Robin's Writing Now

Greetings!

2011-02-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't used this site in a while; but decided to reread some of my old posts. To my delight and surprise, I found some were quite enjoyable and actually well written.

I'll be back!

North Carolina Colors of Spring

2008-05-20T12:29:00.001-07:00

Courtesy: Robert Phillips, Photographer

Walking With God - He Still Speaks

2008-04-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

I went and saw John Eldredge speak this week on the topic of walking with God. I had read a few of his books, my favorite being “Waking the Dead”. I was excited about hearing him and learning how to better walk with the Lord. I was not disappointed.

John is as eloquent and entertaining in person as he is in his books. His down to earth, practical style is appealing to the ear and his beliefs are sound and biblical. He talked about learning to hear God speak and getting quiet enough to do so in the chaotic world we live in. We practiced learning to listen and hearing God’s voice a few times at the lecture but I only heard myself say, “I love you, I love you”. I have heard God speak to me a few times over the years and I do believe that he still speaks to us and desires to lead us but that night He didn’t speak to me. Armed with his new book in hand, the evening ended much too soon for me.

Today as I was reading “Slowing Down to Listen” out of John’s new book “Walking with God” I decided to give it a try by asking God a simple question. I prayed, “Lord, Do you want me to clean the basement or continue to read”. I followed John’s suggestion of trying on each question and see if I got any negative feelings or heard the Lord’s voice directly on which option to do. I heard nothing. So I tried again, “Lord, do you want me to clean the basement then?” Pause. Nothing. “Lord, do you want me to read then?” Pause. Nothing. Tried again. Nothing. Tried again. Nothing but silence on each question. So I said, “Lord I’ll just read until you tell me what you want me to do”. And then it came. “Marie, call Marie”. Oh dear, that wasn’t the question and I didn’t want to call Marie. Again, “Marie, call Marie”. You see I’ve been thinking of Marie for quite a while and knowing I need to call but just not following through. Her husband, John was an ex-patient of mine at Hospice who I befriended when he was transferred to another facility. I had traveled to see him for over a year at that facility until he died. He had lung cancer and Marie also has cancer. John had asked me to watch over her before he died. Something I have failed to do. But today the Lord told me what I needed to do. I called Marie.

Later on in the day when I sat down to read some more, John pointed out that sometimes when we question God he will tell us something that we are not asking at all. And so He had… “call Marie” he had said.

He still speaks. He doesn’t always say what we want to hear. But He still speaks.

My Mother Likes Me Again

2008-03-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Many of you may recall my photo I posted a while back about why my mother hates me:

Now she likes me again:

Don't know why she's so fickle!

A Man Who Lies

2008-03-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

For the past year, I have made excuses for a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word honesty simply because we were such a good match in all other areas. Why is it I was willing to overlook such a major character flaw?

We seemed to connect in so many ways. We liked some of the same things; we disliked some of the same things. We had an easygoing manner together. We laughed together. We talked together. We did the things that couples do and we planned to be married. We planned our future together.

Back in the beginning, when I first discovered he lied I made excuses and blamed myself. Maybe if I was better at handling the truth he wouldn’t lie. After all, I had my own issues. I made numerous excuses for his bad behavior. Meanwhile I was honest, loyal, and giving. I told the truth even when it might cause an argument. I changed in ways that made him happy. I quit complaining about the overtime he worked. When I felt lonely, I learned how to entertain myself rather than depending on him to entertain me. I grew as a person. For that I am thankful. Yet, he continued to lie. He lied to avoid arguments and he lied to cover up. He lied to get his way. He lied.

One day, when he looked into my eyes and told the biggest boldest lie he had ever told I decided enough was enough. I finally realized I deserved better. I deserve a man who I can respect. I realized I cannot respect a man who isn’t capable of honesty.

Now he will go on to his next love and she will be the one to decide if she has enough self respect to demand more. As I think about the love lost and the potential we had I feel sorry for him…so very sorry and yet within there is a hope that somewhere there is a man who will look deeply in my eyes and know that to lie to me would be like death itself to his soul and he will be the man I can respect and share my love with.

NCL Cruise - Majesty Ship

2008-02-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

I recently went on a cruise out of Charleston, SC through the Norwegian Cruise Line on the Majesty Ship. I was psyched about getting to actually drive to get on the ship and avoid the airport hassle. I was looking forward to visiting Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West. NCL's "freestyle cruise" promised to be a relaxing time where I could enjoy being "off the clock" as NCL says.

While I got some great pictures and made some good memories cruising is not what I remembered from the past. Years ago I took a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas and the memories were so much better than the reality of the NCL cruise. Is it that the cruise lines are so different or that everything has become so commercial? It seems as if the whole pitch while on board was to get money out of my pocket.

A bar drink automatically included a 15% tip...a bit much I think since the majority of people don't generally tip 15% for a bar drink. They don't point out the tip is included either so you might end up double tipping until you catch on. While the servers were happy to bring any alocholic beverage for you and constantly try to sell them to you...when asked for a glass of tea they replied, "oh, I can't bring you that".

Four games of Bingo ended up costing me 40 bucks and the cash prize of only 100-150 bucks a game seemed really small. Although this did include a Jackpot game worth 1000 bucks they only allowed you so many numbers to fill your card (they didn't tell you this fact while paying to play). No one won the jackpot.

Every show I attended was preceded with a cruise members trying to sell "crack offs" claming you could win 2000 bucks for the small cost of 20. They sold many of these to the crowd each night. I heard a few people say they won a whole dollar.

In the casino I put 10 bucks in money changer thinking I needed quarters to play the slots. After realizing the slots only took dollars, I cashed in the quarters to be given back $9.95. The change machine shafted me five cents...while it was only a nickel there were countless people using the change machine...the boat operates 7 days a week 10 months a year...you do the math.

The shore excursions were another way NCL made money...Parasailing in the Grand Cayman's costed me 69.00 for a six minute ride that tied up four hours of my time. Although I had a blast, this indicated to me that NCL did not value my time...only my money. The Jeep and Snorkel Adventure at Cozumel also left much to be desired. The jeeps were in bad shape and NCL did not deliver on what the package had promised. The Premier Ball Stroll in Key West proved to be the only shore excursion that was worth the money.

Are all cruise lines this way now? Guess I'll have to book another one on the Carnival so I can judge for myself. It just seems sad that customer service seems to be a thing of the past anymore. I would have rather paid a higher upfront rate and been treated like a valued guest than made to feel my money was the end all for NCL.

Christmas Blessings

2007-12-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

When my daughter was just a baby she used to love to have her hair played with. This was a joy she never outgrew. Many times over the years, she has laid her head in my lap and said, “Play with my hair”.

She’s thirteen now and the times are very rare when she asks me to play with hair. Today I was working on getting some holiday baking done and had sat down on the sofa for a moment to take a break. Jessica was watching a movie and said, “Mom, play with my hair”. My first thought was to respond, “I can’t right now, I’m just taking a break…I’ve got things to do”. But thankfully my brain engaged with my heart and I said, “ok, come here”.

As I sat with my daughter’s head in my lap and played with her hair I realized that one day she won’t ask me anymore as the times are far and few between now. Perhaps she will one day have her own little girl who will ask her to play with her hair. As I pondered these thoughts a tear fell as I also reflected on the fact that one day I won’t be here to do this for her. She will look back at this time and remember me playing with her hair and will no longer be able to ask me to do this. She will remember her mother’s hands in her hair.

I closed my eyes and I felt her soft hair between my fingers and I reveled in the moment of having my daughter still want me to do this today and I was thankful. I prayed blessings upon her with my hands in her hair…prayers that God would protect her and love her and help her grow up healthy and whole. I thanked God that I am here today and that in this moment all is right with our world.

May each of you find joy in each moment with your own loved ones during this holiday season. God Bless Each One of You!

New "Do"

2007-10-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Had to have a new haircut to go with my new job...

I go tomorrow for enrollment and then back Thursday for Hospital Orientation...fun fun. Then I get an actual schedule. The adjustment will be in going from days to nights but being off two out of three weekends will be great!

New Job

2007-10-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

It looks like this is really going to happen. I've got a start date of October 18 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. Labor & Delivery was an area I loved in clinicals during nursing school.

I'm excited to be starting but at the same time very apprehensive. I called and talked to my supervisor today and told her I was really nervous. She reassured me which made me feel better. I feel like a new grad! It will be exciting to work with mothers and baby (this will be couplet care). I'll be there when the babes take there first breath and then help mom and babe until time to go home.

I remember the last birth I helped at...a friend of mine decided to have her baby during Hurricane Hugo. It was an exciting and wild nights. Trees were crashing into the windows and at one time the power went off and the generators failed. The nurse was in there checking my friend with a flashlight. Nerves were on edge and when my friend insisted it was time to push (at 9 cm) the nurse said, "oh go ahead". Though I begged her not to push yet...2 1/2 hours later a beautiful baby girl was born via forceps delivery. The doc said my friend had a "vaginal c-section" with over 100 stitches to sew her up. Needlesstoday, it was a memorable experience.

As I begin my new job change, I will try to remember that experience and advise patients wisely. (Even in the event of a hurricane) Wish me luck in my new adventure...
Hospice was for God--this one is for me!

Men Who Hunt and Fish

2007-07-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

When I found out my boyfriend Robert likes to fish and hunt I must say I was very wary. I had been married to a Sportsman early on in my life and had experienced a lifestyle where the world revolved around preparation for fishing and hunting, fishing, fishing trips, sports stores, hunting, hunting trips, cleaning fish, cleaning meats, freezing, cooking wild game and fish, along with endless conversation revolving around large mouth bass, crappies, trout, mountain deer, antelopes, and elk. Sitting alone or finding something to do on my own was the norm many times as this man could not balance me and the sport. My experience with a Sportsman had not been that great.

When Robert and I first started seeing each other I was impressed by his intensity in his pursuit of me. An old fashioned gal, I truly believe that men are at their best when pursuing a woman and I enjoyed immensely his determination to catch me. Although he now knows he has won my heart, he continues the pursuit as he courts me with flowers, candy and sweet words of love. This is not an ignorant man.

What I have come to understand about fishing and hunting is that it is much more than just a hobby. It fulfills the need men have to pursue and catch. The excitement lies in hooking the fish or animal and bringing him in.

While at times I may not be happy that he is 'gone fishin' yet again, I can rest assured that he is being a man doing what men do their best…pursuing and catching. If fishing and hunting feed his need of pursuit then who am I to complain…it definitely works better than pursuing other women!

The Premonition

2007-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Tammy and I were hanging out one day a few months back and listening to Cee Cee Winans. Our favorite song is "Higher Place of Praise" and as we were singing and praising God Tammy had a premonition. She has had only two prior to this event. She had one before her daddy died and she had one before her mother died. The day we were together she burst out crying and told me she had had another one. This time the premonition was about me. She didn't want to tell me but I forced her. The premonition was that God wants me to come home soon and my time will soon be gone on this earth.

Since that time, I've been thinking more about my life and the choices I've made. I've come to the conclusion that the only regret I have is that I have held so much love inside that could have been shared with others. In trying to protect my own heart from hurt I withheld love. I think about leaving my family and them not having received all the love I had to offer. I think about the people I've met in my life who could have benefited from more of me. I want to leave knowing that I didn't hold back.

This summer Tammy and I are spring cleaning our houses together. It is the time to get things in order. This summer I'm taking off school and giving more of myself to my children, family, and friends. This summer I'm appreciating the wonderful man who has come into my life. I'm listening more closely and paying attention to the little things. I don't know when God will take me home. But right now I am alive and I am thankful to be given the chance to do away with regrets! I am thankful to be given the chance to love...at such a time as this!

Happy Birthday Followup

2007-05-02T09:35:00.001-07:00

As you recall from my prior post, Happy Birthday to Me the girls and I were going out on Friday night for girls night out in Charlotte and on Saturday night I had a date to eat duck at the Best Cellar.

Friday night proved to be a hoot! We arrived at our lovely OMNI hotel room (with those comfy beds) and started mixing our Buttery Nipples. They were good and Jessica and I managed a few shots while Nickcola had no problem in throwing back quite a few larger shots. After drinking, we headed down to the motor lobby and out to the streets of downtown Charlotte heading toward the Breakfast Club. The club was not as busy as on a Saturday we had went but it had enough people there. DJ Dan was not working this night but another DJ. She wasn't as good as DJ Dan but we still managed to dance for at least two hours. Nickcola had quite the "good buzz" and Jessica was happy as she danced for the first time with a guy!

After dancing, we headed back to the room where Nickcola proceeded to crawl from the comfy bed to the bathroom and back TWICE before landing in the bathroom landing to pass out. We laughed and talked and had a hilarious time while Nickcola crawled back and forth. We left the curtain open that looked out on the lights of downtown Charlotte from the 11th floor. At 6:00 a.m. the sunrise was beautiful. Nickcola made it off the bathroom floor to bed at this time. Then she and I started talking and woke Jessica up and then we all talked and lounged around in those beds. We checked out around 11:30 and headed back home...stopping at the GoodWill in Cornelius...Found some great shoes.

Later that night, in my navy button up dress and navy heels I met Robert to go to the Best Cellar. He looked really sexy in his black shirt and khaki pants! He complimented me very nicely on my dress and looks when he saw me. We drove to Blowing Rock and I so enjoyed the raspberry duck. Robert had the Bleu cheese Ribeye (which was also delicious!). I told Robert that I loved duck so much I was tempted to take up duck hunting if he would cook them for me...he said I would have to clean them so that lets that idea out! The trip back down the mountain and the remainder of the evening coupled with the wonderful meal at the Best Cellar definitely make this birthday date my all time favorite one ! Thank you Robert!

On Sunday (my birthdate), I went into work and had a great day. The patients were all stable and everything was very peaceful. My two assistants brought presents and I had cake! It was a good day.

Thanks to everyone who made my 46th birthday so very special!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-04-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Robert called and told me he had something that I needed...(no not that...something else).

He had seen my lopsided "swooping in the middle"
entertainment center and knew I was needing a new one.It was in pretty pitiful shape (after being in storage and having boxes stored on it there was considerable cosmetic swooping damage not to mention the dust). I SAID DON'T MENTION THE DUST!

The new entertainment center is much nicer and made of cherry. Robert brought it over while I was at work and set it on the carport. I asked him how we would get it in the house and he said we could. It looks pretty heavy to me!

A couple of days later, Robert and my brother-in-law attempted to get it in the house by dolly ( I had opted out of the transferral of furniture to the living room).

First they had to lay it over on the dolly....

It is so heavy...

Then through the doorway...

Then over the step...

Then (to make a long story short) they got in the house and it was too tall on the dolly to stand up and they had to bring it back out, take it off the dolly, I attempted to pick up one end with Robert and could not even lift a corner. Then my sister helped Robert pick up his end (she could lift it--WOW) and the three of them carried it into the house with much huffing, puffing, grunting, and exasperation and finally got it on the wall it was to go on with only tearing a small piece of paneling off the wall!

It does look much better than the older one that swooped so much...

Thanks so much Robert (but now I need a bigger TV) !

On another note, tomorrow night I go to the good old OMNI hotel and the Breakfast Club for our girls night out! I am so excited to get to dance (we've decided on Buttery Nipples for our preBreakfast Club drinks) I can't wait!

Then Saturday evening I look forward to eating at the Best Cellar (early birthday dinner)! Thanks Robert, I can't wait to eat the raspberry duck!

Sunday I'll be back at work on my birthday! I will enjoy finishing up my weekend with Hospice and those who I love to care for.

2007-04-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Update from North Carolina

2007-04-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I went hiking at Chimney Rock Park which was a great stress reliever. Chimney Rock is located near Lake Lure, NC (the setting for the gazebo scene in the movie Dirty Dancing). Dr. Lucius Morse purchased 64 acres at the turn of the century to fulfill his dream of developing a park for all to enjoy. The park now has over 100 acres and is still owned by the Morse family. Scenes from various movies have been filmed at Chimney Rock. "The Last of the Mohicans" included quite a few scenes filmed at Chimney Rock. See video on side bar for a scene with the Falls in it!

My family and I have been traveling to Chimney Rock for years. A few years back my sister happened across a dirt road called "Hog Road" which led to a little dirt path called "Edge of the World". Traveling down this little goat path will lead you literally to what is the edge of the world. This awesome view is indescribable and if you happen to end up in Western North Carolina I highly encourage you to take a trip to the edge of the world.

The Chimney:

Hickory Nut Falls:

Hickory Nut Gorge:

Another view of the Gorge:

The Needle's Eye:

There are some interesting stories about Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Gorge. One involves a Presbyterian minister living there in 1806. There were eyewitnesses including the minister who reported seeing people (men, women, and children) flying around the side of Chimney Rock. The minister reported that the people were dressed in clothes so brilliantly white it hurt his eyes to look at them. Prior to that, the Cherokee Indians who inhabited the land had reported seeing such sights and they referred to them as "The Little People". When visiting Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Gorge you can well imagine the sight of angels or "the little people" floating around these inspiring hills.

Thanks to Robert for making the Chimney Rock day so memorable!

On another note, Lisa Vella (Getting it Write for You) tagged me with a meme asking "What Is Your Favorite Type of Writing?"

As a new writer, I don't think I have quite figured out what my favorite thing to write is. After publishing two little articles on Associated Content, I then jumped into a nonfiction book of which I have finished 103 pages and thrown on the back burner. The problem was after completing this many pages, I read another book about the same subject that said basically everything I had wanted to say. I had a gread idea but someone else beat me to it! In the process of writing this book, I found the passion and joy in writing! I then started working on more nonfiction articles (have since had one published) and also began delving into writing fiction.

Currently, I have a humorous short story in the fiction genre entered in a contest. I'm anxious to see if it makes it to the finals as I really enjoyed doing the piece. My challenge as a new writer is finding and making the time to write. There is such joy in the writing process that it is something I hope to learn to effectively incorporate into my life on a regular basis.

I am tagging:

Anne from Anne Brooke's Writing Journal

Dan from Dan's Blah Blah Blog

and Vickie M. Taylor

Dying Well

2007-04-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

She had not responded all day to her family or friends. Her daughter was reading her Psalms and singing hymns to her while holding her hand. At one time, she squeezed her daughter's hand and her breathing changed at that moment. Within five minutes time she was gone but as she left she got the most incredible smile on her face...a smile that seemed to say, "oh there you are!". A light also shown on her face as her features relaxed and her body went limp. It was the most beautiful death I have ever witnessed.

Easter and Church People

2007-04-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

My mom's church makes breakfast during Easter week every morning for the public. Today was the prison day whereby the church feeds all the prisoners breakfast who are in the local jail.

My mom was up there this a.m. helping to prepare the 40 plates for the jailer to pick up and take back to his prisoners. Bojangles had donated 100 biscuits to the prisoner cause of which my mother voiced appreciation to other members while preparing breakfast.

A church member piped up and says, "I don't know why we have to feed them prisoners anyway, Let's just let Bojangles feed em' next year altogether" in a nasty little manner. Plates were heaped as the man's remark were ignored and the jailer picked up the welcome breakfast for his prisoners and fellow guards. Why is it that church people are afraid to address hypocrisy within their own peoples?

I do not attend church. Hospice is my church. However, in the mail this week a man will open an envelope to find these verses:

Matthew 25:43-45 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not... Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

I'm heading to the Post Office now! Happy Easter Everyone!

Highway Patrolwoman

2007-04-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Nickcola! She moonlights as a highway patrolwoman...just kidding. She was part of the Village People at our Safety Meeting at work! She's the Compliance/Safety FacilityCoordinator at our Hospice and does a fabulous job. Looking forward to Thursday Girls Night Out Nickcola!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT THIS THURSDAY

2007-04-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, we girls couldn't wait to go out on April 27. Gotta head down to Charlotte this Thursday...got an all night babysitter lined up...hitting the Breakfast Club...may or may not get a room (might crash at a friend's in Charlotte). It's retro 80s night so that should be interesting. Going to drink and dance, dance, dance!

This Could Be My Match

2007-04-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

So my exboyfriend sends me a page from Match.com that says, "this could be my match"...showing a girl that lives in my area. Hmmm...well, she loves TIVO and since he is a total TV freak (the opposite of moi) I assume the match will be made in heaven. Curious that he feels the need for my response or approval. Methinks he really is just looking for a response. Whatever.

Cancelled the date

2007-03-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

So I get up prepared to meet "the" lunch date...the one I've been talking to who I scared off three years ago by telling him I fell head over heels in love with him on our first date (recall him from the Reality of Online Dating post). Anyway, I check into my online school program and find that I have COMPLETELY missed an exam due date totally. It was due yesterday and I haven't even started it. Luckily, there was a computer glitch yesterday which caused the instructor to send out an announcement saying we had ONE more day to complete the exam. TODAY. So I called the date up and cancelled.
Guess one more week won't matter before seeing if I remain in "love at first sight" with the date. Will update on that later.

Oh and to tonight's date...sorry I missed your call at 5 freakin 30 this morning. I had the cell phone off.

Published Article in "A New Heart"

2007-03-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

I received the Spring edition today of A New Heart, the official publication of the USA Hospital Christian Fellowship. My article "There's Always Enough" is on page 9. Nice to have a published credit other than Associated Content.

Anyway, it inspired me to send out some more queries and I'm determined to start working on some new stuff next week (if I can get my head out of these guys butts long enough!). Why is it I go from one extreme to the other...I'm either passionate about writing or passionate about dating! I need to learn to balance.

2007-03-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

Why My Mother Hates Me...

2007-03-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

That Dang Back Flab

2007-03-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Me and the girls are going to the OMNI and the Breakfast Club again in April so I went shopping today to get a new shirt. I tried on about 20 different ones and every dang one clung to my back fat. How the heck are you supposed to hide that crap? From the front the shirts looked okay, then I look over my shoulder in the mirror and see the freaking flab. I hate back flab...it is the bane on my existence...it sucks!

I could exercise to get rid of this back flab using something called the pulley row. But if I liked to freakin' exercise I wouldn't have the stuff to start with. For 60-70 bucks I could try a SassyBax Bra which is supposed to hide the flab but according to the pictures they don't look like they would support a D cup too well. They don't even come in cup sizes but are sized as S, M, L, XL--so that ain't gonna work.

I finally decided on a print shirt that kind of camoflages the back flab. Now what am I gonna do for the belly dance recital?

The Reality of Online Dating

2007-03-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am an online dater. At times I don't date at all and at other times I date quite a bit. One guy I have been talking to for four years. On our first (and only) date, upon first sight my heart fell to my feet and I fell head over heels in love. Unfortunately, I shared the information with the date…big mistake. He was so scared it took him 22 months to ask me out again. We now talk by phone every few weeks or so and have a tentative second date scheduled. I'm curious as to how I will feel when I see him now.

I am talking to another guy by instant messenger who at first sounded promising, but today he said he wanted to see me on my webcam and talk to me on the microphone. I hate those things and told him so. He said, it's only fair since I got to see him on his webcam (a request I did not make). I'm an old fashioned gal and told him that if he wants to see me and talk to me then he can ask me out for a date. He replied that he has lost his spine. I will no longer talk with him online as a spine is a requirement in the men I date.

Another guy I met a few months back I have dated five times. At first, it seemed very promising. We talked for hours by telephone and there was some chemistry between us. Our fourth date was the best and I could see us possibly becoming a couple. Unfortunately, he let quite a bit of time lapse after that before the fifth date and my interest had dwindled considerably.

Another guy I'm talking to lives a good distance away. His schedule is the exact opposite and four hours distance would pose a problem. Although, we have agreed to meet for lunch when he is up this way on business this relationship will probably never take off due to distance constraints. I also have not heard from him in a few days.

I had a seventh date with another guy last night. Our date consisted of meeting each other at the funeral home for a receiving. I consider it a date because we met at a specific time to go together. We sat in the car after the funeral receiving and talked, flirted and kissed. I have had many dates in my four years of online dating but have to say that was the first funeral date I attended. This date is the reason I am not getting any sleep. He calls every night and we talk for hours. I know I could hang up but find myself enjoying the conversation too much. He is very attentive and seems to be attune to me. There is a great amount of chemistry between us and we are very much alike. I did comment to him that I do not want to date myself and being alike could pose problems. I am enjoying immensely his pursuit of me!

I am also intermittently talking to guys who I have dated during the past four years. Last night, my last ex-boyfriend contacted me via Yahoo Instant Messenger and we talked for an hour or so. I wish him luck in finding a new love and moving on with his life.

Since online dating, I have never had a bad date and I've met lots of interesting guys. I'm still met with the misconception that dating in this venue is a huge risk and find that quite amusing…preferably I should pick up strangers in bars or at the meat section at the grocery I guess!

Thanks to all my online dates who have treated me with respect, kindness, and admiration! You have inspired me and entertained me. You have made me laugh and you have made me happy. Hats off to all you great guys out there!

Jessica's Drag Car

2007-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here she is...the proud owner of a Jr. Dragster. She was so overwhelmed she cried. Happy and safe racing child of mine!

Weekend Drag Racer

2007-03-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

For 12 years my daughter has been hauled to the drag strip to watch her dad race. Her weekends with my ex husband have always revolved totally around his hobby. Long ago, he told her when she got big enough he would put her in a Jr. Dragster. Year in and year out she watched and waited. Age nine came and went with no dragster, age 10, then 11 and now 12. In June she will be 13; yet she watches and waits on the sidelines for her chance to race.

As she waits on the promised dream to become a reality she is often frustrated. Her dad told her he would buy her the dragster yet she watches him put more money into his own car. She hangs out at her friend Elisa's trailer (a Jr. racer) and envies her.

Today we will go look at a car. If a good one, I will buy it for her. The empty promises made by her dad will no longer be an issue. She will no longer be dragged from race to race and unable to participate. She will be a Jr. Drag Racer.

Girls Night Out at the OMNI Hotel, The Comedy Zone, and Breakfast Club

2007-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

It was girl's night out and Nickcola, Hope and I were ready! We had been planning this trip for a few months. We were headed to the OMNI hotel, The Comedy Zone, and the Breakfast Club.

The girls got to the house at 12:30 Sat afternoon. We loaded the car, everybody peed and we loaded ourselves. I then said, "we've got to say a prayer" and proceeded:

Father God, You can see us at all times and you know everything we do. Please keep us safe while we go to Charlotte, get drunk and act like idiots. Thank you, AMEN

We joked and laughed all the way and talked about what different kinds of drinks we were going to try. Since it was St. Patrick's Day I had bought Malibu Rum, Melon Liqueur, and Pineapple Juice to make some Alien Secretions when we got to the room. A fruity green island-y drink that was delicious!

MapQuest took us right to the OMNI Hotel with no difficulties. We parked in the Bank of America Parking Garage that was hooked to the hotel (go up two or three levels to get past the Reserved Parking spaces) We rode the elevator up with two Japanese man. Thinking of the alcohol we were getting ready to drink I state, "I'm ready to get something warm inside me". Nickcola looked at me and started grinning from ear to ear and Hope burst out laughing...It took me a minute to realize what I had said and then we all were laughing. Fortunately, the Japanese men did not even crack a smile. I'm not sure if they couldn't speak English or they were just especially stoic.

When we got off the elevator we passed some men in kilts who were in the city for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. They looked great wearing their green, red and black outfits. There was one especially "purty" dark haired gentlemen we admired among oursevles. The conceirge was friendly and helpful and we soon were on our way up to Suite 224.

The suite was on a corner of the OMNI Hotel so we had a panoramic view of downtown Charlotte.

The suite a nice little sitting area with the views of all the numerous construction projects going on as well as the existing architecture.

The beds were absolutely unreal. They were so cushy--they were amazingingly soft with a soft pillowtop, covered with another soft mattress cover, covered then with three soft sheets. The comforter was a pillow filled one and there were six soft pillows on each bed. I just can't go on enough about their beds--Well worth the $265.00 for the night.

We took a few pictures of us and our room and then I mixed up our first Alien Secretion! We talked about drinks we were going to try and Hope mentioned a Green Orgasm. We all laughed a lot at that one. After two more Alien Secretions apiece and putting our faces on we were ready to head to the Comedy Zone. First we wanted to laugh and then we wanted to dance!

In the motor lobby a doorman called a cab for us and after getting a $30 quote from the cab company, a Towne Car driver offered to take us for only $5 more than the cab. We hopped in and made our way to The Comedy Zone. We laughed a lot on the way (and helped the driver who didn't know where the Comedy Zone was). We again talked about drinks we were going to have. When we arrived, the driver opened our door and Hope asks, "Have you had an orgasm?" and we all start laughing as the driver replys, "all the time". The driver (Backer) gave us his card and told us to give him a call when we were ready to leave.

After being seated in the bar to eat, Nickcola and I ordered a Grape Ape to try together and Hope had a sweet tea. I decided I didn't really like it so Nickcola kept it and I ordered an Alien Secretion (had to give the bartender the recipe--click here for recipe). We then proceeded to pig out. We ordered chicken fingers, fried pickles, quesedillas, cheese planets, and spinach dip. We stuffed ourselves. I drank another Alien Secretion and it was time for the show.

We went into the dark little room and sat down at our chairs located right against the stage. We had great seats! The lights went out and the room lit up with blacklight colors everywhere. Nickcola's fingernails glowed while my shirt's white background lit right up. It was cool! The first comedian was a lady who was quite funny. Her act basically revolved around sex. Me and Nickcola each drank another drink during her act. The second act was a guy named Chris and he was very funny. We laughed so hard our sides hurt. Sitting across the stage was a couple, whose mate was almost as funny as the comedian. He so enjoyed the show that his laugh made us all laugh even more. We were very pleased with both comedians even though they did talk quite raunchy as some comedians tend to do.

We headed to the bathroom and Hope called our driver saying, "Hey, Backer, it's your orgasmic ladies, we're ready to come back to the OMNI". On the way back to the hotel we laughed and joked. We talked to Backer and asked him if he liked to go out dancing. We told us he used to and I said, "before you were married?" and he replied, "yes, now we just dance at home".

Back at the OMNI we zoomed up to our suite to freshen up and have a few more Secretions. We found our beds turned down with chocolates on the pillows and the TV tuned to a soft music sleeping channel. After fixing our faces and drinking two or three more Alien Secretions apiece we were ready to head to the Breakfast Club (an all 80s dance club). Hope at this time wasn't feeling well and had developed a severe headache. She decided she wasn't able to go dancing at the Breakfast Club. With regret, Nickcola and I left her behind.

We took a cab the 1/2 mile ride to the Breakfast Club. On arriving at the Breakfast Club, we filled out membership cards and were on our way in. The first level of the club has a bar in it and some tables. The bathroom is located on this floor. The 80's decor had it going on with rubics cubes and 80's memorabilia. We immediately ordered four shots of a drink that resembled the Alien Secretions (price $24.00). We were trying to stick to some of the same liquors so as not to regret it later. The bartenders (Judy and Joy) were friendly and experienced. We quickly received our drinks and downed the two shots apiece. We climbed the stairs to the next level which was the dance room and it was already jammin. There was some tables on this level and a bar as well. On the furthest wall was DJ Jody up on a stage (He did an awesome job--you can see staff pictures at their Breakfast Club My Space) . To the left of DJ Jody was a little fenced stage that could fit about three people who wanted to get up there and dance. We then proceeded to the third level to check it out. There we found another bar with a few tables overlooking the dance floor below. At this level, we purchased four more shots...this time getting four Lemon Drops ($24.00). These drinks were wicked--being made up of straight vodka, sugar on the rim of the glass, and a lemon slice) After establishing our surroundings, we headed to the dance floor to dance. The floor was sticky and dirty with quite a bit of trash on it. At first, I was slightly repulsed and then soon forgot all about it. The DJ was excellent and the music never stopped. Everyone was very friendly. Some guys breakdanced and spun on their heads and a look alike Billy Idol lip synced behind the fenced gate. It was perfect! We danced until we were tired and then went back down to level one to hit the bathrooms and again hit the bar. We ordered four shots of Whip It's (otherwise known as Blow-Jobs, $24.00). We downed these and then back up to the dance floor where we danced nonstop for at least two hours...dancing with a few people and chasing away a few more. One cardiologist (supposedly) kept trying to twirl us both and we kept telling him to stop. We were getting our groove on and didn't want to be twirled. No slow songs were played, no electric slide. It was all 80s and we were loving it...singing at the top of our lungs and shaking our booties! It was the absolute best time and we loved the Breakfast Club! There were no fights and all staff and customers were friendly!

(NOTE: If you are the guy who danced with the two ladies from Hickory and Lenoir towards the end--We want your number!)

About 2 am we had danced enough and decided to walk back to the OMNI. Even though it was 30 degrees outside or less we didn't feel the cold at all. We floated down the street in a glowing post-alcoholic daze and kept saying, "that was so much fun! that was just so much fun!".

Arriving back at the suite, we laughed and talked and Hope woke up and heard about our night. Finally to bed we went. Nickcola and I then decided we needed something to munch, cracked the lock on the stocked bar and split a $2.50 Coke and a $3.00 pack of peanut M&M's. After our treat, we settled into the angelic fluffy bit of heaven and soon were in a dreamland until the sun came through the windows! Some of us laid in the bed longer than others...guilty!

It was a great girls night out! Thanks OMNI hotel, The Comedy Zone, and the Breakfast Club. Thumbs up to all three locations! We'll definitely plan to revisit soon!

We will miss Audrey

2007-03-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

Our housekeeper fell and broke her knee three weeks ago at work. She did extensive damage and was to be off her feet for six weeks after the surgery was performed to fix her knee.

This past week, she got a blood clot to the lung and had to be hospitalized. Yesterday she had surgery where they placed a stint.

Last night she was laughing and visiting with coworkers. She told my boss "you know that blood clot about wiped me out" and "you never know when you need to be ready to go on a dime".

This morning we got the call. She died last night. We will miss Audrey, her character, her sense of humor, her devotion and her friendship.
Thank you for over fifteen years of service in our Hospice. Thank you Audrey.

Who Will Do My Brakes Now?

2007-03-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Chrissie is gone. My new boyfriend didn’t approve of his lifestyle and didn’t like our association. Although we had been friends for twelve years prior; I listened to my boyfriend to make him happy. Now the boyfriend is gone, Chrissie is gone and my brakes are a’squealin.

Wouldn’t be polite to call Chrissie up and say, “hey, nice to talk to you” after two years and “can you do my brakes?” Guess I’ll have to find a new brake man and pay full price.

Maybe I’ll send the bill to the ex-boyfriend. What do ya think?

2007-03-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Life is Good

2007-03-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

My friend John is dying slowly. He has lung cancer which normally should have took him out months ago. He transferred to a residential Hospice to die about eight months back and there he lays...day in and day out.

In the beginning, he cried often and had a lot of anxiety. Now he talks about his past and the things he should have done differently. He talks about love and how people should never put on a facade to please others. He talks about his bowels and he talks about his arthritis. He talks about being sick of the food. He laughs and he cries and he waits on death to come.

When I leave John, I breathe the fresh air. I enjoy the freedom I have to to go anywhere I please. When I get home, my daughter comes in from school and I pull her close for a hug and I smell her hair and enjoy living just a little bit more and remember that it is a gift...it is all a gift.

Gay Hell Again! (Part 2)

2007-03-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

And here we sit, broke down on the side of the road in broad daylight. I knew if I gave in and went again something would happen. It always does.

Chrissie pops the hood and gets out in her pink pantsuit with matching pink shoes and pink nails. At least she has on her flats today.

As she leans under the hood, a highway patrolman swerves over and parks in front of us. Here we go, I moan, Gay Hell Again.

Chrissie looks up at me and starts laughing knowing that it embarrasses me. Infuriated, I jump out of the car and waylay the officer asking if he has a phone I can use. As I follow him back to his car I smirk at Chrissie on the way.

I phone my sister stating, “Lori, me and Chrissie are broke down on Hwy 90, can you come get us?” Laughing she says, “I told you something would happen; it always does”.

Thanking the officer, I get out of the car. As I pass Chrissie who is still under the hood tinkering, I mutter “that pantsuit does absolutely nothing for you” and “don’t ask me to go again, just don’t”.

Copyright © Robin S Stevens 2007

What in Gay Hell (Part 1)

2007-03-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

As the blue light goes on behind us I instantly recall the cop scene from Too Won Fu and blurt out “oh what in gay hell?” Chrissie turns the car into the closest parking lot and the officer pulls in behind us and gets out. He walks up and bends down to look into the driver side window. I notice his gaze traveling up and down the length of Chrissie assessing her black leather miniskirt and tight-breasted black sweater. “Ma’am”, he says, “You’ve got a brake light out; I’ll need to see your license”. As he looks over Chrissie’s driver’s license, he then utters the words I knew were coming, “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to step out of the car.” I groan and slide down further in the seat.

As Chrissie’s five inch stilettos hit the payment I can’t help but notice that the officer’s mouth drops open. He stares as the tall sexy blonde eases herself into an upright position. The officer stands about six inches shorter and asks Chrissie to walk to the back of the car. He then follows her watching the enticing way she walks in the tight mini skirt and stilettos.

Cracking the window, I strain my ears to hear the conversation. “Ma’am, this is not your drivers license, could you explain why you have this?” As Chrissie opens her mouth to speak, the officer is taken aback when the quite male voice says, “sir, that’s me”. The officer stutters and stumbles around trying to find words as he says, “oh…uh… hmm… you’re my first… hmm, I just wanted to tell you your brake light is out… hmm you can go.”

As we pull out of the parking lot to leave we head down the main way to get back on the interstate. Cop cars are lining up to watch us leave this one horse town and as we hit the exit ramp heading home, I say, “Never again, every damn time we go something happens, don’t ask me to go again.”

The Best Drug of Choice

2007-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Well...the stats are in. Writing is it...the best drug of choice. If I'd only known look at all the money I could have saved back in the day.

Mindblowin' legal life enhancement all rolled up in one. geez.

The Fiction Writer's Guidebook and bird to bird

2007-03-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

went to the library today and got a new card since I couldn't find mine. I owed a buck on mom's account from the overdue books...just hated turning in Writing Nonfiction but the librarian managed to wrench it from my clinging clawed hand. I've got 175 pages done in The Fiction Writer's Guidebook by Edwin Silberstang. Getting some good insight there and more of the " Show, Don't Tell" advice. Some points closely resemble Stephen King's On Writing. Points such as letting the characters lead the plot as opposed to coming up with the plot on your own...I like the idea of the book reaching its own end rather than determining what the end will be aforehand. Good advice, I think.

Tonight I read bird by bird by Anne Lamott that I picked up at the library earlier. Coincidently when I had got back home today it was in my mail box as well...I read it tonight after starting a fiction piece for a contest.... bird by bird was good but I got more technical advice from Silberstang.

The more I write...

2007-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

the more I want to write. I ended up writing two articles today totaling over 2000 words plus a short little murder scenario as well as a paper due for class and an exam completed. I sent two submissions (one the new article, one an older one). Life is good!

Associated Content

2007-02-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

I've finally published something somewhere besides on Associated Content. Relentless queries finally paid off. This roller coaster ride of writing is both exhilarating and terrifying. Writing for me has brought me back into a state of vulnerability. A state from days long gone when I had dreams and the world was my oyster!

Welcome back ME!

To the editor

2007-02-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mr. Editor (s) for taking time out of your busy schedule to write me a few lines and explain why this piece or that one does not work for you.

As a new writer, your critique is invaluable to me and I realize that it enables me to learn and to grow. Thank you for sharing not only your time with me but your expertise!

You will be hearing more from me and eventually the enticing query that gets your attention will also lead to an enticing piece of work that you won't want to miss out on! Thank you again.

The Competition

2007-02-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

I know I am kind of gullible but I was so pleased when the author agreed to review some chapters. I asked for her critique of my writing wanting to know what areas were weak, what needed further development, etc. I had perused her website before approaching her and found that it was well done and that she had a new book listed there that was in the same general topic...although mine has a major different twist.

Her reply letter said five or six years ago my book might have been good but it wouldn't go over now and insinuated that my writing wasn't sophisticated. She could not recommend the book to her readers (well, that was a no-brainer--she is the competition).

I hadn't asked her opinion on whether the book was marketable and certainly hadn't asked her to recommend it to her readers. I simply wanted her to critique my writing. Insinuating I wasn't sophisticated was actually a compliment as the book is a practical guide based on reality and I hope to reach everyday, down-to-earth people as opposed to those high-falutin soe-phis-te-cay-ted ones.

What I find most interesting is that when I went back to her website to see how old her book actually was (maybe it was five or six years old and she was trying to save me some heartache), I found something very interesting... Some of my very good ideas had magically appeared on her website---hmmm, the words were changed but the ideas were clearly mine straight from my chapters! Something is rotten in Denmark.

What I learned:
Never give the competition your book for review.
I'd rather be honest than sophisticated.

Meanwhile, unsophisticated Robin is going to keep on writing!