Thursday, August 28, 2003

Yep, I'm back again and so soon too. :-)

Went on that second interview this morning for the Client Service Assistant position and it went very well. I believe I have one more interview and then will know whether I got the position or not. I've applied for several others in case this one bottoms out. Do not want to be out on the streets after October 10th. Wish me luck!

Last evening, after my chiropractor visit, I headed back into Manhattan and the upper westside near Columbia University. Participated, as a volunteer, in my first Dennis Kucinich campaign [Democrat] meeting for the NYC area. There was myself and about 20 other individuals in attendance. It was quite interesting and informative. I've never done volunteer work before in regards to anyone's political campaign. I'm treading new waters here, yah know. What got several of the volunteers into heated discussions last evening was on the topic of delegates and campaign research. We also received lots of freebies on Dennis to hand out to NYC voters. Rock on!

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Some more interesting news ... work and social related.

First the work situation ... I have another interview tomorrow morning for that Client Service Assistant position at the office. This time with a different partner in that group and/or division. After that I than have to be interviewed by one more partner and that'll take place after Labor Day weekend. Also, ran into a co-worker from my old group, he said there may be an Administrative Assistant opening soon and they want me for the spot. So things are starting to get abit interesting. Stay tuned............

The other news ... I went to the Howard Dean Rally last evening in Bryant Park, here in Manhattan. Dean was or still is governor of Vermont and hopes to be the Democratic candidate running for president in 2004. Out of all the democrat hopefuls the candidates I'm leaning towards are Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich. Anyhow ... it was a fun rally with music, art, speeches and of course an appearance by the man himself. From what we were told, before Dean showed up, the event was being filmed live for commerical usage. Dean had lots of interesting things to say ... was on stage for about 20 to 30 minutes and really got the crowd pumped. Stood throughout the whole event, so naturally my feet and lower back were zonked by time I got home at 11:30pm. Stay tuned for more news...............

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Establishment pundits and corporate Democrats had hoped the Kucinich campaign would just disappear. But with new hiring across the country, expansion of the website and enhanced constituency outreach, but the campaign keeps growing.

NEW VIDEO ON THE WEB: A powerful video about Dennis Kucinich -- his history, issues and campaign -- is viewable on Kucinich website [see link below]. Spread this video, "This Is The Moment," to your friends [if you wish]. It is hosted by actor Hector Elizondo and features Ed Asner, James Cromwell and Mimi Kennedy.

http://kucinich.us/thisisthemoment.htm

Monday, August 25, 2003

On Sunday I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art up on 5th Avenue and 80th Street. It was another gorgeous day in NYC and would be crazy not to take advantage of it. Yah know? Before arriving at the museum, I stopped by a street vendor to purchase a book I'd been wanting for awhile on WW1. Also purchased a terrific print from an artist. At the museum visited several fascinating exhibits ... such as: Central Part - A Sesquicentennial Celebration, Celebrating Saint Petersburg and finally Roy Lichtenstein On The Roof. I'd never been up to the roof garden at the Met and let me tell you the views are fantastic. Oh my gosh! Took my breath away looking at the views and then I remembered I was up there to see the exhibit. While up on the roof garden I got to chatting with an amusing, interesting couple [Joan & Robert] and the gent treated me to a glass of white wine. [One could tell that other folk were very much in congenial mode.] This couple had recently become engaged and returned from a lovely trip to Scotland. While talking about several topics, Joan spotted one of her co-workers who was there with his family. We all talked for abit about recent blackout and star gazing. It was all very enjoyable.

Back at home I received a voicemail from Rob, whom I'd met the day before at a ferret meetup. I called him back on his cell phone and he was on his bike on the Pulaski Bridge. Which isn't far from my apartment, as he lives in Astoria [Queens]. I was heading out again, this time to local park to relax on a blanket under a shady tree. So Rob joined me for an hour or so. We talked about a number of things and became better acquainted. I'm liken this dude. [I can tell he's younger than me by at least 10 years+, but what the hell.] Stay tuned.............

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RAINBOW BRIDGE
[Regarding Ferrets]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our speical friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to healthy and vigor, those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, bu the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, you hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

[author unknown]

Saturday, August 23, 2003

Some cool news and not so cool news. First the "not so cool" news ... if I don't get a new permanent position at E&Y by October 10th, then I'm out of work, hitting un-employment and signing up with agencies. Ugh! Sigh! Let's hope luck and good fortune is on my side, so I can continue working for E&Y. Say a prayer or two for me. Now the cool news ... at lunch today I met up with some terrific folk who are totally into ferrets. Thru the Internet one can sign up for "ferret meetups", which are held once a month at funky cafe's or restaurants in Manhattan. Today at 1pm ... there were four [ie: Melissa, Randy, Rob & me] of us who met up at Big City Bar & Grill on upper eastside. Not a bad establishment, service sucked tho, but the food was good and prices were decent. The weather is gorgeous today, so we sat outside under the awnings to partake of drink, food, plus fun and interesting conversation. I had such a great time and Rob is a cutie. Melissa used to own ferrets ... Randy has one ferret [Casper] ... Rob has two furkids [Sluggo & Wally]. I don't own ferrets, but do volunteer work at a shelter in Yonkers. Which they thought was very cool and enjoyed looking at the pix I brought of the shelter furkids. The next "meetup" will be on either September 20th or 27th. Looking forward to it. :-)

Thursday, August 21, 2003

Well folks, just heard the status for the Client Service Assistant position I've applied for at my firm. Went on first interview yesterday and it went very well. [The CSA positon sounds terrific, absorbing, challenging & new direction for my career.] I heard from HR today and they want me to interview with the two remaining partners early next week. Its been narrowed down to me and two others for the position. Stay tuned and wish me luck!

Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Nothing to report today
Now for some work related news ... as you all know I finished all that testing last week. So glad that is over and done with, as it was a strain on the nerves. Anyhow, I applied for two open positions within the firms database and went on first interview this morning. It went very well my meeting with the partner of the HF Group at E&Y. The position of Client Service Assistant is newly created in the department. Sounds like it would be a steady pace of challenging work/projects. Which I very much want right now. Need to broaden my skills and boost my career. Stay tuned....................

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

[Note: An email message below I received yesterday from "Howard Dean for America" campaign. If you wish to read on and take action, please do so, if not, I would completely understand and respect your decision. Thank you.]

*************************

The impact you have had on politics in this country is simply amazing. Everywhere I go, people want to talk about the power of the grassroots--a power that you have helped to demonstrate. Whenever I meet with elected officials, labor leaders, members of civic organizations and other Americans, their number one question is, can the grassroots sustain the momentum? Can we build a grassroots campaign large enough to take on the special interests, win the nomination, and defeat President Bush in 2004?

I believe we can, but the next 42 days are a crucial time for us to prove that the grassroots has the power to take our country back. Today, you stand with nearly 300,000 other Americans, united in our cause. Our goal is to have 450,000 American supporters by September 30th. We are going to reach that goal by continuing to spread our message that we are restoring the American community and our nation's role as an idealistic moral force in world affairs.

To spread that message, we will be traveling to eight cities in four days as part of our "Sleepless Summer Tour," beginning this Saturday, August 23rd. Please sign up to attend if you live in a city we'll be visiting, or ask your friends who live nearby to sign up and attend. You can find out more about the tour by clicking here:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/sleeplesssummer

This campaign is about bringing people together and standing up for the ideals and freedoms that make us Americans. This Administration has unnecessarily compromised those freedoms and ideals in the name of fighting terrorism. Through the USA Patriot Act, the Ashcroft Justice Department took advantage of the climate of fear that followed the attacks of September 11 to adopt a series of anti-terror tactics that go far beyond protecting our country and erode the rights of average Americans.

This week, Attorney General Ashcroft is touring the country to build support for his 'Victory Act,' which would expand the Patriot Act. Join me in taking a stand against John Ashcroft's plans by clicking on the link below and signing the petition to stop the passage of the Victory Act:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/stopashcroft

Sunday, August 17, 2003

BLACKOUT 2003!

Whoa! OMG! It was certainly a funky 24 to 48 hours! We finally got electricity here in my section of Brooklyn at 3:30pm Friday afternoon. [Turned the A/C on right away.] I was working on my bills at the time in my kitchen, in particular the Con Edison statement. Weird ... huh? Windows wide open and curtains drawn back to let in all the sunlight.

At work, on Thursday, I was in the middle of typing an email to my friend Nancie in DC/VA area when the blackout hit. Our large office building immediately kicked on the generators, so we'd have some lights and have at least two elevators operating. Everyone in the office, after 30 seconds of silence, were like ... "what the f--k?!?" One of the partners I'm currently covering called his wife in NJ and they had no power. Looked out the windows from our 28th floor and no lights anywhere, even the traffic lights were out. Believe it or not, some folk in my office continued to work, while others like me, walked around chatting with co-workers.

Our phones died about 20 minutes after the blackout occured. Before that happened I was able to call my Mom and learned they were blacked out too. My parents live in upstate NY near VT. Also called Josee in Quebue to ask her to check the news on telly. In middle of our call the phone line dies. Stayed at the office until 7:25pm hanging out with co-workers. Whether it was on 28th floor, the building lobby or in the cafeteria [22nd floor for free food & drink]. At one point I was looking out of 28th floor window towards westside and couldn't believe the huge crowd of people waiting outside of Port Authority. No one was letting them in to access buses! [Same held true later on when I was riding crosstown bus and saw the huge crowds outside of Grand Central Station.]

After 7pm the PA announcement [fire warden] said they were shutting down both elevators and basically wanted those who where left to either stay on 8th floor [computer center], lobby or evacuate the building. I choose the latter and glad I did. Waited 10 minutes or so for a crosstown bus on 42nd street, which took me over to the eastside. Then walked down to 34th street and East River. [I was wearing a dress that day with 1 1/2 inch heel sandels. I had sore, swollen feet by time I got home.] From there caught a $3 one-way ferry boat over to Long Island City. While on the ferry boat I got to chatting with a few folk and one nice lady [Cheryl] lent me her cell phone, so I could make a quick call to Mom. Once off the boat in Long Island City I walked down Borden Avenue, then over near Pulaski Bridge, hoping the B61 bus would be running. At the bus stop I learned that no bus had been there for one hour! Chatted with a few ladies and one decided to walk over the bridge with me to our neighborhood. [She lived seven blocks past my place.] Thankfully she had a small, but working flashlight. The walk home was about 30 minutes.

Got to my apartment at 9:30pm and I think I know now how a blind person feels. Groping my way down the pitch-black hallway to my apartment door. Feeling the key holes, inserting keys and then slowly feeling my way into kitchen to get matches to light candles. Quite an experience, let me tell you! At least my phone works and water running so I could take a shower. Man was I sweating! Yuck! Even after opening all the windows my apartment never really cooled off, yah know. [Quickly made a few phone calls.] Seemed like most people were outside until almost midnight. Rough trying to sleep in those conditions, but I managed to get at least 5 hours or so of shut-eye.

Walked around the neighborhood Friday AM and most shops were closed. Ran into John, my neighbor, and we talked about "events". Don't know what I ate Friday, but for 3 hours in the late afternoon to early evening, I had a nasty case of the shits. That wacked me out and I was in bed by 8:30pm. Was feeling much better by Saturday AM. Once the electricity came on I was able to go to ATM, cleaners, do laundry and do some grocery shopping at local health-food store. All while I was feeling ill. On Saturday I took care of more chores, shopping, farmers market, pharmacy, emails, get a manicure/pedicure, etc, etc. Now its sunday and I'm just going to take it easy.

Also, on Thursday, I had a lunch date with a chap who's name is George and is Scottish. [Ate at an Irish Pub in Times Square.] Met him via Yahoo Instant Messenger on the Internet. He's a nice, older chap and we had a nice time. Wasn't romantically attracted to him [no sparks]. His conversation was amusing ... but really have no intentions of seeing him again. Other news ... I finally took the last two exams at work and my overall scores were about average. Plus I applied for two more positions which I hope to interview for shortly at work. Stay tuned.............

Monday, August 11, 2003

Whew! My past work week was very busy [clock in over 2 1/2 hrs OT] with not one, but two assignments and one exam. I think I passed on the exam, but haven't heard back from HR yet. This week I have two more exams to study for and take. Wish there was more news, but sadly there isn't, well, I've been chatting on the phone with a new guy [George]. So maybe that'll lead to something. Had a session with my personal trainer on Thursday and Chiropractor visit on Saturday. Most of the time it was work, work, work.

Sunday, August 03, 2003

A first for me this past Friday evening ... I visited the Whitney Museum of American Art here in Manhattan. Friday evenings are great for certain museums ... as they have a policy of "voluntary donation". Meaning you don't have to pay the regular admission fee. If you want to pay a dollar ... go right ahead. In the case of the Whitney, between 6pm and closing at 9pm, you only pay a "voluntary donation". This suits me just fine. Same with the Guggenheim on Friday evenings from 5:30pm until closing at 8:30pm. Don't think the travel books tell you this stuff, but we New Yorkers know all about it. Yeah! Anyhow ... joined my friend Debbie at 6pm to see several cool, funky exhibits at the Whitney. One was called "The American Effect" [how artist & filmmakers perceive US abroad], there was a small exhibit on Edward Hopper and also drawings by Louise Bourgeois. Afterwards we nipped over to a Starbucks for refreshment and conversation.

On Saturday I went up to Yonkers to do my volunteer work at Ferret Shelter. It has been two months since I was last up there and I missed the furkids. One bit of sad news, was that one of the regulars at shelter that I'm fond of passed away a week ago. Poor little Spats didn't recover from surgery or kemo on his Insulomia. I'll miss the little fella. On a bright note, Joanne informed me that Sweet Pea pulled thru on her Adrenal surgery and is doing just fine. She's a hardy oldster and cute little thang. Several adoptable newbies at the shelter that a young and full of energy. Did my usual duties at shelter ... brushing/grooming fur, cleaning ears, play time, giving out treats, filling up water bottles, etc. During tea break Joanne and I caught up on news and gossip, while Mushy sat on my lap.

Now on to political notes & articles et al:

A VOITNG & DEMOCRACY PRIMER
By Don Hazen, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/html?StoryID=16472

COMPUTER VOTING IS OPEN TO EASY FRAUD, EXPERTS SAY
By John Schwartz, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/technology/24VOTE.html

THE VOTING RIGHTS STRUGGLE OF OUR TIME
By Kim Alexander, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=164767

JIM CROW REVIVED IN CYBERSPACE
By Greg Palast & Martin Luther King III, GregPalast.com
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=15890

BALLOTS CAN KEEP BULLETS FROM FLYING
By John Moyers & Elizabeth Ready, TomPaine.com
http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/7605

Friday, August 01, 2003

Another work week is coming to a close here in bustling, noicy, crowded Times Square. When leaving the office at lunch time or to go home, one has to deal with crowds of tourists, theater-goers and other office workers like me. As one of my co-workers terms it ... a constant parade of humanity & never a dull moment. As to work itself ... its been interesting, busy and a few hiccups along the way. I'm glad its Friday ... amen! Other bits of gossipy office news ... lots of attractive men in this firm ... woohoo! Plus, I also notice many married, pregnant gals who work for the firm. Yep, lots of couples are populating the NYC area with newborns. Getting a better handle on the elevator workings, office layout and routine of the large cafeteria.

Yesterday evening, after my one-hour session with personal trainer, I'm walking to the subway down Lexington Avenue when I had a brief "celebrity" sighting. Well, she's not a big celeb, but relatively known on television since the early 1970s. I'm waiting at an intersection for the light to change, so that I can cross, when I hear three people chatting behind me. Nothing wrong with that, but I recognized the one voice. So I casually glance around and did a double take, cause I recognized the woman. She's got one of those voices that is, as far as I'm concerned, very distinctive. Talks that way onscreen and off. It was Georgia Engel, who played Ted Baxter's wife [Georgette] on the hit 1970s tv series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". Nowadays she's no longer the bubbly looking blonde. She seems more matronly with short honey colored hair. Have no idea who the two people were that she was with or talking too.

Other news ... awaiting my order of Pearl Jam MSG CD boots from 10 Club. And tomorrow its ferret shelter day up in Yonkers. Hurray! On that note, must sign off and get back to work, as lunch hour is complete.