Well I am back in California living with my parents.  Not exactly where I saw myself at this point but oh well. 

Things in New York went downhill fast.  The mom I was nannying for decided that she wanted to pay me less and add on more work.  She was always complaining about how much she paid me, which was not really all that much.  She wanted me to work Saturdays the whole summer and wanted me to do more housework.  My contract stated that I would do the childrens laundry, help keep the kitchen clean and pick up after the kids.  She wanted me to do her and her husbands laundry as well as a lot more housework that she had a service come in once a week to do.  I told her no, she called the agency I went through to try and get them to back her up but they told her that they were backing me and would not get her another nanny.  After she failded to get her own way she got really pissy with me.  She had given me two weeks notice but within two days things got really bad and I spent the last two weeks there with friends, which turned out to be really fun.  I went to a Dave Matthews concert in New Jersey and generally just relaxed and enjoyed myself. 

Now I am back home and getting ready to go back to school.  I have two years left to get my bachelors degree and I am making preparations to get my masters degree, hopefully, at Oxford University when I am done at Cal State-Chico.  I have wanted to go back and live in England ever since I left there fifteen years ago.  So, I guess I will just have to work hard the next couple of years to make it happen. 

Well, I have decided to start writing again.  Things have been very crazy the last year.  Time for a list!

1. I did not get married, in fact the engagement is completely off.

2. Moved to Long Island, New York.

3. Had a complete change in career.  Am a nanny for at least the next year.

4. Fiance moved to Hawaii this week.

I think that is enough on the list for now.

Yeah, so I didn't get married.  Bryce and I were having problems.  He got sullen and started treating me badly.  He said I was pressuring him into marrying him.  HE asked me to marry him and then wanted to know dates right away!  When I lost my job we postponed the wedding from December to March and then he had a melt down.  I finally told him the middle of February that we needed some time apart.  We decided on three weeks. He had made plans to go to Hawaii with two of his friends and we would talk when he got back.  By the way we were supposed to go to Hawaii on our Honeymoon.  When he got back he never called me.  I called a couple of times and texted him.  I actually talked to him once and asked when we could get together and talk the completely blew me off.  Just said now was not a good time and that was it.  We had the same circle of friends and since he would not be in the same room with me they could not invite both of us out at the same time.  The whole thing was sickening.  I was going crazy being in the same state as him , so seeing as how I didn't have a job I went home to California. While I was home in California I finished my application with Helpers West (Nanny agency) and by the end of March I had a job out here in New York.  Going home helped to get him out of my system.  As much as I love my then roommate Amy I just needed to be home.  When I got the job I had three weeks to pack up my stuff.  I cannot believe all the stuff I got rid of.  It was insane.  I got rid of over half of my wardrobe as well because I turned 29 the end of February and gained some weight.  So I went shopping! Yeah!!  Don't get me wrong the gaining weight was a good thing for me.  I actually have a figure now.   Well my mom made the 12 hour drive out form California with my brothers truck. We packed up my stuff and took it home to put in storage.  I had a week at home.  Everyone in my family was home that week visiting.  It was the first time in seven years we had all been in the same place.  The saturday I was to leave for NY, we took family pictures.  Turns out not all of us could stay in one place long enough to get a full family picture.  Oh well.  Just hours before I went to the airport we took my mother to the Emergency room.  Her gall bladder had shut down and she had to go in for surgery.  Mom is doing well now and I am happy where I am now.  I just want to completely forget Bryce and not having all the places we used to go to close by helps. I wish him luck in Hawaii.  When he was still talking to me he told me he was worried about his finances.  I am not sure moving to Hawaii is going to help his situation any but maybe like me he needed to get out of Utah. It is Hawaii!  Who could say no? I really do wish that I knew what really happened.  Did he find some one in Hawaii?  Who knows. 

Well I am in New York now and loving it.  I am going in to Manhattan tomorrow for a boat cruise which will be fun.  I have plans to visit D.C. and upper state New York and need to talk with Amy about going to England before her school year starts in the fall.  I will have all my debt paid off by the end of the year barring any untimely fiasco.  I don't know exactly what I plan on doing after my year is up here.  I may stay a second year to save money and travel more.  Who knows.  Life is good and getting better and that is all that matters.

I am going to write a list and see how it goes.  There has been so much going on in the last couple months that I hardly know which way is up and which way is down.

1. Got fired from job.


2. got new job.


3. worked one day at new job and the next morning got a call and was told that the company was going to go in a different direction.  Couldn't they have decided that before getting my hopes up?  Jerks.  I really don't know what happened.  We were getting along so well.


4. looking for jobs sucks.


5. got a cold that held on for three weeks.


6. found out that the place I got fired from does not and is not required to pay into unemployment and so I am not eligible to receive any sort of compensation.  Basically they screwed me over big time.


7. I no longer have medical insurance because the Cobra premiums were 110% of what I was paying before.  that means 400 a month.  Like they can expect anyone to be able to pay that!!!!


8. My fiance cannot put me on his insurance until we are married but under the partners act a gay or lesbian couple can put each other on their insurance policies. What makes them any more partners than Bryce and I?


9. My Chronic Fatigue which was getting better is now acting up again.


10. Bryce and I have decided to wait until March to get married.  I was just too much to do with everything else going on with me.


11. my family wants me to move back home to california but I haven't given in yet because I don't want to leave Bryce.


12. My sister in law had a baby girl so I am an auntie again.


13. My brother got orders finally and his family will be moving to Washington state.


14. My brother Sterling is finally getting married the end of November.


15. My parents are selling their house and getting a larger one.


16. My grandparents are selling their house and are getting a smaller one.


17. Nate's Cosmo finally came out last month.  You can see him online in cosmo.  He is Utah's Most eligible bachelor.


18. I learned how to play texas hold'em and it is tons of fun!


19. I got rid of alot of boxes and a lot of junk. 


20. I have been putting together a couple of scrapbooks with stuff that I have not wanted to throw away.

Well that is what has been going on here.  The short version anyway.  I think I am going to go take a nap now.  I can hardly keep my eyes open. 

Oh I forgot to mention that I have to find a new doctor because mine died in a freak scuba diving accident.  She was one of the foremost experts in Utah on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  She was the only doctor that believed I was sick and ran tests.  She is the one that found my liver tumors.  I had come to rely on her opinion.  she was a wonderful doctor and her loss is felt greatly. 

My roommate Amy has been a major factor in me keeping my sanity and putting things into perspective.  Ally has been my comedy relief with her emails of hilarity.  I appreciate the support of everyone, family and friends alike.

I don't know who the newbie is that just started reading my blog a week ago but for your information Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very real disease.  Have you ever had the flu?  Well take feeling like that and multiply by ten and you might find out a little what someone with this disease goes through.  Yeah there are a lot of people out there who don't believe it is a valid disease but if you will look at the medical history books a lot of illnesses started out that way.  People are always skeptical until they either get it or researchers find a test that will tell you specifically if you have it or not. 

I am living through this hell so don't tell me that it is just laziness.  You try telling your boyfriend that he can't hold your hand because the skin is so sensitive that it hurts to be touched. You don't know the meaning of the word tired until you can feel it in your bones.  Literally feel it in your bones. To have your joints ache and spread through your limbs and have nothing to take to help it.  To be so dizzy that you pass out.  To have your allergies magnified. 

If there is one thing that I hate about people it is that they can be so rude and insensitive to the plight of others.  I don't give a damn what you think but don't tell me that it is all in my head.  I know what I am feeling and it is not imaginary.  You try being in the most beautiful country in the world and have to go home because you got sick. 

Try thinking next time before you speak.

Well you all can be proud of me! I have a new job.  In fact I started today! I am now working for an architectrual company.  The hours are great 9-6 or if nothing is going on 9-5 with an hour lunch break.  In january I may only be working four days a week instead of five. 

Bryce and I need to sit down and decide when we want to have the wedding.  December was just too soon.  So maybe March or April.  We will see. 

I definitely don't feel as stressed now.  It is great.  I will catch up with you all later.  CIAO!!

Five details about you...
1. I am engaged to be married
2. I don't like to drive
3. I am 28 years old
4. I like lists
5. I am currently unemployed

Five details about your appearance right now...
1. I dyed my hair black(got tired of all the greys)
2. I am not wearing socks or shoes
3. I actually put on my makeup this morning
4. I am wearing my ruby and diamond engagement ring(need to get you pictures)
5. I am blue today - blue jeans, blue shirt.

Five things you did today...
1. got up at 11:30
2. Took a shower
3. Watched some episodes from the third season of Alias
4. Blogged
5. Ate some cinnamon raisin bread

Five memorable things you did in the last year...
1. Met Bryce
2. Went to Rachels wedding
3. Found the pattern, material and lace for my wedding dress in three days
4. Moved to a new apartment
5. Went to the Cayman Islands with Rachel

Five things that everyone should know about you...
1. I am blunt and say what is on my mind
2. I have five brothers and one sister
3. I was born in the Netherlands
4. I look Italian but am really Mexican
5. I will do almost anything to help a friend

Five things that make you happy...
1. A good book
2. My family
3. Chocolate
4. A good nights sleep
5. Hanging out with Rachel

Five people who mean a lot to you...
1. Bryce
2. My nephew Thomas
3. Shauna
4. Rachel
5. Amy

Five things that disgust you...
1. Intolerance of others
2. Rudeness
3. inconsiderate drivers
4. Rude policemen
5. People who let their kids run amuck.

Five things you cant live without...
1. My comfy bed
2. Hair dye, I can't stand my grays!
3. WATER, MUST HAVE WATER!
4. Granola bars, we are talking the staples of life!
5. Books, I would die of boredom without them.

Well would you like the good news or the bad news first? 

The good news is that I had several interviews this last week and one of the jobs I really like and would love to have and the guy practically handed it to me on the spot.  I will know for sure this next week. 

The bad news...I have had a small relapse.  My stupid neighbors that live above me have been really noisey this last week. They start around ten thirty and don't stop until we bang on the ceiling for them to stop.  They sound like a herd of elephants moving around furniture.  Last night they added playing the piano, guitare, loud singing and a conversation that I could actually hear every word of!  Now if that isn't loud and obnoxious I don't know what is.  My roommate Amy banged on the ceiling last night around twelve thirty.  This has been going on all week.  I have not gotten any good sleep and I wake up just as exhausted as I was when I went to bed.  Not to mention feeling like I have the flu because my joints hurt and the dizzy spells are back. 

I went this afternoon and filed a formal complaint with our management.  They are going to write up a letter and give it to the girls above us.  If they continue being loud and obnoxious they will get evicted.  Partying on the weekend is one thing but in the middle of the week when people have work the next morning, yeah, no excuse is good enough for that one.  I moved here hoping to get the quiet and rest I needed.  They might as well just shoot me. 

Well just wanted to let everyone know that everything is going well here.  I have several job leads and we will see how they pan out this next week. 

Wedding plans have been put on hold for the time being.  Bryce and I decided we needed a little more time.  Things were moving a bit fast.  To tell the truth it probably would have been fine if I hadn't lost my job.  Things are just a bit stressful right now and I didn't need the added stress of planning a wedding while finding a job.  Joy of joys.  Bryce has been really supportive.  He is the best thing that has happened to me for a long time. 

I will catch up with you all this next week.  Ciao

My computer at home is on the fritz and since I don't have a job it is not getting fixed any time soon.  I do have several job leads.  Two in particular are looking very good.  One with Prestige Financial and the other with Goldman, Sachs.  Bryce has been really good about everything.  He even went and paid my cell phone bill for me and then let me know afterwards.

Having my mom in town when I got fired was a blessing.  I don't think I would have handled things as well at first if she hadn't been here.  Moms are good that way. 

Well I have decided that since I have a lot of extra time on my hands that I am going to brush up on my Italian and possibly continue with my arabic language studies.  I might as well get something productive done in between job interviews. 

I just want to thank everyone for all their good wishes on my behalf.  It really helps to keep my morale up.  We will chat again soon. - CS

My mom flew out on sunday morning.  We went shopping for material and a pattern for my dress.  We thought we were going to have to piece it together from different patterns but we found one that was pretty close to what I wanted.  We also found some lovely material for the dress.  We have to go today to get lace for the overlay. 

I now have access to a digital camera, so I will get some pictures and post them for everyone.  I know I am a slacker in the picture department.  Please bear with me for a little longer. 

I will write more later when I have more time.  Ciao Bellissimi! 

To Aliciarose: 4 days left!!!  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Go to this website!  http://www.clermontyellowribbon.com/untilthenflash.htm" title="http://www.clermontyellowribbon.com/untilthenflash.htm" target="_blank"http://www.clermontyellowribb...

The music is wonderful and the pictures moving.  I am so proud of our men and women who fight for the freedom of all.

aiyiyi!  Well were do I start for this one?

It is once again month end closing and of course this time it is only my computer that decided to go whacky.  Four hours later the whole system goes down AGAIN!  They fixed the system last night but my computer had to be reimaged.  Joy.  They did extend the deadline once again, though.  Have I mentioned how much I love my work computer?

I had a bit of a spat with Bryce yesterday.  He has not told his family yet that we are getting married.  I have told my family of course and my mom is coming out sunday to help me start planning.  It would probably be a good idea for our mothers to meet.  I would also like Bryce's mother's input.  He just doesn't get it but he is a guy.  I think he is waiting until he can get the ring.  Who knows.  He did promise to tell them by the end of the week.  Men! 

I have not been to happy with work lately.  It seems like I can't do anything right for anyone.  And it isn't even my fault!!!!  With my computer on the fritz it has made it difficult if not impossible to get some of the things done I needed to.  Kirk has been giving me the hardest time and I am getting sick of it.  Normally it is all just fun and games with him but lately his comments are digging in and taking root. 

I just got off the phone with my bestfriend, Rachel,  she is going to be moving to Springfield, Illinois!  Her husband is getting transferred there.  I am so happy for her!  She hates Kansas and it is way to close to the mother in law who is a witch.  It will be easier for us to visit each other now too because the airport by her will be more accessible!  WooHoo!!!

I need to start writing again.  Ugh.  I have not felt like it for a while. 

Well Bryce and I decided yesterday that we are going to get married on the 3rd of December and then have a reception out in California on the 18th.  It just works out better that way.  We found a ring on friday that I absolutely love.  The stone is being set in it right now.  It is gorgeous.  I will post some pictures later. My mom is coming out monday so we can do some planning and start making my dress.  Dad is shopping for pearls for me to wear on my wedding day.  He is so cute. 

I am getting absolutely nothing done today.  Anybody have any clue how I am supposed to concentrate, let alone get through the next three months?!!!!

My mom and I have been writing up lists of people to send invitations to.  She so far has forty people and i have about sixty.  We haven't even gotten a list from Bryce's parents.  Holy Hanna.  Is freaking out an option at this point?  If I freak out now what will happen later when the pressure is really on?

I had breakfast this morning with Dad.  Then I actually got in to work on time.  He called me around 12:30 said he hadn't left yet and we decided to get lunch together.  We didn't have a whole lot of time so we just got some food there at the truck stop.  Not bad but not great food either.  It is worth seeing dad though. 

Dad has been thinking about writing a book for as long as I can remember.  Well he finally started writing one and from what I have read so far it is good.  I may be a bit biased but it can be difficult to hold my attention if the book is not well written and dad's was really good.  I can't wait to read the finished product.  He has a very different style of writing than what I have seen before.  But that is Dad...always different!

Tblog wouldn't let me log in this morning so I was answering peoples comments as a newbie!  Oops! 

I just want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and support regarding my engagement.  You all are great!  I had breakfast with my Dad this morning.  (got in town in the wee hours)  He was typical Dad asking questions about Bryce.  He was cute.  Bryce was home in bed (I hope) so he didn't meet my dad yet.  He works late so he has an excuse. 

I am feeling the need for a manicure.  Marie and I are going to go to dinner after work maybe we will just have to stop and get manicures first! 

More later!  Tons of Love to you all!

"CIA" JOB OPENING

THE CIA HAD AN OPENING FOR AN ASSASSIN. AFTER ALL THE BACKGROUND CHECKS, INTERVIEWS AND TESTING WERE DONE, THERE WERE 3 FINALISTS...

2 MEN AND A WOMAN.

FOR THE FINAL TEST, THE CIA AGENTS TOOK ONE OF THE MEN TO A LARGE  METAL DOOR AND HANDED HIM A GUN. "WE MUST KNOW THAT YOU WILL FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTIONS, NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. INSIDE THIS ROOM,

YOU WILL FIND YOUR WIFE SITTING IN A CHAIR. "KILL HER!!!"

THE MAN SAID, "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS. I COULD NEVER SHOOT MY WIFE."

THE AGENT SAID, "THEN YOU'RE NOT THE RIGHT MAN FOR THIS JOB. TAKE YOUR WIFE AND GO HOME."

THE SECOND MAN WAS GIVEN THE SAME INSTRUCTIONS. HE TOOK THE GUN AND WENT INTO THE ROOM. ALL WAS QUIET FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. THEN THE MAN CAME OUT WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES. "I TRIED, BUT I CAN'T KILL MY WIFE."

THE AGENT SAID, "YOU DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. TAKE YOUR WIFE AND GO HOME."

FINALLY, IT WAS THE WOMAN'S! TURN. SHE WAS GIVEN THE SAME INSTRUCTIONS TO KILL HER HUSBAND. SHE TOOK THE GUN AND WENT INTO THE ROOM. SHOTS WERE  HEARD, ONE SHOT AFTER ANOTHER. THEY HEARD SCREAMING, CRASHING, BANGING ON THE WALLS. AFTER A FEW MINUTES,

ALL WAS QUIET. THE DOOR OPENED SLOWLY AND THERE STOOD THE  WOMAN.

SHE WIPED THE SWEAT FROM HER BROW. "THIS GUN IS LOADED WITH BLANKS",   SHE SAID. "I HAD TO BEAT HIM TO DEATH WITH THE CHAIR."

There is something funny yet disturbing about this little story.  what do you think?

Well as of last night I am engaged to Bryce!  We set a date for the 10th of December 2004 to be married.  We don't have a ring yet but are going to go get one saturday.  We did a lot of talking about it yesterday and this morning.  I am so excited! 

I will blog more later when I have more time.  Ciao!

My friend Nate has this thing with not wanting anyone to know this juicy piece of information.  To bad for him it is just too good not to share.  Since I have told all of you about it.  I thought I would share this bit of fun.  And yes, I did send it to him!

Dear Friend (Nate),

Sweetheart, you should not have told me about your being in that magazine if you did not want everyone I know to know as well.  Oh, that is right you didn’t tell me, another friend of ours told me.  Silly boy, didn’t you know, that kind of information is too juicy not to share.  It is not everyday that an ordinary little girl like my wee self finds herself in the position of having a fabulous piece of gossip to tell.  I must claim bragging rights!  It is only fair.  I mean, give me a break, knowing Utah’s most eligible bachelor (according to Cosmo mag.) is something to talk about.  ;-P  Not to mention the fact that you let it slip that they took a lot of pictures of you with your shirt off.  Now I have not had the pleasure, as of yet, to see you with my own eyes without your shirt but I have been told, by many, that it is quite the sight and not one to be missed!  You can bet that they will use one of those, no doubt, very scrumptious photos in the magazine.  Come on, you have to admit the fact that you really do enjoy the notoriety it brings you.  You know for a fact that once the magazine comes out in October that you are going to be absolutely dripping girls and no longer have time for your wee little friends.  You may actually have to go on a second date with one or two out of the thousands that will be shortly stalking you.  You might even enjoy the fact that your phone will no longer have any memory left because of all the phone numbers you will be collecting.  Perhaps you should hire a personal secretary to take care of such mundane matters as scheduling your first dates around your busy work schedule.  In fact, since you are the marketing director for a couple of prominent malls you may want to just sit out at a table and sign copies of Cosmo for all the girls. This would definitely increase traffic there.  Make sure that you advertise it well.  The girls will come in droves just to get a look at your gorgeous self.  Make up a signal for your secretary and they can discreetly write down the phone numbers of the girls that pique your interest.    Well, I have more than likely embarrassed you enough for one afternoon.  Do expect it to continue.  I can only give you fair warning. 

Hugs and kisses and all that jazz,

A friend (Mel) 

Alright I just tried to use an emoticon and the blasted thing made my blog disappear.  How frustrating!!!!!!  Now where was I?

Oh, yes.  I went to the dentist this morning to get two cavities filled.  One on each side of my mouth.  So the dentist had to numb my whole mouth.  It is quite the experience.  You should try it sometime.  You may find it quite entertaining.  Everyone at work is making fun of me because not only can I not speak very well but I look funny too!  I can't smile properly - it comes out lopsided and I just look lopsided.(at least to me)  Drinking water is a new and exciting experience since I can't feel where the water is going until it is dribbling down my neck.  Yep my chin is numb too!  I can't say my s's or f's. My tongue feels double its normal size.  Oh and I am starting to get a little bit of feeling back so things are getting all warm and tingley.  Have you tried putting on chapstick when you can't feel your lips?  It is quite an interesting experiment in futility.  You get alot of chapstick on your cheek.  Hmmm...I wonder what it would be like to kiss with a numb mouth.  It might be quite interesting.  I may have to try it and report my findings. 

My supervisor Trevar just came in my office and saw my tblog up on my screen.  He asked me why I named it Another Planet?.  This made me think.  Why did I name it that?

Well I came up with several answers. 

Sometimes I feel like I live on a whole different planet than most people.  I suppose you would call me a bit of an oddball.  I tend to do things a little different than most people.  I am who I am.

Then there are the times when I wish I was living on another planet.  You know how when you are having a bad day or things just aren’t working out how you want them to and you need to escape for a few minutes but it is physically impossible, so you let your mind wander?  Yeah I am one of those people who do that.  I will dream up a world that suits me in that moment.  Does anyone ever wish that they could watch their life from a third person perspective?  Sometimes I think that I would.  It would be interesting to see how you look and act. 

Well, Marie just came in to chat with me and I lost my train of thought so that is all you get for today!  Have a great weekend everyone!