Ghost?

First, funny thing about the apartment house that ITSam lives in- he lives in the same building I used to, about 15 years ago. He's in a different apartment than I was but he's in the same building. It's a big old house that was converted into a mortuary- it was a funeral home when I lived above it. (If you click here you can read about that experience!) Now it's a hair salon on the ground floor and apartments above it.

Yes, you read that right. I lived in an apartment that had a funeral home on the ground floor and my apartment was over it. And it was an actual, working funeral home then.

I spent last night at Sam's last night. He was long gone to work when I finally got out of bed. I took a shower and got dressed. I was blow drying my hair when I swore I saw a reflection of a man in the mirror behind me. I whipped around, brandishing my hairbrush and dryer. No one there. My heart was beating in my throat. I turned off the blower and called out Sam's name- no answer. Of course.

I walk through the apartment, opening doors and looking under furniture and in closets. No one there, of course. The front door was locked. The back door was locked. I went back to resume the hair blowing and in the mirror over my shoulder, I saw that Sam had a dress shirt hanging on the open door of his closet, on a hanger. I leaned around at different angles and realized all I probably saw was his shirt and when I flipped my hair it looked like a person move.
Whew.

But I felt sort of silly.

However, I thought about when I lived there, in that building, 15 years ago. I would tell people I lived in a apartment over "Body & Sons" (not their real names!) funeral home and took private glee in their shock and horror and in some cases, revulsion. I was brave. I was sassy. I thought it was cool. Ha, I was never scared. I never really dwelt on it.

But today I had the complete creeps. What if some spirit was hanging around? I know that no one died there- they were long gone before arriving- but today the creeps settled in and freaked me out. I called Mac to pick me up asap and sat at the window with the doors open, just in case.

It's the second time I thought I saw a person in that same mirror in the same apartment.

I freaked myself out and I'm sure it's nothing but lighting and tricks and clothes on hangers on open closet doors and the like.

But today I was unsettled.

I've lost my nerve.

Maggie

Spring Break so far

I've been a complete and utter bum since spring break started. Well, sorta. I did work a 15 hour day on Friday.

Saturday I slept late and hung out with XRay Girl for a little while. I ran some errands. i read a book. I made a card with Daddy-O. I just chilled.

Sunday XRay Girl and her hubby, and ITSam and I all went to see a movie (Source Code, which was pretty good) and then to Northern Civilization to hang out. We went to the bakery and used book store. The guys went to a hobby store. We had dinner and coffee. We just chilled out and had a good time and lots of laughs. Then we did ITSam's furniture and rent a movie we never finished because it got to be so late.

I was supposed to have a birthday lunch with my Sis-In-Law today but she's sick! (I hope you feel better soon!) I was supposed to have a day with Lilith tomorrow but she's going to visit with her mom who's battling cancer (so I completely understand that change of plans). I was invited to go shopping with Daddy-O and Curley today but since I didn't have any money I thought it was would be better to just stay home.

I slept in until noon and have just lazed around on the computer and made a pot of coffee. I'm going to read.

My big plan for the week ahead is to drive a return transport on Wednesday. I plan on reading and hanging out with ITSam in his newly furnished place. I want to watch movies and maybe scrapbook and maybe quilt. But my brain needs a rest so that comes first.

I love spring break.

Maggie

Open your heart to me, baby you hold the lock and I have the key

So ITSam had very little furniture in his house and what he did have is really uncomfortable. Because of that I rarely liked to hang out there. We usually go somewhere or end up at my place, which is Daddy-O's house.

So I made an executive decision this week. I was going to get some of my furniture out of storage at my brother's place and stick it in ITSam's house. I weighed this carefully because we don't live together and we're not married; heck, we're technically not even engaged. I was worried that if I put my furniture in his apartment and we broke up I wouldn't get it back. I said that to him and he gave me a key to his place and signed an agreement similar to a pre-nup that I would get my stuff back.

Well, that took care of that.

My other fear was that he would eat on it. I hate it when furniture gets food and drink stains and since living with Daddy-O where we are NOT allowed to eat on the furniture, I've grown accustom to it. He said he wouldn't eat on it and wouldn't let his son either. Guess I just have to trust him on that.

So with the help of my brother and his access to a pick up truck, we moved some furniture last night. And holy cow, that an amazing change over!!!

There's no longer boxes as end tables and lawn furniture. The TV is no longer on the floor. There are other lamp options than the ceiling fixture. There's now a real love seat and a rocking chair recliner (thank you bro and SisIL for that bonus!!!). The TV is on a table. There are lamps on end tables. There's a lovely desk with a desk chair. The whole places looks awesome.

While Sam didn't have much in the way of "stuff" he's a clean freak so the place is always spotless and smells good, like cleaning products and there's always vacuum tracks. I never worried about things not being taken care of like that. So now with "real" furniture and his clean habits, the place is comfy. I think I'll be spending more time there.

After all, I have my own key.............

Maggie

Random observations from my drive yesterday

I drove kids home yesterday for Spring Break (these would be Alcatraz students). I had to go to the southern part of my state. I can't believe what a difference it is in weather. It was so warm there and all their spring trees had started flowering. I don't just mean little buds and getting ready to bloom but in full bloom cycle. It time would've allowed I would've taken pictures. And let me tell you, it made me crave spring even more.

I was dropping off Princess on this run and she was a pistol. She could've starred in the movie Mean Girls. And she was in full tilt flirt mode because there were---- *gasp* boys on the bus! I was actually happy to get her off. I feel terrible about saying that but then I was relieved because I feel that way about Mac so I know I love them both.

I drove 700 miles yesterday.

Finally I want to admit I was a real idiot/ bitch last night. I was finally heading for home from my transport. I had about 2 hours to go so I stopped at a Starbucks. I ordered my favorite drink. Because I'm a gold club member I get a discount. Because I was driving for work, I had an "expense account" so I wasn't going to have to pay for the drink out of my own pocket. So, I had the guy at the counter still scan my card to get the discount but specifically said to not use the balance on my account. While he was doing this, I had been talking to another barista about my long day and what I had been doing and this guy was listening. He was new and he screwed up. He called a manager over to fix it but couldn't. He said he used the balance on my account and was sorry. I rolled my eyes at the guy and said, "Didn't I ask you to not do that?" And he said yeah and apologized. I said something like, "Well, that's par for the course of my day. My company won't reimburse that. Great. Thanks." I was.... snotty. As I get my drink and turn to leave the guy stops me and gives me a coupon for a free drink of my choice and says, "I"m sorry I used the 67 cents on your card. Here's a free drink for next time." Ummmmmmmm, 67 cents. 67 cents????? Oh shit, I was a bitch over 67 cents? I mumbled an apology and said thanks many times. I sat in the car and tried to figure the 67 cents when it dawned on me I used my card the day before when I was out with XRay Girl; I didn't have $5 on there at all. Ooops. I felt like an idiot.

Driving that long makes my right hip hurt.

Maggie

25. Buy a CD by an artist I've never heard before and listen to the entire thing

The Fame by Lady Gaga

To be honest, y' all probably think I'm crazy but I didn't really ever know who Lady Gaga was until Princess introduced us. I think I heard of her in passing but I didn't know anything about her, and I would've been guessing that she was a singer (I was thinking actress at first but I wasn't sure). Then one day, I was in the car with Princess for 6 hours and she brought this CD along. Then she fell asleep and I was afraid to turn it off, that the sudden silence would wake her and the other 4 girls who were all also asleep. Trust me, you take 5 teens girls on a six hour road trip and they fall asleep, you don't want to do ANYTHING to disrupt their sleep.

So, I let this just play over and over again. It played through about 3 times total, and I was pretty impressed and pleased with this CD.

It is sure something I would never have picked up myself but after listening to it, I did go buy a copy a few weeks later and it still held appeal for me, so much so that I downloaded a song called "Boys Boys Boys" as my default ringtone, for fun, because it's a zippy little tune!

This album is certainly a dance club mix. It's highly synthesized-pop and electric-pop, with songs that have quirky little chorus, that hook in the listener. It's similar to lots of club music that came out of the 80s and heavily influenced by glam-rock. The album was released in 2008 (I really can't believe I never have heard of her or any of this music until a few months ago!!) to popular, positive reviews and critical acclaim. There have been four songs of the 12 on the album that have released as singles here in the US, which reached Top Ten spots on Billboard: "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "Love Game" and "Paparazzi." The album itself reached the top 10 (topping out at #4) and hit the #1 spot for Dance/ Electronic albums. It's also the number 1 best selling digital album of all times, and its gone platinum four times. (Thank you Billboard for this info!)



The overall theme for all the songs is fame. Lady Gaga is a lover of attention and is certainly a fame seeker so all these songs focus on that as the theme.

I think the four singles are awesome. They are sure great tunes to head bop and dance to. I can see why they are huge club songs. The content, along with fame, are also heavily focused on sex, drinking, and money (I'm not super thrilled about this since most of Gaga's fans are young girls!). "Love Game" is all about sex and money, and "Just Dance" is about being drunk at a party. "Poker Face" is all about sexual innuendo, and "Paparazzi" is about a stalker following her biggest fan.



Songs other than "the hits" that I really like are "Paper Gangsta", "Boys Boys Boys", and "Summerboy." These little ditties biggest appeal to me are the easy to sing along lyrics and the beat. Sometimes her lyrics are raging and powerful and other times they're drivel but overall, just about every song on this album is something to sing along to. That, my friends, is usually what is "make or break" about an album for me. The songs "Money Honey", "Beautiful Dirty Rich" and "Eh, Eh" are also good songs but not my favorites and I find myself passing through those when they pop up. "Boys Boys Boys" is my favorite song of all!



So like everyone else in the world, I've now heard of Lady Gaga and she's found a secure spot in my CD player rotation for awhile. I find I pop her on and dance around when no one is watching. I also can't wait until I can roll down the windows and crank up the radio and go so a summer drive, with lady Gaga blaring away! While the content may not be your cup of tea, she's addicting and her catchy riffs are worth listening to over and over again. Makes me wish I was young enough to go clubbing!

Maggie

This baby is 5 years old

This month I celebrated my fifth year as a blogger. Wow. Other than being a mom/sister/daughter, this is the longest relationship I've ever had. We don't need to comment how sad that is.

My blog is five years old this month.

I love blogging. In reality, I can honestly say it doesn't ever feel like a chore. I feel bad when I'm running behind and post late or don't have time to post, but it doesn't feel like something I have to do or that's tedious. I like blogging, which is probably why I've kept at it.

I have to say that I've wanted to write a book so this is a nice way to get "published" or to at least have an audience. Thank you readers for being my audience.

I realize that I might not always be that fun and interesting. Thank you readers for reading me even when I'm boring.

It's been an interesting evolution over the last five years. I feel that the last few years since I've moved back to Civilization I've been less interesting. Maybe I haven't been interesting ever, but as I examine myself, my life, and re-read some of my old posts, I feel like I was more interesting 'back in the day.' Thank you readers for continuing to read me even though I'm not as exciting as I used to be.

My writing style has evolved, too. Maybe maturing? I have no idea what causes a change in writing styles. I think I'm not always as funny as I used to be. But it could be a catch 22 situation. Maybe I'm not as funny because not as many funny things happen to me because my life isn't as exciting? Who knows? Maybe I'm a bit more private? Maybe I've lost my sense of humor? Thank you readers for indulging me in my less funny, moments and during my evolution in tone.

This has been not only a cathartic outlet for me, but a place to explore my own writing, my own thoughts, to try different stuff with words, to be silly, to be serious. Thank you readers for allowing me this opportunity to be self experimental.

Lastly, this is a fabulous way to meet some great people. I've met some of you in person, some I just email or talk to on the phone, some I read your blogs, and others I just enjoy getting to know you from your comments here. Thank you all for allowing me into your lives, for becoming blogger buddies, for becoming friends.

So, happy blog-iversary to me. But thanks to all of you for giving me these five years! Here's to many more! Cheers!

Pink lipsticky kisses to you all,
Maggie

Flies like a butterfly, stings like a bee...

As you have figured out by now, I work in a school part of a non-lock down, juvenile prison facility. We have a school and a residential living facility.

And about six weeks ago one of our teachers got punched in the face. She's a little bit of a thing and she was trying to break up a fight between two big guys and she got socked in the face. It was an accident and could've happened to anyone in that situation. She got hit hard enough to be taken to the ER and got stitches. No concussion, no need for facial reconstruction surgery, just a really good black eye and some stitches- 5 of them. She missed school for about 3 weeks.

According to her story at the time, it was an accident. The boys in the fight said it was as did ALL of the students in that classroom.

But it's turned into a bog damn, drama.

If I was in the situation and was stupid enough to step between to big teens boys who were set to pound each other, then I would understand it was an accident and be back at school in a day or two.

I would not show weakness and miss three weeks.

These boys did not go after her with the intent to hurt her. Actually, when questioned later the boys didn't even know she was hurt.

The boys are expelled from our school. They are now doing on line learning. One kid was sent to boys' prison school. The other one is still at our facility awaiting a decision from his county.

We are all trained to handle these situations. But every single person in the trainings are told if we- the staff- know we can't stop the fight, are out numbered or if the kids are bigger, then wait for help. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, those are the rules of thumb. She weighs in at about 90 pounds and there were two of them and one of her. She just got caught in the middle of the foray.

I feel like this was made into a HUGE ordeal. It could happen to any teacher at any school in the world. Kids fight. Adults who try and break it up can get hurt. It is what it is. It doesn't make it worse because it was at our facility.

I hate the drama created by this.

I've taught in three "regular" public schools and I feel safer at Alcatraz than I did at any of the others. We have two "emergency response teams" if we have a problem. One can be there in less than 30 seconds. No public high school I know has this. I remember when I was at a middle school last year and a kid was screaming and swearing in the hallway and all the teachers locked doors and called administration for help, it was about 5 minutes because our principal was in the high school NEXT DOOR at a meeting.

More than likely our kids won't come to school armed unlike regular high schools where kids can carry in a fire arm in a back pack. Columbine mean anything to anyone?

We are trained through a nationally recognized program which trains people to handle crisis in a therapy setting. Not only are we trained with this 5 days program, we are kept updated on this training 3-4 times a year. Any other public high school teachers get this?

Sometimes I think adults can't see the forest for the trees.

Maggie