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Tuesday, February 1, 2000
Brian wants me to start doing a monthly summary of all the option sales by category. It should be Todd's job and it makes me so mad that they think they can just keep dumping more stuff on me just because they know I will do it. Todd had time to go with Hakime to some trade show last Friday. Like as if he needs to go to a trade show. Of course they didn't even ask me. Not that I need to go either, but I wouldn't have had time any way. They just keep giving me more and I know I am supposed to set limits but it sounds a lot easier when Margaret says it than when Brian comes to my cubicle and says he wants me to do something. Like what am I supposed to tell him, No, I already have to much to do and am working late? I know he works late too but he is vice president and probably gets paid ten times what I do. So I say "sure Brian" and then just feel like such a loser. I was going to write "It's not my fault if he doesn't have a life" but then I don't have a life either and it is not like that would change if I started leaving a 5:00.
Rented Boys Don't Cry and I think she should get the Oscar for it. It was so amazing.
Wednesday, February 2, 2000
Margaret was mostly about what a loser I was in high school, so that was depressing. She tried to "put it in context" but it was still depressing.
When I got home I could hear people in the downstairs apartment. Of course I immediately got worried cause they probably won't be as nice as Mrs Baker, but I basically forgot all about them until they woke me up having sex. It was almost like they were in my room. They must be using that upstairs storage room in Mrs Baker's as their bedroom and I guess that is right beside my bedroom cause it was so loud in there! It was like she was in the room with me and she was making so much noise! It sounded fake. Like as if anyone would really make that much noise. Not that I am exactly an expert, but it just sounded like she was trying to see how much noise she could make. As if I want to hear that! At first I was just mad cause they woke me up but after a while lying there in my dark room having to listen to them have so much fun I just felt lonely. I miss Mrs Baker. She couldn't even climb the stairs up to that room and she SURE didn't ever do that, hah, hah, hah. I should go visit her, poor old dear. She must be terribly unhappy these days.
That is all I need is loud neighbours. I hope they are just renters and not the new owners so I can complain.
Darn it. I've loved my little apartment all these years and I am really afraid that having these new people living in the other side of the house is going to totally ruin everything. Mrs Baker never bothered me except to ask me over for tea once in a while. It seems strange to have strange people living in the house. Yuck I hate change.
Thursday, February 3, 2000
They let Cynthia go at work today. I know she was making a lot of mistakes but it is still scary. I think they do that every so often just to keep everybody scared. And it works. They never say why. Just one day someone is going around saying goodbye. Except Cyn was so upset she just grabbed her stuff and left crying so I didn't really get a chance to say goodbye. I have her home number though and I will call her tomorrow. I really hope we can stay in touch.
The new owner came over tonight. Her name is Trish and it was her last night. Well, she didn't say that but they do live there. She is probably in her late twenties, a big woman. Kind of trashy. She had more makeup on to come upstairs to meet me then I have ever worn in my life. Her top was too tight and showed huge cleavage. But she seems nice. Very outgoing and a bit loud. They just moved here from Windsor. They have a 6 month old baby but her room is downstairs so she said she shouldn't bother me. I felt like I should have said something about the noise last night then but of course I didn't.
Friday, February 4, 2000
It was weird looking at Cynthia's empty desk today and not having her ask me the daily trivia question.
Deanna called and said they are having trouble finding a sitter for tomorrow night so she may not be able to go and I said I would stay with Nelson so she could go. I knew I should not have, even while I was saying it. That I would regret it and resent it, but there didn't seem like any point in ruining both our nights and I am not going to go sit alone in a bar to watch Russell play. She argued a little bit but not very hard so I almost feel like she had it mind when she called. She says she is still going to try to find a sitter but I wonder how hard she will try if Aunt Marilyn will do it.
They were having sex again next door. I felt stupid but I actually left my TV show to go and listen. I think he was going down her at first and I actually kind of liked listening to that. I kept trying to picture what he was doing and what it would be like to have a man do that. It sure sounded like she liked it but then it sounds as if she has an orgasm if he looks at her sideways so I don't know if it felt as good as she made out. After a while she started to beg him to "fuck" her. It sounded so dirty. And I wanted him to too. I think I almost cried in frustration when he finally did and she made it sound so good. But then they really started going at it and banging the bed against the wall and they were both grunting so I got out Kendal, but it was kind of gross. I mean I came but I felt like such a loser alone with my vibrator when they were having great real sex.
Saturday, February 5, 2000
Early hair appointment. I got the same old. Deanna was trying to convince me to do something different last weekend but when I was actually in the chair I couldn't. I mean I have tried it short, I have tried it shaped, and I hated it. I know it is boring like this but I guess that is just who I am. Boring. After all, look what I am doing with my Saturday night. Baby sitting for her so she can go out and have fun.
Went to see Mom and Dad. Her eye appointment is this week which is about time. She is half blind. I get so frustrated with her because her eyes have been getting worse for months and she won't do anything about it. I think it also just scares me because I see how old she is getting.
Sunday, February 6, 2000
I was woken up this morning by Trish giving Ryan a bj. This time he was the one talking dirty and I am lying in bed listening to him say all sorts of horrible things to her. He called her a bitch and a slut and things way worse than that and told her what to do and I was like totally furious that I have to listen to this but also after a while it started turning me on too. I can't believe she lets him talk to her that way.
I am really starting to wonder about myself. I was watching The Practice and heard them start up again next door and actually turned it off so I could go listen. I feel so perverted listening in on them. And pathetic. But they sure don't seemed too worried about who hears them.
Monday, February 7, 2000
Went to visit Mrs Baker after work. It is horrible in there. She says she is okay but I don't see how she can be with all those drooling loonies. G_d it is awful getting old.
Tuesday, February 8, 2000
Had a fight with Mom. She went to the eye doctor and she has an appointment for an operation in May and the second eye in July. She'll be blind by then! Why didn't she go six months ago when she first had a problem?
Then Carolyn told me I have to start covering on switchboard again because Cynthia is gone. Can't they see I don't have time for that? It's not like I go out for lunch. I am already eating at my desk because I am so busy but it's like if you are a woman you have to be on the switchboard schedule. They don't make Todd do it. They wouldn't even think of asking him because he has a penis. He goes out for lunch every day! G_d it is just so unfair!
Wednesday, February 9, 2000,
Had Margaret. Mostly talked about Saturday and how I could have handled it differently. She's right, I could have just gone over to Dee's and spent the evening visiting. Just because she can't get a sitter is no reason that I have to give up my night, but I never think of those things when someone is asking me to do things. Margaret asked me if I think I am a martyr. But I don't think I am, I just have trouble saying "no". But maybe I am. I will have to think about it more.
Thursday, February 10, 2000
Happy Birthday to me, loser. G_d I hate birthdays. They had a cake at work and I just wanted to run away. 32. Yuck! No boyfriend, I hate my job, nothing to do tonight. I am going out with the girls tomorrow to celebrate but tonight it is just me and Kendal. How pathetic is that? He is sitting there on the bedside table waiting for me to stop writing. Well, waiting for the new owners to start going at it next door. It is so sick but I have actually started waiting for them. They seem to do it every night but not at the same time. I keep telling myself not to listen but here I am waiting for them. Here we are. Is that pathetic or what? Can't get laid so I have to listen in on someone else. Pretty sad, Marilyn, pretty sad. I really hate myself sometimes.
Trish came over after work and asked me if I could watch Alyssa for her for an hour. All I wanted to do was go and use Kendal, but of course I said yes. I hope this does not turn into a regular thing. She offered to pay me but I refused because I think it will make it harder for her to ask in the future, but she grabbed my arm and stuffed money into my hand and said she insisted.
Friday, February 11, 2000
Went out with Deanna, Nancy, Luisa. I asked Cynthia to come but her husband already had plans. It was fun. We went La Trattoria and they had them bring a cake out. I hate it when the whole restaurant sings Happy Birthday, but it was nice too. Nancy and Tim are going to move in together.
Saturday, February 12, 2000
Woke up this morning to Ryan saying "What do you want, you c—? Tell me what you want" and Trish begging for his cock. I hate it in the morning. It is so rude of them to not think that someone might be sleeping at 8:30 on a Saturday. No, really it is just that it is just too much to take first thing in the morning. I admit I get turned on listening to them at night but having to listen to it that early in the morning, to be woken up by it and have to listen before I even have had a cup of coffee is just too much. And besides, does he have to use that word? Yuck!
I am really wondering what he looks like, though. The way he talks to her you'd think he was some gorgeous stud but he's probably just a big slob. Maybe I have just spent too many nights trying to picture his "huge fucking cock" "fucking" her "dirty hole". I really can't believe some of the stuff they say. Do people say that stuff when they are having sex? I sure never did but maybe everyone else does.
Went shopping but didn't have any luck. Saw a great top but it was too funky for work and not something I would wear unless I was going out and since I barely ever go out I didn't buy it. Then I found a great work top but it was fitted and I didn't fill it out. So that just made me depressed.
So here I am waiting for the neighbours to have sex so at least I will have some fun today. That is so pathetic, Marilyn. But then, I am pathetic. I have started pretending when I am listening to them that there is a window between our rooms instead of a wall so that they can see me using Kendal while they have sex. I don't know why that turns me on, but it does. It's like it turns me on to pretend that they know how pathetic I am. I imagine her laughing at me while he fucks her. While I listen to her moaning and saying all the things she does, I picture on her hands and knees, him fucking her from behind while she looks me in the eye with this total superior look like "He wants to fuck me every night and you are so shy and flat and plain that nobody's wanted to fuck you for 12 years" G_d, it's been 12 years! Of course getting turned on by that only makes me feel more pathetic so it is like horrible circle, but I can't stop myself from thinking those things. I hate myself for being turned on by it but I can't help it. No wonder I have trouble asserting myself. I wonder what Margaret would say if she knew that I actually enjoy having people look down on me. But I don't. I hate it. It's not as if it turns me on when people take advantage of me cause I don't stick up for myself. But then how come picturing Trish laughing at me turns me on? Oh, G_d, I wish I…
Oh I don't know what I wish. I wish I was normal. I wish I had a husband and a baby and wasn't addicted to my vibrator. I wish I didn't hate myself.
Sunday, February 13, 2000
Woken up by another bj. It actually got me turned on this morning which was kind of frustrating because I basically wore out Kendal's batteries last night trying to fall asleep so there wasn't much left. They never did do it last night so about 12:30 I just did it myself imagining all those things that I said I hated imagining.
Finish Dad's sweater. I can't really afford wool to start a new one and I don't exactly need any more sweaters but I am kind of at loose ends. Maybe I will go for a walk.
Trish came up this afternoon and asked me if I wanted to come down for tea. It seemed kind of odd, but I didn't want to seem rude so I did. It was nice. She did most of the talking, of course. She said that sometimes after a whole day with a baby she just really needs to talk to an adult and Ryan was working. He works for Home Depot. She nursed Alyssa while I was there and I managed to sneak a peak at her boob so I can picture them better now. My G_D they are huge. I wonder what it would be like to have those huge things hanging on my chest.
There is something about Trish that I don't like. It's like no matter what we are talking about there is always this look on her face like something is funny. Like inside she is laughing at me. I guess I didn't notice it before but I must have seen it without realizing it cause it is sort of the look from my fantasy about her watching me with Kendal. That must be why I thought of it in the first place. It makes me uncomfortable with her, even though she is nice. Of course when I finally got upstairs and had had chance to use Kendal I pretended that she DID know everything and that the whole time we were having tea she was laughing at me. Thank G_D she can't really know, but I love pretending that she does.
Monday, February 14, 2000
Work was hell. Magnus is changing their entire line so we have to have it all input by Wednesday
Now I am bored. Watched Ally McBeal but now I don't know what to do with myself. I keep checking the wall but they don't seem to be doing anything tonight. G_d, I can't believe how pathetic I am, but it is the most interesting thing in my life at the moment which is pretty darned sad. Happy Valentines, loser. I always hated being alone on Valentines but it is really pathetic to be alone with fresh batteries waiting for the neighbours to have their Valentines Day sex so I can listen in. I sort of feel like I am stealing some of their love and passion for myself. Oh, I hear them coming upstairs.
Tuesday, February 15, 2000
Work was totally crazy. Didn't get home until 9.
Met Ryan tonight on my way in. He seemed nice. I am looking forward to picturing him tonight. Oh my G_d, I can't believe I am actually planning what I will fantasize when I listen to them. I am so pathetic. But it will be nice to be able to picture him now. I have tried to picture him with a look on his face like he is totally enjoying her and looking at me like I can only dream about a guy like him, but it will be easier now.
G_d, it suddenly occurred to me how embarrassing it would be if anyone ever read all this. I think I would die. Thank G_d I live alone.
Wednesday, February 16, 2000
Margaret was about why I hate birthdays. I wish I could talk about listening to Trish and Ryan. But I just can't. How could I tell her that I spent all night Saturday waiting for them? Or that now, not only do I use Kendal every day after work to relax, but every night while I listen to the neighbours have sex. Or about what I fantasize about. Well, she told me to start this journal because there were things I could not tell her so I guess writing all that stuff here will have to do.
Thursday, February 17, 2000
Rrr! I hate her! She is just SO rude. No, she is plain mean. Trish came out when I was on my way in and asked me down for tea, again. I tried to get out of it but ended up going in. She must have been waiting for me, listening to hear to me come in. She was nursing Alyssa again while we talked and she started telling me how men always try to sneak looks when she does it when she's out. I said how embarrassing that must be, but she said she likes it and smiles at them and makes sure they have a long clear look. She started looking down and talking to Alyssa for a while and I guess I was looking at her boob because when I looked up she was looking me in the eye. Our eyes only locked for a second but I knew she had caught me peeking. I mean, it is not supposed to matter because we are both girls, right? But somehow I know she knew… knew what? That you wanted to see her big boobs, Marilyn. That you were looking at them just the way a man does. She had that same laughing, smug look as if she knew exactly what I was thinking. Then she gave this little shrug and went back to looking at Alyssa. She was deliberately letting me look. Then she said that girls like me would never understand how sexy it was to have tits so big that everybody – and she really stressed the "every" – wanted to look at them.
How dare she?! "Girls like me"! Grrr. Flat chested girls like me? She was laughing at me. Laughing that she had caught me looking at her boob. Laughing because she has boobs men want to look at and I don't. I didn't even want to go for stupid tea and she insulted me! I felt like just getting up and leaving but it just would have made me look dumb so I made myself stay and finish my tea. I tried to act like everything was okay but I am so bad at hiding my feelings I am sure she knew I was upset. Alyssa had finished but she didn't put her boob away and kept her eye locked on mine with that stupid smirk while she talked, like she was just daring me to look down.
I was so upset that I couldn't even come with Kendal. And there was no way I am going to give her the satisfaction of listening to them tonight. I am going to watch ER really loud. What a bitch.
Friday, February 18, 2000
Sometimes I wonder if I am not better off single. Doreen was telling me a bit of what she goes through with Joe and you wonder why women are so desperate that they put up with that sort of stuff. Of course I probably would too if I had the chance. She says that when he is not like that she loves him so much that it's worth it, but jeez…
I am not going to listen to Trish and Ryan again tonight. I hate her.
So much for that. I can't stop myself. I tried though. I closed the bedroom door and read on the couch, feeling like a prisoner in my own home. But I could hear her asking him if he "liked her big, swollen tits" or something and I just couldn't stop myself. I had been hating her so much for what she said to me I think I needed to hear him say it was true. So I went in the bedroom. Just to hear what he said. Well he did. Over and over. And if he stopped she would ask him another question, all about her boobs. Did he like them big, were big ones sexier then small ones, do all men like them big, did he feel sorry for girls with little ones, on and on, all about what she had said the yesterday. Then she asked him to fuck them and they just kept talking the whole time about how great they were and how sad it must be for flat girls who can't do that.
She must have known I could hear her. It was just too much like she was trying to prove her point from yesterday. And the thing is, it worked. Listening to Ryan go on and on about how much he loves her big boobs and picturing her smirking at me while he proved it by fucking them, it just turned me on so much that I couldn't stop myself. But just when I started using Kendal she didn't say anything for a few seconds and I wondered if she could hear the buzz and was laughing like she had won. I don't think she could really hear Kendal, and she certainly couldn't know that the things they were saying actually turn me on. She was probably just trying to be mean. But I pretended she could hear, that she knew exactly what I was doing and thought I was totally pathetic. I came so quickly.
What if they can hear? Oh G_d, just the idea of it makes me feel sick. And excited. What if they know every time I use Kendal? They would know that I always do it when they are having sex. And they would know when I come because the buzzing would stop. Oh, now I want to go use him again, but what if they CAN hear? Well, it is 1:45. They have to be asleep by now. And besides, they probably can't hear.
Saturday, February 19, 2000
Woken up by my bj alarm clock again. Grrr. I think I am going to have to try to get to sleep earlier on weekends if this is how it going to be. It's not fair. They are my only two days when I get to sleep in and I have to start my day listening to them doing what I only dream about.
Trish came up and asked if I wanted to come down for tea but I told her I was going out. She said she hoped I wasn't offended by anything the other day and of course I pretended I didn't know what she was talking about. Then she asked if I wanted to come for dinner tonight so I said I was busy. So now I have to go out all day. Guess I'll go visit Mom and Dad.
Sunday, February 20, 2000
I was using Kendal this morning and there was a knock on the door. The inside door. I put on my robe expecting it to be Trish wanting something but it was Ryan. He said that he was trying to watch TV but kept getting interference and was wondering if I was using an electrical appliance that might be causing it. I said no but then realized it must be Kendal and immediately became totally flustered and asked if it happens a lot. He said yes, but it would just start and go for a while and then it would be fine, which is why he thought it might be an appliance. He asked if I would mind if he checked back when it happens to see if he can find the problem. Why don't they just get cable? So am I supposed to stop using him because they can't watch TV? But how can I use him if Ryan is going to come over every time? Maybe I should just move. But I like this apartment.
Monday, February 21, 2000
Deanna sent me an e-mail today asking how I am cause we haven't talked in a while. I just don't have the energy to listen to her right now. I think this whole thing with Trish is getting to me and it is not like I can tell Deanna about it so it would just be her complaining about her silly problems and me pretending everything was okay.
I felt weird using Kendal now that I know it might be making their tv go weird. I ALWAYS use him as soon as I get home. It's how I relax. I guess I kind of look forward to it when I am having a bad day, like my reward for getting through it. I tried but could not relax knowing that it might make their tv screw up. I don't know if I would have been able to relax enough to finish cause I was starting to get sensitive but then Trish came up and knocked. I tried to ignore it but she kept knocking so I had to get up and answer it. She said their tv was screwed up and would I come down for tea. I told her I was busy and that I had plans but she kept asking and I am so horrible at telling people 'no', so I went down. I was really mad that I couldn't finish with Kendal and I guess I was sort of blaming her even though it wasn't her fault – once I knew her tv was screwing up I would never have been able to relax enough. Anyway, it wasn't too bad. I mean, I would rather have been relaxing with Kendal, but it was still okay. She asked me about work and let me complain about that for a while. She still had that superior smile, but I think that is just her way. I can't decide if I like her or not. She talks too loud, but she is kind of fun. I guess it doesn't help that the whole time we are talking I am picturing what she does at night. She was wearing a scoop-necked T-shirt that showed huge amounts of cleavage and it reminded me of what Ryan was doing between them the other night and I kept picturing that while I was talking to her, being sure not to look down when she could catch me. G_d, I am so pathetic, sneaking peaks at her boobs like a guy. And even worse, coming home and fantasizing that she catches me peeking and makes fun of me.
I am becoming a little obsessed with them. It's like it is the only thing I look forward to every day and I think about it at work all the time. I guess that is why I let her talk me into going down for tea. I don't really think she is a very nice person but it seems like every time I see her something happens that gives me more to fantasize about at night.
Tuesday, February 22, 2000
There IS something going on with Trish! I got home about quarter past 7 and she came up at 7:30 and asked if I wasn't coming down for tea. When I said I didn't know she looked disappointed and said she had been waiting for me. What, like now we have a date every night or something? What if I don't feel like going for tea every night?
Then when I was leaving she told me to come for tea again tomorrow as soon as I got home. I told her I had an appointment but she asked what time I would get home and said 8:00 would be fine. Like when am I supposed to eat? I told her I would have to see but she said "please" like she really wanted me to. I tried to stick up for myself and just said "We'll see" again but she just said "please" again even more insistently and I just knew I would not get away without a fight so I said I would.
We just finished our nightly ritual. I think they were having intercourse and I kept pretended she was getting fucked from the back while she held out her boob to me and asked if I wanted some milk. Then, when I admitted I did, she teased me with it and told me I was a sick lezzy pervert and laughed at my humiliation. So I guess maybe seeing her nurse does turn me on more than I admitted.
Am I a lezzy? I don't think so. I mean, I do have those fantasies where I am forced to do things to women, but I think they are exciting because I am NOT a lesbian and find it disgusting, not because I like women.
Wednesday, February 23, 2000
I am really starting to wonder if I should keep seeing Margaret. We just talk about the same old stuff and I don't have the guts to talk about the things that are really bugging me these days. I mean, I got almost no sleep last night wondering if am a lesbian and I don't even have the guts to talk to my therapist about it. I wish I did have someone I could talk to but I really could never tell anyone about all the sick things I think about. And the thing is, half the time I think it is entirely in my mind.
I planned on telling Trish I was too tired but she literally pulled me into their apartment. Ryan was there watching television but we stayed in the kitchen and drank our tea. She asked about my day and about things with Todd and told me about hers and then I left. I wonder why it seems so important to her?
Oh, when I was leaving she said "See you tomorrow" like there was no question. I guess I will.
Thursday, February 24, 2000
Trish and I seem to be getting along better now. I told her few days ago about the reflexology course I took and today she said she had had a bad cramp in her foot and asked if reflex work could help it. I couldn't find a knot but I did the best I could and she said it helped. I am supposed to go back and do it again tomorrow.
It's funny how this journal has become more and more just about the new owners. But work as been, well, just there, and I haven't being seeing people much. Everybody sort of hibernates in the winter. And the thing is I seem to spend an awful lot of my time thinking about…
I don't even know what to call it. I guess my fantasy. I mean, listening to them is real, but when I am doing it what I am thinking is not real at all. Anyway, I seem to spend way too much time thinking about it. At work, driving to work, in the shower. Part of me hates it but I don't really want to stop. Oh, I don't know.
Friday, February 25, 2000
I went over after work and instead of answering the door she just yelled "come in". She was in the living room with Alyssa and she asked if I would mind making the tea. So I found a tray and brought it in and as soon as I had poured she asked if I would mind rubbing her feet again so I never even got a sip of mine. She was sitting in an armchair with her feet on a stool so I had to hand her her tea. There was nowhere for me to sit where I could work on her feet so I sat on the floor. Yesterday we were both sitting at the table with her foot on my knee and that just felt like I was doing something nice for her, but today I felt like a servant, fixing her tea and rubbing her feet. And it wasn't about her cramp because she wanted me to do the other one, too. The thing is, I sort of liked the feeling of being her servant. It is a little of the same feeling I get in my fantasy. I was kneeling at her feet rubbing them and she was sipping her tea and looking down at me with that look like she is laughing at me, superior to me, and I started getting turned on. Just rubbing her feet.
I felt like she knew exactly what I was thinking, what was happening to me, and was laughing at how pathetic I was and that just turned me on more. I couldn't even look at her but she did not say anything and it was so uncomfortably quiet and every time I looked up at her she was smirking at me like I was amusing dirt and a little jolt of electricity would go to my hoo-hoo. I know I was blushing but I couldn't do anything but keep on. I couldn't think of anything to say and no way to leave and I felt totally stupid and embarrassed and I tried not to look at her but I kept looking up and then looking away in shame.
It seemed to go on forever. I mean, nothing was said but she must have been able to tell that I was embarrassed. I can't have just imagined the look on her face. I don't know, maybe I could. I have been imagining a lot of weird things recently and she does usually have that condescending smile, so maybe it was just in my head. When she finally broke the silence it was just to tell me that what I was doing felt wonderful and, pulling her shirt and bra up, asked if I minded if she fed Alyssa? Then she lay her head back and closed her eyes. I felt like I was being rewarded for being a good masseuse by being allowed to look at her boobs. I mean, she could not really know the sort of things I have been fantasizing about recently, but that was just how it felt. It was kind of weird that she bared both boobs. After a while she suddenly asked "Have you had enough, Alyssa?" and I realized that her eyes were open and she had been watching me watch Alyssa feed. But she didn't make a fuss and I did not feel nearly so embarrassed as I did the first time she caught me.
But thing is, when I was looking at her big boobs it wasn't like a turn on or anything, so I think maybe I am not an lesbian. I think what I liked was the idea that she would catch me looking and embarrass me. The thing is I hate it when she does that, but I guess it excites me, too, because that is what I fantasize about. I think maybe it is not that she is a woman but the way she looks at me like she is superior. At least, that is what is important in my fantasies. All I know is that sitting on the floor rubbing her feet was totally embarrassing and I hated being like that but it also totally turned me on and I am getting turned on now writing about it and I hope she does it again.
When I was leaving she asked what time I could come tomorrow. Like she knows I will come and just wanted to know when. I didn't know what to say, so I just said 4:00.
Saturday, February 26, 2000
Met Stinky for lunch and it was nice seeing her but the whole time I couldn't stop thinking about what happened yesterday and wondering what will happen when I go down today. How can I hate something so much and want it at the same time? I don't even know what I want. Do I actually want her to embarrass me again? Yeah, I guess I do. Oh, I don't know.
It's almost 4:00 and I am getting more and more nervous. Maybe I like this. But it all feels like things I don't like. Hey Marilyn, maybe you get turned on by something you don't like. Like duh! Big news flash there. G_d, I am such a freak.
Well I can't think of anything else to say so I guess I better go get ready.
I feel like I am sliding into a deep black hole. I watch myself take these steps down knowing that I won't be able get out but not able to stop.
When I first got there she just said "hi" and then went back to watching tv like I wasn't even there. I didn't know if I was supposed to make tea or sit down or what so I just sort of stood there feeling awkward. Finally I just said "Well I guess I will go make tea now" and she said "Oh thanks, Marilyn" like it was the most normal thing in the world for me to come in to her apartment to make her tea. After that it was the same as yesterday. She turned the tv off when I got back with the tea and pried her shoes off and it was pretty clear that I was supposed to rub her feet. So I did. I really felt like her maid. I liked pretending that. But it makes me sick to my stomach that I just do what she wants. I guess I like pretending it but it is just so embarrassing to actually do it. To imagine what she must be thinking about me.
She didn't nurse Alyssa today. After a long time she just said "Thanks, Marilyn" and asked me to take her empty cup so she could put her shoes back on. That really made me feel like a servant who was being dismissed. Then she added "See you tomorrow?" and for some reason that was just too much. Like she somehow she knows that she can treat me like that and knows that I will come back for more. It was like a wave of blush crashed over me and my heart started pounding even harder and I got that ringing in my ears and I just couldn't face her so I tried to leave with the tea tray and she said "Marilyn." in this firm tone that told me to stop. It seemed like a long time that I just stood there in the kitchen door trying not to drop the tray because I was shaking, trying to make myself either keep going and get out of there or turn around and face her. Finally she said "Marilyn?" again, like she was mother or a teacher talking to a naughty child and I forced myself to say "yes" but I still couldn't turn around and let her see how upset I was or look her in the eye.
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
I don't know why it was so hard to say "yes", but it was. I think it may have taken me 2 or 3 minutes. But I was stuck. It was like I couldn't go until I had answered her and if I said "yes" it was like this huge thing. And the longer it took for me to answer the bigger a thing it was. I felt so stupid standing there with my back to her holding that tray not answering her. And the thing is, I could feel myself getting so wet which only made it more embarrassing.
Well, I finally managed to make myself say "yes" just to get out of there, she just said "great, see you tomorrow" like it was nothing. But it wasn't nothing. Her tone when she asked and the huge pause before I answered made it HUGE. Oh, and that I didn't turn around to look at her and she waited for me to answer. And I am not even sure what it meant. I guess it meant that she can expect me to make her tea and rub her feet every day like I am her servant and that I will just do it. And that she can talk to me like am a bad child and I will let her. And will need to run home to use Kendal when she does. I didn't even care about her stupid television, I needed it so bad. I mean, I pretend I ran up the stairs to get away from her but I know what I was really running for.
The funny thing is, I only just realized now that it never even occurred to me to say I wouldn't see her tomorrow.
Sunday, February 27, 2000
Couldn't sleep all night. I feel like the idea of going back today is killing me, but I know I will go. I wore out Kendal's batteries last night. I think I better go get more before I go back there. Hah, who am I kidding, I am going to go get them as soon as I finish my coffee and writing this. I think I am becoming some kind of sex addict. I just keep thinking about what has happened and it makes me feel so stupid, pathetic I guess, but I get so turned on and Kendal seems to make both of those feel better. Then I just feel guilty but somehow even that feels good. Maybe not so much guilty as dirty. Oh G_d, I am just so screwed up!
I am still wondering how I am going to be able to go down and face her. I don't know why it is so much worse than yesterday, but it is. maybe because it isn't about rubbing her feet, it is about how she talks to me and looks at me and what she thinks. And that every time I go it seems to be a little worse so I am dreading what she will do today.
I think I really have to go get more batteries now. Nympho.
It wasn't so bad today. Basically the same as yesterday. It was still embarrassing acting like her servant, but I guess I am getting used to it. Even when she asked what time I will be coming tomorrow I just told her. Oh, when I was taking the tray back out to the kitchen she said I had forgotten to wash them yesterday. That was probably the most embarrassing thing today and even it wasn't too cause I just went in the kitchen and washed it all. I mean I am already making her tea like her servant so it isn't that big a deal to wash the cup and teapot afterward. And she was still in the living room so she couldn't see me. I did picture her laughing at me because I did it, but she could not see me so it wasn't so bad.
Monday, February 28, 2000
Oh G_d, I went down after work expecting the same as the last couple of times, but Ryan was there! I didn't know what to do. Was I supposed to make her tea with him there? She let me stand there for a minute feeling totally embarrassed before she asked him if he wanted tea. "No thanks". "No thanks"?! I knew she must have told him! How could I do those things with him there? It was hard enough with just her! The whole time the kettle was on I was trying to make myself tell them I had to go, but of course I didn't. So I made her tea and took it out to her and she kicked off her shoes. I really did not want to do it but she kept looking at me with this stern look with her eyebrow raised and then looking at her foot and then back at me with me shaking my head trying to tell her I didn't want to, trying to see out of the corner of my eye if Ryan was watching. Finally she just said, "Marilyn, would you mind doing your reflexology on me?" and somehow that made it okay for me to do it. I guess it made it more like a favour then like she could just expect it. So I did it and then washed up and left. Of course with them both watching tv I could hardly come up and use Kendal, so that was frustrating, but I didn't NEED to like I did yesterday. Still, I hope they get cable soon. Of course it only makes it better when I do get to.
Tuesday, February 29, 2000
Ryan was at work today, thank goodness. Trish was wearing a skirt today and while I was doing her feet I got really turned on imagining what she would think if she caught me looking up it. Not that I had any interest in looking up her skirt. I think if I was a lesbian I would want to and I really have no interest. It just made me excited to imagine getting caught doing it. Maybe I will do it someday, just so she can catch me. G_d, you are so weird, Marilyn.
Hey, I wonder if she is a lesbian? I mean, she obviously knows something is going on. It just isn't normal to treat someone you just met the way she treats me. Gross. I sure hope she never wants me to do anything. Yuck! Eeeww. That is just SO disgusting.
When I was washing up she called in that Ryan is off again on Saturday and asked if I wanted to come to dinner. I just know she is going to do something so I said I thought I had something on and would have to check. So now I have to decide what I want to do before I see her again. I feel like a moth with a candle. I just know she is going to hurt me if I go but I want to go anyway. But I don't want to go, too. Especially because Ryan is going to be there. I wish I knew what to expect. Maybe I should see if Deanna wants to get together. Oh, but I want to find out what Trish is going to do. I mean part of me doesn't want to know, but part of me can't wait to find out. I just hope it isn't too bad. And I guess there is always the chance that she won't do anything. I guess I'll go.
Wednesday, March 1, 2000
I almost forgot Margaret tonight. I guess I have been leaving work earlier than normal recently like around 6 every night so I can get home at a good time and I…
actually, I guess maybe I was just too eager to go make tea. So I was 10 minutes late and when I was driving there I realized I had not told Trish that I wouldn't be home until later and wondering if she would be upset and if I should go down when I got home or just skip tonight. Which started me thinking that I don't think Trish said "See you tomorrow" last night and I don't even think the night before that. Which means I am just going over cause I want to. I mean, I do want to but it's not like I can pretend she is asking me to. So by the time I got to Margaret's I was all worried about that and just couldn't get into the session so she just did some energy work.
On the drive home I decided that I should just skip going down tonight. She did not say I should and it was after 8:00 and she probably wouldn't feel like tea. It just feels stupid to be knocking on her door a 8:30 to make her tea. If he was working tonight Ryan will be home in an hour and she will be making their dinner.
Thursday, March 2, 2000
Trish was very cross that I didn't go down last night. I told her I had an appointment but she just said I should have gone down afterward. Then she asked me if I didn't think I should apologize. Just like I was a bad child. I know I blushed and got that horrible exciting feeling and I was so busy thinking about my hoo-hoo that I didn't answer so I could be even more embarrassed. Finally she said "Well…?" and I managed to tell her was sorry. I really like it when she makes me feel like a naughty little girl. When I was boiling the water I checked and found that my panties were completely soaked.
She was wearing an even shorter skirt then last time and all I could think about the whole time I was doing her feet was what she would say if she caught me peeking up it. I didn't do it, but it was SO hard not to especially because she didn't even try to keep her legs together. It really is as if she can read my mind sometimes. Like she knew what I was thinking last time and was daring me to today. And it is hard to find somewhere else to look when you know you are not supposed to look someplace. I don't think I looked her in the face the whole time because I would have had move my eyes past "there" to do it so I just concentrated on her feet.
When I came back upstairs there was a message from Nancy asking if we are still on for dinner tomorrow night. I had completely forgotten. I never forget dates and here I have forgotten two in two days. Anyway, I knew I couldn't just not show up at Trish's tomorrow after last night so I had to go down and tell her I would be out. Only she laughed at me and asked if I was asking her permission to go out which made me blush and get embarrassed which always makes me tongue tied. I told her I was just letting her know but she said "Yes, Marilyn, you may go out tomorrow night" in this totally condescending tone that made me mad. I DON'T need to have her permission to go out for dinner. So I just said good night again and started up stairs until she said "Oh Marilyn?" I know now when she does this that she is going to humiliate me somehow, so that horrible embarrassment came flooding over me in an instant while I stopped and turned back, waiting for it.
"Don't you think you should thank me? For giving you the night off?"
Why does she think I need her permission? How does she know that I won't just tell her to go to Hell? I wanted to. Oh, I wanted to so badly. But my mouth just would not say the words. And after a minute or so of standing there like an idiot I just had to say something so I did it. I said "Thank you". And in that same condescending tone she said "Your welcome, Marilyn. Have a good night, Marilyn" and closed the door. I don't understand what is happening. What does she want? How can she think I need her permission to go out?
Friday, March 3, 2000
Had dinner with Nancy but all she did was complain about work and I kept wishing I had stayed at home and was sitting at Trish's feet with her laughing at me. G_d, I'm pathetic.
Saturday, March 4, 2000
Spent most of the day making an upside-down cake to take tonight. I had to run out to get pineapple and cherries and then when I actually started I didn't have enough flour so I had to go out again. Now I am just waiting to go down. I hate this waiting when you are all ready and there is not time to get into anything. I totally have butterflies wondering what is going to happen. What I want to do is go use Kendal but I better not. Beside, in a way it is better to not be able to. It makes me want to more. I will just save it for after dinner. I wish I knew what to expect tonight. I am so nervous my palms are sweating and I have that ringing in my ears that I get when I am stressed. What if she makes me serve them dinner? I am supposed to go down at 6 so I wonder if I will have to serve tea before dinner. Oh this is crazy. I am just making myself crazy wondering. I think I had better go watch tv.
Oh G_d I knew she was going to do something! As soon as we sat down to dinner Trish asked me if I was seeing any one and then asked me why not. Like what was I supposed to say? That I am totally plain, horribly shy and afraid of being hurt? And they were both sitting there waiting for an answer. I just said I hadn't met anyone. Then she asked me what happened to my last boy friend so I told her about how Kendal had left me for someone else. Then she asked me how long it had been. G_d I didn't want to answer. I just knew they would think it was pathetic. It is pathetic. But I didn't think she would make such a big deal of it! She kept saying "Twelve years?!" like it was the most unbelievable thing she had ever heard and making me feel about two inches tall. "Twelve years? I hope you have gotten laid since then!" she said sort of as a joke. I started to lie but I didn't know if I could be convincing and just that moment of hesitation and she said "You haven't, have you?" Well that was already enough and I was hating myself that I had gone and then she said that it was no wonder I use my vibrator so much! Oh my G_d, I wanted to die right there. I wanted to run away. Or crawl under the table. Anything so I wouldn't have to sit there with them looking at me blush! It was bad enough that she said it, but in front of Ryan! I mean, I had thought about it, but I really didn't think they could hear! And I was stuck there. We had only just started dinner and I sure couldn't eat. I couldn't look at either of them either so I just sat looking at my plate.
And she just kept talking. Making it worse. She said they had figured out that was what made their tv go funny. And that they could hear it at night. Like she should talk about making noise! And then asked if I have a name for it!
Oh G_d, I still can't believe she asked that. I felt like a trapped animal. The room was suddenly about a thousand degrees and my ears were ringing so bad I couldn't hear and I was shaking. I felt like a bad little girl sitting in front of Mommy and Daddy. I looked up at Ryan, I think hoping he would save me, but he was smiling at me his eyes laughing while I squirmed. I wanted to just get up and leave but I thought that would make me look even more stupid. I mean, the fact was they are right, it is pathetic that I have not had a date since second year university and it is pathetic that I have named my vibrator after the only boyfriend I have ever had. But they have no right to laugh about it. Or maybe they do. Maybe anyone would if they knew. About Kendal, I mean. But it doesn't make it very nice. She even joked about borrowing it. Oh yeah, and after she joked about me having a name for it I guess she could tell from my reaction and she said "Holy shit, you DO have a name for it, don't you?" and start laughing at me and said that if she had used a vibrator for 12 years she would probably have a name for it too. It was cruel. She could see perfectly well how uncomfortable I was but she just kept on and on. Even when she started talking about something else she still made fun of me, saying no desert for me until I had finished my dinner. Like I was the least bit hungry. I felt like throwing up. But they had both finished and she acted like she really expected me to finish my spaghetti so I sat eating alone while they watched and she talked. She never stops talking. I really felt like a bad kid. I don't know how I got through the whole thing without crying. I sure am crying now though. I am bawling my eyes out. The page is wet and I can still hear them screwing next door.
Sunday, March 5, 2000
They are driving me crazy! They were making so much noise this morning that I couldn't stand it and went to visit Mom and Dad and now I just got home and lay down for a good cry and they have just started again! I suppose I could go into the living room, but I have a right to be in my own bedroom, darn it!
I think he is going down on her. She talks different when he does that. I wonder what that feels like. She makes it sound awesome, but then she makes everything sound awesome.
Damnit, I am not going to listen. I am just going to write in my journal and to hell with them.
I felt miserable all day. I couldn't get to sleep for a long time last night cause I was too upset. Normally I would have used Kendal to feel better but now she has ruined that for me. About 2:30 I was just so desperate I even tried using my wrist but that only got me more and more frustrated until I was crying while I was doing it.
Okay, you bitch! I think the whole neighbourhood knows that "it feels so fucking good when he licks your c—". Just shut up! Nobody cares! It is SO fake. I mean, nothing could feel THAT good. Could it? I can't even believe he does that for her. It's gross. It's different giving a bj. I mean, that is a little gross, but not like putting your tongue in there. Ewww.
Where was I? I thought about last night all day over and over. She had no right. I can't believe that after what she did to me last night she still had the nerve to stop me on my way in and ask me if I was going to make her tea. I told her I didn't feel like it. She said she was sorry if she had upset me yesterday. Yeah, I'll bet she's sorry. If she is so sorry then why did she do it? "Oh gee, I thought you wanted me to completely humiliate you in front of my husband". I hate her. She has even ruined the wall for me because I hate her so much. He is fucking her now and all it is making me is angry. She keeps telling him how good it feels to have his huge cock inside her, over and over and over. I think she knows I am listening and is trying to make me jealous. If that's what she wanted I guess it worked, cause I am jealous. I am jealous and angry and I feel like a total loser.
Damn it. I can't. I don't want to get excited but I can't help it. I just found myself playing with myself for the second time. You are so stupid. Just leave. But I can't. She wants me to. I can hear it. But I won't. I certainly am not going
Oh, I think he is coming. Yeah, that was it. It sure stops quick after he comes. Great, now I am wide awake and can't use Kendal. I guess that is stupid since they don't care what I can hear but it just seems more embarrassing that I am doing it alone. Like she is a winner because she has him to fuck her and I am a loser because I have to do it myself.
Yeah, well if the shoe fits, Marilyn.
Oh I don't know. It was just too much. And I don't like it in front of Ryan. I like it when it is just the two of us. It's like it's not real if no one else sees it or something. But one things for sure, I don't think I want to go down there anymore. I don't even know how I can face them. I think I may have to move.
Monday, March 6, 2000
I was awake until 2:00 last night. I tried with my finger but that is just so gross. I used my wrist for a while which makes me feel like when I was little, but it just made it worse so I finally ended up going in the living room and using Kendal under my duvet so I think they couldn't hear. G_d, I feel so stupid hiding it like this but it's better then having them know every time I do it.
Felt depressed all day again today.
Maybe I will go to a movie later.
I am still really upset about the other night. The thing is everything they were saying is true, I just don't like people knowing about it or saying it. I know I am a loser with a boring life, but I don't need strangers laughing about it. I don't want to think about it. But it is like they have made me look at how pathetic my life is. When I got home tonight I had a total meltdown because I wanted to use Kendal like I always used to. G_d I so looked forward to that all day when I am stressed. It's the only way I can enjoy my evening is to have that quick release and just let all the stress go. It was just part of my routine and I hate when I can't do my routine. I ended up doing it in the living room under the duvet anyway but instead of relaxing me it just made me mad cause I have to hide.
She just came up and asked if I would come down for tea. I told her I didn't think it was a good idea. She said again that she was really sorry she had upset me and that she promised she would be nice and that Ryan would not be home until 9:30 so it would just be the two of us and she really missed our "little tea parties" and she just kept asking until I said 'yes' and went down with her wondering who was going to make it. She asked me if I "would mind" while she went to check on Alyssa. Nice of her to ask, but I still ended up making the tea. I even put two cups on the tray, but by the time the tea was ready I decided to put one back and went out to be her servant. I like being her servant. I know I felt happy while I was rubbing her feet that we hadn't lost that. I even snuck a few little peaks up her skirt. hee hee. I couldn't see much but it gets her back for being so mean.
Went to see American Beauty just because it has so many Oscar nominations. Everybody has been raving about it but I just thought it was okay. It seemed kind of pointless. Maybe I was just not in the mood.
Now it's 11:45, I am not at all tired and I need to get to sleep and I can't use Kendal in my own bed because the neighbours might hear and make fun of me. Grrrr. I guess it's out to the stupid living room.
Tuesday, March 7, 2000
If she had any idea of the stupid things I do she would laugh so hard. I must have stood in the hall way for five minutes and started to come back up stairs I don't know how many times. She never said "See you tomorrow" yesterday, so was I supposed to go down? I knew I was, and I even wanted to, but it is so hard when she hasn't told me to. It is a lot easier to do what I am told then to just go. Anyway, when I finally made myself knock she was very nice so maybe she learned that I won't put up with her being really mean like on Saturday.
When I was rubbing her feet she asked me why I like doing it and I didn't know what to tell her. I don't know why I like it, I just do. I couldn't very well tell her that it makes me feel pathetic and that that turns me on. I just said I didn't know. Then she asked me if I was a "lezbo". I told her "no" and I really don't think I am. I was actually thinking about that a couple of days ago, I guess after I thought he was going down on her, and the more I thought about it the more I thought that if I was lesbian I would want to do that, and I certainly don't. I mean, I think about it sometimes when I am using Kendal and need something gross to think about, but always about being forced to do it. I don't ever WANT to. I think it is because I find it so gross that the idea of being forced to turns me on.
Well I certainly wasn't gong to tell her THAT so I just told her I wasn't and that I thought it was really gross. She said that was good because she wouldn't want a lezbo touching her. I am glad I am not.
Anyway, then she asked if I just "get off" on doing nice things for her. Well that is basically it, so I shrugged and said "yes". And she leaned forward and patted me on the head and said "Good girl"! Like a child or a dog! It was like this electric shiver went through me. It made me very aware of the way I kneel at her feet and I felt embarrassed the way she treats me, but I also felt REALLY happy that I had pleased her. I mean REALLY happy. It seems silly how happy such a little thing made me, but it did. I also got that tight excited feeling in my stomach that I get when I am getting turned on from being made fun of.
Then, instead of taking her hand away, she grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled me toward her so I was off balance, tipping my head back so I had to look up at her! Oh my G_d! I got so turned on/excited/embarrassed I think I was shaking. There was something so perfect about it that I wanted to cry. It was a totally frightening wonderful feeling that she could have asked anything of me right then and I would have done it. After a few moments of looking down at me, smirking, she said, "Well, I guess I will just have to find more nice things for you to do for me. Won't I?" She seemed to want me to answer but there was no way I could talk. I was so excited I could barely breathe, so I just nodded. Then she put me back down and patted my head again and told me I was a good girl again and I started crying. I don't know why. It certainly wasn't because I was sad. I guess just emotional release. That just made her pet my head more which felt so good that I just cried more. It felt so good to be bawling like a little girl while she patted me like one, but after a while I just had to get out of there so I told her I had to go and sort of ran out.
She asked me to babysit for her Friday night. Oh well, I didn't have plans anyway.
Wednesday, March 8, 2000
Trish wants me to stop going to Margaret. She likes her tea earlier. And the thing is, I am starting to think I am wasting my time and money anyway. We spent the whole time talking about stupid stuff and she has no idea that last night I was crying from happiness because my landlady had me on my knees pulling my hair. But I have been going to Margaret for so long it would be weird to not have her to talk to. Plus how would I tell her?
She was playing with Alyssa while I was doing her feet and her skirt got all bunched up so I could totally see her panties and her thighs were spread a little. I don't know why I want to look, but I do. I think it is just because I know I shouldn't. Especially after last night. I tipped my head so she could not see my eyes and just stared at it. It makes me totally grossed out but I kept looking. It made me feel so perverted and dirty. Why does that turn me on so much. Part of it is cause I kept picturing how disgusted she would be with me if she knew.
Thursday, March 9, 2000
Ryan answered and I didn't want to make tea with him there so I didn't know what to do. So I just told him I thought he would be working and did not want to intrude and to tell Trish I had come down. I wish he worked regular
Some one is coming upstairs. I think it's her.
Oh G_d, I have to be more careful. She came up to see if I would make tea for her up here and the first thing she says is "what are you doing" like it is any of her business. I told her "writing" and she just walked into my apartment asking if I would make her tea and when she saw my book she asked what I was writing. I should have told her it was none of her damned business but I just said "my journal" and I think I almost ran to grab it so she couldn't read it. I think I would have just died if she had read any of this. I am going to have to make sure I put it away from now on. I hope it did not look too obvious the way I grabbed it and went and put it in my bedroom. I think it may have looked like I had something to hide. Which I do, but I don't want her to know that. Then while I was putting it away she laughed and said "it can't be a very exciting journal" OH! How dare she! I was just so mad I wanted to scream. So much for her being nice to me. I guess she can only manage to be nice for 3 days! I almost said something when I came back but I just wanted to get off the topic of my journal so I didn't dare. But I was still mad so I just made her her damned tea and made her ask me to rub her feet and I didn't do a very good job, either.
Friday, March 10, 2000
I didn't make tea today. She went out for dinner with a friend.
Trish wants me to spend the whole day down there tomorrow, "helping her with some things." I am nervous about what that means.
Rented The Cider House Rules and loved it!
Saturday, March 11, 2000
Oh my G-d! I just masturbated on the phone with Trish! How am I going to face her? I think she was mad when she found out what I was doing so I know she will say something tomorrow. Oh G_d, what was I thinking? I wasn't thinking! That's the problem.
I went down at 11:30 like she told me to and Ryan was just leaving. As soon as he was gone she said "make me some coffee" like I was her slave. I get mad when she treats me like that, but then I go do what she tells me and start feeling pathetic because I let her treat me that way and then I start wanting her to treat me worse. Well today she did. I brought her her coffee and she asked me to tidy the living room. At first I just stood there. Like I wasn't able to move. Then she said that she thought I enjoyed doing nice things for her and didn't I think it would be a nice thing to tidy up her living room so she would not have to. It still took a bit of coaxing but eventually I just did it. I started picking up all Alyssa's toys, blushing and wanting to cry, while she drank her coffee and read a magazine. Then Alyssa started crying and she asked me to go check on her. I got sort of mad at that. Cleaning her living room was humiliating but changing Alyssa's diaper just seemed like I was doing her work because she was too lazy. But I did it and then brought her out to be with Trish, and went and brought the coffee out to refill her cup and then finished cleaning. Then I watched Alyssa while Trish went and took a shower. Then she told me to put a load of laundry on. I think that is when I realized I would be doing housework all day. I did her laundry and vacuumed and made her lunch and washed the floors and cleaned the bathroom. I spent the whole time mad that she was making me do all this and hating/loving that I was doing it. I think the worst was when I was on my hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. She came and leaned in the doorway watching me and when I looked up she was smiling and shaking her head like she just could not believe I was doing it. Why not, I couldn't believe it either,. But it made me feel even more ridiculous than I already did. She asked if I enjoyed doing it and I told her 'no', but then she asked me then why was I doing it? Did I just like doing nice things for her? That was what she said the other day. I barely got any sleep last night worrying about what she meant by 'nice things'. I mean, she said she was glad I was n


text:
For the first time in at least a decade, state lawmakers met to review the status of Oklahoma's gun laws in an effort to maximize citizens' rights. "We are conducting a serious, thoughtful examination of Oklahoma's gun laws," said state Rep. Mark McCullough, a Sapulpa Republican who requested the study. "Our goal is to develop responsible proposals for expanding the right to carry firearms in self defense."
Read Original at: Oklahoma House of Representatives

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I finally finished stitching my Finished Piece exchange piece. I did decide how I was going to finish it, and picked out the materials I would need, but I did not have time to do the actual finishing. I will do that next weekend. I had better, since I only have two weekends left before I go! I will take a picture of it and post the picture after I get back along with the other exchange pieces I have done.
One of the reasons why I did not have time to do the finishing work was because Lisa and Lily and I spent some of Saturday at the St James Art Fair in downtown Louisville. It is one of the largest art shows in the region, and is located on a court surrounded by huge old Victorian homes. The centerpiece of the court is a huge fountain. Here is a picture of Lisa and Lily in front of the fountain. It was a beautiful day with alot to see and enjoy!
Another reason why I didn't get to the finishing work was because Friday after I finished stitching the exchange piece I decided to stitch a fun pumpkin piece that I could use for Beckysc's Great Pumpkin Challenge. It was a quick stitch, at least for me. I haven't decided whether to finish it as a pillow ornament, or a no sew cube. I will try to finish it next weekend as well. Sorry, this picture seems to be pretty dark - dunno why.
I have a couple more little pumpkin pieces kitted up as well as another Christmas ornament to stitch on this week while in Louisville. Not sure which one will strike my fancy, so I will take them all with me.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and for taking time to comment. Hope everyone has a happy and healthy week and gets lots of stitching done!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
7 comments:
- Mary said...
Very cute stitched pumpkins. Hugs! Mary
- October 3, 2010 at 10:14 PM
- BeckySC said...
CUTE pumpkins :)
Have a most lovely week!
- October 4, 2010 at 9:10 AM
- Shelleen said...
your pumpkin piece is sooo cute.
- October 4, 2010 at 6:36 PM
- Sally said...
What a cute pumpkin Beth! Love it.
- October 5, 2010 at 7:52 AM
- Michele said...
your pumpkins are sooo cute! and love the picture of Lisa and Lilly.
Can't wait to see you!!!!
- October 5, 2010 at 3:32 PM
- Siobhan said...
Your pumpkin piece is too cute! You have a beautiful family.
- October 6, 2010 at 5:02 AM
- Barb said...
It's very cute!
- October 9, 2010 at 10:37 AM
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text:
Vaper Empire: "A less harmful alternative"
A LESS HARMFUL ALTERNATIVEVaping is a relatively new Technology, first invented in 2006. It will be a decades before any conclusive data can be formed about the long-term effects of vaping. At this point we have to draw conclusions from current scientific studies and experts to establish whether vaping has the same potential as traditional cigarettes to damage health.
Let us give you a brief overview of the dangers of traditional cigarettes. The burning of tobacco has been proven to produce over 4000 chemicals of which 70 are Cancer Causing along with 100's of other Poisons. Here are a few you may of heard of: Benzene, Cyanide, Arsenic, Formaldehyde, Polonium, Tar. Although tobacco is extremely toxic and will kill 50% of those that consume it legislation freely allows the sale of Tobacco to all Australian adults.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tobacco has been responsible for 100 million deaths throughout the 20th century and if the trends continues that number could be up to 1 billion by the end of this century. This is a frightening statistic that highlights the dangerous reality of tobacco.
Vaping on the other hand involves the inhaling of 3 primary components Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine and Nicotine (if requested) along with small amounts of flavourings. PG and VG are both widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and are relatively inert. They are used in other approved preparations for inhalation such as Asthma inhalers and Nicorette mist. As of March 2015 there is not a single piece of evidence that suggests PG or VG particulates are detrimental to respiratory function or circulation when aspirated.
Whilst it is very unlikely that Vaping is entirely healthy, it is now generally accepted amongst the scientific community that vaping is significantly less harmful than traditional tobacco. See below:
Professor Ann McNeil - Kings College, London
Professor Robert West - University College London
Professor John Britton - University of Nottingham
The following is an interesting segment shown by the BBC:
BBC – Trust me I'm a Doctor – Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?
To date, there has not been a single study to show E-Cigarettes emit anywhere close to the cocktail of dangerous poisons and carcinogens that traditional tobacco contain.
We believe that smokers should be able to make an informed decision on whether they choose to Vape or not. E-Cigarettes are here to stay and although regulation will be important in the future people should not be excluded from making their choice today. The U.S.A, U.K, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece amongst other countries have allowed E-Cigarettes (with nicotine) to be freely sold whilst a regulatory framework is created. This has given smokers an ability to move away from dangerous tobacco while governments work out the best way to create standards that best serve the population. Hopefully the Australian government will join the rest of the western world soon and allow the retail sale of nicotine E-Liquid. ~ Vaper Empire
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text:
High School Sports
Football: Hammond at Orangeburg Prep
Site: Indian Field. Time: 7:30 p.m.
Hammond notes: The two-time defending SCISA champion Skyhawks opened the season with an impressive 35-20 win over a talented but still-a-work-in-progress Pinewood Prep team that may well develop into a big-time force come playoff time … Quarterback Cliff Ayers was in midseason form – completing 19 of 27 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions … Kyle George, subbing for injured running back Brad Meredith, had 94 yards rushing and two TDs on 16 carries, caught five passes for 94 yards and another score and also had an interception on defense … Receiver Aaron Walters caught seven passes for 120 yards and one score, and tight end A.D. Briggs grabbed three passes for 47 yards … Will Patterson had a team-high 12 tackles in his first game at middle linebacker … Robert Simmons was the other defensive headliner, picking off two Pinewood passes in his first game at free safety. He sat at the 2007 season with an injury after starting at cornerback on Hammond's 2006 championship squad … Raymond Prince was next in line on the Skyhawks hit list with 11 tackles … For the game, Hammond amassed 450 offensive yards, while the defense allowed the visiting Panthers 322 yards … Kicker Joseph Zemp was a perfect 5-for-5 in PAT boots.
Orangeburg Prep: The Indians, under former Hammond assistant Adam Holmes, stand at 1-1. The Tribe gave traditional power Augusta Christian a run for the money in a 42-27 loss on Aug. 21 at South Carolina State's Dawson Stadium, and then bounced back with a smashing 52-9 road win last week at Thomas Heyward Academy … OP has taken quickly to the spread offense Holmes brought with him from Hammond … Quarterback Thomas Plumb has flourished in the system. The senior hit 12 of 23 passes for 223 yards and three TDs vs. Augusta Christian, and went 10-for-18 for 154 yards and two TDs in one half against Thomas Heyward. Plumb (6-2, 190) also ran for 67 yards and one score last week … Plumb's top receivers are Michael Williamson (6-2, 185) and A.J. Andrews (6-3, 175). Williamson had three catches for 99 yards and two scores vs. Augusta Christian and was even more productive against Thomas Heyward with seven catches for 127 yards and two TDs. Andrews ripped off a 72-yard punt return score against THA … Holmes is the fourth coach at OP in four years. He got the job after Jet Turner initially accepted the job but changed his mind and returned to Clover where he led Eagles to the Class 4A Division II state title last fall.


text:
few have it.
but it's certainly been a theme in my heart lately.
a longing for it.
a desire to quiet myself enough to see god
and know that he will give it.
the peace god offers
is beyond all this world's ability to understand.
it transcends circumstances
and gives freedom to those who have it.
so this friday, peace is what i hope for you.
happy friday!!
and happy reading below:
so this friday, peace is what i hope for you.
happy friday!!
and happy reading below:
you can read more here:
(from philipians chapter 4 in the new testament.)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
or you can read more here:
(from The Imitation of Christ by thomas `a kempis)
Goodness and Peace in Man
FIRST keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others. A peaceful man does more good than a learned man. Whereas a passionate man turns even good to evil and is quick to believe evil, the peaceful man, being good himself, turns all things to good.
The man who is at perfect ease is never suspicious, but the disturbed and discontented spirit is upset by many a suspicion. He neither rests himself nor permits others to do so.
He often says what ought not to be said and leaves undone what ought to be done.
He is concerned with the duties of others but neglects his own.
Direct your zeal, therefore, first upon yourself; then you may with justice exercise it upon those about you. You are well versed in coloring your own actions with excuses which you will not accept from others, though it would be more just to accuse yourself and excuse your brother. If you wish men to bear with you, you must bear with them.
Behold, how far you are from true charity and humility which does not know how to be angry with anyone, or to be indignant save only against self!
It is no great thing to associate with the good and gentle, for such association is naturally pleasing. Everyone enjoys a peaceful life and prefers persons of congenial habits.
But to be able to live at peace with harsh and perverse men,
or with the undisciplined and those who irritate us,
is a great grace, a praiseworthy and manly thing.
Some people live at peace with themselves and with their fellow men, but others are never at peace with themselves nor do they bring it to anyone else.
These latter are a burden to everyone, but they are more of a burden to themselves.
A few, finally, live at peace with themselves and try to restore it to others.
Now, all our peace in this miserable life is found
in humbly enduring suffering rather than in being free from it.
He who knows best how to suffer will enjoy the greater peace, because he is the conqueror of himself, the master of the world, a friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven.


text:
Playing with Monodevelop
This week I've been looking at Mono a bit more. I've been trying to spend more time on one technology at a time rather than jumping back and forth between a bunch of different things. So for this week, I'm putting off Ruby on Rails and doing Mono.
To me, being both a Windows and Linux programmer, Mono is a very good thing. If nothing else, it has the benefit of making mainstream Windows programming knowledge usable on Linux. And really, C# and the .NET framework are pretty good in their own right. Mono means that we have another good language and framework that brings with it a high degree of source- and binary-compatibility with Windows. It even has a GUI that isn't horrifyingly ugly like Java's Swing. What's not to like? Unless you're a rabid Microsoft hater, nothing.
So far, my complaints are mostly with the development tools. I'm using Monodevelop 0.12 from the Ubuntu Feisty repositories. While Monodevelop is a fork of SharpDevelop, it is, sadly, not quite as good. It's missing many of the nice little features #Develop has. However, my main complaint is those damn panels. You can't easily minimize groups of them and the positioning gets screwed up when you close them. And if you leave them open, you get stuck writing in a tiny code window.
It's also somewhat annoying that there is no WinForms designer for Mono. Apparently this is because appropriate designer surfaces haven't yet been implemented in the framework, but it's still annoying. After all, if you want to write a cross-platform GUI, WinForms is the choice.
My other complaint is gnunit2 version 1.2.3 that's included in Ubuntu. It has no options, doesn't reload the assembly between test runs, and includes a "preferences" menu item that doesn't do anything. Of course, there's always the NUnit plugin for Monodevelop, but the aforementioned panel annoyance means that isn't significantly better.
On the up side, a new version of Monodevelop came out today. I'll have to try it out and see if it's any better. I only hope that I don't end up having to recompile huge numbers of packages in order to get it working.
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text:
Golden Years|__|Living off the Land|__|Subscribe Enterprise|
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Van Horn Advocate
Thunderstorms, always a potential hazard during fiestas time, washed out
last year's scheduled Saturday parade, forcing organizers to quickly
reschedule the event for Sunday.
Lineup for this year's parade entrants is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
on Saturday. Anyone who would like to participate in the parade should
call Octavio Garcia at 445-2421 by Friday. Bicycles, motorcycles,
horses, cars, trucks and floats will all be welcome in the parade.
After leaving the rodeo grounds, the parade will travel north on Cedar
Street (U.S. 285) to Sixth St., then will turn left at City Hall, and
proceed on Sixth St. for one block to Oak Street. From there, the
procession will turn right, and go north on Oak Street through downtown
to First Street, and from there turn right, passing in front of the West
of the Pecos Museum back to Cedar Street.
They parade will then come back south two blocks to the intersection of
Third and Cedar streets, and from there it will travel east on Third
Street to Peach Street, and travel south on Peach St. to Santa Rosa
Catholic Church, where the fiestas are being held.
Parade organizers expect the event to take about an hour. Everyone is
invited to come out, pick a spot along the parade route, and enjoy the celebration.
A reception for the Alvarez family members will take place this Saturday
at 7 p.m. at the West of the Pecos Museum, as part of the annual Diez y
Seis celebration in Pecos.
The surname Alvarez is the 15th most popular surname in the United
States according to the Institute Genealogico and historico Latino -
Americano (Latin American Institute of Genealogical and Historical
This ancient surname, meaning "son of Alvaro" originated in Spain,
specifically from the regions of Andalucia, Aragon, Austrias, Galicia,
Leon and Navarra. Many Alvarezes can trace their ancestry to Spanish
royalty and lesser nobility.
The Institute reports that between 1509 and 1534, some 155 individuals
named Alvarez immigrated to the New World. By the 18th century this
surname had spread significantly, as native Americans adopted it from
their owners or patrons.
Two of the first recorded Texas settlers were Don Vicente Alvarez
Treveiso who served as the Alguacil, or Chief Constable of what is now
San Antonio. In 1790, 30 year-old bachelor Diego Alvarez was living in
The Alvarez family from Brogado arrived and settled in that community in
the early 1880's.
Brogado, a fertile farming community located about one mile east of
Balmorhea was and continues to be an ideal farming site due to it's rich
soil and the availability of an abundance of water from the nearby San
Soloman Springs. The most prominent land owner and settle of that time
was Don Augustine Hernandez.
Francisco Juan Alvarez and his wife, Maria Saenz de Alvarez moved to
Brogado from Presidio, Tx. Francisco was a native of Julimes, Chihuahua,
Mexico and Maria was reportedly born in Salamanca, Spain. Both Francisco
and Maria died in Brogado Cemetery (El Cerro Del Nopalero).
Francisco and Maria had a son named Thomas. In the early 1890's Thomas
married Crescencia Vegil Fierro, a native of Brogado. The couple gave
birth nine children, those being: Heriberto, Eduardo, Fermin, Juan,
Nicolas, Chana, Longina and Crescencia. Maria Alvarez died in 1910.
Several years later Thomas remarried. His new wife was Juana Carrasco
and three children were born from this union...Francisco, Thomas, and
Doningo. Don Thomas Alvarez died in 1922 and he also was buried in
Eduardo Alvarez, one of Don Thomas' sons, was born in Brogado on Aug.
12, 1895. He lived in Brogado all his life and he married Sylvestra
Hernandez. Sylvestra was born in Brogado on Dec. 31, 1896.
Children born from this union were Lucia, Albert, Edwardo (Lalito),
Juanita, Hilario (Parna), Carolina and Celmente. Eduardo Sr. (Lalo)
Alvarez died on March 1, 1958 and Sylvestra died on Aug. 13, 1982.
Eduardo, Sr. was the last Brogado native and resident to be buried at
the "Cerro del Nopalera" (Brogado hill top cemetery). He was a barber, a
gast station owner and a farmer.
Clement continues to reside in Balmorhea and Edwardo, Jr. is the last known Alvarez to reside in Brogado.
The two men were responsible for the inaugural event in 1925. The
fiesta has always been held on the east side of Pecos, although the
original site is a few blocks east of its present location in front of
Santa Rosa Catholich Church on East Fourth Street.
Dancing groups and dance bands play a large part in the celebration,
and this year is no exception. Several bands and groups of dancers are
scheduled to perform on the Santa Rosa Hall parking lot, and three bands
have been engaged for the evening dances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Food booths, a parade and «MDUL»el discurso«MDNM», a brief explanation
of the history of and meaning of the fiesta are popular events. El Grito is a part of each fiesta.
One young lady will receive the coveted title of Mexican Queen. Second
place winner will be crowned as American Queen and the third place
winner will be the Spain Queen.
All funds raised will go to the Santa Rosa Catholic Church.
This year's candidates are Rosa Evelyn Rubio, Monica Meza, Diana Rayos,
Graciela Garcia and Debra Quiroz.
Rosa Evelyn Rubio is a 1997 candidate for the 16th of September Queen.
She is the 13-year-old daughter of Manuel and Socorro Rubio.
This year will be her third year dancing with the Folklorico Dancers at
the celebrations held in Pecos.
She loves to dance folklorico and learn more about her Mexican culture.
Miss Rubio states that she wants to run "because it will help the
She is a member of the band and a student council representative at
Crockett Middle School.
Monica Meza is the 15-year-old daughter of Enrique and Crissy Meza.
Miss Meza is a member of the Lady Eagle Volleyball team, a basketball
player and is involved with the Pecos Eagle Band.
In her spare time she enjoys talking on the phone, hanging out with
friends and playing sports.
Miss Meza stated that she is "very excited to be involved in helping the
church celebrate an important event such as the Independence of Mexico."
"I thank all my family, friends and sponsors for helping me with this
effort," she said.
Miss Meza has two brothers, Enrique Meza Jr., Ernie Meza; one sister,
Cynthia Hinojos and two nephews, Ryan Meza and Paul Anthony Hinojos, Jr.
who she enjoys spending time with.
Diana Rayos is the 17-year-old daughter of Marcos and Maria Rayos.
She credits her family and friends for helping her in her quest for
Queen of 16th of September.
"The day of the fiestas we celebrate the Independence of Mexico," said
Miss Rayos. "I like going to Mexico since my favorite aunt lives there,"
she said.
Diana states that she feels nervous and excited both about running for
queen, since she is not used to speaking in public.
"This will be my first time doing something in the public," she said.
She has three sisters, Karina, Michele and Naomi and a niece and nephew
that she enjoys spending time with.
"I like being with my family, my friends, and going to dances," said
Miss Rayos. "I love to babysit my niece and nephew and spend lots of
time with them," she said.
Graciela Garcia is the 17-year-old daughter of Eleuterio and Rachel
Garcia and is a senior at Pecos High School.
Graciela's activities at school are: feature editor of the school
newspaper, a member of the Eagle Band, the A.N.G.E.L.S. Program and
Business Professionals of America.
Her community activities include, the Pecos Youth Advisory Council and
the Sheriff's Department Explorers Unit.
Graciela has also been named to Who's Who Among High School Students in
America for two consecutive years and has been nominated to attend the
National Youth Leadership Conference for Law in Washington, D.C.
Graciela said, "I am proud to be a part of this year's 16th of September
Celebration and to continue a family tradition of over 75 years, that
teach each of our generations, our history, tradition, culture, roots
and heredity."
Graciela thanks all the community for its strong support of the fiesta
this year and is proud to call Pecos home.
Debra Quiroz is a 1997 candidate for the 16th of September Queen.
She is the 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cruz Quiroz, Sr.
"I am glad to be participating in this event because I love to help the
church and I think it will be a great experience," said Miss Quiroz.
The 16th of September Fiestas are the greatest, according to Quiroz.
"They remind me of our Mexican culture," she said.
Miss Quiroz is a member of the Barstow Choir and a member of D.E.C.A. at Pecos High School.
It was on Sep.16, 1810, Hidalgo's rousing speech spurred the
disenfranchised to violently rebel against their gachopine (native-born
Spanish) rulers.
Hidalgo's speech (the exact words are lost but the idea remains),
referred to as the Grito de Dolores, demanded: "My children, a new
dispensation comes to us this day. Are you ready to receive it? Will
you be free? Will you make an effort to recover from the hated
Spaniards the lands stolen from your forefathers 300 years ago? We must
act at once . . . Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad
In Mexico City, Avenida Madero--the main street leading to the
Zocalo--is closed off early the night of Sep. 15. From then until
midnight the street is filled with joyous people, who frighten each
other by blowing horns and tossing confetti. By 11 o'clock the Zocalo is
filled with thousands of people. Here the President of the Republic
makes his appearance on the balcony of the National Palace and gives the
grito, the call. This is in reference to El Grito de Dolores, issued by
Father Hidalgo that 16th of Sep., only now the call has changed to
"Mexicans, long live our heroes! Long live our independence! Long live
The President then rings what is said to be the very bell which Hidalgo
rang so many years ago, in order to bring the people together, as a
symbol for rejoicing. The air then fills with the clamor of church
bells, factory whistles, and automobile horns. Then the fireworks are
The stated capitals follow the same procedure. The grito is issued by
the state governor and is followed by fireworks. In other cities,
towns, and villages the municipal president officiates and there is also
a serenata followed with fireworks. In rural schools there are fiestas
on the sixteenth, attended by the municipal authorities. The students
put on programs with songs, dances, and recitations.
While the cities there are often military parades, in most of the
smaller villages the people themselves put on informal parades. They
will usually select a boy, who dresses like a priest, to represent
Hidalgo, and a young girl to be a queen, or the Patria, the fatherland.
In a village of Oaxaca, this young Hidalgo and Queen drive around in an
old carriage, whereas in San Jose Vista Hermosa, Morelos, the young
Patria in white rode horseback while Hidalgo walked beside her. They
were accompanied by a Chinaco, an insurgent, dressed in a charro suit,
carrying a Spanish flag to show that all was forgiven.
State News
San Angelo Standard Times
Abilene Reporter News
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Dallas Morning News
Texas Press Association
National News
USA Today
York (Pa.) Daily Record, Sister Paper to Pecos Enterprise
Pecos Enterprise
Mac McKinnon, Publisher
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail: email@example.com
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Copyright 1997 by Pecos Enterprise
We support Newspapers in Education
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text:
Alison Acheson
Alison Acheson writes for adults and young people. Her most recent work is The Cul-De-Sac Kids, a chapter book. She has taught in the Creative Writing Program at UBC, and her students have won the Ethel Wilson BC Book Prize, the Governor General's, the E.B. White Read Aloud award, and others. Her work, Mud Girl, was a finalist for the YA Book of the Year (Canadian Library Association), and Grandpa's Music is on the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) list of books for children living with disabilities.


text:
Last night I joined an excited crowd of Ozri delegates at the highly anticipated Gala Dinner. As always we were promised a sensory extravaganza with lashings of entertainment and games – and we were not disappointed.
After diving to the bottom of the ocean we were greeted by four glamorous stilt-walkers in a fairy light frenzy, closely followed by the evening's MC Andrew Gill.
With plenty of games and prizes – including the inevitable lightsaber – everyone was getting into the swing of the evening, and after the last of the macaroon lollipops had been polished off – we headed for the dance floor!
Everyone had a fantastic night and it's going to be a challenge to beat this next year!
Kim B


text:
can you pay for a College Education
The cost of a college education has been
going up at a fast page. Some parents can not afford to send their kids to
college because they think that the tuition is too high and it could imply a
total change on their way of living. Many
times some kids don't go to college because they do not have the required
information on how to finance their education. There are different financial aid
programs that could make things easier for parents and students. What they need
is to find the right program for them. And here are some examples:
The most popular and first choice could
be to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. It
is popular because it does not have to be repaid. The amount could vary
depending on the situation and program that you are taking at school. This type
of aid usually applies only to undergraduate students but some post graduate
teacher programs may qualify you to get this type of aid. The amount that you could get varies
each year but the maximum for 2009 is $4,731.00. You could get a check or it
could be applied to your college tuition. The school could inform you how and
when you will get this money.
Another program in which the money does
not have to be repaid is the Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
There is no guarantee that you will get this help but, if you as the student, or your parents do not have the required
income to pay for your education, you could apply for this student aid. This
program was designed to help student with the highest financial need and the
school usually has limited funds. The amount that you could get may vary
depending on the funds and time in which you applied for this grant.
If you do not qualify for Federal aid
you most then look at other options. There are scholarships
offered by different institutions. Depending on the type of degree that you are
trying to get is the association you will need to find. If, for instance, you
want to follow a psychology career then you could look for a scholarship through
the "American Psychological Association". The requirements to qualify for
these scholarships may vary depending on the amount of students pursuing the
type of degree and the need for professionals on that particular area of study.
There are scholarships from membership institutions and organizations like the
veteran associations and other social clubs. Give them a call since there is
nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
The next option could require a little
more of your time but the benefit could be much more then the last choices that
we just explored and that is a work study
program. There are a few different types of programs and you could look at
any particular school and its options. Some schools have a federal work study
program which will basically pay you per worked hour. This is good because they
usually put you in a place where you will perform duties related to the degree
that you are pursuing. In other words you could acquire some experience and
learn from others. The schools that offer this type of programs will help you
accommodate the courses that you will be taking to the working schedule.
The first choice should be to get
"free" money to pay for college but if you run out of options there are
always the loans. The idea of getting a loan to pay for college includes no to
repay more than what you should. The
Federal Perking Loan for example is a low interest loan for Undergraduate
and graduated students. One of the benefits of getting this type of loan is that
you usually have 9 months after graduation from your degree before you start
paying it back. The maximum amount that an undergraduate could borrow for his
career is $20,000.00. Also, there are other types of loans in which your lender
is the government through the department of education. It is very important to
review the type of loan before you accept it because the interest rate may vary
dramatically between one loan and another and the time to repay it will come
before you know it.
I could not tell you that these are the
only choices that you have to get money for college because there are other
options but, I hope that you could get an idea of the opportunities that you
could take if you really want to get an education. It is difficult to pay for
college but it is harder to live you whole life without other options.
Back to Articles Corner
Useful links: citizenship Test, The constitution, US President, Bill of Rights Entrepreneurs


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Neil Schneider from MTBS3D made a useful guide on different stereoscopic 3D technologies that you should check out especially if you are new to S3D. The following material should server as an introduction to modern stereoscopic 3D equipment for both the home 3D movie and video game consumer along with an explanation of technology used in the professional 3D cinema space. It is intended to make things easier and simple to understand without going into too much technical details, just to give you a brief idea and they you can start digging for more specific stuff on each solution.
2010 Stereoscopic 3D Hardware Guide for People New to S3D
January 28th, 2010 · No Comments · General 3D News
Tags: 2010·3d equipment·3d gaming·3D Movies & Videos·3d technologies·hardware guide·mtbs3d·neil schneider·s3d guide·stereo 3d solutions·stereoscopic 3d
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text: This is a story of a young boy from the time of his pre-birth to his pre-teenage years in Beijing during the 1950's to the 1960's. And a great story it is, in fact it was banned in Mainland China due to its scenes and contents that depict the sadder part of this country. As we've been bombarded by kung-fu films that something as real as this is still not accepted from a socialist country. Read the rest of this entry ?


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D.C.'s Proposed Palace Courts Controversy
The proposed "Le Chateau de Lumiere," as its owners have dubbed it, to be built in the exclusive Great Falls neighborhood of Hidden Springs, will be among the largest homes ever built in the area, explains Jouvenal. And it has courted outsized controversy, confrontations, and a lawsuit befitting its square footage.
As Jouvenal frames the collision, "Washington once shied away from such overt expressions of wealth, more common in Beverly Hills and Palm Beach. But the owners of Lumiere see their mega-mansion - big enough to make your average McMansion feel downright cozy - as a dream home."
However, "Some neighbors see an eyesore that is not in keeping with the Hidden Springs's traditionally Washington aesthetic, elegant but understated. They also object to the owners knocking down acres of trees to build a home in a neighborhood that was specifically created to be a wooded retreat from go-go Washington."