Right Vs. Wrong

I feel uneasy discussing issues that can turn into a huge debate. I?m not one who gets excited arguing an issue. I guess I believe in live and let live. This can be applied to what people see as ?right? or ?wrong?. I have come to the conclusion that this is a decision that each person must make for oneself. People may have opinions about something that I feel is wrong, and they think is right, or vice versa. They may even explain it to me how they feel it is right, and make complete sense. But, at the end of the day, I have to go with how I feel deep down inside about what is right and what is wrong. What I consider to be the truth, and what I consider to be a lie. I don?t think any less of people whose viewpoints differ from mine. I will respect them for their opinions as long as they respect me for mine. The only person whose actions I can control are my own and I have no desire to control any other person?s actions.

Pardon my whining…

I was informed last night that my last post was nothing but whining. This really irked me because I thought the whole point of blogging was to write what you’re feeling. So, I guess I was feeling “whiny” yesterday.

I also got slightly harassed about my links page. A lot of people don’t know that I originally built my web site back in 2001, when I took a web design class at Alvin Community College. Once I got www.julievictory.com, Greg moved that original site over and just changed the background and the main page. I guess my site is not an ideal blogger site since I don’t have links to fellow bloggers. So, I put in a help call to Greg to change parts of it to make it blogger-friendly. I told him that it wasn’t a rush job or anything. In fact, if it wasn’t for Greg, you wouldn’t be reading anything from me at all!

Anyway, a lot of people ended up backing out last night and not showing up at the Brewery Tap. My best friend Christine was one of them. Beverly and her daughter, Brandi, were supposed to pick her up and bring her. When they walked in, Beverly informed me that Christine was tired and decided not to come.

Overall, it was still a nice, relaxing evening with an intimate group of friends.

I Hate Crowds

Tonight, I thought I was going to have a nice, intimate gathering with a few friends. Well, it looks like it’s going to be more of a crowd scene. Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I hate crowds. That’s why I would never survive Mardi Gras in New Orleans…I need my personal space. I also feel lost when I’m among a crowd. Yes, I can talk to anyone, but I hate intruding on other people’s conversations. That’s what I feel like I’m doing when I’m hanging out with a crowd of people. I’ve gotten so good at sneaking off without anyone noticing at such occasions, it’s almost scary. I invited two friends along tonight because I thought a lot of Lori’s friends were coming. Then, I find out that only one of Lori’s friends is coming. Then, I find out that one of my friends invited her daughter to come along. I have a feeling I’ll be uncomfortable tonight, but I’m going to try to make the best of the situation.

Another Wednesday Survived!

My friend Chris called me last night. He was just worried and wanted to check up on me. I thought that was really sweet of him.

I also made hotel reservations for the IAAP TX/LA Division Meeting today. I checked out the hotel’s web site, and it looks SWEET! It’s located in Grapevine, Texas. This is only three hours from where Chris lives, so I may get a chance to see him when I’m there in May.

Gil also called me this evening. He returned today from his New Orleans/Mardi Gras trip. I’ve read some of his stories he has posted on his web site, but I’m sure there’s a lot more to be told.

I still have no idea what we’re going to do on Friday night. All I know is that I’m going to have a good time!

Okay...I'm ready for Friday now.

I’m looking more and more towards Friday night. Gil called me last Thursday before flying out to New Orleans, and said that we should get a group together to go out this Friday. So, of course I told Lori about it. After the Aeros game last Friday, when I went with Lori and her friend’s to Logan’s, they were so excited about getting to meet Gil this Friday. I have a feeling Gil will be the center of attention on Friday, but I think he likes it that way.

Anyway, I was really starting to feel out of place. These are all Lori’s friends. I’m 5 to 6 years older than most of them. So, I was starting to really have second thoughts about going out on Friday. Then, I found out that my friend Beverly was staying in town this weekend for a class on Saturday. I asked if she wanted to go out with me on Friday so I would have someone to talk to…and she agreed! Then, I decided to ask my best friend, Christine, to come along. It’s been a long time since she has been out, so I really didn’t give her a choice. I told her that either I or Beverly would be picking her up on Friday so she better be ready.

I’m so excited about Friday now!

This is too cool!

Some of you may have already seen or heard about this, but I haven't.

Victory Beer!     

To add to the this wonderful news, check out their promotion:

It's all about you, Audra!

Saturday started off really slow for me. I didn’t end up getting out of bed until 1:00pm. Then, I did some cleaning around the apartment. When I was at the Aeros game the night before, Dave Seto told me that Audra was coming in from Alabama to play in a hockey game. So, after all the cleaning was done, I headed off to Memorial Rink to see Audra and Joni play. The game was scheduled to start at 10:15pm. It was great seeing Audra…she looks great. The first time she scored, she came over to where I was sitting. I stood up and yelled “Way to go, Audra! It’s all about you, girl!” Then, with 40 seconds left in the game, she scored again! Only one more goal and Audra would have a hat trick. Well, that did happen, but it was still a good game. Once the team was off the ice, I found out that Audra “kind of” got a hat trick…she got credit for another goal that was put into the night by a member of the opposing team. She really didn’t count it, but I told her she should. Especially since at a game last year, the ref gave a goal she made to another team member. So, I told her to just think of it as good karma coming back for her.

We also talked about my 30th birthday coming up on April 25th. Since that is a Sunday, Audra said that we would be celebrating on that Saturday. I hadn’t even thought about it, but I guess we will. She’ll still be in Alabama, but is going to try to get off that weekend to come down for my birthday. So, I guess everyone can mark their calendars now for Saturday, April 24th. I have no idea what we’ll be doing. Usually when I plan my birthday parties, they end up being duds. Hopefully, this year will be different. I’ll keep you posted on the details as soon as I figure them out.

Hi! I'm Julie.

As many of you may already know (or figured out), I am very sensitive. I’m not sensitive in the meaning of being aware of the attitudes and/or feelings of others, but in the meaning that I am easily hurt emotionally. A lot of times, the words I hear or read are not meant for me to take them in that way. I’m sure there are a lot of times when they do not apply to me at all, but I think they do. That’s just me. I just wanted to let you know so the rest of my blog may make more sense.

I have had this weighing on my mind all day, and it’s really bugging me. I am the person I am. I don’t try to be anyone else, nor do I want to be. If someone does not like who I am, there is not much I can do about it. If my life was lived trying to cater to everyone, I would not have a life at all. I get frustrated when I find out that one person has complained about me to another person. This especially true if the other person is someone I also know. If you can’t complain to me, then don’t bother to complain at all.

There are many times when I question why I did or said something. But, I realize that it’s in the past and there is nothing I can do to change it. So, if I do take something (that is written or said about me) the wrong way, please let me know, and then forgive me. You can always just chalk it up to my “sensitivity issues”. Yes, I am me and the fact I have ADD may contribute to a lot of this. But, that is what makes me unique.

Friday Five

When was the last time you...
1. ...went to the doctor?  That's easy.  It was January 3rd...I had pinkeye
2. ...went to the dentist?  August 20, 2003
3. ...filled your gas tank? February 15th
4. ...got enough sleep? no idea
5. ...backed up your computer?  last year some time (?)

I need a drink!

Crap

Well this just sucks! I signed up for EMS duty tonight back on Monday because my friend, Beverly, was the only person on duty besides the two paid paramedics. When you’re the only volunteer on, you end up bouncing between both paramedics and going on every call. So, being the good friend I am, I signed up so we could alternate calls and hopefully get some sleep. When I get to the EMS station, I found out that another person had signed up. So, I really didn’t need to run at all.

It really sucks because I got invited for drinks tonight and didn’t think I could go. Beverly told me it’s not too late and to go ahead and go out. One major problem…I have no car! I took mine in the shop today for an oil change and to have them look at a couple of other things before the warranty ran out. Anyways, it won’t be ready until tomorrow. I also missed Smallville…so I have no idea what happened tonight. If anyone knows, please tell me.

On a positive note, I found out that my personalized jersey is being shipped out tomorrow. Woo hoo!

Anyway, I guess I'll spend the remainder of the evening thinking about alcohol.

Listening to the game

I can't believe this...I actually have a break at work! This is great. So, I went and got my lunch, came back to my desk, and now I'm listening to the Aeros game on the internet. Hopefully, no one will try to come bug me for the next couple of hours. The Aeros were down 1-0 before I starting listening. Once I turned on the game, they scored two goals. They must of known that I started listening.

Say What?

I have been thinking about what to blog about for the past couple of days. Some many thoughts have been running through my mind. I’ve been up and down a lot. Sometimes I’m just as happy as a lark, and other times, I just want to isolate myself. It really doesn’t make sense, but one can’t always explain feelings. This is why I never understood why people would say “You shouldn’t feel that way”. How do you control what you feel? It’s not like there is a button you can turn on and off. People wonder how I can handle being in EMS…and I don’t have an answer for them. Yes, I see people suffer and even die, but I’m able to handle that. I don’t know why…and I don’t think it’s because I’m a freak of nature or anything. Okay, now I’m just rambling on and not making any sense at all. Oh, the wonders of the ADD mind.

Just to clear up any confusion, there’s nothing bothering me. Like I said….I’m just rambling. Isn’t that what blogging is for?

It's a Miracle

Today, I went to the movies with Erin, Gil, Phil, and Irfan. This was the first time I met Phil. Actually, we were never formally introduced, but I talked to him anyway. It’s not that hard for me to talk to anyone.

We went to see Miracle…and it was awesome! As we entered the theater, Phil asked Harry, the movie ticket-taker person (I don’t know what the correct job title is), how the movie was. He said it’s good for a nap. So, I told him that I would kick his ass after the movie. How can any hockey movie be a snooze flick? Needless to say, Harry is now on my shit list.

I found out that Erin is a huge hockey fan; which is just too cool. In fact, she even yelled with me during certain parts of the movie and at the end of it while the credits were being displayed. The guys hardly yelled at all…they were acting like a bunch of pansies. Maybe they were just recuperating from the weekend. Speaking of which, Irfan loaded up the pictures he took from Friday night. To check those out, click here.

Well, tomorrow starts another work week. I really wish weekends were longer.

G-Spot

Last night was a crazy night. We had so much fun in the beginning. Lori and I arrived at Twelve Spot around 9:30pm. I pretty sure that Irfan and Gil were already past the point of feeling numb. I needed to catch up quickly, so I asked for a shot of Rumplemintz. The bar did not have any! I couldn’t believe that shit. So, I settled for a shot of Goldschlager. The bar also did have the kind of wine that Lori wanted, so she ended up getting something else. Since I’m not a wine person, I couldn’t tell you what she had. I think I had maybe 4, 5, or 6 shots of Goldschlager by the end of the night. I don’t remember the exact number. Lori’s friend Lindsay also came out. She had a limo drop her off. She is so crazy.

I met Erin, the main reason for the night’s shindig. She is a wonderful and witty person. I hope she has fun while in Houston. I also hope we can party again before she leaves.

Gil was a freakin’ hoot, as always. He makes me laugh so hard my sides start to hurt. When I first met Gil at Audra’s party in December, I called him Fuckin’ Gil. This was because he was running late to the party and Audra kept saying “Where’s fuckin’ Gil?” So, when he arrived, his name became Fuckin’ Gil. I think it’s appropriate.

Note to Audra – Gil told me about the dream and that is fuckin’ hilarious!

I am usually terrible when it comes to remembering people I meet at parties. But, I do remember meeting Irfan at Audra’s party. He said he didn’t remember. What was scarier than the fact that I remembered him was that I actually remembered the conversation we had at that party.

I also met Richard, who I didn’t really get to talk to much that night. I remember Irfan saying that Richard could speak with a Russian accent, so I started calling him Russian Dude. Don’t ask me why…just blame it on the Goldschlager.

Kirk was definitely the hero of the night! He seems to have had a run of bad luck lately, but doesn’t see it that way. Anyone who manages to get a huge block of industrial-size rubber (with a part number on it!) stuck in the grill of his car seems to me to be a person with bad luck. But he was our hero for the evening. When we finally accepted the fact that Lori's purse had been stolen, we realized we were screwed. I had ridden with Lori to the bar, and she was also supposed to give Lindsay a ride home. Since her keys were in her purse, we were pretty much stuck. Luckily for us, Kirk had stayed around while we looking for Lori’s purse. He was kind enough to give us a ride to Lindsay’s house so we could get her car. That poor guy had to drive three drunk blondes around in his rental car, a Grand Marquis. I remember putting on his hard hat in the back seat of his car. I was “Kirk – the Siemens Engineer!” Maybe I just like the word “siemen” (I wonder why). We sincerely appreciate Kirk for helping us out. So Kirk, the next time we go out, your drinks will be on me.

Overall, I had a great time. It just ended on a crappy note with the theft of Lori’s purse. I must admit that Lori handled the whole situation very well. I don’t think I would have been as calm and together as she was. She’s definitely a classy person.

To see some pictures from last night, click here.

To the son-of-a-bitch mother fucker scum-of-the-earth asshole that stole my sister's purse last night....you suck and I hope you
have a long and painful death!

Pop Quiz!

There seems to be a quiz for everything today. Here's one that Gil had listed on his site. That sick bastard scored a 590!

This is my battle cry! (Thanks to Audra & Gil)

I didn't do it!

I am so glad I was not the one who did this:

I saw this bumper sticker tonight and thought it was pretty cool.

Ariel turned 6!

I know it has been a few days since I have blogged. Yesterday was Ariel?s birthday...she's now six years old! I don't know what that translates to in cat years.

Beverly and I went to Clear Lake Hospital on Friday to see to the two friends of ours that were patients there. The first person we saw was Jackie. She and her husband had their first baby last week. We were able to see their bundle of joy, Hunter. He had so much hair!

Next, we went to see Kim, who volunteers with us at Alvin EMS. She had been there for a few days already and they still hadn't figured out what was going. She is an excellent volunteer. She's our Probationary Officer for new members and does an outstanding job. Then, she laid a bomb a major on us...her and the director of Alvin EMS are dating! Now this may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but it actually bugs me.

First of all, both of them are going through divorces. That's not a big deal, but the director's divorce has been a very bitter one. He's ex-wife is not very stable. She has been known to call people at various city departments telling them about her husband and everything he does. I don't want Kim to have to deal with the wrath of her. Even though the ex-wife is now living with her boyfriend; she still likes to interfere in her husband's life.

Second of all, I just don't think it's proper for the EMS director, who is a paid city employee, to be dating one of the volunteers. I know they are two consenting adults, but I still don't think its right. How do we know that director hasn't hit on any of the other volunteers before? It's just a scary thought and a situation I don't care to deal with.

Bum

Well, I’m on EMS duty again tonight. It was a boring weekend. I didn’t do much…but I’m not complaining. Sometimes it’s nice to be a bum all weekend. I wanted to see the movie Miracle, but didn't really have the energy to go. The movie is over two hours long, so it will be a challenge for me to try to sit though it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Ruts

Today, I went into work early so I could leave early. I even worked through my lunch break. I’m on EMS duty tonight and was hoping to get home early enough to take a nap before going on duty at 6:00pm. Well, that plan didn’t work out. I only got to leave a whole 20 minutes early.

We got our first call around 6:45pm. It ended up being in the Santa Fe response area, so we were disregarded and went back to the EMS station. I don’t think there is ever a boring night when I’m on duty. I went to back the ambulance up in the ambulance bay, and ended up in the grass and causing some big ruts. I almost got it stuck, but luckily I didn’t. And just for those of you that are curious – yes, I have actually gotten an ambulance stuck in the mud before. Check out my wonderful handiwork!

Lights Out

I went to work on Wednesday knowing that I had quite a bit to do. I didn’t help that I wasn’t able to fall asleep until 2:00am, and had to be at work at 7:30 to meet the instructions for a class we were putting on. I managed to get there around 7:15…enough time to inhale a pina colada muffin before the instructors showed up. Yes, it really is a pina colada muffin, sans the liquor. It may sound gross, but they are delicious!

Anyway, I was getting the instructors set up in the meeting room, when I get a phone call from Veronica, a techs that works in one of the other buildings I support. The copier/fax machine was broken and one of the procurement guys was trying to take it apart to fix it. That is the worst thing they can do. I told her to do whatever she had to do to get him away from the machine…and that I would be over there as soon as possible. I finally made it over there, and realized the machine was broken beyond my repair skills. So I did the best thing I could do…called Xerox and place a service call.

Then, around 9:00am, we lost all power. Everything just went dead. It turns out that two electrical lines had crossed and blew the transformer. We were in the dark for over an hour when they decided to shut the site down for the day. I was kind of relieved since I could go home and get some sleep. But, instead, I ended up coming home, dialing into our work’s server, and working for four hours. At least I didn’t have to stay at the office.

I Want a New Drug

Work has been crazy, but that’s becoming normal for me. I went to see my doctor on Tuesday. As soon as I walked into his office, I told him I needed Ativan. I think he was surprised by this. I had to explain to him that sometimes I just get so overwhelmed at the office and can’t function. The bigger problem is that I don’t know what’s at the root of it. I think it is one of two things. First is the open-office environment that we have moved to at work. That type of environment does not work well with a person with ADD. The second is the fact I support over 146 people…which is a helluva lot. It wasn’t until we moved into the new building at work that I inherit a bunch of new people to support. So, since both things happened around the same time, it’s hard for me to determine which one can be considered the root cause. At first, my doctor just wanted to increase my other medication. I didn’t really care for that idea since I don’t have that overwhelming feeling all the time, just periodically. So, he finally decide to give me some Xanax (woo hoo!). He did warn that he can be highly addictive, but since I really don’t see myself taking it that often, he thinks it will work for my situation. The last thing I would want to do is to get addicted to drugs.

Later that night, I went to the Aeros game. Originally, Lori wasn’t going to go since she had school, so I asked my friend Beverly to the game. Lori ended up skipping school and going, but Beverly still went. She seemed to have a good time and told me she liked it.

Now…if only I can get fuckin’ Gil out to a game!