Truth in Latte!

What Your Latte Says About You

You are easygoing and pretty simple to please. You don't put up a fuss... ever. You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious. Intense and energetic, you aren't completely happy unless you are bouncing off the walls. You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it. You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are complex and philosophical, but you are never arrogant.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

Why Does Loving Someone Have to Hurt So Much?

This would be the question of the day?

When do we grow the hell up an appreciate that there are people out who love you for just being you?

Why does there have to be some type of game played, or truthlessness invovled. I've never asked for much...other than be honest with me. But maybe it's time to start asking for MUCH!!!Don't I deserve world too???

My friends, any thoughts?????

THIS IS WHY I LOVE MY FRIEND, VIC!!!!

I have this friend, Vic, who has been my friend since Kindergarten. So one could essentially say we have been friends for 40 years! I emailed him recently to find out how he is doing, He' s had to retire do to back and neck issues. Poor guy has had 3 different surgeries and they just couldn't get him back to where he needed to be...so he gets to retire. Lucky little shit! He told me that he and his wife have sold the house and are taking a little cross country trip, in their 29 ft fifth wheel...they will be out and about traveling for the next year..!!! how cool is that...

Anyway, Vic's shoulders are broad, he listened to my "Poor me" story the other day. He, I'm sure, was shaking his head the whole time he was reading my email... wondering where did the "real Ann go" cuz the person who sent this email has clearly lost it! We went back and forth for a few emails... and he gave it to me straight to say the least.. "find yourself, first, that I needed to be able to stand on my own two feet not to rely on anyone or have anyone rely on me...He told me I needed to be pampered.....HUM Pampered...this is a novel, strange yet intriguing word, Pampered...He told me if the people in my life can't seem to do it then it was high time to find someone who would. WOW! Pampered, how does one act when pampered.???? I know, and those who know me know that I would probably reject this strange word... as I have always been so damn independent...I wanted to be the strong female and well, look where it has gotten me... so obviously there is a fine line and I have to find it along with someone who knows this " pampered " word. Vic, you held nothing back in giving me the information I knew all along, but you gotta help me find this Mr. Right person, who will pamper me...Me? wow? I might like that! Vic, here's to another 40 years! Happy trails my friend and be safe out there!

Sounds of Summer Where Did They Go??

I was born and raised in the Big Valley. Lived in the same house my whole life, until I got married. I remember our house was somewhat the hub of the neighborhood, my dad made sure that there was an abundance of "playground" equipment at our disposal. I supposed so we were not "running the Neighborhood" There was a hopscotch painted on the driveway, not to mention teatherball and foursquare .. and 35 gallon garbage can filled with rubberballs, baseballs, footballs, jumpropes, baseball gloves *pretty cool and modern for a house with no boys- it was after all, the 70's!* and the ever popular tire pump to keep all bike tires and balls in fine working order, oh and I almost forgot the 18 foot long, 4 foot deep doughboy pool in our backyard.

We would play outside for hours, ride our bikes, then as it turned dusk, our parents would bring their lawn chairs and congregate on our front porch and talk... OH MY GOD they would talk for hours, no alcohol was ever involved, no loud music, just the quiet sounds of summer: kids playing "hide and seek", laughter, and the sound of crickets chirping as if they were making their own summer time memories....

Now lets fast forward, to the year 2007. We-my family- have lived in the same house now for 17 years. We have never formed the same bond with our neighbors that my parents did. My kids have only played "hide and seek" at family functions, with their cousins... I don't even hear the crickets anymore! I miss the damn crickets! I don't even like crickets! There is something however, very comforting in the sound that a cricket makes, it takes me back to a time when my life was simple, uncomplicated and I knew people loved me, not because they could get something from me, but because I was their daughter, sister, friend-unconditionally-they loved me- When did life become so damn complicated? And where are those damn crickets!!!???

MY WiSH!!!

This is my wish for ... ME!!!!

A log cabin by the lake, it will have to "house" the following items;

1) A waterfall within an earshot of the cabin

2) An overstuffed king sized, 4 poster bed, with crisp clean linens
3) A fire place that takes up one wall of the cabin and of course the endless supply of wood
4) Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, cuz the bed can't see all the action!
5) A nice light wine ... Or bottle of Jack Daniels it doesn't matter, I still get "faced" either way.
6) Really good romantic music
7) A really large candle that will burn all night without me worrying about it
8) One very sweet and romantic Italian to make sure I don't worry about said candle.
9) Slipping off the radar for about ... hummm a really long time or until the 'spring thaw"
10) My dream to come true!

sweet dreams my friends!!! I think I just might!!!

I Love County Fairs!!!

I seriously love our county fair, each year they've brought in some really good bands! Where can you see an awesome band for a mere $8.00 a ticket? This year was no exception. Last year we took Granddaughter #1(little little G) to see STYX, she was as impressed as a 10 month old could be. This year we took Granddaughter #2 (baby K) to see REO Speedwagon.. the thing with K, she was a couple months older than Little Little G was and very much into Music! She's got the beat, my baby K. Of course it was the hottest stinking day so far of the summer but we survived!!!




Nonni and baby K anxiously awaiting for the concert to start!
REO Speedwagon rocked the place... however it was hotter than hell...112 degrees on stage... Kevin Cronan comes out wearing black leather pants Now I like a man in leather pants as much as the next girl..but damn, it was hot!

Baby K loved the concert and got to dance in the isle with a new friend, she had a blast!

So that was Opening day! There was the ususal Eddie Money, He's here every year. We also had weird Al , Starship with Mickey Thomas and this year, OMG Frankie Valli!!!!! I totally love Frankie Valli! Yes, you know How I feel about Italian men.. This man can still hit the high notes, I swear he surprised himself a couple of times!


Still as handsome as ever!!! just a little grey!

Back up singers were absolutely awesome!


No, really is this the last song? It was the best show I have seen in awhile!

YES, DEAR FRIENDS SHE HAS EMERGED FROM THIS CHAOS SHE CALLS HER LIFE!!

Hey you guys! Thanks for caring! In recent days, weeks, it appears, I have sat down at my computer and found, I had nothing interesting to say, and what I did have to say, was not to positive nor anything that could be shared with complete strangers. This doesn't mean I'm calling my blogging buddies complete strangers, (God no, you guys are my Cyber family and I would tell you anything. and I am actually dying to tell you a couple of things, just not yet, however)it's the lookie loos who don't talk but, just read and go on... voyeurs I think is a good word for it. lets' see what can Ann share with her friends!

oh here's one! I learned to jet ski last weekend! And yes, I am totally hooked! I loved the speed, and the wind in my hair and just the rush. It reminds me of being on a motorcycle, before helmet laws came into effect. My little Kia is able to tow a jet ski, so that's not even an issue... right now, MONEY, and hummmm oh yeah Money is the issue. Just kind of a big investment, but I WILL have one by next summer for sure!
The fam went camping with a co-worker & family and some of their friends as well last weekend and got the best tan I have ever gotten! But my skin is so not very happy with me. Being the White girl I am, I'm not really one to tan very well, though one would think my Italian genes would kick in sometime, but, it's never been the case...So... I spf'd my face with Clinique's 40 and spf'd the rest of me with Cliniques 30. It seems extreme for this Cali-girl, however, I dread to think what my skin would've look like had I not taken these pre-cautions! (plus I want to look good when I'm 50!) I love camping but am always ready to go home by the last day, just to shower and sleep in my own bed!!!
I'm still in touch with my long lost love Rob! He's an amazing person. But that's all I'm gonna say. Plus you know I promised you, I would not mention him once I found him again. I'm so very glad I found him. Everyone should know someone like him! He is such a caring, compassionate person, I'm very lucky to have him back in my life! OK now, I'm done... I reserve the right to talk about him again, however! He makes me smile .... Alot!
I'm almost done with my H/R program I think I have 4 or 5 more weeks left! Thank God, there is this woman in the class that I would love to slap the living crap out of her every time she opens her mouth....Not too H/R-like is it? Yup, just a little bitter, oh my God I seriously think she annoys the hell out of everyone in the class. She's the kid in grammar school, who no doubt, asked for homework during Christmas Vacation!
I'm sorry, I've neglected you guys, for God, it looks like 3 weeks, I missed you guys alot. I'd come home from work and go back out and walk my 4 miles, yes, I'm up to 4 miles, and then I'd shower and fall into a dead sleep, then start the whole thing again...GADS, what a life for me...
Anyway... that's Ann's life. it's not a bad life, just busy! I'm glad I had a chance to breath tonite...but, by the look of the cyberclock, it's time for a shower and bed...or these days.... couch!!!
remember I love you guys! and again, Sorry for worrying you!!!!

THAT'S RIGHT! I'M THE EMPRESS... BOW, SUBJECTS!!! HEE HEE

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Our Baby K is Officially 1!

Well, here she is our birthday girl!

sitting here with her mom taking it all in!
and of course the gratuitous photo of nonni and baby K
As suspected, she like the wrapping and boxes better!
but man was she tired by the end of the day!

It was a beautiful day in the park! The weather was perfect! The Gods were looking down on us last Saturday, making sure everything was perfect for Baby k's first birthday! She had cake, friends, presents, bubbles and hot dogs! what more could a kid want! Too bad it totally didn't phase her... she had no clue what was going on around her, but we did get some great photos! I think between all digitals involved it was about 300 photos...Spoiled Rotten Baby!

So Concludes This Birthday Weekend! Gothman, this shot's for you!!!!

So, this is it folks! The birthday weekend is over, I have turned another year older(no wait, never older,I turned another year wiser!) and baby K has turned a year!

This has been an incredible weekend, though it started on Thursday, but man am I glad it's over!

Thursday was my birthday!!!! Yeah!!! I worked half a day, and then so stared the fun, I had lunch with an wonderful friend and then went to watch Little G bowl, then pizza and shots! One of Little G's bowling mates' father's was also celebrating his birthday as well, and so started the party! I kept up with him, a "seasoned" partyer, I suspect, 7 shots for 7 shots!!! JD straight! I probably should have stopped at shot number 4, put pushed on to #5, by #6, I was feeling no pain and well, by #7 I felt nothing, my face was numb! I woke up at 2am with a flipping head ache and stomach ache, thought I would die...MY OWN FAULT! Took some Excedrin, which worked for the headache, but the stomach was on it's own...I pushed on, took my mom to the dentist, went to work, took baby K to CHUCK E. CHEESE FOR HER BIRTHDAY ... ICK!!!!

Went shopping for baby K's birthday party the next day and made salads. etc....

Saturday, got up and walked my 3 miles, and got ready for the party and then was out in the park for 6 hours, finished up there, went to dinner, then hit the Ron White Comedy Show, which was hilarious! came home and went to sleep only to start my Mothers day, pretty much the the same way! Crap! There was a lot of activity going on... I'm glad it's Monday and I have to go to work! I can actually catch my breath!!!

IM IT AGAIN!!!

This is it: Bananas (Ann) from A to Z…

Thanks Mistress…

A)Available or Single… isn’t this the same? No, I don’t think it is…hum… Yes, I suppose I’m available, but no I’m not single…** hummmm***
B)Best Friend…My sister, Debi. And Liz, we’ve been friends since the 3rd grade and I would consider Denise one of my best friends, we’ve been friends for the last 15 or so years… she knows things, like I don’t care for her husband. I can’t just have one… they are all my best friends for different reasons!
C)Cake or Pie…While both are just wrong for this Italian girl cuz, it will just go straight to my A**, I love Tiramisu and Italian Rum Cake. But alas, I must not indulge… too much cake makes for too much Ann!~
D)Drink of Choice…I love Ice water not a big fan of soda, though, it would be Diet Pepsi if I do drink soda., I hate diet coke.… oh and Jack Daniels Straight!!! Gothman…Prost! **as she slams back the shot, and she’ll be slamming back a few on the 10th Gothman, join us for pizza and shots!**
E)Essential Items…Hair straightener, Make up (Make up whore) my laptop, my cell, my contacts/glasses, CD’s, my CAR!!!
F)Favorite Color … Red is the only color for this gal! Black comes in a close second,
G)Gummi Bears or Worms…Bears…SOUR in all honesty, I’d rather have Jelly Bellys…
H)Hometown…Stockton, CA the Big Valley
I)Indulgence…oh… can’t let you guys know that!*thinking and smiling to herself*. oh alright, Hammock set up in the backyard, trashy novel and nice summer day and lots of quiet, come in at a close second!
J)January or February.. January, new year, fresh start and WINTER!!!
K)Kids…3
L)Life is incomplete without…LOVE, LAUGHTER, family and friends
M)Marriage Date…September 20, 1986
N)Number of Siblings…. 1 sister, she’s older
O)Orange or Apples… Apples… with Carmel yummy!!! Never baked however, ick…. Whose idea was it to bake fruit? That’s just wrong…
P)Phobias…Heights, though I love look out the window while in a plane. And this one is really weird… Not the fear of dying, I’m cool with that, but the fear no one would come to my funeral? I know stupid huh?
Q)Quote…”A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.” Oh and this is my new favorite one, too… “I’d like to check you for ticks…” Brad Paisley ***smiling to herself as she thinking about…***
R)Reasons to Smile… Hooking up with an old friend.**smiling like a giddy teenager..** Watching Baby K sleep…Knowing my girls are turning into some very interesting young adults… Little S is more insightful than she lets on…and this scares the hell out of me. She’s very smart.
S)Season…Winter!!! Fireplace, good book or a baileys and coffee (lots of whipped cream) and someone special to share it with.
T)Tag Three…Anthony you are off the hook, I wont do this to you..but I know your answers would be fun!!!….But I will hit up Jennifer, Barbara and anyone who wants to play!
U)Unknown fact about me…I am a horrible liar, I can’t lie, it’s just doesn’t happen, I stutter, choke and well, it’s not pretty, so suffice it to say.. what you get from me is the truth…My mom always knew when I would lie, besides why lie, your gonna get caught anyway.
V)Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals… I could easily become a vegetarian, however, I like a good Filet Mignon once in a while.
W)Worst Habit…I procrastinate more than I should, and while I read, I twirl my hair.
X)X-rays or Ultrasound…Ultrasound, I suppose, neither if possible. I’ve had both neither are unpleasant.
Y)Your Favorite Foods…Chicken ceasar salad, Pizza, anything with tons of Cheese…(Italian or Mexican)
Z)Zodiac…Taurus, BABY yeah!!! May 10th!!!!

OK there ya go you guys, 26 more boring facts about me…

I'm finally up and running!!!!

I love my laptop! I'm feeling a tad stupid, however, because it is just abit different from my desktop. But I'm working out the kinks. Little G sits and looks at it, like a puppy sitting at his master's feet at the dinner table waiting for scraps of food to drop...She is upset that mom is being so mean by not letting her "play" on the computer. OH well life's a bitch and... so is mommy!
The day I got it I brought it home and tried to get it all set up to be in the wireless mode. OH ok like that was going to happen! I spent about an hour reading the directions, plugging, unplugging cables, cursing, then I called my friend who's husband dabbles in this type of crap... he's couldn't walk me through it. So he came over to the house on Saturday and HOOKED ME UP!!! IT'S OFFICIAL FOLKS, I'M WIRELESS!!!!
Gothman, I thank you for your offer to 'hook me up" I will keep this information, should I need further assistance!!! Your awesome to offer to help me out 1/2 way around the world!!!

I'm sooooo Happy!!!!

Hey you guys!!! I'm back and better than before! Yes, I did it I went 'BALLS TO THE WALL" so to speak! I got my laptop! I was sooo darn tired of fighting for the computer time that Last week I oredered a new laptop from Dell. I got it yesterday and I 'm having sooo much fun! I still haven't figured out the whole wireless thing and I will have to have my friend come and fix me up because that is way over my head. But I'm a happy camper!!!!! So I will be back to blogging form in no time!!!

Barbara, I owe you!!!!

My friend Barbara tagged me to do this game. Only it was weeks ago and with another tag... it invovled food.... but I never got around to the challenge... The was challenged and since she didn't tag me or anyone else... I tagged myself... though ANTHONY your in the clear... I wont tag you...;-)but I bet you have quite the reading material, at your place!!!

4 books that I read as a child :

I hated reading as a kid, but I do remember...
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Stone Soup
Amelia Bedelia
... sorry can't come up with a 4th

4 authors that I will read and re-read :

1. Janet Evanovich
2. Stephen King
3. Janet Chapman
4. Connie Mason

4 authors whose books I would not buy or borrow any more .

Sorry, I'm drawing a blank here.

4 books that I would take on a deserted island :
1. Janet Evanovich's HARD EIGHT...this is in the Stephanie Plum series, I believe this is the book where Stephanie and Ranger "get busy" for the first time... I love a man who wears all black and is overly confident.
2. Janet Chapman's CHARMING THE HIGHLANDER...OH MY GAWD this book is what got me hooked on the Higlander books! Stupid, I bought the book for the cover...log cabin in the woods and it was snowing..but OMG, they were getting busy in the first 2 chapters and continued all the way through....
3. Stephen Kings, THINNER... I couldn't put it down and when I was done, I re-read it.
4. Jane Blackwood's THE SEXIEST DEAD MAN ALIVE. while they didn't "get busy" in the first two chapters... they "got busy" just enough!!!



The first 4 books on my “ to read list “ :
ANYTHING REALLY!!! however, I have quite a stack I need to get through now.

The 4 last words of one of my favorite books :
"sport I could enjoy"


and since you have seen what I've been reading...you can pretty much guess what that sport is!!!!

I know it's been too long... and No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth I went on a road trip!

Hello dear friends!
I trust all is well with my blogger familia!? The fam and I went on a little road trip this past week.! It was very nice... beach, beach, beach. Though I have come to find out (though I have always known) hubby doesn't listen to me... he'd ask me a question then dismiss me...ME? can you believe that.?? oh well, his loss I suppose! It was nice not being at home and having maid service and not having to worry about anything really.....We hit Aptos, Sausilito (sp?)Stinson Beach, Half Moon Bay and to the wine Country which in itself if fairly ironic since we had 1) little G and 2) neither of us drink wine...hummmmm. but all in all it was a fine time.. throwing you vacation photos... The toes, are mine, relaxing in the sand(no one thinks about taking my pix...I'm not too unfortunate looking, really.) so I have to take my own photo!!! :-) so what if its of my feet.! enjoy!!!

You know I don't ususally like to post my kids pictures...but baby K was soo damn cute!!! she loved the Easter Bunny!!!!
Nonni just had to share!!! xxxooo to you all!!

Easter Images from MSGRAFIXFX.com

Easter wishes to you all, my blogging family!

You guys are the best! I never want a day to go by without you knowing how much you all mean to me!

wow... am I really this unhappy???

I just went back to a few entries that I never posted... they all started the same way...stop this ride I want off!!!

That's not the way to start an entry... so, I've been kind of quiet lately. Laying low, perhaps? I started this blog to 1) meet new friends..Anthony, Pendullum, Andrea, My Goth man.. and 2) help blow some steam. But as of late, it all seems so negative. I'm not a negative person, I do believe however, I have let myself get sucked into the "abyss of negativity " I need to step back, re evaluate and throw them all out!!! Let's just say. I'm here. I'm alive, but I really am not a happy camper. I have some serious decisions to make in the next few weeks. Talking seems to fall on deaf ears and blame is always pointed away .... oh alright....I'll admit it....
MY FAMILY IS ALL SCREWED UP AND IT'S ALL MY FAULT!! hee hee actually though that felt good!!!!! all is right with the world again!!! Now we can all go back to doing what we were doing before Mommy lost it!!!
Seriously though, this ostrich can't keep her head in the sand any longer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can't change and the strength not to go "postal"on someones ass!

I bid you all sweet dreams! Nonni's pooped!!!

I F-ing did it?! for reals?

Well dear blogging friends! It's been hell these last few weeks. and I lost it completely today! I had such a fabulous day at work. Fairly productive for a Monday, even, I got most of what I needed to get done, done. then it happened, I left work to come home.

Why the hell did I come home? I come home to the same thing every day. Little S sitting on her little A.. baby K wanting to be held, and little G trying to make some sense of all this. hubby is in the kitchen doing the dishes slamming crap around because he is pissed off that his off-spring are not lifting a finger to help out around the house. given, I understand that, but All he does is mutter unnecessary comments under his breath.. and well, dear friends, I have had about all I can take. Little S needs Gas money... I asked her why she didn't get some from S 4 B since she had to go to Sacramento to pick up Baby K this weekend... well, then she and I got into it... "forget it then I don't want anything from you, I'm obviously a burden to you " ... blah blah blah... well, for the 3 time since she's been with Shit for Brains...I said Fine Get the Hell out! She got up and went into her room to start packing her clothes.. oh FUCK what did I just do... but then I tried to talk to her and she started in with you and dad think I am a bad mom, and this and that...... so after figuring out I had just given her the out she has wanted,.. I threw my hands up in the air.."I give the fuck up!, I am tired of walking around on egg shells and trying to be the fricking peace keeper around here- I'm out of here" grabbed my books for school and left.... did I grab any clothes?NO did I grab my make up? NO. What a dip shit!..Anyway, I have no idea where I'm going after school tonite. but I am surely not going home. Thank God mom is a few minutes away!

I needed to vent. It seems to fall on deaf ears around my house and everyone is always ready to blame the other person... This mom just wants off this crazy frickin ride... I bid you a good nite and a better Tuesday! Boy is my mom going to be surprised when I show up tonite... someone want to call her!?

SHUCKS! I'VE BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!!!

I've been tagged again folks! Thanks Mistress... 5 THINGS YOU'VE NEVER REVELED ON YOUR BLOG, THEN TAG 5 BLOGGING BUDDIES-(I don't have 5 blogging buddies) I thought I 've spilled all my guts, already.. you guys know everything about me! Don't you?

1)I'm not a fan of country music, however, I have bought 2 country CD's in the last week... Rascal Flatts! (practically the whole CD reminds me... oh you guys now know...) and Tim McGraw's Greatest hits. I'm scared, quick someone quick, grab me and bring back to the rock and roll side of life!

2)I don't like to speak before crowds, nor do I like crowds. I admire those who can "shoot from the hip" so to speak. My boss is one of those people, I love to watch him speak in public... he never falters, is confident,calm and gets his point across. His dad was the same way, as well.

3)I talk with my hands!!! OMG do I talk with my hands. While I was a Customer Service Rep (you know, I was on the phone all day, my hands would be flying all over the place. ie "a front loader is a truck that picks up the bin, by the forks in the front".. both hands demonstrating the forks of the truck picking up the bin. I do the same thing when I'm on the phone at home.. or on my cell, It seems to amuse those around me, I never noticed I did it, until they pointed it out. Heritage or habit? You decide!

4)I scored a 100% on my written (auto)driving test and 96 on my actual(auto)road test!!! I got my Driver's License 2 months after my 16th birthday and my first ticket 1 month later.... OOOPS! -It was speeding, of course!--

5)Life is too short and people don't appreciate each other enough!