Happy Fathers Day ... to those really great dads

If you read my "Happy Birthday Dad ..." blog, you know that I shant be contacting MY father to wish him a happy day. Just because I dont call him or send him a card or "contact him" in any other way (because he sure as heck isnt going to read my blog) it doesnt mean I wont be thinking of him and/or wishing him "well." Despite the fact that he is a jerk for not loving and wanting to be a part of a great family, he is my Dad. I have to "love" him. I do "love" him. He was a part of bringing me into this world -- and I thank him for that. I also still wish that he find "inner peace." Maybe I should send him a ticket to Kung-fu Panda II. Anonymously of course --- he'd just throw anything away I mailed to him without opening it. He wouldnt get the movie anyway ... no sense of humor and NO room for revelations.
I would like to send my well wishes out to some other important dads in my life. First, Paul, the father of our two kids. Without him, Flynn and Shelby would not be a part of my life. Although he has a second family with two more kids, he is a good dad for Flynn and Shelby. Our parenting skills, lifestyles and personalities are different enough to give our kids an amazing look at life. I must say I wish Paul would include them more in his "new" family (He has a HUGE picture of just his new family that greets you as you enter his home -- which I think is a bit morbid and confusing --- sending the message to his first two kids that they dont "belong" in his home.) and according to Flynn and SHelby rules are different for them in his house than they are for the new little ones. I dont get that either. BUT ... Paul has helped me out immensely in the past several years ... after we have divorced. He has given our kids many opportunities that others would not have, as well as opportunities that I can not give. Together, we are teaching our children well ... and it shows!
The next Dads I wish to recognize are Mark and his dad Gus. Two more wonderul men in my life that deserve recognition for "jobs well done!" They are the ultimate dads ... they tinker, they work, they parent and they love. Their relationships with their kids are strong and unbreakable.
The final dad I shall honor is Bennett. A second dad to my kids, he has been a part of Flynn and Shelby's lives for more than half of their lives. He has been soccer dad, rock-band dad, pick-em up, drop em off -- you name it dad. He rarely misses a band concert and last year when I couldnt go because of work, he took them to each of their soccer matches. He has his own two grown children and doesnt HAVE to be a part of this second family like he does, but we are all very glad he does. Flynn and Shelby love him very much and so do I. Thank you for continuing to be a part of this familys life!
So ... that's all for now! To all the dads out there ... you have a tough job. Some of you do it better than others but ALL of you have accomplished what I believe is truly the #1 reason for being alive ... and that is creating life. For those that have chosen not to be dads or moms (whether you've actually created life or not ...) It is a shame. Being a parent is a blessing and the absolute best part of life!

Happy 50th Birthday, My Wonderful Brother-in-law!

Yesterday we celebrated my Brother-in-law, Mark's, 50th Birthday. Mark has been a part of my life since I was 17. He is a totally, completely, honestly wonderful man. As my dad once said to my sister -- even though he meant it as an insult to her -- She was lucky Mark married her. Although luck had nothing to do with it ... it was indeed a blessing to find a man like Mark.
It is so hard to believe that he has been a part of our family for over 28 years!
Yes, my sister and he have their arguments and no, he certainly isnt happy with some of the decisions I have made, but ... I trust him completely & I love him unconditionally. He is the brother I never had. He is funny, smart, and down-to earth. My sister truly is "lucky to have a man like Mark." Not because she is undeserving ... but because it is hard to find ANY individual that truly loves you for who you are, accentuates who you are, encourages you to be who you are ... and ... allows you to become what you are ultimately supposed to be!
The first year he met me, I was 17 and had a stage 3 Ovarian cancerous growth. He was in a lip sync group with two of his friends, Scott and Dave. They were called the three boys funk (I think!?) and played primarily rick james, grand master flash, and "funk" music! After my surgery, the three of them gave me a tee-shirt that read "token white girl." which I proudly wore everywhere. I remember going to a post surgery doctors appointment wearing it and my mother was trying to cover me up in the elevator.
Quite funny. Even today, Mark LOVES funk music. I often smile and burst into rap "dont push me, cuz I'm close to the --- edge -- I'm trying not to lose my head huh huh huh huh ... "
He was also there for me during my quite nasty divorce several years ago. When my own father decided to stand AGAINST me, Mark proudly sat and testified on my behalf, stating he had known me for nearly two decades and he believed I was a good mother and a decent human being.
Marks family is just as lovely as he is. The entire Suryan family is a joy to be around and a part of. My sister is not the only "lucky one." I am lucky, my mom is lucky and so are both of my kids. Flynn and Shelby have THE best uncle on the planet and I have the best brother-in-law on the planet. Thank you for marrying my sister Marky-poo. I love you dearly ...
HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY! Please stick around for a while longer, will ya?

Happy Birthday Dad, You Jerk!

I realize I didnt finish my "Birthdays" blogs, but ... well, I got busy. The three other birthdays I was going to mention were wonderful ... all thanks to my ex-husband -- really. He probably gave me three of the best birthday memories and I truly thank him for them ... and cherish them. I will write about them later because he deserves credit for a job (or jobs) well-done!
Todays blog is "for" my father, however. Today my dad, Lloyd Robert Anderson, turns 76. I am so happy he survived todays apocalypse. If I actually had a relationship with my dad I would gladly have spent a wonderful day with him. Instead, I must share a disappointing story of our relationship.
My mom and dad divorced when I was 5. I spent decades seeking my dads approval and never gained it. It was during my intense divorce from my ex about 8 years ago that I realized my father was not worthy of gaining approval. I believe he is now divorced, or at least separated from the wonderful woman he married when I was 8. Barbara never attended any of my divorce proceedings, but my dad was there -- to support my then husband.
During the trial I was under fire for three days for being a bad mother. My husband was seeking full custody, as was I. All of his "witnesses" with the exception of one (a mutual friend named Sandy) said nothing but negative things about me. My father was on my Husbands side. Prior to the hearing, my father went so far as insisting that my brother-in-law be on Pauls side.
My brother-in-law, Mark, sided with me. As a result -- my dad decided to not only disown me, but also Mark and my sister. Even now, my dad sometimes sends birthday cards for my nieces and nephew to my brother-in-laws parents home ... to avoid "true contact" with my sister and her family.
During the trial, which again lasted three days, my father consistently stood in the witness stand claiming I was a troubled child. "When she was 19 I had to buy her a couch."
Never mind that I was living on my own and had a job. Never mind that my stepsister who was only 5 months older than me lived with him rent free (until she was out of college and had saved enough money to buy her own home.) Never mind that I am YOUR FREAKING daughter and buying me a $150 hide-a-bed shouldnt be a SORE SPOT in your life!!!
At one point during the trial he actually stood up in the court room and demanded the judge charge my mother with perjury because she claimed he only paid child support until I was 18.
EXCUSE ME! This is about MY marriage. It is about the custody of my children. My dad was UNBELIEVABLE!
Still, in the midst of it all (while my sister was fuming and tensions were flaring in the hallways) I walked up to my dad during a break and gave him a hug. " I love you and you have to do what you feel is right..." is what I said to him.
I won custody of my children. At the end of of the trial, the judge literally shamed my ex for asking my dad to side with him. She went on to say ... "and Mr Anderson, if you are in the courtroom today, by my calculations your daughter will be 36 this year, and it's time to get over it!" AMEN!
Before my divorce I would see my dad maybe four times a year. Birthdays and some holidays. How he gained such a strong connection with my ex I will never know. My dad admitted to me before the trial that he hated it when I would come to visit me. When I went to his house (on steel lake) to go fishing with him on Fathers day, he hated it. I was married for a brief period prior to marrying Paul and when I divorced that man ... my dad met with me and told me.
"You know, Terry is the best thing that ever happened to Sharon. He knows how to handle her."
Sharon is my step-sister that my dad adopted and "allowed" to live with him for years.
Prior to my divorce trial (and Mark refusing to testify on Pauls behalf,) my dad said to my sister ... his other Blood daughter ... "You're lucky that Mark married you."
My dad ... is a complete and total ... ASS.
It is difficult to stay grounded in a situation like this ... but my ex still invites my dad to both of MY childrens birthday parties. When he visits with my kids, he alienates my daughter and pays more attention to my son. My dad sends monetary gifts to my children AND my ex's children (from his current wife) every year. Last christmas he gave $100 to my son, $50 to MY daughter and & $100 to my ex's 2 year old -- that has absolutely no relationship to him whatsoever.
When my grandma passed away last year, my dad didnt let either my sister or I know. We found out from a cousin.
There is always forgiveness in my heart and I will always love my dad. I just dont understand.
The love that I have for my children is immeasurable. I could never -- ever -- cut them off or side with a stranger over them. Blood is blood, family is family ... and your children are FOREVER.
Happy Birthday Dad ... I wish you peace someday. I wish you enlightenment. I wish you can someday understand how truly wonderful life is and how much more meaningful it is with family.

birthdays past - part 3

The next birthday I remember was either my 23rd or 24th. It is only the birthday cake and song part that I will share, cuz its all I remember. It was at my moms place in Bellevue. My sister, Brother-in-law, My eldest niece (who was only 2 or 3) My Fiance and his brother, and of course my mom, were all there. The cake was brought out and they all started singing happy birthday. My niece was seated to my right and of course she was anxious to help with the candles.
Chorus complete, time to blow them out. I bent over the cake and my hair ignited. I shook my head then flapped at the flaming locks with both of my hands. Everyone in the room stood there and laughed!!! Hellllloooo ... I am on fire here!?!? These were the days when Americas funniest videos was just starting out. Of course NO ONE was taping it. I am sure I would have won the $10K. Nothing funnier than someones hair being on fire. Actually, my niece wasnt laughing ... her poor little eyebrows were singed.

birthdays past - part 2

When I was 13 my mom got remarried and I had to move to Bellevue. To celebrate my 14th birthday I still invited friends from my old school, Sylvester jr High. I know there were others, but I can only remember Sara Hall and Leslie Rueschenberg being there. I cant even remember if my best friend, Kris, was there ... or Rikke for that matter! My Sister was a cheerleader at Highline highschool and she had a basketball game to perform at. My mom and Step-dad went to the game and left us girls .
Perhaps this is when I should have changed names to "protect the innocent" but let's face it ... it was -- Oh dear lord -- over 30 years ago. I think people can get over it or forgive us.
I decided it would be a great idea to have a few drinks. I went to the bar upstairs and grabbed the seagrams and a bottle of vodka. I had some seven up and knew, from watching my grandma, that seagrams and seven was a good mix. I made drinks for all of us. I made stouffers pepperoni pizza and drank ... and drank ... and drank. I remember at one point Leslie was grossed out at the taste of Seagrams and I handed her a glass of what I thought was water ... but it was vodka. She took a big ole gulp of it and almost gagged! I was such a great influence on people. Poor Leslie was such a GOOD girl. I must say, in addition to Alcohol, however -- I was responsible for getting her into modeling. She was (and still is) a natural beauty. When we were in seventh grade I was taking modeling courses. I always encouraged her to get into it ... and she did!
Anyway, I woke up the next morning alone in a sleeping bag in my room. I went upstairs to find my friends and all of them were pretty darn quiet! It seems that I blacked out. My Mom got home to find my friends mouths opened but lack of words. I have NO idea what occurred or what my friends did ... none of us ever spoke of it afterwords! My mother has told the story on multiple occassions. To say that she arrived home to find me out of my mind. She said she threw me in the shower and watched me try to climb the walls to get out, screaming throughout the whole thing. Yep, this was a memorable birthday -- although I dont remember much. All I know is that to this day I DO NOT drink brown liquor OR eat stouffers pizza. In fact, I get queasy just thinking about the smell of seagrams. Yeuk!!!
The next birthday I remember is my 16th. I had my first "real" boyfriend ... if you know what I mean ... His name was Denny Jay DeRosia. He brought me live planted pink flowers and a little stuffed animal. We drove in his white and orange ford Pinto to Black Angus in Bellevue for lunch and I am pretty sure we went to a movie afterwards. Black Angus is actually what I remember about the birthday the most. Honestly, I cant remember if we got stoned before going or not ... all I remember is getting lost inside the restaurant! It was so hysterically funny then ... and now, thinking about it. EVERYONE who has been to a black angus restaurant knows that it is a pitch black little maze. All of the tables are dark and private. I totally loved Black Angus. Such a red-neck restaurant really. Anyway, when we got up to leave Denny was leading the way. He kept going in circles and I started laughing. I mean seriously, it is so dark in those restaurants they should give miners hats with lights on them or lit batons He was not as amused as I was and it sort of put a damper on the rest of the date ... but I will still remember it as one of my favorite or at least more memorable birthdays.

Memories of Birthdays Past - part 1

Because I waited until the day after I turned 45, I can now include it in my memories of birthdays past. For the last year, I was certain I wouldnt make it to my 45th birthday. I
kept thinking the astrologist I saw at the age of 15 must have been wrong when he said I would live to the age of 88. I thought, maybe I am only going to live half as long! I waited the entire year to die at the age of 44. Of course, the year I turned 38 I thought maybe he got the numbers mixed up and read the 3 as an 8 ... and that I was going to die THEN! My ex husband called me "Mrs Gloom and Doom." I suppose he was right. My next mile stone to worry about is 58. 5's can be mis-read as 8's as well...
In the meantime, lets take a look at some of my prior birthdays. I wish I could remember more of them.
The photo of me here is from my 45th. I only weigh 120 ... and my boobs look like they weigh that much in this picture!
The day before my 45th birthday was quite eventful. My mom drove herself to work after being ill all weekend. She called me to say that she was going to take a cab to the doctor. I couldnt take her but I told her I could pick her up and asked her to keep me informed. About a half an hour later I tried to reach her to let her know I COULD take her ... but she had apparently already left her office ... and she wasnt answering her cel phone. Both one of her friends and I tried to locate her for the next several hours. We gave up and went to have a drink at the Royal Arms on Capital hill. At ten minutes after 5PM, my mom called. I could barely understand what she was saying ... she sounded completely drunk. She wasn't. I drove to her doctors office, which is apparently where she was for the last 5 hours. I had tried to call Dr Smiths office twice and both times I was placed on hold for more than 5 minutes and then disconnected. I parked my car in the pac-med parking garage and proceeded to the 3rd floor. When the elevator doors opened there were no signs of life other than one woman entering the other bank of elevators. She kindly asked if I were looking for someone/something and then said that ALL of the offices were closed but I could try to get into one of the back doors down the hall. I went down a long corridor, turned right and went down another corridor, tried door handles and knocked ... to no good.
Cursing, I turned back around and started back toward the elevators. After rounding the corner, there she was ... my mom, "wall-walking" down the long vacant hallway. The first thing she said to me was "I need to get some paper towels."
I will write more on this little adventure some other time ... but the excitement didnt stop there.
Again, this was the day before my 45th. Also on that day, I took a header, or really a butt-er whilst walking down a hill to my car. I totally slipped and landed on my arm ... and ass. The day OF my birthday I was in massive pain, total body pain. I got a massage, which I think made matters worse and a manicure and pedicure. I picked the kids up from school and we went out for dinner at the Icon grill. This birthday felt particularly significant for some reason. I was emotional and teary all day long. I FELT old all day and I spent most of the day thinking about what had happened the day before AND my past birthdays and the people I spent them with.
This is going to be a really LONG post if I dont separate some of them. My next "birthdays" post will be about my 14th birthday ... fun and drinking in Bellevue!

Excuse me Mom, but you are wrong

Okay, I have to write a quick note here prior to my birthdays blog to, as my mother would say, "set the record straight" ... because I am tired of my mom accusing me of writing nothing but bad things about her on my blog(s.) Last night at my birthday dinner (which my mother treated Flynn, Shelby and I to at Icon) I mentioned I was eager to get home and write about birthdays past. My mom was quick to say "are you going to write something nasty about me again?" A few times now she has said she doesnt like reading my blogs because I always say bad things about her in them. I have defended her every time telling her that it simply isnt true! First of all, under this blog, "shannons seattle" I have not EVER written ANYTHING about my mom ... at all. Good Bad or indifferent.
You can search every blog I've written and there isnt any mention. The only other blog I have is called "living with mom." I have written ONE time and the only thing I said was that it was not easy living with her. It is a factual statement ... it wasnt mean. It's not easy living with ANYONE!
Apparently she has not read any of my blogs but the first one ... written under the other blog living with mom ... and apparently she is oversensitive. I LOVE YOU MOM. I am sorry you have such strong feelings about that ONE thing I said about it not being easy to live with you. I am very grateful to be able to live with you, regardless of how much fun or torture it can be ... for either of us. But please, stop telling me that I am writing nasty things about you. Perhaps you are more offended that I have not written anything specifically "Nice" about you?
My blogs are for sharing my feelings, beliefs, and memories. As I originally wrote, I was concerned that some peoples feelings may be hurt and/or others would get mad at me. I like to write and I have the right ... Just as everyone that reads my blog has the right to write a response/comment.
So ... that being said, I am now going to re-visit birthdays ... starting with the most recent ... which does include my mom!

On this the day of my birth ... I shall reminisce about my past birthdays. Goodness no, not all of them. I can only actually remember about 5 or 6 clearly enough to talk about. GEEEZ louise, 45 years old today. I can NOT believe it. I think about when my mom was 45 and I was sure I'd never be as old as her.
Well, here I am. And ... here I go! I need to go get a latte with my 24 year old niece before I can continue. Hold your breath and sit tight for an exciting birthday blast from my past (s?)
It shall be special -- well, at least for me. It should also make a few of you chuckle or gasp, so get ready!

Time flies WAY too fast. Cant believe it's been so long since I posted a blog. Ah, well ... kids were on spring break and I was world traveling. Canada DOES count as world travel, right? I am thinking of moving to Canada because I am growing more and more "un-fond" of my current country of residence.
Two weeks ago I was at Bell-Square with my kids and my iPhone was stolen. You would THINK that if someone found my phone at a "mall" in Bellevue that it would be turned in. Well, as it turns out there are low-lifes in Bellevue too. Actually its the "Bellevue Collection," its no longer Bell-Square and it certainly isnt a mall! Gracious no ... Yeah, whatever ... all it collected FROM me was my iPhone.
I sat on a bench directly above the guest services area -- ya know, in the center of the MALL by the clock. I dished out some cash to the kids and set my phone down next to me. I proceeded to be a pin-head and leave the phone sitting there. We walked to Auntie Annes for a pretzel and WHAM ... some jerkoff had picked up my phone and turned it off.
I reported it immediately ... but of course, nothing could be done. Bell-Square has video surveillance but for some STUPID reason, their cameras are mounted IN the ceiling and all that they could pick up was a picture of the pole NEXT to the bench where I was sitting.
I also immediately went to AT&T and the Apple store. AT&T was very helpful and shut down the ability to use the sim card in the iPhone ... and they gave me a new sim card to use. What WASNT helpful was that they informed me that I had to wait until May 20th before I could purchase another iPhone without "penalty." They tried to lighten the blow by allowing me to upgrade to the 4G thirty days early -- which means I can actually upgrade on the 20th of this month. It ends up saving me $400 ... so I guess I will PAINFULLY wait another 9 days.
In the meantime, I am suffering with my daughters old Pantech Matrix. It likes to turn off without cause and I can't seem to figure out how to send text messages or retrieve voice mail.
I've almost hurled the thing about a dozen times. I was brought back down to earth by someone telling me he didnt have a cel phone at all ... so I guess I should suck it up.
Once again, I am reminded of a few things. I am reminded that I shouldnt keep all of my information on a "device." My Mac was stolen a little over a year ago and ALL of my pictures, the startings of three books and all of my personal information were on it ... LOST forever. I vowed not to let that happen again. Well, Dorkwad here did it again. All of my passwords, pictures and contacts were on my iPhone. Yes, I back it up (on my MAC!) but it doesnt protect me from the asshole that stole it. He (she?) already tried to get into my bank account -- jokes on them I closed that account over six months ago -- and Lord only knows what ELSE they've tried to get into.
Unfortunately, it reminds me that there are bad people out there. I used to believe that people were generally "good" but those feelings are fading ... and fast. While my iPhone being stolen isnt cause for anarchy, it is just another thorn in my side.
It reminds me that I need to be thankful for what I DO have.
I seriously have the best two kids on the planet ... and NOTHING that is taken away from me could take THEM away from me. I have a place to live, a cute doggie and ... a pretty darn great family.
While I am still contemplating moving Canada ... because they are just so darn friendly up there, eh ... wherever I am ... I will always have WHAT I GOT!

GAS PRICES!!! What the HECK is up with the freaking United States of America??? Oil companies have been #1 in profits for how many years??? FOREVER??? I am sick and tired of the United states letting oil companies get away with gouging its citizens. The price of gas has gone up a ridiculous amount ... and for what reason? The conflict in Libya? WHAT THE F@%?!

Libya isnt even one of the top 15 countries that supplies oil to the United States. In fact, CANADA is our number one supplier, EH?? Mexico is the #2 supplier, Que??? WHAT ON EARTH is our problem? Why does our government let these oil companies blast their prices out of this world because of trouble in Libya? It happens every time ANY of our oil suppliers experiences conflict. I'll tell you why ... because our government makes money from it. The people dont ... the government does. "Land of the free" my ass. It's total bullshit. Land of the rich and getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In a time where oil companies should be GIVING away gas, they turn around and instead screw us over. I'M SICK OF IT!!!! WHY dont any news sources discuss and REALLY make an issue about the oil companies? Why hasnt ANYONE mentioned the FACT that we get barely ANY oil from Libya and there is NO excuse for the price hike at the pumps ... and for those homeowners that use oil for their heat source.

Another day, another blog .... Yesterday several things came to mind to write about. I hate to seem that I am ranting in most of my blogs, but I am hopefully provoking thought. Of course, I am not trying to irritate anyone or make enemies ... I just need to state my peace ... piece? I suppose both apply!
Last week, I went to the WorkSource office (as directed by the unemployment office.) WorkSource is another topic that I will discuss -- which I think is absolutely fabulous -- Really! It is an awesome resource with wonderful, helpful people. But this blog is about a "policy" that Worksource has that I dont necessarily agree with.
When you walk in to WorkSource, the entire office is plastered with signs saying "no personal fragrances" They go on to give examples; no cologne, Perfume, Hair spray and I believe even deodorant. Now, I know people are allergic --- I know I know I know! And I must say there are a LOT of individuals that bathe in the stuff. They wear enough for all of us to rub up against them and get a full weeks supply of scent of our own. BUT -- come on!
It's another personal liberty taken away. Just last night on the news they were discussing the very same issue. I cant remember which office was thinking of "banning" fragrance, but the concensus was similar. One woman felt it was "micro-mananging." It's like when the airlines removed peanuts from the "snacks" they handed out because "some" of the passengers were, or may have been, allergic to nuts.
It's tough because we cant ask all people that are allergic to something to live in a bubble, but it just isnt right to limit non-allergic people because of them! At Medina Elementary they have all sorts of "peanut free" "gluten free" etc .... rooms! I was concerned at first thinking, geez ... I cant make my kids a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because some other kid is allergic?? Turns out they certainly allow you to send your kids to school with those things to eat ... but they have peanut free, Gluten free, apple free, etc etc ... tables where the allergic kids can eat. My son didnt eat his Nutella and Banana sandwich there.
It just so happens that the day I went to WorkSource I spritzed a little perfume on. When I arrived and saw all of the signs I immediately became uncomfortable! I knew that I didn't reek, but my nose was overly sensitive. I was trying to smell out everyone else in the place. Is that ME that smells? Or is it the chick in front of me? Oh ... it's her for sure ... I wonder if the gal at the front desk that signs everyone in will THINK its me ... What will she do? Will she tell me to leave?
You know, while I may not agree with their policy, I certainly WOULD have (and will when I go back) adhere to it. IF they have such a policy, they should let you know when you are told to go. You are sent a packet of instructions advising you when to attend a mandatory meeting, what forms to fill out and what other procedures are. I think if they are serious about helping people get jobs, they should first make people feel as comfortable as possible ... especially on first meeting. If Fragrance is banned here, the packet should include statement about the fragrance free policy.
As for the policy itself, I believe its silly. Not everyone that uses fragrance abuses fragrance. I do believe it is just one more thing to be "taken away" from us. It's our right to wear it. Perhaps it will one day, however, create jobs. "Perfume Police." They can hire individuals to sniff out fragrance wearers and issue citations. It'll be like one of those cartoons when they grab the guy (or gal) race them to a shower and scrub them down!!! Hello, people that smoke cigarettes usually reek right after going out for a smoke ... are you gonna bust them too?
That makes me sneeze just as much as the dude wearing a gallon of old spice.
The point is, when are we going to stop picking at our freedom? I question our countries "land of the free" status more and more. If we drive, we have to wear a seatbelt (yet even school busses DONT have seatbelts??) If we ride, we have to wear a helmet, we cant use our cell-phones while we drive, we cant smoke anywhere, and now we cant wear perfume.
My mother accused me of wanting anarchy. PLEASE! I just want to smell pretty. I will write more on our freedoms being taken away. Right now, I think I will write a letter to WorkSource and the unemployment office asking them to PLEASE inform people of their non-perfume policy PRIOR to the in-your-face-on-the-spot contact. Most of us can adjust to change (is that a redundant comment?) If I have to give up one more freedom ... I'll get over it. I'm just not going to like it at first.

Happy Saturday! I just dropped my kids off for a day of snowboading ... and wish I could be there too! Alas, I shall take the kid-free opportunity to write my blog. Today? I speak my mind about "doping." My feelings are mixed on this subject, although apparently strong enough to feel the need to write about it. Sports stars do drugs. Perhaps not ALL of them take steroids or "enhancers" but ... many of them do. I would like to believe that Derek Jeter is steroid free. I also would like to believe the same of Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Nash and a few others.
Alberto Contador was busted AFTER he "won" the Tour de France. Bonds was busted, McGwire was busted, A-rods admitted it, Clemmens was a total under oath liar and was busted (he was also a womanizing pin-head but an AWESOME entertaining ball-player who loved the game) ... and Lance Armstrong has been busted. We all know that there are Thousands of Basketball players, track legends, swimmers, skiers, and of course football players that are doping!
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL??? Yes, I know its WRONG. It is illegal. So is doing cocaine and driving drunk. Sports figures also rarely get busted for snorting coke or drunk driving. IF the sports world wants to BAN steroids the "Proper way," they should enforce it COMPLETELY.
This spontaneous testing is stupid and pointless. It is not fair to all participants. It is not fair for the guys and gals that DONT dope and it isnt fair for those that DO. What's the point of having a three week race and cummulative "winner" in Tour de France when the poor saps going to be stripped of the title months later for taking cough medicine that had a "no-no" drug in it? The other poor sap that didnt dope, didnt win or get to experience the thrill of victory, because the idiot that DID win after doping stole his opportunity ... after the fact! (?!?!) Every cyclist should be tested prior to and throughout the event. YANK EM if any drugs are found, period. It is absolutely ridiculous to bring back test results months after the official end of the race to say the winner was on drugs and therefore should be stripped of the title. Everyone loses that way.
ENFORCEMENT. TEST EVERY DAMN player, every participant, every season, every race, every off-season, all the time! That costs too much money? Take it from their salaries! They make millions of dollars ... and they SHOULD be willing to spend some of those Franklins to "PROVE" they are clean, just as awesome and WORTH the millions they make.
IF they are serious about eliminating steroid use then there should be strict diets ... and NO pharmaceuticals should be taken for a cough, cancer or a pulled muscle without first "okaying" it with the board. For that matter, everything that is ingested should be approved. Wasnt it actually supposedly some funky chocolate dessert that Contador ate that had the secret drug in it? Give me a freaking break. As in, if that was really what it was ... they're seriously going to punish the dude????? And the levels were so minuscule. On the other hand, if he really is dumb enough to use that as an excuse when he may really have purposely taken something, then he needs to be banned indefinitely. Someone that dumb shouldn't be allowed on a bicycle.
Athletes shouldn't dope. Athletes shouldn't feel the NEED to dope. I am sure there are PLENTY of athletes that don't and are presumably doing well. At a personal level, I know an individual that was once on the Italian race team. He was instructed by his doctors and team coach to dope. "Sugar water" my ass. 35 years ago! He still rides today but mostly runs. He is in his sixties and takes "grand master" in the majority of races he enters. He hasnt "doped" for nearly four decades and he is stronger and faster than most of the guys 20-30 years younger than him. He doesnt NEED to dope. And neither do any of those athletes!
Unfortunately many athletes still do it. If they are insecure enough to believe that they have to enhance themselves, it's sad ... but it is really none of my business. Those that continue to dope are poisoning their own bodies. If they are just doing it to follow doctors (coaches and sponsors) "orders" then they are weaklings. They need to grow a pair and tell them to shove off. Prove to them you're capable of greatness all by yourself. Rarely do steroids (at least physcially) hurt anyone but the person taking the drug. A rare case? The Psycho wrestler that murdered his family and then himself. It wasnt just the steroids that set that rocket off, however. That said ... If it's illegal and the officials want to control it ... then do it ... and don't do it half-ass! IF you can't test EVERYONE then quit your bitching and just let 'em play. People go to see baseball games because they love the game. They watch every minute of the Tour de France because they are enthusiasts. Sure, they have heroes ... but I doubt very much they're wondering if their hero just juiced up before the first pitch or the firing of the gun.
Millions of people will be glued to their televisions tomorrow watching the Steelers and the Packers play the mother of all football games, the holy Super Bowl. If it were discovered weeks from now (or months) that half of the players on the winning team were on steroids ... would they take away their trophy? I don't think so.

Ah, here I sit once again! I thought today I would start off by sharing some quick funny car stories. I've always enjoyed cars and driving. When I was 13, I decided it'd be fun to drive my moms car down the driveway with my best friend. We hopped in my mom's Toyota Celica hatchback, I turned over the ignition and carefully backed up to the turn-around spot. Once headed in the right direction, I put it into drive and headed down the steep twisty drive. Got halfway down and was headed into the second turn when I was met head-on with my mom and step dad! Oooops! I threw the thing in reverse and floored it! I flew backwards up the driveway. I crested the top and SLAM!! I blew over a boulder and wedged the back drivers side wheel in-between it and an evergreen. My friend was horrified. She thought I'd be in trouble for the rest of my life! Didnt actually get in trouble ... at all! Of course, my step dad was less thrilled than my mother. I think my mom was more amused at my predicament and knew that MY knowing what I did was stupid was punishment enough.
My next car adventure happened after I had to move to the Eastside. We lived in hoity toity Medina in a community of 8 homes that sat on the Overlake Golf course. We owned the second to last home in the drive. Our next door neighbors, "Fred and DeeDee," were probably in their late 50's and owned a lovely 1979 Monte Carlo. The ones that used to look a Cadillac. Anyway, Fred and DeeDee were going out of town for a few days and asked if I would like to "house-sit." I believe they offered me $10 a day to take care of the house for them. They were a really nice couple and were trying to make me feel special! Of course I jumped on the opportunity. So, after they left, I went into their house to have a look around. Now, the thought hadn't occurred to me to take their car when they were asking me to watch the house. It was when I saw the gleaming keys dangling from the hook on the kitchen wall that I thought it'd be a good idea to take the car out for a spin. I didnt take it the first day, or even the second. But the third day was just too much for me. I simply had to tame the beast. I called one of my friends, Betty, and asked if she'd like to go visit another friend of mine in my OLD neighborhood. She jumped at the chance for a little joy ride.
I want to be given credit for this bold idea. I was driving from Bellevue to Burien, at the age of 15, in my neighbors car. That's 21+ miles one-way solo (with another unlicensed friend.) Life was grand. So, off we headed. We drove to Sam's house in Burien. We hung out there for just a short while and then headed back to Bellevue. No "issues" of any sort there or back. Betty and I pulled back into the driveway, drove past the first 6 houses in the community, headed down and around the corner toward my house and Fred and DeeDees ...
And there were Fred and DeeDee. My face must have turned completely white in a half a second. WHAT the HECK were they doing home??? They were supposed to be gone until the next day!!! Oh Geez ... what do I say, what do I do?? I pulled the car up. Both Fred and DeeDee standing there. DeeDee with a cigarette in one hand, ash hanging ...
"What're you doing with the car?" Fred says to me. My brilliant instant reply ...
"There were prowlers so we took the car to Bettys house!"
They paid me for watching their house and I believe actually had me watch it again for them after that. Not another word was mentioned about my "saving their car from prowlers." Until, that is, the day that I got married on the front lawn ... some 10 years later. Of course Fred and DeeDee were invited to the wedding. DeeDee came up ... again, cigarette in hand. I think she'd also had a couple glasses of white wine. She gave me a gigantic hug, smiled and loudly laughed ...
"DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU STOLE OUR CAR?"
Good times ....

Alrighty then ... The job search continues. Does anyone want to hire someone intelligent, good-looking, funny, talented, sophisticated, efficient ...? Apparently not. No, it seems that the majority of people looking to hire are only interested in whether or not I have a degree and/or can pass a credit check. Excuse me? What the hell does my credit rating have to do with my abilities?
Why is a 24 year old with a Bachelors degree and a credit score of 800 more qualified than I am? Why arent you even INTERESTED in speaking with me unless I have a degree?
Because you're a bunch of pretentious bastards, that's why. Seriously folks, I am more intelligent and suited for the position regardless of whether or not I have a freaking 400 credit score ... or lack a degree. So, you equal opportunity employers ... not truly equal opportunity are you? I suppose if I were too poor (or distracted) 20 years ago to finish college, its some sort of sign that I am not dedicated, motivated or innovative? Screw that!!
I have been passed over for positions, most recently to manage a consignment shop on a part time basis. I have owned a clothing store, worked retail, purchased and sold a LOT of furniture, sold a LOT to consignment shops, and purchased a LOT from consignment shops. I have also studied accounting (received straight A's thank you very much) and have actually WORKED and had EXPERIENCE in bookkeeping, accounts receivable and collections. I might add.
But, that's okay, you're "going in a different direction." You'd rather hire someone with a better credit rating than mine and/or someone twenty years younger.
I guarantee I will work hard and perform better than any one else you would ever dream of hiring. I sound like an ad for a sexual enhancement drug.
My Uncle died at the age of 67 -- with shit credit. You know why? He didn't have any. He always paid cash and didn't use credit cards. Purchased his cars outright (like me) and lived in a VERY modest apartment. Never owned a home.
He had a genius IQ. He was in the Navy, went to Yale and graduated head of his class. He spoke fluent Japanese and Chinese. The CIA and Secret forces tried in vain to recruit him .... What'd he do? He played Banjo and worked at freaking Rite-Aid for over 30 years.
What's my point?
Oh yeah ... I am pissed that I cant get a job. I am angry that I have all of this talent, charisma and "charm" and no one is willing to graciously accept it. I am upset that most retailers are in the opinion that an individual with a bachelors degree would make a better manager or assistant manager. What sort of bachelors degree are we talking about? I didn't know that ass-kissing was an actual field of study. Ass-kissing is an art, you know. PERSONAL relations IS AN ART ... but it is an art that is not learned in a class room, it is human experience. You can not get a degree in it. Love, compassion and an honest commitment to wanting to make others feel good is something you are born with. It is something that grows within you. Am I smart and focused enough to prepare spreadsheets, meet goals and exceed profit forecasts? Absolutely. I am at the same time a human being with a natural ability to and desire to make people happy.
I have the Chinese symbol for benevolence tattooed on my left ankle. Above it is a banjo and the words "Uncle Gene." I believe in true human kindness. I believe that the right job will come along. I might even work for Rite Aid.

After reading another blog about missed opportunities in regards to family relationships, I would like to write about my Granny. My Granny was my mom's mom. I never met my mom's dad because he passed away several years before I was born. My Granny, however, was very present in my life. Although she too died very early on, I was fortunate enough to spend 19 years of my life with her. She lived with us for nearly half of my life, before my mother re-married and my Granny moved out.

My Granny was a very elegant, well-dressed working woman. And, I dont mean a call girl. She left her family when she was 13 and was the first of 9 children to graduate from high school. After meeting her husband in a saloon (he was a card dealer and she was a bar maid) they settled in the seattle area and of course got respectable jobs. He for Boeing, building bombers and she for Sears, first in the photo department and then moving into human resources.

My mom and dad built the house we lived in with her in mind. There was a full mother-in-law apartment where she lived. It came in handy when my mom and dad divorced because my sister and I would spend a lot of time visiting with her. Again, she worked full time, so she was not our care-taker ... but she was close by when she wasnt working!

She used to dress so beautifully. Always had her face made up and always in heels. Not only was she a great female role-model "looks wise" but she was also hysterically funny. I often give her credit for teaching me how to swear and drive. In the car, she would frequently yell out "bastard!" or "shit head!" Then she'd turn to me, smile and either laugh or say ... "you didnt hear that!" Granny was something to be cherished, indeed.

We lived in separate residences for a few years, but in my last six months of high school, I had moved in with her. I was previously commuting to high school but after getting into a BAD auto accident, I no longer had a car. She lived in a mobile home close to the school and she made the offer for me to be with her. It was small and ... she smoked ... but I enjoyed living with her. Sure, I complained at the time, but I really do have fond memories. I had my own little space in the laundry room. She would make me toast and cocoa every morning while I took my shower. It would always be sitting there on the bathroom counter when I got out. It drove me nuts! I would always tell her not to make it ... but she always did. I often think back and tear up ... as I am doing now, thinking about how much I took her for granted and I wished I would have thanked her for all of those cups of cocoa and uneaten toast. She died the day after mothers day 25 + years ago and I think about her often. We are alike in so many ways and I wish my kids could have known her. I wish she could see what beautiful children I have brought in to the world and that her driving lessons are being carried on thru me to my children ....

Since I didnt post for two weeks I feel compelled to write a bunch today. This is another rant session pertaining to driving. I have been in only one doozy of an accident back in high school. Since then, a couple of minor incidents. While driving for nearly 3 decades may not entitle me to superior status, I feel it my duty to share a couple key rules with other either new or ... just plain stupid drivers.

EVERY DAY I have to exercise the rules of a "four-way stop." Can someone PLEASE tell me why other drivers have such difficulty understanding how these work? Technically, one of the intersections I go through almost daily is a six way stop. It is on the Northeast slope of Queen Anne where 6th Ave N, 4Th Ave N, Queen Anne Drive and Raye St all come together. I know I should "prepare" myself for this daily occurrence and get over it .... but I just can't.

Its like the pemco insurance ad with the two cars at a four way stop. Neither one of them can decide which one should go first. FIGURE IT FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!

The "rule" is ... or rules are ... Whoever gets to the intersection first ... GOES FIRST! IF you get to the intersection at the same time as someone else, the person to your immediate right goes first. IF the person is across from you and has a signal on ... YOU go first. IF the person across from you doesnt have a signal on ... BOTH of you can go! DUH DUH DUH!!!! Sure, when all four (or more) sides are occupied, it can be tricky to keep track who got there first.

THE MAIN RULE for a four (or multiple way) stop is to PAY ATTENTION!!! It is your responsibility when driving a car to actually PAY ATTENTION to who got there first.

If there are four or more cars at an intersection, you simply MUST pay attention to who got there first! If a car directly in front of you just went, you MUST WAIT until all of the other cars that were there WITH the car in front of you, before you go into the intersection.

They should install sensors to prompt little tire puncturing grates that pop up at stop signs to "help" the four-way stop challenged. We'd see just how fast people can learn SUCH A SIMPLE BASIC driving rule. COME ONE PEOPLE!!!

Alright ... I havent written for nearly two weeks! I have plenty of excuses ... the main one being what I mentioned last time. My fear of writing something that may offend, hurt or embarrass. Well -- forget that. I wouldn't be a great writer if I let things like those stop me ... for long.

The other day I started to remember a LOT of really shitty things that happened to me in my early impressionable years. On two different days in completely different surroundings, I kept smelling an overly sweet and memorable perfume. The memories and feelings attached came roaring back.

In 4th grade I was molested by a fellow class mate. Yes, a fourth grader. Actually, I think he was a year older than I was, but still ... we're talking 9-10 years old? When I think about it today and the numerous times I have remembered that year in school, we seemed so old. I remember it as an adult would. I felt mature.

What happened to me was horrible and no one did anything about it. It makes me wonder how many other kids have and are experiencing the same thing today, by other kids. There are adult predators and I know children are molested far worse every day but NO level of abuse should ever be tolerated or dismissed.

I went to a private school and was one of only a few (literally, like 3) girls in the 4th and 5th grade. All of the boys would goof around with me. We would always play "boy sports" in PE ... like football and I was always invited to boys birthday parties outside of school. Well, one day this boy, "Jacob," grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bushes at recess. He immediately tried to pull my pants down and wrestle me to the ground. I fought him off, but not before he shoved his hands up my shirt and down my pants and groped me.

I didnt run inside and report it to any of the teachers because I was embarrassed. I told my mom that night and the next day my mom and I met with the school principal. Her real name WAS Mrs Johnson and all of the kids totally hated her. She was big and fat and MEAN. She was one of the teachers as well. Whenever you got in trouble either in her class or not, she would be quick to whack the tender underside of your wrists with a ruler repeatedly. Anyway ... When my mother and I met with her she ACTUALLY said that I probably asked for it. She actually said, "well, I see how you interact with the boys and you must have wanted him to do it."

UNBELIEVABLE. It's no wonder the school closed down the following year. While the education, I must admit, was superior to that of the public school I attended before ... I am sure that what happened to me that year crushed me psychologically. Jacob was asked to leave me alone for the remainder of the year but he didn't. He never got that close again, but he continued to write me notes and give me gifts. They were not hateful notes or gifts ... he "loved" me.

What he did (and/or what the principal didn't do) really damaged me. Here's where the familiar smell comes in. For years, I kept a little gold perfume box that he gave me for christmas that year. A beautiful little 1" x 2" gold box with a blue enameled lid. I'd never seen anything so beautiful. He handed it to me just before we went on stage to perform our school concert. I seriously kept that box for decades. I think I just threw it out (or maybe just lost it) about three years ago. WHY did I keep it? I kept a gift from someone that hurt me.

In 8th grade, I was at an after school skate party. I hadn't seen Jacob for years and he didn't live in my neighborhood so I was stunned to see him there. I felt like the blood rushed out of my body. I felt sick and faint. I tried to avoid him but he saw me and instantly started yelling my name. He skated right up to me, looked me in the face and said "Shannon, it's me, Jacob." and I just shook my head an skated away. Got off the floor and outta the building. None of my friends understood what my problem was that day ... and some would have difficulty understanding my actions in days and years to come.

After my most recent "recall," I watched the movie "Easy A" with my kids. Basically, the mid-teened girl student pretends to have slept with someone and rapidly becomes the school slut. She never did sleep with anyone but everyone thought she did and vicious rumors were spread.

She had a conversation with her very liberal mother about it. Her mother had experienced similar accusations in school ... but she actually WAS a slut. Sleeping with multiple people to cover her own insecurities. More about that later.

I wont say much about the cycling thing today, other than there was an article on it on the first section of NW Thursday (Seattle Times) Representative Jamie Pedersen is the one trying to get it into legislature. At least now I know who to write my letter to. Hey Jamie ... Hows about getting cyclists licensed before you go any further? In the article, there was actually a comment about an 83 year old woman that died last spring when she stepped out in front of two cyclists on the trail. neither of the cyclists were charged for that either. Anyway ... moving on ....

Today I will write about something else. Today I write that I am sort of regretting telling some people about my blog. About half a second after informing someone I realized that maybe I wanted to remain "anonymous." After all, not everyone knows ALL of my secrets and/or adventures. They arent necessarily all that BAD, but some people could get their feelings hurt. Or, some people may think that JUST because it sounds like a story about them ... that it IS about them. It probably is them too, but I wont use real names ... except my own. And (remembering that my blog IS about real things and what I write is how I remember or perceive something) perhaps I will throw in a little myth. That being said, I will now write something that is completely true! Its something entirely about ME ... me me me ... and it is something I have shared with only a few people in my life.

When I was 5 my mom and dad divorced. Soon after he moved out, our house was robbed. It was a job done by the "blue van gang." Weird how I can remember things like the name of the gang. My sister and I would go over to a neighbors house after school for daycare. That day instead of my mom picking us up, she called Edie (that's her real name) and told her we had been robbed. My sister and I walked thru the woods to get home, nervous but excited. When we walked in it didn't appear to be so chaotic. They had stolen our TV, some of my moms FAKE pearls (left the real ones -- idiots!) and left behind my moms mink coat (perhaps they were early advocates for PETA) They also defecated all over my moms bathroom and bedroom, the towels the white carpeting ... making it SORT OF look like a personal thing. I have often wondered if my pin-head dad had anything to do with it.
Oh yeah, This story is supposed to be me. So, I run down the long hall to my room to see if anything of MINE had been taken. Nope. Nothing missing. They didn't want what I had, why not? I even had a little metal money bank that was in the shape of a mail box. Not like a residential mail box -- you know, the big blue ones on the curb at the post office that you drop your mail into as you drive by (although some people seem to WRITE their letters before dropping them in while you wait behind them.) I grabbed my little bank and shook it. All my moneys still there. How could they have missed this? It's obviously valuable. Well, I wasnt going to go unnoticed. No one was paying attention to me so it was easy for me to casually grab a screw driver ... doo de doo de dah ... close my bedroom door ... and HACK AWAY at my bank!!! I stabbed and pried and got that blasted thing open. It was horrible ... horrible I tell you! How could they have done this to me? Why would they destroy my bank and take my money?!? Dont they know I am only 5??? I then of course ran with the bank to the family room where I strategically placed my shredded piece of property in the center of the floor and proceeded to cry inconsolably. It got me some attention ... but only a little ... and I had ruined my little bank.

Why did I do that? Obviously it was MY early on-set of trying to get some freaking attention! It seems over the years I did destructive things of similar nature. I was never a demon child ... although my mom and dad may disagree. I was normal for gods sake! I was very little when my folks split up and after the split I rarely saw either my mom OR my dad. I spent most of my time with Edie, the daycare provider and my sister. Also, my Granny lived downstairs ... and there are a lot more stories from that part of the house too!

So last night I tossed and turned because my brain was bombarding me. I was set ablaze (again) by yet another "story" on the news last night about cycling. Apparently it is not enough that we have spent money on creating bike lanes that cyclists dont even HAVE to use ... now they want to make a law that says cars must leave a 3 or 5 ft buffer when passing cyclists. Now, I completely admire cyclists for both their physical ability and environmental awareness. What I do NOT admire or wish to tolerate is how I usually witness cyclists complete disregard for any "laws."

Approximately 15 years ago my dear co-worker was literally run down and killed in a crosswalk.
After the light changed to the "walk" signal, John took three steps into the crosswalk at 4th and University and was struck -- hard -- by a legal bike messenger. He was thrown to the ground, his head colliding with the pavement. He died a week later, never recovering from a coma. The bike messenger? Never cited. Still today, there are NO laws for cyclists.

Supposedly, they are to follow the same laws as motor vehicles??? So, how many cars or motorcycles do you see riding side by side next to pedestrians ON crosswalks? How many cars or motorcycles do you see slowing down at intersections and glancing both ways then proceeding straight thru a red light?
It is absurd that money is being spent for special bike lanes when Cyclists arent even required to use them. Our Governor is hemming and hawing about our blown budget and yet were spending money on this stupid shit? Oh yeah, cut schooling, parks and prison protection ... but hey, let's put in some bike lanes... yeah, that'd be neat!
Well, here's another neat idea. Why don't we make sure there are SPECIFIC laws for cyclist? It was proven 15 years ago that a bicycle can be just as deadly as a motor vehicle. Johns widow, Barb, would agree. ANYONE riding a bicycle on city streets should have to be trained and licensed. The licensing fees and fines for broken cycling laws can pay for those neat bicycle lanes ... that SHOULD, by the way, require mandatory usage.
I live on Queen Anne and at the end of 2010 they added a bicycle lane that goes all the way up Taylor Avenue. I havent seen one freaking cyclist use it. The street has been redesigned, making both north/south "car" lanes tiny, AND they have left the street torn up where they removed the pre-existing center line. ANNOYING!!!!
I want cyclists to be safe. I want pedestrians to be safe. I want motor vehicles to be safe. BUT, there have GOT to be some laws for cyclists. It is NOT logical that cyclists should be able to weave in and out of traffic in between cars, go from crosswalk to sidewalk to street ... at their whim! I have nearly run more than a cyclist or two over because they were behaving in such ways. RESPONSIBILITY! I should not be responsible or to blame for hitting a cyclist if they have chosen to quickly "change paths."
At the South end of Lake Union, by Daniels, there is a sign just for cyclists, directing them to get off the road and get on the sidewalk ... for their safety. At more than one stop-light sitting there, I have witnessed huge disregard for that sign. On one occurrence, I literally counted 10 cyclists at that light ... NONE of them stopped at the light (they did the quick look to the left) ... and only 2 of them actually veered off to the sidewalk as instructed.
My ex-husband, whom I still adore and have coffee with daily, was an olympic cyclist and is still a rather avid cyclist today. I have seen him racing 40mph down Taylor avenue and even HE agree's that today's cyclist are a special breed.
Certain freedoms are taken away from us every day. Auto drivers have to wear seat-belts, Motorcyclists have to wear helmets, We cant use our cell-phones while driving, we cant smoke in public places. I may or may not agree with these ... but they are changes and laws that have been made to "protect" us. I am not out to get Cyclists ... Again, I truly do admire them. However, I can not stress how insane I think it is that there are no laws or requirements for cycling.
You are operating a "vehicle" of potential destruction. You should know how to ride it, use it, and be responsible while enjoying it.
EVERYONE would be a lot safer if there were laws and licensing requirements. There would be fewer questions from motor vehicle operators, and for that matter, pedestrians wouldn't have to worry about being run over when they are either on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk.

A cyclist ran through a red light 15 years ago. He killed a man and paid no fine. As far as I can tell, nothing has changed in a decade and a half. In fact, it seems as though matters are worse.
We have given cyclists another place to "ride" without even a vote. Now, they want to confuse things even more. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ... MANDATORY lessons and licensing. Until then, stop spending precious funds on frivolous extras that aren't even being used!!!!

This is the first post to what I hope will be a majorly entertaining blog as well as an arena for advice. I would like to share my past experiences of ALL types. My first writing will be about ... well, me! No, I dont have degree's, doctorates, or any special certification. I am alive ... and I have lived life in all sorts of ways. I've been super rich, traveled pretty extensively, been poor and had to seriously scrape by. Thru it all, I have a sincere desire and ability to relate to all types of people. I am one of two girls brought up by a single mom and my father is, well ... an ass.
I have done some pretty stupid things but I have also given and contributed to make other peoples lives better. I am a 45-in-2011 mom of two. While a few years ago I had millions, today I live with my mother in a two-bedroom apartment. Life has not been easy for me in the past couple of years but I get by. My children mean everything to me and I am bringing them up very well. They are the sweetest, funniest, most respectful and somewhat naive, children I know. They spend half of their time with their millionaire father and spend half of their time with me ... the "real-life" mom. I am funny and loving. I am smart and ... as stated above, still do some pretty dumb things. I am still trying to find my niche in life ... but I KNOW that my "Calling" is to make the world a better place! In previous lives I have been a warrior and a Goddess. In this life, I have struggled to regain that status. Alas, one day, I shall grasp and embrace the power that I know exists within me. I plan to make this blog a rather random posting of memories, current experiences and sometimes just my opionion. In addition to knowing what my calling is ... I also know that there HAS to be other women out there like me that just need a good laugh and someone to relate to every once in a while. You wont find my blogging about how cute my dog looks in his winter coat. Neither will I be on the soap box about human rights, animal rights ... or any rights for that matter. At least I dont think so. I look forward to sharing with you and I look forward to your thoughts as well!