When Fantasy and Reality Collide...

I got a e-mail from an old friend today. They were talking about character blogging-- which is something I used to LOVE to do. I still keep up the "Olivia" blog, but have been neglecting to Chloe's blog. The flame just burned out there, I suppose-- although, I really enjoy reading the old posts. It was a good time, and very therapeutic, to say the least.

Even as an adult, there's nothing like "pretend time". Getting to be someone else for just a little while, being able to let go of all the things that the are dragging you down in your life. For that few moments in time, there's no worrying about bills, health, jobs, anything that's weighing you down in your life-- you get to be a completely different person.

For a long time, I thought I was crazy, but I realize, that it's completely normal to want to escape reality on occasion, and what's more therapeutic than writing? So here's to you, dear friend, and all others who enjoy escape by fiction!

PS: I was looking at the picture of "Chloe" and a picture of myself, and you know, it's kinda scary-- judge for yourself.

Christy:


Chloe':

A Ray Of Sunshine...

Chris and I just celebrated our 4th anniversary in December. This past year has been anything but easy for us. I've been feeling down again, wondering what we're going to do with our lives-- you know, that sort of thing. I think we all get in these ruts from time to time, wondering where our lives are going, what we're really going to do, are we really making a difference.

After spending most of the day feeling sorry for myself, I finally decided to snap out of it. I know that one way or another, I'm going to end up right where I'm supposed to be, and that I will make something out of myself. In the process, I was looking at our wedding pictures and reflecting. I was over 100lbs heavier, and looked like a bloated whale! Aside from that, the pictures that I DO have from our wedding, are pitiful. For those of you who don't know, I have very few "good" wedding pictures. Our photographer double exposed 72 of our wedding pictures.

Ok, so not gonna talk about that-- terribly depressing. The good news is, I DID stop payment on the check to the photographer, so they didn't get a dime for that shitty work on my photographs. Anyway, where I'm actually going with this post. I told Chris, that for our 10th anniversary, what I'd like more than anything is to go to Tahiti and Easter Island, and renew our vows. Hopefully by that time, I'll be even smaller, and be able to look the way I'd like to in a dress. In addition to being able to look the way I'd like, I'll be going to the two places in this world, I'd be willing to die to see *AKA: Get on the plane to see*. It's really given me something to look forward to!

I've had a dream to see these two places for as long as I can remember, and truly thought they'd always be a dream. Now, we're taking action. We're doing something to make them come true, and I feel really good about that. I hope you enjoy the pics I've posted here, these are some of the things I want to see, and do :0)

Blogger Sucks-- Yet Again....

*Sighs*

I had typed up a nice post, that Blogger so graciously ate for me. So, I'm going to share this nice little meme instead. Please, feel free to borry, steal, reply, whatever your heart desires :0)

Grad Year: 1996

1. Who was your best friend? Monger AKA: Jennifer

2. What sports did you play? Thanks to that lovely cyst in my back, none :0(

3. What kind of car did you drive? Red Honda CRX

4. It's Friday night, where were you? Prosound, Crusing the AMC, Somewhere in JC

5. Were you a party animal? Of course! I had the BEST party of 1994!

6. Were you in the "In Crowd"? You know it!

7. Ever skip school? Uh- yeah!

8. Ever smoke? Of course

9. Were you a nerd? Hell No!

10. Did you get suspended/expelled? Nope

11. Can you sing the alma mater? Absolutely!

12. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Johnson

13. Favorite class? Biochemistry

14. What was your schools full name? Elizabethton High School

15. School mascott? Cyclone

16. Did you go to Prom? Yes, and it was boring as hell!

17. If you could go back and do it over, would you? In a heartbeat!

18. What do you remember most about graduation? Jessie Strickland telling us our graduating class was like a "bamboo tree"-- I tuned out after that!

19. Favorite memory of your Senior Year? Senior Night 1995

20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall? You know, I honestly don't remember?

21. Did you have a job your senior year? Yes

22. Who did you date? I REALLY don't want to talk about that one... There are a few I'd prefer NOT to remember!

23. Where did you go most often for lunch? The damn lunchroom

24. Have you gained weight since then? A lot, and lost it all :0)

25. What did you do after graduation? Worked at Merle Norman Cosmetics

Weekend Randomness...

I know it's been a few days since I've updated-- I've been busy with the new family members!

-- Speaking of, the cat count just went up to 3. We adopted Noah on saturday. He was VanGogh's "cage mate", at the shelter, and they said he hadn't eaten since VanGogh left, so we went and got him. We now have 3 happy cats!

-- For those of you who are looking to adopt a cat, dog, ect., the animals at your local Pet's Mart, are all shelter animals looking for good homes, that's where we got ours.

-- I have a job interview in the morning. Am excited, yet hesitant. It's at *another* cell phone place. I've heard it's much better than Sprint *AKA: Satan lives at exit 7-- Bonham Road, he's there*. BUT we'll see.

-- If all goes well, Chris will be back to work by the middle of next month, which means HEALTH INSURANCE!!! Yay!

-- I was really annoyed last night. The Angry Beavers were supposed to be on Nick2, but some other cartoon was on. Yeah, I know, I don't have much in my life.


Ok, this was short, and kinda pitiful. I've just been busy trying to get the new cats adjusted to their new home. Let me tell you, when you have cats like these, it's a full time job. Even with all of the new animals, I still really miss Morris, and am still having a hard time with his passing.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend, and been able to get some rest!

Does It Get Any Better???

This post will be somewhat random, so I apologize in advance if you have a hard time following me. Over a period of 24 hours, two things that I've been looking for, for well over two years, I've found. I lost my beauty school diploma shortly after getting my job at Proffitts' in 2004. I've searched my house from top to bottom numerous times. I've torn my desk apart on more than one occasion. Last night, the urge to look, again, was strong. I began to go through the desk, and low and behold, there it was! I couldn't believe it! I found it! I know, it's just a piece of paper, but it meant so much to me. I mean, hell, it took discipline for me to get out of bed to actually go and get some education for the few months I actually had to go to school. I could actually say I was a college graduate-- even if it was a technical college.

Second, the one that meant the most. Tonight, as I was surfing around on MySpace, it hit me-- Missy probably has a MySpace, too. Well, at least I hoped she did. Missy was my best friend in beauty school. I absolutely loved that girl! We had so much fun together! After we graduated, we kept in touch, but not as much as I would've liked. At some point in time in 2003, she moved, and we lost touch. I've been searching for her since 2004, with no luck. I knew her full name, maiden name, birthday, nearly everything, but couldn't find her. Tonight, on a whim, and a quick search, I was able to find her. I sent her a friend request, so hopefully the next time she logs on, we'll be able to get back in touch.

Cat update: They're adjusting well to their new home. Both were adopted from the Sullivan County Humane Society, via Pet's Mart in Kingsport. VanGogh was given his name by his former surrogate parent, due to the fact that most of his right ear is missing. Granted, the artist was missing his left ear, but it fits nonetheless. He's a huge cat, and a first class "fraidy cat!" He was terrified of Lil' Mo, a very small 5 month old orange tabby! They're both doing well, and I'm enjoying having them in our home!

I can't believe my luck! For as shitty as things have been for the past year-- things are FINALLY taking a turn for the better!

Ready Or Not...

I have new family members. I'm still not over losing my precious Morris cat. However, I know there are animals that are all alone, needing love and a good home. Because of this, we've welcomed two new members to our family. VanGogh, and Lil' Morris. They'll never replace Morris, but have been a nice addition. It's good to have fur in my home again, and the greeting of a "meow" or "purr" when I walk by! Enjoy!

Thanks To All..... And Happy Birthday Penny Meat Patty!!!

First, thanks to all who e-mailed, called, and left kind words of comfort and encouragement for me. It TRULY means a lot to have so many people who care, and helped me through this very difficult time. I appreciate ALL you've done for me!

Second, Michael, AKA: Penny Meat Patty's birthday party was today! As you can tell, we bought him a "Penny Meat Patty"! For those of you who don't know what a "Penny Meat Patty" is, let me explain. At McDonald's, for 99 cents, you can purchase a regular cheeseburger- BUT for only $1.00, you can get a DOUBLE cheeseburger for 1 penny more, which stands to reason that a patty of meat is really only a penny-- therefore, making it a "Penny Meat Patty". Michael enlightened us with this nugget of joy, that's why we call him, "Penny Meat Patty". So, Happy Birthday Penny Meat Patty! We love ya!

Rest In Peace, My Precious Morris Cat

At about 12:15, my precious Morris Cat passed away at the vet's office. His lungs were collapsed, and there was fluid surrounding them. His kidneys were failing, along with his heart. It is believed he had cancer as well. He lived a very good life. He had more love and attention than any other animal alive. When I brought him home from T.A Dugger Jr. High School, and saved him from an untimely death in March of 1998, it was me who was truly blessed. I had the "dream cat", that I had always wanted. He was orange, male, fat, and extremely loveable-- the cat I had ALWAYS wanted. Aunt Judy allowed me to bring him home on the condition we'd try to find his owners (despite that the Jr. High had tried for over a month to find them).

I readily agreed, and Morris rode home on my lap, looking out the window to the world. When he was safely at my aunt's house, I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart, buying him a cute collar, and an engraved name tag. Yep, it had his name, "Morris", and my home phone number on it, so he would be MINE, and there was no taking him away. I loved that cat with all my heart for the almost 9 years. He gave me so much love, comfort, and joy. He knew when I was sad, and when I was sick. He comforted me when I needed comfort, and love anytime I wanted and/or needed it. I'd never had an animal like him, and never will again. How can you top perfection?

I've included a picture of the urn we purchased today for him. I already knew when we went to the crematorium what I wanted. I had seen it years ago, when my beloved TJ passed. I went in today, knowing what I wanted, and came out with something completely different. I couldn't believe it. I believe Morris was telling me what he wanted. It's beautiful, and him. I've included a picture below. I also picked up a book that is helping so much. It's titled, "Do Pets Go To Heaven?", by Dennis Callen. It's so comforting, and just what I needed.

Thank you all for your loving words, thoughts and prayers. They mean so much right now during this difficult time. Much love!

Prayers For Morris

My beloved cat, and dear family member, Morris is sick-- very sick. Chris took him to the vet today, and it doesn't look good. They drew some blood, and will be calling us back tomorrow with the results. I'm terrified I'm going to lose him, and just don't know if I can handle it. I love that cat more than anything, he is my world. Losing him will literally break my heart. I don't care who you pray to, even if it's yourself, please pray for him. He need all the love and prayers he can get. Thanks all.

Always Reflecting...

Since I've not been working, I've had more time on my hands than I'm used to. Even though I wasn't at ACT all that long, the time I was there, I was completely dedicated. My life was going full-force. I was going non-stop from the time I walked in the door, until the time I went home, and then some. Since leaving on the 22nd, I've had nothing but time to think. I've relected on my *past* job, friends, and life in general.

As I was taking my bubble bath last night at 3:30am it hit me. I know each and every one of you have heard someone say, at some point in time, "Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have." Ok, yeah, it's cheesy, and pisses you off when someone tells you that-- or at least it used to always piss me off. Anyway, you know, it's so very, very true. How many people in my life, had they loved me the way I wanted them to, would've messed me up royally? I mean, for instance, had PC and TM shown me the attention or "love" that I secretly desired, where would I be right now? In deep shit. Totally.

As much as it hurt, losing my job at ACT was the best thing that could've ever happened to me. There's no way I could've continued to work there and anything good come of it. Granted, I had friends there that I cherished, and still do-- however, with the men, it was a ticking timebomb just waiting to explode. I know now that I'm better off-- even if the company is losing one of the best receptionist they ever had.

While comtemplating that, I thought of all the friends I've had in my life- of all the people who have come and gone. There are so many people who have come in and out of my life, and touched me deeply for one reason or another. There are so many people I've fallen out of touch with, and often wonder how they are. For instance- Holly, Jess, Geraldine, Mary, and Little Bit. They were part of my life, daily, for two years. We talked daily, and were there to make each other smile, and lift each other up when things weren't going the best. I miss that. Geraldine, Holly, and Little Bit still work at Belk in Bristol. Mary still lives in Bristol, I see her a couple of times a year and keep in touch via e-mail. Jess, I have no idea. I miss those girls. They were my family. Even though *for the most part* I can talk to them when I need to, it's not the same not seeing them daily. It's not the same not having Proffits' anymore.

I've only been on this earth 28 years, and in those 28 years, I've made so many memories. I've had to tell so many people good-bye, and good-bye forever. I've learned the hard way, to cherish every moment you have with those you love- to tell them you love them, that you never know when it's the last time you'll see them.

Today, tell someone you love them. Don't delay. Enjoy the memories of the past, they've shaped who you are today.

Happy New Year!!!

I had a wonderful New Year! I hope ya'll did as well! After church, my parents took us out to eat for our anniversary. Poor Chris is sick, and ended up in the bed very early. Our friend, Susan, invited us to her place for a party. Chris didn't feel like going, but sent me on anyway (since I haven't been out of the house since losing my job). I had a WONDERFUL time! It was great to spend the New Years with my friends, and loved onces. Here's some pics of the wild times!