Part II - Piece (of) Work - It's a long story

So, where to begin on this subject. Woah. Last year I hooked up with Tina Jaime and Karen Rodgers on facebook after 30 years. The last time I saw them I was sitting on the curb in front of the business Tina owned with my little baby girl of 6 months. (who by the way was named Jaime after Tina) I was saying goodbye to my 2 close friends and colleagues after they shut the doors of TNT Keypunch Service and moved to Florida. A kiss a hug and a tear, and that was it. That was a sad day. First, you have to understand, (and everyone that knows her will confirm) Tina is no ordinary woman. LOL. All I can say is there are no coincidences only fate. Here is our story.

When I turned 16 my sister Nancy (pic..the blonde at the table), got me a job that very day at a little grocery store named Mr. J's. Turns out Karen and Tina worked there too at one time and none of us knew each other. Later, Nancy worked at a real estate agency and turns out Tina worked there too. Separately my closest friend in high school Debbie and I were hanging out dong everything together. Turns out Debbie is Tina's niece. hmmmm. Tina opened up a keypunch business that she started in her basement all by her lonesome. This business grew in size and space to a storefront office...several keypunch machines... and she hired my sister Nancy. Than she hired me and eventually Karen. (even my mom worked there at one point and several other friends) You following? lol

Tina was a mean boss! Right Karen? lol. Picture this. The old keypunch machines were used in this case to type name and address labels for Grolier Enterprise book clubs. HUGE! We were paid piece work. yup...by the card, one at a time. The faster we typed the more money we made. Today I can type 95 words per minute because I loved money!. This job was responsible for my future and career. Everyday we had to pick up and deliver more and more work. When the weekend would come and we all thought we could go out and kick it up? NOT! Karen would come grab a bunch of us out of the bar with beer in hand "we got 6000 pieces of work to get out by tomorrow morning." Yes we pulled many all nighters for sure.

When Tina walks into a room, you know it. We could tell her mood by her hair! If it was messy we knew she was thinking. OH GOD, she's thinking. I saw that same look recently. LOL. Tina has an opening statement (attention grabber) for everything she says. and not quietly mind you. Here are just some... "I don't wanna brag or nothing, I don't wanna say anything but....or Is it me..? ...oh how about this one...Don't think I don't know, I got eyes in the back of my head..." We swear she did. She knew everything. Girls, grab a coffee, we need to talk. Everyone is entertained when Tina walks into a room. We worked hard for her, and she always rewarded us with great dinners and the best Christmas parties, coffee and Happy Snacks (that is what she called our office junk food). Even when we walked into a restaurant for a brainstorm meeting, and the hostess would say "6 in your party?" she would say...."Does this look like a party?" lol. She could hold seminars on attention grabbin opening statements and grand entrances.

Anyway, think about it. 30 years pass! Tina and Karen find me on facebook, and they begin reading our blog. They live in Tampa Florida area. Back in August they wanted to come visit but didn't have a lot of time off. Karen owns Wesley Chapel Pet Sitting Service. Is not easy to get sitters when you are the sitter. So, when Tina questioned coming by train for only a weekend, Karen replied, why not...Jules and Judy would do it. LOL. So they came to the Milford Oyster festival for our first reunion in 30 years. Me, Nancy, Tina, Karen and Debbie and her friend Gina. We spent a couple of days just having fun and "cracking up". Just like old times.

So when we had a chance to go to Florida, Judy and I killed it and sent it all out of the ballpark. We got to see Lynde, introduced Lynde to Tina and Karen, closed down animal kingdom park and went off to stay a few days at Tina and Karen's in Wesley Chapel. Tina and Karen have not changed a single bit. We met their 4 dogs, Maggie, Taco, Sammy Sugar, and Rosie. (Taco fell in love with me, woke me up with french dog kisses every morning, wiggling and wagging). Karen made us a home cooked beef stew meal the first night as they thought being on the road that would be the best idea. It was! Then we did laundry, solved all the problems of the world, drank coffee, drank wine, went to lunch, went to dinner and YES... Tina still makes her grand entrances. Took on a bunch of bikers in a restaurant and they let me take their picture. At one point at the end of the day, Tina said to Karen, "I gotta go on facebook and check out whats going on." Than she says, "wait a minute no I don't, Facebook is here!" LOL. I guess Judy and I pretty much hijack their facebook wall just like we do all of yours.

You can see by the pictures, the character and fun of these too ladies I call life friends. I am however finding similarities in the people I attract. It was pointed out to me on this adventure. My besties all have lots of animals or have a deep love for them. It must be animal attraction. We stayed with the girls for a few days. and off we went to the next stop. I don't want to brag or nothing.....but ....Is it me? or are we having a blast!

P.S. Tina caught the bouquet at my wedding, just sayin. LOL I know I have pics just can't find them. But I will :-)

I don't want to brag or nothing but......(Part 1)

....I have the best friends ever. And the best part is I get to share them all. The trip to Florida was jam packed... full of sharing gifts, friends and activities. Upon arrival to Animal Kingdom, after the official first hugs with my best friend Lynde, Judy and I checked in and settled into our Hotel. There are not enough thank you's in the world that could go out to Lynde, as she took care of setting up the entire welcome. Our hotel balcony view was of the animals. Just perfect for Judy to hang out with all the sweatpeas. Sweetpea Heaven.
A knock at the door and the hotel delivered two gift bags packed by Lynde full of fun stuff. A mickey mouse beach towel, coffee mugs, candy, snacks, bookmark, oh and not to mention ..A Keurig coffee maker, coffees and teas. And the water for it. Came in handy every day.
I had my own goodies I brought. I surprised Lynde with a full wedding production of her nephews wedding. A wedding she could not attend so I volunteered back in August to tape it and upload the ceremony that evening so she would not miss out on what the rest of the family was able to attend. I then produced a clean fun final DVD package for her to share at home with her mom. But here is the fun thing, I also had our blog published into a hard cover book and dedicated it to Judy and had copies made for the three of us for our birthdays. (Judy's is coming up and I just want to say we are all the same age. just sayin. haha. The book is way cool and I got the idea from Lynde when she said I should have it published. While it is not really published I found a website that converts it into a book pretty easily. (Blog2book) It's really nice!! I made it orange because that is Judy's favorite color. If you did not know that by now. lol. There is so much reward in gift giving and sharing gifts of love. It is absolutely a Hallmark Moment!!

We spent 5 days in Disney. We went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. We went on rides and yes....Judy finally did the astro orbiter....and not without me holding her down in the seat and Lynde wing walking in the rocket in front of us to get pictures of the chicken shit. You would think she was sentenced to the torture chamber FFS!! lol. what a baby. hahaha. But I am proud of her for following through and getting that little task off the check list of things to do that make you go hmmmmmm....(or cry like a 2 year old). LOL. Love you Judy. You would put yourself in a cage with a silver back gorilla easier. haha.

Friends I recently connected with in August after 30 years came to join us at Animal Kingdom. My friends Tina and Karen. This is why this post is labeled Part 1. That deserves an entire blog on its own. lol. Tina and Karen live within an hour of Disney. We spent the day in Animal Kingdom and then went on to have dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe where they surprised me and Lynde with the biggest birthday desert I ever had. What I love most about facebook is the chance to share friends. Lynde and I grew up together, Judy and Lynde and I went to grammar school together, Tina Karen and I worked together and became close friends 35 years ago, Tina, Karen and Judy made friends on facebook, Judy met Tina and Karen for the first time in Animal Kingdom, Tina and Karen met Lynde at Animal Kingdom, Lynde, Tina and Karen are now friends on facebook. See how that works? The pyramid thing is going on here and is way fun.

A little love goes a long way. And by the time you get to be our age or older, you find out that it is the most important thing ever. It takes priority over all things and has the most value of anything you own or ever owned. Don't wait until its too late to connect with you friends or your loved ones and even if you can't touch them, you can tell them you love them. There is no question that meeting up with Lynde for our birthday was one of the most touching, emotional and loving experiences. Having that capability to share it with my friends, brought it over the top. WE HAD A BLAST!!!!

In my next post you will see the meaning of the post title "I don't want to brag but..." so stay tuned for more of this Florida adventure. There is much more. I will put them out 1,2,3. but I can't end this blog without saying there are angels at work here. I am Lucky. Saying goodbye to Lynde was extremely hard but knowing we are just beginning again is a little miracle brought to us by facebook and by a string of events leading me right to her. I think it is called FATE!

Birthday Presence

January 11 1958 - It was a stormy snowy night. My mom had a rotten cold. It did not stop her from playing cards with my dad and the neighbors...Mr and Mrs. Dodge. Both my mom and Mrs. Dodge a whopping 9 months pregnant. Mrs. Dodge was due to have her baby and my mom was due weeks later. But hey. I wasn't waiting. Today was gonna be my birthday no matter how good a poker hand she had. No matter how hard it was snowing... January 15, 4 days later, Lynde (Lindy) Dodge was born. My birthday present. We lived across the street from each other. We were non blood related twins from then on. Inseparable. Our moms had coffee in the morning at our house and coffee in the afternoon at her house. We played paper dolls, Barbies, Little Kittles, strung indian corn, popcorn and beads, made bracelets out of electric wires, belts out of plastic, went to dance school, raked paths in the woods, ice skates, roller skates, tag, dodgeball, basketball, swimming, picnics .... and we walked to school up hill in the snow for miles every day to Live Oaks school. lol (Lynde still has the paper dolls my mom made and the Barbie clothes my mom made) see pic. Lynde was notorious for cheering me up in life with Saltines whenever we had a little disagreement. While I would sit on my back porch and pout, Lynde would fly out her front door..."Jul I got crackers". A fight between the two of us never lasted longer than a new pack of Saltines from Lynde or me with Sunkist orange halves.

In 1972, houses sold, families parted kids grow up and words get said and two little girls are separated and silently heartbroken. And life goes on. One small gesture to sign each others high school yearbooks, one brief hello in a store and 40 years go by. Everyone who knew me knew me and Lynde knew us as one.

And then there is Facebook. Our families friended, and we connected once again. The love and bond picks up immediately through words on a page and the memories and feelings flood back in. Laughs and tears.

SO....when someone asks you what you want for your birthday...I asked for Lynde. I messaged her sister Brenda back in December to see if I could possibly surprise her. The response was most likely not. Lynde is a Cast member at Disney and a caregiver to her mom and quite busy. Lynde is an avid blog follower of ours, and also friends and classmates to Judy. SO I just threw it out there that me and Judy may come to Florida and could we visit. Turns out Lynde was free, on vacation for a week on her Birthday. I suddenly became her birthday present and she mine. Its all we wanted for our birthday. There are no words to describe how excited and how amazing it was knowing we were going to be physically be in each others presence for the first time in 40 years. SO Jules and Judy once again jumped in the car and drove 1200 miles to make this happen.

Lynde went above and beyond to accommodate our trip, setting us up in Animal kingdom with all the amenities, goodies and provisions that make this experience more magical than anyone could imagine.
The meeting: Cell phones - where are you, I'm here with Judy in front of the hotel in the car, where, here, where here and then a scream. And a huge hug, and tears and all the mushy mushy stuff that happens when you remember what you forgot and when you get back what you lost.

We had lunch, laughs, exchanged gifts and then dinner in Epcot with fireworks. Lynde drove us around the parks. All I could think of was "Look, Lynde IS DRIVING". I never saw it. I was not surprised she likes chicken nuggets and coke and spaghetti and meatballs. I on the other hand pomegranate ice tea, gourmet flat bread - and rigatoni in a mild cream sauce with chicken, peas and Parmesan. YUP..we were the same. Same as we were as kids I mean. Can't wait to see what the day will bring today because she went home last night and I miss her already.

One thing (I am gonna have to watch a week of Judy and Lynde and eventually Karen, a friend joining us later in the week talk baby talk to all the animals outside our porch) FFS!!!! lol

Is There a Dooms Day? ...what if it's true?

Happy New Year Everyone. Well yes it is a New Year and according to the Mayan Calendar it is the last one. LOL. They say on 12-21-2012 we are history. Nice knowing you all. Just sayin!!!

I recall the War of the Worlds scare, the book 1984 and just recently the Rapture was upon us. hmmmm. Still here! They predicted this calender of days starting at 3114 BC..until 2012 AD. Only 100 years ago we had no planes and only in the last decade have we had technology break through so what the heck did they know??

Well I am not taking any chances and neither is Judy. If we have exactly 11 months to live and a few days, we better get going. Oh and its my birthday on the 11th. Significant to this post because on Wednesday, January 11, Judy and I are taking our First Road trip of the year. Another Facebook Phenomena at work. Love technology. We actually learned how to 3 way conference call on SKYPE!! One thing you should know...video is only available 3 way if you have a premium...yes PAID account. why pay? I mean what for!!! It only means a shower and makeup and all that. Oh and don't forget clothes. (ehem).

Anyway, see you on the Road! This is gonna be grand. Fantabulous and OH SO SPECIAL!

Christmas Edition - In The Dark

Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and peace to all. Yes it is that time of year again. A time when we reflect on our lives, our families and our friendships. (and share secrets..hehe) I am sharing. lol Yes,when one year comes to a close and another one begins. It was just a spontaneous decision for Judy and I to take one trip across the great country USA. Since then we bonded, shared old friends, shared new ones, shared families, shared laughter, shared tears, shared stories and became friends beyond any expectations one would ever have. One friendship I wont trade. We have been asked by so many people why we get along when we seem so different. That's what makes it great. We have a lot of the sames interests but yes we are different. Differences that are complimentary. Sometimes something that is difficult for the other ...and the friend has your back. For example:

Recently we had an invitation to Judy's friends Peter and Dennis' Christmas party. I met Peter and Dennis this summer and let me tell you they are fun guys. They are the proud parents of Annabelle the dog. Annabelle came to my house for a picnic with Judy once while she was babysitting so Peter and Dennis could take a trip. After enjoying a lovely dinner, it was time to go outside for some "fresh air". We had taken off our shoes in the foyer and it was dark. While we were putting on our shoes I hear Judy, baby talking to Annabelle, asking the little "sweet pea" if she wanted to go outside with us. "Yes, sweet pea, you can come." Meanwhile I look over into the living room and Annabelle is sitting on Dennis' lap. I was like, Jude...who you talking to?" She says Annabelle. I said OK??? She said "what?" I said...looks like my shoe to me, just sayin. lol. (laughed till we could not breathe) Now you might ask, how can someone mistake a black shoe for a little black dog? It reminded me of driving at night with Judy.

Yes I am the midnight rider. One of our complimentary differences. Judy does not like driving at night nor should she. Driving at night with Judy is an adventure in itself. YES IT IS. As I reflect on our trip to Dallas, I recall driving through Tennessee and Arkansas at night. While I take my driving seriously, Night vision to Judy is a 70's experience if you know what I mean. Here are some examples. On the left side of us we see a bright lit area. Judy says, wow, look at that ...must be a stadium or something. I look over and see a nuclear power plant. LOL. Oh boy. It is gonna be a long ride.

Later she says to me Oh...what is that. Oh, beautiful, she says...its a carnival. Look at that. What it actually is, is a shopping mall. JC Penny, Filenes, Ruby Tuesday, the works. lol. What a ride. No cotton candy there. As we continue to drive up ahead.....what is that, the sunset? the moon? Wow Jules we need to get a picture of that. That is gorgeous. HUH? Its not a sunset, its not the moon...Its a fire! Smoldering terrain. No sun or moon I ever saw had smoke. Yup, she sees puffs of smoke where there is no smoke and no smoke where there is. LOL

After a few hours driving, we are getting a little hungry. Judy looks outside her side of the window and says, whats that up ahead. Looks like a good place to get a cheeseburger or something. I am thinking, how do I break it to her. The fast food, golden arches, neon lit cheeseburger joint was actually an adult entertainment club. I say...Judy? I am sure they have top choice beef there but I really don't think they put cheese onat. LOL. (see pics below)

Yes driving with Judy is quite the experience. I began to have my own problem driving at night for the very fact I could not see from laughing so hard my eyes were tearing. The next time Judy said, Jules, "whats that up ahead?"...my only response was "Judy? it could be whatever you want it to be." Enjoy your Holidays everyone, we have plenty of adventures planned for next year so stay tuned and thanks for reading.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water....

But you cant make it drink. This is a true statement!! I learned it when Judy and Christina went to the lake to give the horses water and mine would not drink. I kept saying, is there something I am doing wrong??? LOL. epiphany of sorts.

Well you can't go to Dallas and not ride the trails. The only problem is ...when you are in the middle of the woods, there are certain questions Judy should not ask in front of me. What kind of critters are lurking? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Christina our trail guide proceeds to say, poisonous snakes, cayote, and COUGAR. She wasn't talking about me and JUDY. lol. and then found paw prints to prove they walked the very trail we were riding. Now is as good a time as any to learn to lope a horse or trot very very fast!

What a beautiful ride it was. Kinda felt like a scene from the movies. We went out for 3 hours and saw some very beautiful landscaping. Our Guide Christina owns Agave Hurricane Trail Company. She was a lot of fun, and did you know she could jump logs? shhhh.. Don't tell her mama. We also saw these pretty little pink flowers calls Princess brush. Guess who spotted that? lol.
A big plus to hanging with Judy is I now have a skill and a passion I never knew existed. I rode Pina Colada, a very large horse, that trust me scared me to know I was being put on the biggest horse of all. But this huge white gorgeous animal loved me and I was completely comfortable. I have come a long way since first riding in El Paso. If you are in Dallas look up Christina at Agave and hit the trails.

I put a little video clip to Clairde Dirval vocals since this video was not easy to watch in its original format. I'm not saying Vende Latte and her friends were walking and walking and walking in front of the camera. LOL. Hate to waste such a pretty song so I used on the pretty pictures we took. Enjoy. Tried to embed the video here but it errors. View on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKqcYD2rdqc