Googling "Candy Stair"

I was googling my name, and I found several pages where I'm found cyber-living on the Internet. What I didn't expect was to find was 3 articles, thus far, using my previous article about Rachel Carson (googled "Candy Stair" page). They mention my word document (actual article written by me) as an external link, and they quote me as literally coining the phrase, "Rachel Carson is the mother of the environmental movement." How cool is that?

Okay, I'll post mine!

Drivers Licence Photo: I look like Bernadette Peters with strange hair.

Where did I find this photo?

Dr Brian Cox - "It looks like a drivers license photo!" LOL

Living vicariously through Gia

"I'm squishing your face." This photo reminds me of the Kids in the Hall Show. Kudos goes to Gia for taking another yummy photo of Dr Brian Cox.

I love airplanes!

I'll look for my photos from the Schaumburg Airport Family Day. It was an outing for United Airlines employees two years ago. I'll load them soon.

Edit (photos added): I took a really cool helicopter ride. I'm standing by the Swallow, which was United's first link to history. If you want to see more photos of the private planes, let me know.

Dulce en Mexico

I’m thinking about buying property in Mexico for retirement. I would build the perfect home with all the latest amenities and technical equipment. Hey, the cost of living there is cheap. Plus, I’d be close to the USA. This is something I’ve only been thinking about for along time. I just want to live in comfort for old age. Funny, the Mexicans want to come to the USA, and I want to go to MEXICO.

Anniversary Time

I’ve been with the same company for almost 9 years. My anniversary is May 19, 2006. WOW! Coming from a dysfunctional background, I would never have thought I’d come this far in life. I consciously made a decision to focus on work and school, while tuning out my friends and family. I don’t date. I don’t go out for fun. I’m determined to succeed. I’ve channeled all my monies into buying a home and a car, plus saving for retirement. I’m just trying to improve my way of living. I was taught to rely on others (men) for security, but I don’t like that idea. No offense, but I don’t think people (men) are reliable or responsible for me. Do you think I’m on the right track?

Hewlett-Packard

I finally bought a new Notebook and Printer! The notebook is an HP Pavilion dv8225nr, and the printer is an HP PSC 1510. Wow, a scanner on the printer. Now, I can load my old photos from circa 1970. I'm now in the process of upgrading my current ISP to High Speed. Plus, I have to transfer all of my documents. I need to download other Microsoft programs, so work and school will be more user friendly. This may take some time, since I'm so freaking busy.

My older (2001) Dell Notebook is having major hardware problems. After I get everything "moved", I'll take Dell in for servicing. The old PC will go to my mother in Indiana. She's been wanting better access to the world, and now she will have it. She was involved in a semi-truck/car accident approximately two years ago. It wasn't pretty. She lost all short-term memory. Hopefully, having to concentrate will be beneficial to her recovery. Only time will tell.

Dr Brian Cox Unofficial Fan Club

If you look real close, you can see the mysterious words written by Gia. This is an example of the fun we had last year. I've not got the "official" go ahead for the "unofficial" fan club for Dr Brian Cox. I'm hoping Gia will give her blessing. It appears that the man has a huge following. I still like to think I am his number one fan.

Here's another link to Gia, his wife. This is her work blog, Sunshine. Gia states, "[T]here's a lot of science, astronomy and mythology there as well as stuff about the film." That doesn't look like work, that looks like fun! Well, after I get the blessing, then it's off to cyberworld in search of Dr Brian Cox. I'll keep plugging Gia, too. <-- not in a naughty way!

This weekend, I go shopping for a new computer.

Dr Brian Cox is married!

I posted awhile back about my encounter with the hot young doctor. I've had a few responses for those that did the google to find him after viewing him on the television. They found me!

Our lovely photo (okay, my face) was "disfigured" in the website by Mark at NeonBUBBLE. [Edited after Gia's post below. I still want a friendship with the gorgeous Dr Brian Cox. I promise I won't molest him. I just think he is so interesting. I won't hold my breath, though. LOL]

His wife's name is Gia! This is her new blog where you can find more information out about Dr Brian Cox. She has conveniently provided links. God Bless, Gia!

Keller Graduate School of Management

I officially enrolled in Keller's master's degree program in Network and Communications Management. I'm hoping to learn all aspects of technology. My company is ever increasing with newer technologies. The program will allow me to learn crucial information for sophisticated network technologies and voice/data communications. I believe this is the secret to being successful at my company on a personal level.

I had my first class last night. FI501 Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis. I'm a week ahead of schedule with projects and assignments due to a misunderstanding of the online syllabus, but it's all good. The pressure is now off for last minute deadlines.

I just went through a week of training for work. We will be implementing a new program soon affecting the entire system with scheduling and forecasting manpower for the offices across the world. It's very exciting. Additional training is coming in a few weeks, and the instructor asked that I attend the course. I am not currently scheduled. Let's cross fingers in hopes I will be accepted. This is a great opportunity for me to learn.

Additionally, there are some positions opening in the next few years for my "expertise". Another program is getting implemented that affects all customers on a global level. I've been approached and will most likely be considered for another position. I look forward to the day I can really get some hand's on experience.

Wish me luck!

Testing

Hello, Cross Country!

Candy does Cross Country

I had the most incredible time with my new friend, Cross, in St Louis. There's more photos on the BAUT.

Friday, we walked all around downtown to different art galleries. We went to a museum, which was very unusual. There were bars. There were slides. There was a small aircraft. We stopped off at a few watering holes for some Missouri home brews. I should have taken a pen and paper and wrote the names down. I don’t remember what time we got back to the hotel. I know it was really late. My feet were killing me.

Saturday, Cross took me to his school’s observatory. This is when I got a nice look at his big 14 inch! Get your minds out of the gutter. It was a telescope. The sky was too cloudy to view the stars. It was really cold, too. On the drive back to his place, we watched as a man attempted to cut down a tree. Cross took photos, but they didn’t turn out very well. The weather was really crappy.

We decided to not go downtown that night to see the Arch. He promised me he would do this for my next visit. I was still hurting from the night before. We ended up at his apartment where I got to meet Stephanie (his motorcycle). Cross wanted to cook dinner for me. We went to the supermarket and picked up some food and wine. Cross cooked me the sweetest nicest meal I’ve ever had. He made me creamed spinach and pork chops. I felt like a queen in his castle.

Cross and I had some pretty serious conversations on his past, present, and future. We talked about mine, but everything is pretty set in stone for me (work, school, and traveling). For Cross, he has his whole life ahead of him. He is concentrating on finishing his Masters. He will then pursue a Doctorate from MIT. After he finishes school, he’ll probably be ready to settle down with “the luckiest gal in the world”.

I’m really glad things worked out this way. He is good for me, and vice versa. For a younger person, he is very wise. I like having a good influence in my life, too. He makes me want to be a better person. I plan to spend some more time with Cross in the near future. I am proud to have as my good friend.

Lovells of Lake Forest

ToSeek and I went to Lovells of Lake Forest for a classic full service restaurant located in the heart of West Lake Forest. It was fabulous!

"Throughout the French provincial structure, you will find a traditional interior with space artifacts from Captain James Lovell, Jr.

Upon entering the main lobby you are greeted by the mural of the famous "Steeds of Apollo" gifted to Captain Lovell by his friend Tom Hanks. With this beautiful mural as a backdrop, you can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while awaiting your table. Dining at the bar is always available."

The meal and service was excellent. ToSeek and I later went down to the bar area. I went over to give my thanks to the Chef, only to learn he was the son of Captain James Lovell. Well, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to sit with the charming man. I believe I stuck my foot in my mouth a few times, but "Junior" was so down to earth that I just didn't care.

Thank you both for a great time in this big old Chicago!

Stay tuned for information about returning to school to obtain my Masters and my trip to St Louis (December 2-4).

Chicago TARDIS 2005

ChicagoTARDIS 2005
November 25-27, 2005
Wyndham O'Hare, Chicago, Illinois

The sixth year of the Chicago Doctor Who convention sponsored by Alien Entertainment over the US Thanksgiving weekend. Guests include Peter Davison (the Fifth Doctor), Nicola Bryant (Peri), Alan Ruscoe (Slitheen/Auton actor), John Schwab (Bywater in "Dalek"), Siri O'Neal ("UNIT"), Maggie Stables (Evelyn Smythe), artist Chris Achilleos, writer Rob Shearman, and Gary Russell & Jason Haigh-Ellery (Big Finish).

One of my favorite posters from the BAUT is coming to Chicago. ToSeek and I met up last year while he attended the TARDIS 2004. We went for dinner and drinks. It was a great time. I'm hoping to see him again this year. I tried to get some days off around the holiday, but I wasn't very successful. I hope ToSeek doesn't mind staying up late. I'll try to get more photos of the festive encounter. I'll post them to a thread at the BAUT called ToSeek ToChicago. Come and join in on our fun!

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!

Here is my latest quest. I bought my ticket today for TAM4. A thread has been started on JREF for those in attendance, as of today. Another thread has been started on the BAUT. TAM4 will now feature the BA and Astronaut Ed Lu!

The meeting will take place from January 26th-29th. I will be staying at the Stardust. I found a roommate who appears to be quite rounded. No smoking will be the theme this coming New Year, too. I will have more details as the date nearers. I'm looking forward to having a great time in Las Vegas. This will be my first time to the wicked city.

Where's my energy?

It's been since October 30th, and I'm still going strong with not having a cigarette. My problem seems to be that I have no energy. The sleeping pattern is way off. I'm snacking more but eating less.

Last night at work, I had to start taking quick walks around the department. My butt was getting numb from sitting for a lengthy period of time. I'm used to taking a short break every two hours for a smoke.

Perhaps, I will try to make a conscious decision to get up and walk every two hours. May be my mind will start associating the breaks with a walk and not a smoke. I'm still waiting for the irritability to set in as the weeks go past. Oh dear.

Keep wishing me luck!

I’ve decided to quit smoking!

This is one of many things I am pursuing to improve my health. I’ve opted to use the NicoDerm CQ program. The program will last for 10 weeks. The NicoDerm CQ is intended to reduce my nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

I’ve been unsuccessful in the past, because I did not follow the program as suggested. I thought I had more willpower to overcome my physical need for nicotine.

There are several warning labels for this product, but the one that sticks out most is to keep the used NicoDerm CQ patches in the child resistant disposal tray provided with the box – safely away from children and pets. I don’t have any children, but I do have a loving cat. I will adhere to this rule in a diligent fashion. I love Fifi too much to make her ill!

This is my sixth attempt, so I know what to expect. Here is my planned progress:

The First Few Days.
I will feel edgy, nervous, and have trouble concentrating. I may experience headaches, dizziness, a little out of sorts, feel sweaty, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping. My morning coughing spell will get worse before it gets better. I will remember that coughing helps clear the tar deposits out of my lungs.

After A Week Or Two.
My smoking urges will lessen. Most nicotine withdrawal symptoms have left my body. I will notice less coughing, better breathing, and an improved sense of taste and smell.

After A Month.
My urge to smoke is a vague memory. I may have the occasional powerful urge as I walk past a group of smokers, and it won’t faze me. I will concentrate on the way non-smokers are more attractive than smokers. I will focus on the fact that I look younger than my age, because I don’t smoke. I will focus on my whiter, cleaner teeth. My breath will be fresher. My hair and clothes smell better. I will focus on my laughter not being interrupted by a coughing attack. I will focus on keeping others around me healthier, too.

I will be successful this time. I have a good support system in my friends and co-workers.

Bad Omen

I have known tmosher for well over a year via the Internet. I recently met him in person over Labor Day weekend while attending the Star Party near Texarkana. I was exhausted from the first day of the trip through to the weekend.

I had left directly from work, flew to Texas, and drove to Arkansas. I hadn’t slept in close to 36 hours by the time my head hit the pillow. I returned to Chicago with strep throat.

The strep throat symptoms were:
1. red and white patches in the throat
2. difficulty swallowing
3. tender or swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
4. red and enlarged tonsils
5. headache
6. lower stomach pain
7. fever
8. general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
9. loss of appetite and nausea
10. rash

tmosher’s recent visit to Chicago brought on another illness. After dinner on Friday night, I suddenly came down with an allergic reaction from something I ate, drank, or inhaled. I’m not exactly sure how allergies development. I’ve never been allergic to anything before.

My symptoms this time where:
1. Skin - Redness, itching, swelling, rash, or hives (itchy bumps)
2. Lungs - Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath
3. Head - Swelling of the face, eyelids, and lips; headache
4. Nose - Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing
5. Eyes - Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery
6. Stomach - Pain and nausea

I think it’s best to avoid tmosher in the future! Sorry, tmosher, but I have now associated you with feeling ill. ;)

Sex and Candy

Don't let the second track fool you, Sex and Candy.

This is one of my favorite songs. Why? Because it has the word Candy in it. Enjoy!

"Hangin' round downtown
by myself
And I had so much time
To sit and think
about myself
And then there she was
Like double cherry pie
Yeah there she was
Like disco superfly
I smell sex and
candy here
Who's that casting
devious stares
In my direction
Mama this surely
is a dream"

I can't type the entire songs lyrics - copyright issue. Sorry.