Regrets, a lot of us have them and some of us don't. For me, being completely honest here, there is only one thing I truly regret. That is letting my elementary school fuck me over in my last year there (more of that later). Other than that, I wouldn't change anything because it has made me who I am today. With that being said, I think it's still fun to sit here & think about the things I could change if I had the chance. That is what this is about.
One of the things that I would change if I could is my whole entire elementary & high school years. Ok maybe not everything in my high school years but some of it. In elementary school, I would have fought back with words to my bullies, entertained myself on the playground instead of sitting up against the wall feeling invisible. Spoke up more to my teachers, told on the teacher that bullied me with his anger & I wouldn't have allowed my school to toss me away when there was no more room in the 7th grade class room. See when there was no more room in the class, they put me & a few other minorities in the 6th grade to fend for ourselves instead of getting a bigger class room or splitting the one 7th grade into two different class rooms. I went from 6th grade twice to 8th grade.
In high school, I would have tried out for badminton, tried harder to go to the prom, not have let my drama teacher make me feel stupid & I would have done that one skit for my drama class that would have caused me to cry a lot (it made me think of my grandfather that passed). I would have told one of my PE teachers to stick it when she told me that my asthma wouldn't act up during an exercise on the floor & for me to keep going. I also would have complained about her. When a dean threatened to suspend me if I went to him again about someone threatening me, I would have reported him along with the person that threatened me.
Away from school, I would have some how found a way to deal with the bullies at the apartments I lived in, would have tried to turn my friend's mom in for abuse, would have been more vocal to my family about how I was feeling about things instead of being to scared to speak up. I would have made someone listen. The people that have stolen from me pay in some way, report my next door neighbour to Social Services (doing drugs & having 2 young kids), Would have spoken more to a guy that was interested in me & I would have taken more time getting to know my dad's boyfriend turned husband. I would have gotten medicine a lot earlier for my asthma. I wouldn't have said certain things on the Internet or re-worded things.
That is pretty much all that I would change in my fantasy world. When it comes down to it, I really wouldn't change anything. I am me for a reason. I may be having some struggles with certain things but I am very thankful for what I do have. Things could be worse. We can always pretend & dream of changing things from the past but that would change everything else including who we are today. All we can do is effect our future by learning & dealing with our past.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Loooong Ass Day & A Music Man
I had a really long day but pretty eventful. My husband had gotten 2 free tickets to the baseball game & where awesome seats. We are not big sports fans but don't mind an occasional baseball game. So when he went to work, he dropped me off downtown. I didn't know exactly what time he would get off of work but it was most likely around 5pm. This gave me 7 hours to kill.
I walked around for about 6 hrs straight! I did stop a few times but just for a few mins. I did nothing but take pictures & ate lunch at McDonalds. I was thinking about eating Subway but decided to be bad & eat unhealthy. By 4:00, I couldn't do anymore. I waited at the Pavilion (shops & a movie theater)until 4:30 & decided to head towards the baseball stadium.
When I got there, I texted my hubby to tell him I was there, took a couple of pictures of the outside & took a picture of a guy with his camera. I guess he is going all over the place getting his photo taken in front of different stadiums because he said he had 5 more stadiums to go.I sat there watching other people/families take their photos in front of the place while one of the people would be left out. Then I had an idea, that maybe I could go down there when there are games & take these photos of the families for them with their cameras so everyone could be in the picture. I wouldn't charge anything but have a sign stating my service & saying tips are welcomed. Thing is, I don't know if I would be allowed to do it (if the stadium would have an issue). It is still something to think about.
Anyways, we get in and wow the seats were good! First, my husband & I have never been to Coors Field. It is a really nice place. Second, the few times we have been to a baseball game, it was never this close. We were behind home plate, I'd say about 10-15 rows back. Could be a little more but we were that close! (baseball players have cute butts ;) ) You know how in every game they have someone through the first pitch? Well the person they had was one of the survivors from the Aurora shooting. His leg was in some kind of support/splint. I almost started crying. To have something like that happen "close to home" & become sad is one thing but to see one of the actual victims breaks your heart. It makes it "more real". The game was awesome, the Rockies won (Colorado's team), some people in the audience caught fly balls, they threw bags cracker jacks from the VIP section during 'Take me out to the ball game', had some fans play little games/quizzes for prizes & as usual the bottled water was $3.50 when they only have to pay like $.25 : / It was still really fun.
When I was walking around downtown, I had pigeons at my feet, got a ton of photos, took some photos of things that were on my list to take & encountered a music man (it's what I call him). More about that in my 2nd half. Oh & I missed Darren Hayes in chat :( But hey, I enjoyed myself. :)
Second part
As I was walking towards the South Platte River, I encountered a guy walking around playing his harmonica. I loved it. He wasn't doing it for any real reason. He seemed content & like he really enjoyed giving people something to listen to as he passed by. I don't know how many enjoyed it or took time to "hear" it but I did. I like to think he does this often to bring something to people's lives. Giving us a gift of his music which he is pretty good at. Not asking for anything or wanting anything, just giving of himself. More people should do things like this while those that hear it, take time to listen & enjoy. Maybe it have people a little more relaxed even for a short time.
I walked around for about 6 hrs straight! I did stop a few times but just for a few mins. I did nothing but take pictures & ate lunch at McDonalds. I was thinking about eating Subway but decided to be bad & eat unhealthy. By 4:00, I couldn't do anymore. I waited at the Pavilion (shops & a movie theater)until 4:30 & decided to head towards the baseball stadium.
When I got there, I texted my hubby to tell him I was there, took a couple of pictures of the outside & took a picture of a guy with his camera. I guess he is going all over the place getting his photo taken in front of different stadiums because he said he had 5 more stadiums to go.I sat there watching other people/families take their photos in front of the place while one of the people would be left out. Then I had an idea, that maybe I could go down there when there are games & take these photos of the families for them with their cameras so everyone could be in the picture. I wouldn't charge anything but have a sign stating my service & saying tips are welcomed. Thing is, I don't know if I would be allowed to do it (if the stadium would have an issue). It is still something to think about.
Anyways, we get in and wow the seats were good! First, my husband & I have never been to Coors Field. It is a really nice place. Second, the few times we have been to a baseball game, it was never this close. We were behind home plate, I'd say about 10-15 rows back. Could be a little more but we were that close! (baseball players have cute butts ;) ) You know how in every game they have someone through the first pitch? Well the person they had was one of the survivors from the Aurora shooting. His leg was in some kind of support/splint. I almost started crying. To have something like that happen "close to home" & become sad is one thing but to see one of the actual victims breaks your heart. It makes it "more real". The game was awesome, the Rockies won (Colorado's team), some people in the audience caught fly balls, they threw bags cracker jacks from the VIP section during 'Take me out to the ball game', had some fans play little games/quizzes for prizes & as usual the bottled water was $3.50 when they only have to pay like $.25 : / It was still really fun.
When I was walking around downtown, I had pigeons at my feet, got a ton of photos, took some photos of things that were on my list to take & encountered a music man (it's what I call him). More about that in my 2nd half. Oh & I missed Darren Hayes in chat :( But hey, I enjoyed myself. :)
Second part
As I was walking towards the South Platte River, I encountered a guy walking around playing his harmonica. I loved it. He wasn't doing it for any real reason. He seemed content & like he really enjoyed giving people something to listen to as he passed by. I don't know how many enjoyed it or took time to "hear" it but I did. I like to think he does this often to bring something to people's lives. Giving us a gift of his music which he is pretty good at. Not asking for anything or wanting anything, just giving of himself. More people should do things like this while those that hear it, take time to listen & enjoy. Maybe it have people a little more relaxed even for a short time.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Misc. History: View Masters
This has taken me awhile to do. As a kid I remember having a view master & sitting in my room looking at the reels. I still have my reels. I know they still make them but it just doesn't seem the same back when I was a kid. Recently looking at my reels, I wondered where & when did it all start. I found the info & decided to share with everyone who remembers having a view master and/or has bought them for their kids. Here is what I found.
The view master goes back to the late 1930's in Portland, Oregon. Two guys named William Gruber & Harold Graves were the first to bring the view masters. Graves was president of Sawyers Photographic Services. He saw Gruber's camera rig had potential. They partnered up & the view master was born in 1938.
The view master was first intended to be as educational tool mostly aimed at adults. As time passed, it became more of children's entertainment. The view master was used in the US military & had special sets of reels to help them identify artillery & aircraft during WWII.
The Sawyer company had a rival, Tru-Vue company. The Sawyers bought the Tru-Vue company in 1951 & obtained the rights to have Disney characters on their reels.
In 1966, the General Aniline & film corporation purchased the view masters. They had a good run but the view masters were seen as a toy & slowly the market started to shrink.
In 1981 the company was sold to Arnold Thaler & was renamed as the view master international group. Then in 1989 it was sold to Tyco toys. In 1997 Mattel, Tyco & view master merged. The view master name continues on & is now produced under the name Fisher Price.
There have been many different kinds of view masers including characters like Mickey Mouse, Big Bird, Casper, Batman, Tweety & Power Rangers. Below is a slide show with the different types of view masters that have been produced over the years. I DO NOT OWN THE PHOTOS except for 2 of them, the all white talking view master with it's reels & the photo of a few different reel stories. The photo of the reels are from my personal (sm) collection from when I was a kid. I got my info from the web site:
I found a site in searching for info on view masters, where you can turn your photos into a view master reel. They have different packages & one includes a view master to view your reels if you don't have a view master. I think this is the coolest thing. The prices seem to be pretty reasonable too. Here is the web site if you are interested: http://www.cinti.net/~vmmasell/custom.html
The view master goes back to the late 1930's in Portland, Oregon. Two guys named William Gruber & Harold Graves were the first to bring the view masters. Graves was president of Sawyers Photographic Services. He saw Gruber's camera rig had potential. They partnered up & the view master was born in 1938.
The view master was first intended to be as educational tool mostly aimed at adults. As time passed, it became more of children's entertainment. The view master was used in the US military & had special sets of reels to help them identify artillery & aircraft during WWII.
The Sawyer company had a rival, Tru-Vue company. The Sawyers bought the Tru-Vue company in 1951 & obtained the rights to have Disney characters on their reels.
In 1966, the General Aniline & film corporation purchased the view masters. They had a good run but the view masters were seen as a toy & slowly the market started to shrink.
In 1981 the company was sold to Arnold Thaler & was renamed as the view master international group. Then in 1989 it was sold to Tyco toys. In 1997 Mattel, Tyco & view master merged. The view master name continues on & is now produced under the name Fisher Price.
There have been many different kinds of view masers including characters like Mickey Mouse, Big Bird, Casper, Batman, Tweety & Power Rangers. Below is a slide show with the different types of view masters that have been produced over the years. I DO NOT OWN THE PHOTOS except for 2 of them, the all white talking view master with it's reels & the photo of a few different reel stories. The photo of the reels are from my personal (sm) collection from when I was a kid. I got my info from the web site:
I found a site in searching for info on view masters, where you can turn your photos into a view master reel. They have different packages & one includes a view master to view your reels if you don't have a view master. I think this is the coolest thing. The prices seem to be pretty reasonable too. Here is the web site if you are interested: http://www.cinti.net/~vmmasell/custom.html
Friday, August 3, 2012
Chick-Fil-A & Gay Marriage
Chick-Fil-A has been in the news a lot lately. It's actually starting to drive me a little crazy if I must say. The owners of the company have always had their beliefs so I don't understand why all of a sudden people are protesting against them since it has been known for a long time that they are against same sex marriage. I also don't understand why there is a need to protest against them. Sure they are against same sex marriage & put a lot of money into fighting it to happen but all we have to do is not eat there if we don't like what they stand for.
I think their food is ok but I wouldn't go out of my way for it especially since I know they have been putting money against same sex marriage. On the other hand, I think this whole situation has been blown out of pro-portion. I am all for fighting for same sex marriage. I also believe that EVERYONE has a right to express how they feel, to believe in what they want & to do what they want with the money they make. The people at Chick-Fil-A has every right to have their business & create a life for themselves as long as they are not breaking any laws.
I keep seeing photos of people kissing in front of Chick-Fil-A restaurants. I don't know what good that will do to be honest. They are not going to change their minds. We should fight for equal rights for everyone & make sure the laws that are put out are human rights for everyone & not just the government making something illegal because of their beliefs in something. We however should not try to change other people's minds & beliefs just like they shouldn't try to change ours. We are free to think differently. If we start to try to change their minds, it can make us just as bad as them when they try to force everyone to belief what they believe in etc. We should just stick to trying to change the laws & not worry about the negative people unless they do something for us to take notice or come at us personally.
I am trying not to sound preachy but I just don't want to see the fighting for equal rights get out of hand & become something it shouldn't be. We should also know where our money is going & if we don't like what a company stands for, then we don't have to give them our money but unless they are doing something illegal, they should be left alone to do their business. They have their rights like we have ours. We will never be able to end hate but we can end how we handle things when we are faced with it. So I guess I am on both sides of the fence. I won't give Chick-Fil-A my money knowing some of it will go towards the fight against same sex marriage but I support them in having their business & their free will to believe in what they believe & this whole kissing in front of their stores is getting a little to much I think. We need to put the focus back in changing the laws & not into companies who can't, won't & shouldn't change their minds.
I think their food is ok but I wouldn't go out of my way for it especially since I know they have been putting money against same sex marriage. On the other hand, I think this whole situation has been blown out of pro-portion. I am all for fighting for same sex marriage. I also believe that EVERYONE has a right to express how they feel, to believe in what they want & to do what they want with the money they make. The people at Chick-Fil-A has every right to have their business & create a life for themselves as long as they are not breaking any laws.
I keep seeing photos of people kissing in front of Chick-Fil-A restaurants. I don't know what good that will do to be honest. They are not going to change their minds. We should fight for equal rights for everyone & make sure the laws that are put out are human rights for everyone & not just the government making something illegal because of their beliefs in something. We however should not try to change other people's minds & beliefs just like they shouldn't try to change ours. We are free to think differently. If we start to try to change their minds, it can make us just as bad as them when they try to force everyone to belief what they believe in etc. We should just stick to trying to change the laws & not worry about the negative people unless they do something for us to take notice or come at us personally.
I am trying not to sound preachy but I just don't want to see the fighting for equal rights get out of hand & become something it shouldn't be. We should also know where our money is going & if we don't like what a company stands for, then we don't have to give them our money but unless they are doing something illegal, they should be left alone to do their business. They have their rights like we have ours. We will never be able to end hate but we can end how we handle things when we are faced with it. So I guess I am on both sides of the fence. I won't give Chick-Fil-A my money knowing some of it will go towards the fight against same sex marriage but I support them in having their business & their free will to believe in what they believe & this whole kissing in front of their stores is getting a little to much I think. We need to put the focus back in changing the laws & not into companies who can't, won't & shouldn't change their minds.
A Fun Week In A Half
A lot happened this past week & a half. My dad came out to visit on the 23rd. I haven't seen him in about 5 or 6 yrs (due to money) so it was really nice to see him. In the next few days I will start up my writing again & finish the blog I started about the history of view masters so I can get it posted.
When my dad was here, we had had some fun days & down time. The first he arrived, my youngest son took us out to eat. The next day was my 40th birthday so we had a fun filled day. We went to Boulder, CO to do some things. We went to the Pearl street mall (their outdoor mall), went to Boulder falls which is just gorgeous, went to the Dushanbe tea house for lunch, saw the Mork & Mindy House (well the house that was used for the filming in the credits) then went to Boulder reservoir where we rented a paddle boat & took turns going onto the lake with it. It only seated 2 adults & 2 kids & there were 4 adults so we went back & forth. It was a lot of fun. I was kinda scared since I am scared of the water but we had life jackets on & it was beautiful & fun.
The next day since we had issues renting a car, my youngest son's girlfriend drove us to a couple of places one which was to a Mexican restaurant which my dad paid for since she took the time to drive us. The rest of the week we stayed home. We did walk to Subway for dinner one night & walked to a nearby park/trail. We couldn't go onto part of the trail though because apparently there were some coyote sightings & they had to close the closed in area.
Then Monday (the 30th) we finally was able to rent a car for a day so my dad & I went to the aquarium which was a lot of fun. They have some really huge fish. I came face to face with a shark but he was in the tank behind glass. Basically I was right up in front of the glass when he came around & past right by me. I fed a sting ray which was fun & felt really weird.
Tuesday my husband dropped us off down-town so we could do down-town things but my husband's starter stopped working so after 2 hrs we had to go home. We still had fun walking to the south platte river & walking in it. The rocky sand hurt my feet because there were a lot of rocks but it was still fun. I wanted to really go in the river & maybe go down the little fall parts but I wasn't dressed for it. That night we went to Casa Bountia (? on the spelling). It is an amazing Mexican restaurant. If you've seen South Park, you will know what I am talking about. My dad loved it & we got some old fashion western photos taken since they have one of those "booths" there.
On Wen. we went to Seven Falls. Freakin' gorgeous! I fed a chipmunk even though we are not supposed to. They were all over the place. They are so cute. At Seven Falls, there are 2 different staircases, one that takes you to a landing where you can see the the big waterfall. You can also use the elevator but that day it was broken. :( The other staircase went up the waterfall & to different trails that you can walk. This staircase has over 200 steps! I didn't go up since I have asthma & terrified of heights. I thought the elevator would take me there but it didn't plus it was broken. My husband & dad went up the stairs thinking they could meet me. I ended up staying at the bottom for awhile. My husband & I will go back there where I can slowly make my way up the stairs & try not to freak over how high we will be. It still was very nice & I had a nice time.
Thur. we took my dad to the airport. :( I miss him already & miss the rest of my family. It was really fun & I got to do things that I've been wanting to do. I also tried things that normally I would have turned away from. I hate saying goodbye & it's always hard to say it. Even though I love living where I am, I hate being away from my family.
South Platte River - wanted to ride down these "falls". The water felt so good.
When my dad was here, we had had some fun days & down time. The first he arrived, my youngest son took us out to eat. The next day was my 40th birthday so we had a fun filled day. We went to Boulder, CO to do some things. We went to the Pearl street mall (their outdoor mall), went to Boulder falls which is just gorgeous, went to the Dushanbe tea house for lunch, saw the Mork & Mindy House (well the house that was used for the filming in the credits) then went to Boulder reservoir where we rented a paddle boat & took turns going onto the lake with it. It only seated 2 adults & 2 kids & there were 4 adults so we went back & forth. It was a lot of fun. I was kinda scared since I am scared of the water but we had life jackets on & it was beautiful & fun.
The next day since we had issues renting a car, my youngest son's girlfriend drove us to a couple of places one which was to a Mexican restaurant which my dad paid for since she took the time to drive us. The rest of the week we stayed home. We did walk to Subway for dinner one night & walked to a nearby park/trail. We couldn't go onto part of the trail though because apparently there were some coyote sightings & they had to close the closed in area.
Then Monday (the 30th) we finally was able to rent a car for a day so my dad & I went to the aquarium which was a lot of fun. They have some really huge fish. I came face to face with a shark but he was in the tank behind glass. Basically I was right up in front of the glass when he came around & past right by me. I fed a sting ray which was fun & felt really weird.
Tuesday my husband dropped us off down-town so we could do down-town things but my husband's starter stopped working so after 2 hrs we had to go home. We still had fun walking to the south platte river & walking in it. The rocky sand hurt my feet because there were a lot of rocks but it was still fun. I wanted to really go in the river & maybe go down the little fall parts but I wasn't dressed for it. That night we went to Casa Bountia (? on the spelling). It is an amazing Mexican restaurant. If you've seen South Park, you will know what I am talking about. My dad loved it & we got some old fashion western photos taken since they have one of those "booths" there.
On Wen. we went to Seven Falls. Freakin' gorgeous! I fed a chipmunk even though we are not supposed to. They were all over the place. They are so cute. At Seven Falls, there are 2 different staircases, one that takes you to a landing where you can see the the big waterfall. You can also use the elevator but that day it was broken. :( The other staircase went up the waterfall & to different trails that you can walk. This staircase has over 200 steps! I didn't go up since I have asthma & terrified of heights. I thought the elevator would take me there but it didn't plus it was broken. My husband & dad went up the stairs thinking they could meet me. I ended up staying at the bottom for awhile. My husband & I will go back there where I can slowly make my way up the stairs & try not to freak over how high we will be. It still was very nice & I had a nice time.
Thur. we took my dad to the airport. :( I miss him already & miss the rest of my family. It was really fun & I got to do things that I've been wanting to do. I also tried things that normally I would have turned away from. I hate saying goodbye & it's always hard to say it. Even though I love living where I am, I hate being away from my family.
South Platte River - wanted to ride down these "falls". The water felt so good.
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