got rear-ended on the freeway on the way to work. Seems to be going around. She's okay though. Speaking of which, I still do not have my car back. Apparently it's now at a BMW dealership because M2 Collision can't get the top wired back on correctly. Let's see, it's only been over 3 months now! That's slightly off from the 3 weeks they told me it would take in the beginning.
Well, it's Monday............. off to work!

I attended a meeting yesterday with Gordon Dillow as one of the guest speakers. I really enjoy his column in the OC Register, I'm glad he's back. He quit his job earlier to go to Iraq as a freelancer with the Marines he went with the first time. It's so amazing to hear how things are over there and what our Military goes through on a daily basis. He told us how our Marines risked their lives to help save the lives of Iraqis attacked by their own people. How sad. Gordon pointed out that the media doesn't cover the good stuff going on over there because it's not what the media gravitates to. The media doesn't cover planes that don't crash. I guess that makes some sense, just wish they could do more stories on all the good we are doing there.

The other speaker was Congressman Gary Miller from the 42nd District. He made me laugh talking about how the IRS audited all the returns the first year they were in business when paying taxes was actually voluntarily. Figures. Anyway, he went on to point out that we cut down something like 350,000 trees a year to print up the tax forms because they've become so elaborate. That should upset the environmentalists! He also talked about how difficult it is to provide enough affordable housing in this state because of the environmentalists. He made an excellent argument about safe guarding some of these endangered species. Why should we bother saving a kangaroo rat that is too stupid to save itself? Apparently they live in a wash basin that drowns them when it rains and they're too stupid to go live somewhere else. Which means that developers end up spending millions of dollars protecting the dumb rats habitat instead of building affordable housing. I heard on the news the other day that a housing development was put on hold while Fish & Gaming where determining whether a dead fish they found there was a protected species or not. Give me a break............. it's dead........ it's a fish. Anyway, even though I had never heard of Congressman Miller before I'm glad I had the opportunity to hear him speak.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Thank you Marines for keeping us free!

In honor of the Marine Corps Birthday, please see below... Semper Fi!!!

USMC Rules for Gunfighting
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be AGGRESSIVE enough, QUICKLY enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics.They will only remember who lived.
13. If you're not shooting, you should be communicating, or reloading.
14. Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
15. And above all ... don't drop your guard.

Navy SEALS Rules For Gunfighting
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Return quickly to looking cool in latest beach wear.
4. Check hair in mirror.

US Army Rangers Rules For Gunfighting
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound ruck while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher Up" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound ruck while starving.

Navy Rules For Gunfighting
1. Go to Sea
2. Drink Coffee
3. Watch porn
4. Send the Marines!!!!
US Air Force Rules For Gunfighting
1. Have a cocktail
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner
3. See what's on HBO
4. Determine "what a gunfight is"
5. Request more funding from Congress with a "killer" PowerPoint presentation
6. Wine & dine 'key' Congressmen, invite DoD & defense industry executives
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets
8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally
9. Tell the Navy to send the Marines!!!!!!!

Just wait until tomorrow, I'm sure I'll have lots of fun stuff for Veteran's Day!

Happy 229th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!

SEMPER FI

What an election day yesterday! Early in the day I had friends calling me worried after they heard the exit polling results. I knew common sense would prevail and we would vote for the man who will stand up for America! My home state of Ohio came through......... finally!

I went to the Tustin Brewing Company to celebrate with Lou Bone & Jerry Amante who will both be representing Tustin on the City Council. Then off to the Sutton Place Hotel for the big party here in Orange County. Van Tran is now the first Vietnamese Assemblyman, he was having a nice victory celebration. Bill Jones did win in OC, but Boxer with all her millions just couldn't be stopped. She ran so many commercials painting herself as such a caring person concerned with protecting a woman's right to choose and helping seniors with their prescription drugs. How touching. The thing is, it actually worked. I was so hoping we could get the word out for Bill Jones outside of OC. Alexandria Coronado unfortunately couldn't catch Loretta Sanchez:( Sanchez would've lost if she had actually debated Alex in public. Guess she knew how to hold onto her seat.............just shut her mouth and send out mailers which made her look like a strong supporter of our Military. That's funny considering she voted against honoring them and was getting friendly with Cuba to help our farmers. Last time I looked there weren't many farmers in this district unless you count my neighbors growing corn in their front yard. Politics; too bad the best candidates don't always win. Alex did an outstanding job campaigning, I'm sure next time she'll do it!

Four More Years!!!

I just voted about an hour ago. Surprisingly there were no lines at the High School and it only took about 5 minutes. Too many parties tonight! We have to celebrate a Bush/Cheney victory!

Sexy glass washer! 

Halloween........ the fun never ends! 

Rockin' Karaoke 

Blondes have more fun! 

JJ looking hot on Halloween!