Recount (2008 HBO Film)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

When I heard HBO cable announcing the movie, "Recount" airs on last Spring, I've decided to wait for this DVD movie to come out cuz I don't have a HBO cable that could give you an extra cost in your TV cable company bill. I rented this DVD movie with other 2 movies on the weekend of December 13th when it finally came out.

I know what happened to 2000 Election in Florida where I am living in that time. I can't believe it. I do recall a day before the big media about it that I had no problem with the voting ballot when I went to the church where a number of my precinct took place in Daytona Beach. I noticed 2 colors, red and blue, in the state of Florida on TV news kept changing repeatly that late night while I was chatting with my mother-in-law on TTY. Dan Rathers, a CBS TV news anchor, said there could be a problem. The next morning I heard there are big electoral problems on TV news. Dad and I were staring and questioning each other when he came over to check on me that morning. I knew a woman who worked for our home county as an Election supervisor. She's a friend of my father. Her name is Deanie. She knows a sign lauguage little bit. This Deanie was very busy to solve the problems that day. My God, she worked so hard awfully. Poor Deanie cuz she lost her grandfather personally that time according to our local newspaper. Deanie kept getting calls alot from her family and political employees.

In "Recount" movie, it mentions my home county twice. I was surprised to hear that. You will find out to hear it in the beginning of this movie, not Palm Beach County. I was waiting for an election to be finished until in the middle of December 2000. That is a month long since it happened. Political employees were very busy to repair an election. They worked hard. Bush camp and Gore camp were fighting each other in the court to get a correct ballot. In that DVD movie, I don't see a truck delivering many boxes of voting ballot to the capital of our homestate, Florida. I recall I watched it traveling on the road on a local TV news.

Kevin Spacey who played Ron Klain, a Chief of Staff to the Vice President under Al Gore, did a wonderful acting job for HBO movie company. So is Laura Dern who played Katherine Harris, Florida's Secretary of State. "Recount" was filmed mostly in Jacksonville, Florida. Many scenes were shot in city hall, the federal courthouse, or the Riverplace Tower. Other scenes were shot on location on November 3 & 4, 2007, inside the actual courtroom of the Florida Supreme Court Building and outside its front exterior in Tallahassee, FL. This was the first time a Chief Justice of Florida, in this case R. Fred Lewis at the request of Craig Waters, granted permission for the filming of a major motion picture on the Court's property. It directed by Jay Roach. Sydney Pollack who was supposed to do a direction for this movie withdrew from this project due to a then-undisclosed illness so he was replaced by Jay Roach. Pollack died of cancer on May 26, 2008.

I am recommending that you should watch this very interesting movie.

See a video of "Recount" below:

December 30, 2008: Breakfast at Denny's With Dad

I had eaten a wonderful breakfast at Denny's yesterday morning.  Dad gave me this early birthday treat.  I ordered a hot drink, flavored cappuccino, and a breakfast, Belgian Waffle Platter.  Yummy!  Dad ordered something else, Senior Scrambled Eggs & Cheddar Breakfast.  Afterwards, I went home. 

Post-Christmas News

A night before Christmas I found out Mom and Joe are traveling again.  They were planning to take an airbus back to Chicago last Saturday morning.  I was somewhat upset when I found out as she asked me to check her airline schedule on an internet in my computer.  Mom and Joe purchased it on someone's computer while they were in California few weeks ago.  I didn't know that until now.  Mom didn't give Dad the news until last Friday afternoon when Joe made a confession to inform Dad about their plan.  I found out from David through IM that Friday evening Dad's reaction is he's mad.  I can't believe Mom and Joe are traveling again.  I miss Mom and Joe now.  I take over Mom's place to do chores at home again.  Mom and Joe will be returned home in time for my birthday.  I heard there's a winter storm in Chicago that Saturday but I guess they made it there on time.  The reason Mom and Joe went back to Chicago is that they are going to attend a special church convention.

Dad had a rough night after Christmas.  He has been a flu but he's about getting better now.  Dad needs resting.  He doesn't want me to touch him until Dad gets better when the flu leaves his body.  This time his throat hurts.  I think he's losing his voice.  I hardly listen to him when Dad talks shortly cuz his voice sounds terrible and low but I almost can understand Dad is saying something to me.

Florida still have a nice and warm weather until tomorrow when the cold front moves back in again.  Today is a partly sunny and 80 degrees.

Will see ya later! 

Our Christmas 2008

I had a wonderful Christmas on Christmas Day.  I stay home all day to celebrate it.  I had a cheese and herb turkey meat in the hamburger buns and a drink, an eggnog (yummy!) for my lunch.  After that, I had Christmas Hershey's Kisses candy.  A Chistmas dinner I had that night:  A tofu turkey go with vegetables.  It's very good.  I had a dessert afterwards.  That evening we opened our Christmas presents.  Joe and David were not there with us that night.  Dad got 4 pairs of Dockers socks from me and Jesus coffee mug from Mom.  Mom and Dad got a Wal-Mart gift card from Mom's aunt and uncle who live in Pennyslvania.  Another gift to Mom from me is undergarments.

 

 

See this picture on the right is that Mom got a framed picture of her 2 other friends with 2 other copies of them from me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dad got a Jesus coffee mug from Mom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom got ASL book from me (See on the right).  Also this is for Joe.  I wanted Mom to share it with Joe.  I wrote their name in one tag.  Anyways, Mom likes ASL book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look what I got those Xmas gifts from my family.

 

 

 

 

See on the left of Christmas tree is Angels Kissing blanket from my grandaunt and granduncle, Honey and Frank who live in Pennsylvania.

 

New outfits from my parents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left to Right:  A Makeup item and Angelstar Worry Stone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David was supposed to wait until Mom comes home last Friday but he left early cuz he have to open his Christmas presents from us.  He stayed with Dad, Joe, and me that Friday afternoon.  Mom was disappointed when she found out.  She went out for shopping.  One of us should call Mom on her cell phone right away when David arrives to visit us.

 

That's it.

December 23, 2008: Christmas Shopping With My Interpreter, Kelsey

I went out all afternoon with a young, nice female interpreter named Kelsey yesterday.  She's hired by Mom and Joe.  Kelsey is a college student who knew my deaf friend, Chuck, who is happened to be her ASL instructor at Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC currently turns into Daytona State College since last year).  I didn't know Kelsey knows Chuck until I found out that few months ago.  I already know Chuck works at a college for teaching students ASL class.  That early Tuesday afternoon, Kelsey came to pick me up 30 minutes later after my chosen original schedule to get her on time, a noon, but she did call to inform my father she would be there in 15 minutes.  After we left the Manison, we went to a big bookstore, Barnes & Noble, in Daytona Beach.  That big bookstore comes first for me to do a Christmas shopping.  First, I ordered my lunch in the cafe there.  I planned to eat there cuz I needed taking a break from making a lunch at home.  My lunch was an apple-cransberry spread, cheese and turkey sandwich.  Yummy!  My beverage was hot Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha.  That drink was so delicious!  I tried this out.  After I finished eating my lunch, Kelsey helped me to look for a signing language book.  Kelsey asked a female bookstore employee where we would find a signing language book.  We found it with other books in the other area of the section after we followed that employee.  I've decided to buy a signing language book there.  It's a Christmas present for Mom and Joe cuz they need to learn how to use a signing language.  They don't using it much in a long time.  That's why Mom and Joe have a very busy life and don't understand me well by my speech (sigh).  I chose the best book, a big and thick but not too much.  That the same one I saw at a library few years ago.  I borrowed it for scanning few pictures from that book to put into my blog.  I like that book very much so I purchased it at the front.  Kelsey bought her own presents for some people she knows.  After I purchased the new book, I decided to buy a sweet chocolate cupcake (YUMMY!)  at the cafe.  I wanted a glass plastic container of it to go, not staying in the cafe cuz we had to leave immediately for going to the mall.  At the mall, I kept searching for my family member's Christmas gift.  I had to make a hard decision to choose what he or she want but I couldn't find anything but I did find out what Mom and Dad want for Christmas already before I left home.  I've decided to pick a package of 4 pairs of Docker's socks for my Dad at JCPenney's but can't find his after shaving lotion.  After that, I wanted to stop by music CDs and DVDs shop to look for David's Christmas gift but I can't find anything that would be interesting to him and I decided not to buy DVD cuz of the price there.  Kelsey suggested I could buy a gift card instead but I told her in a sign I am thinking about it.  And to the Sears.  No, I can't find anything for Mom there.  I decided I am done searching at the mall and then we left the mall for going to Wal-Mart in Ormond Beach.  Wal-Mart was my last shop to do.  I purchased few Christmas presents for Mom and David, a package of more bows, and needed to buy a package of more Thomas English Muffins for my breakfast.  And then I went home.  Kelsey dropped me off at my family's Manison.  I came home at about after 6:30 pm.  I had a wonderful and fun time.

That evening after eating my snack, a sandwich and a soda, I had to wrap Christmas presents for my family immediately.  That's alot of work through the night.  I finished wrapping them at about 10:30 pm and then cleaned up Christmas items on my bed.  What a mess!   I put them into my bedroom closet.  Mom put my Christmas presents under the Christmas tree in our family's living room for me.

Note:  The reason I decided to buy a signing language book for Mom and Joe is that they need an upgraded book.  Mom's other English signing language books are very old.  New ASL changes them.

That's it for now.  Good night.   

Mom and Joe. Christmas Shopping With Joe Little Bit. I Cancelled 2 Events By a Deaf Club.

Mom and Joe

Both Mom and Joe slept late that last Thursday morning, December 18th, a day after they flew back home in Florida.  It was a long journey for them.  Mom and Joe were very tired.  I finally hugged Mom for the first time since she went away when Mom came down to my big suite for seeing me.  Also, she gave me a very pretty ivory winter coat but it's a light wool, just like my mom's but her own coat is a little bit different from mine.  I like it very much cuz it keeps me a warm when the cold weather comes back again in Florida.  It's a early Christmas gift from my mom.  I think it's an used that she got from a garage sale in California.  Before that, I borrowed Mom's own wool coat from her once.  I am glad they have had a safe flight.


Christmas Shopping With Joe Little Bit
That Thursday afternoon December 18th, Joe and I went out to do Christmas shopping little bit.  I had a lunch at Larry's Giant Sub, next to T.G.I.Friday's Restauart on the beachside.  It's located at the shopping plaza, across the road from the beach, houses and hotels.  And the park, too.  Larry's Giant Sub have a framed photograph of Tom Cruise and me on the wall.  It's still there for a long time.  I used to go that restaurant for breakfast and lunch ony but not too many times.  It's a very good eaten place.  I love it.  Anyways, I ordered an Italian Connection submarine sandwich and a beverage, lemonade, and a small bag of potato chips.  My lunch was very delicious.  After I finished eating there, Joe had to do errands himself and then we stopped by the big building called Cash America, a pawn shop, next to the police station in Daytona Beach.  Joe wanted me to go in there when he came back several minutes later.  I did.  I checked it out.  When I got inside there, I noticed there are computers, TV sets, and music equipments everywhere.  And used DVDs, too.  I chose 2 DVD movies, "Chocolat" and "The Devil Wears Prada" but Joe purchased them as Christmas presents for me.  I know those are early gifts.  LOL!  Afterwards, Joe wanted to stop by at a health food store, Love.  He needed to buy more food there.  When we arrived there, Joe spotted Mom's car in the parking lot.  What is she doing there?  I believed Mom is doing her food shopping.  I waved Mom when Joe got in and talked to her.  I waited in the car.  Mom left Love shop early for going to Wal-Mart to do more grocery when she's done shopping at Love.  Several minutes later after Mom left, I went home with Joe when he finished shopping.  We came home at almost same time as Mom.  We returned there about 10- 15 minutes before Mom arrived back.


I Cancelled 2 Events By a Deaf Club
On Sat the 20th, I didn't go to the other deaf club in other town cuz nobody rides with me to get there.  I was having a hard time finding someone who would take me there.  The other deaf club was having a big Christmas party in Belleview, Florida, between the Village and Ocala.  That's too far away from my hometown.  And last Monday night, December 22nd in Deland for Volusia Signing Silent Dinner, planned by my hearing/interpreter friend from my deaf club, Nova, I didn't go there.  My deaf friend, Amy, said no to me cuz she already got 2 other people to ride with her and her hubby, Chuck.  I was upset and disappointed.  Nobody takes me there.  I felt trapped at my mansion.  I think Amy was too late to ask me to ride with her as if she's not thinking about me beforehand.

Kitty's Christmas Tree 2008

Yesterday evening, Mother found this artificial and fiber optic Christmas Tree in the garage of our Mansion. I guess this was belonged to a doctor who owned our Mansion before us. It looks different than the last year I had cuz an old one is broken. I like Fiber optic Christmas Tree better than Christmas lights. Hope u likes my pictures. :-)

Wal-Mart. Denny's. Blockbuster. Mom and Joe.

Last Friday afternoon December 12th, I went to Wal-Mart to do a grocery.  When I arrived there, I went straight to the photo department to have my pictures printed in the computer from my digital camera.  I ordered 31 photos but I stopped marking the check on more others inside cuz each picture costs me.  More others are still inside in my digital camera.  I am not done with them until then.  Afterwards, I contiuned doing a food shopping until I decided I have enough.  I finished early.  I ate raisins as a snack while I was waiting for Dad to pick me up.  Guess who I ran into again?  When I was about getting into Dad's car, I saw Selena pushing the cartwheel with her 2 girls.  I said, "Hi, Selena." when Selena turned her head around and saw me as she was about entering into the store.  Selena said "Hi" to me.  And then I went in the car and to home.

I had a breakfast at Denny's the next morning, Sat. December 13, 2008.  Dad took me there.  I wanted to eat there cuz I needed taking a break from cooking breakfast at home.  I cooked breakfast almost everyday but I panted and panted.  Anyways, I ordered a beverage, flavored cappuccino, and an Ultimate Omelette and a side dish, harsh brown.  I had already decided not to eat pancakes anymore for awhile cuz I made them at home for few days before Saturday.  I have enough.  Those pancakes were really good.  My breakfast at Denny's was so delicious.  Yummy!

After breakfast at Denny's, Dad dropped me off at Blockbuster for renting 3 DVD movies.  I've decided to rent "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", "Jane Austen Book Club", and "Recount".  At Blockbuster, I can't find "Recount" anywhere.  I was hardly scanning to look that name on the shelf  so fast as I kept moving my wheelchair along so I asked an employee if Blockbuster have one.  Yes, it have one so she went to get it for me.  Oh, I didn't see it on the shelf when she returned to the counter.  I can't see the word, "Recount", cuz the scanning marker is on it.  Then I paid renting those 3 DVD movies.  I went outside and waited for Dad to pick me up.  I know he had gone to a post office and a store.  While I was waiting ouside of Blockbuster, I felt a warm that is coming from the sun.  I wore my blue winter jogging outfit.  I enjoyed the weather.  It's a nice.  About 10-15 minutes later, I felt I am thirsty so I've decided to buy a cold bottled water and I went back inside to go get it.  Then I saw Dad's car is there.  I assumed he's waiting for me.  I went outside and came around Dad's car and waited for Dad but unexpectedly, the car turned out belonging to someone else.  LOL, I was very confused when Dad's car arrived as the car of the male driver was about leaving at the same time.  Both men were laughing.  I did recognizing Dad's color car before Dad came to get me but I was very confusing.  LOL!  I laughed so hard.  I picked the wrong car!  I made a mistake!  Dad's color car looks exactly alike a man's silver car.  Both silver cars are too much bright color for me to see.  I can't remember what the name of Dad's brand-new silver car but it's an used.  I forgot.  Joe bought that silver car for Dad 2 months ago.  It's a nice one.  And then I went home.

Have news about Mom and Joe.  Finally, both Mom and Joe will be coming home late tonight.    I am glad they decided it's time to go back home.  Mom and Joe bought their airline ticket last Monday morning.  Their airline schedule faxed to Dad that Monday morning.  I read it.  I can't wait to see them again after all!  Mom and Joe had been gone for 3 weeks.  Wow!

GDBAD Christmas Dinner December 6, 2008

I went to a GDBAD Christmas Dinner Party at Easter Seals last late Saturday afternoon.  My bus came in to pick me up at my mansion on time.  I arrived at Easter Seals so early when my bus dropped me off there.  When I got inside, some club officials were setting up the food on table.  I was so hungry and can't wait to eat until 5 pm.  I had a small lunch, a salad, cuz I would be ended up getting full at supper.  Anyways, one of club officials, Georianna, announced us that we have had to line up at the door outside the room to pay the food and game.  We did it as she said.  We were waiting to take our turn to pay admission but it took us so long cuz one of guests from the other deaf club had discussing the payment with one of our club officials, Bud, a president.  Bud screwed up.  Bud and Roy, the other club official, a treasurer, were discussing the payment that Amy sent an email to spread out to us about Christmas Dinner Party.  I waited and waited patiently.  The price was mixed up.  Bud gave us a correct price.  Oh, well.  Next year, Bud will be replaced as club president by a deaf guy from New Smyrna Beach named Marcus cuz Bud could be losing his mind at his age.  I hope Marcus will be a good planner and successful and smart.  Anyways, I don't have to pay the food cuz I am a member of the deaf club but will have to pay the Fingo game later.  Then I went to the table where I wanted to seat at in my wheelchair.  I noticed so many guests and members flocked when they arrived.  Wow, the room at Easter Seals was so crowded!  The space in it is too small.  Chuck came in but he's not with Amy cuz Chuck informed me that Amy had to do Christmas orders for her many customers at home.  She's very busy doing those ASL artwork orders every Christmastime.  Again, I was waiting for the food to start but a prayer come first by Carl from St. Augustine.  I was first to line up to get food at table cuz I am in a wheelchair.  I was told that.  I picked out what I wanted to eat.  They look yummy and delicious!  Club officials ordered the food at a supermarket, Publix.  They taste better than we made food ourselves.  Biscuit, ham, chicken, potato salad, dips, crackers, devil eggs, and macaroni salad.  Free drinks are tea but have to pay sodas and water.  Pumpkin and pecan pies.  When I finished picking out the food, I went back to the table and ate them.  I chatted with some members and guests at the table.  After dinner, I had to pay the game.  We were waiting for the game to start but it took us so long cuz club officials were very busy taking care of things first.  Some members and guests went ahead to get a piece of cake when the club official opened the box of Christmas cake but she decided to stop doing it for members and guests until at break time.  Finally, the game started.  I didn't win that night but I am okay.  I really needed money for food and Christmas shopping.  I enjoyed playing the game.  It was fun.  Then Dad came in to pick me up but we have had a speaker named Brian who works for CSDVRS, a different video relay service company, not Sorenson VP, as Outreach Specialist.  Brian discussed a new videophone product, the Z.  Hmmm, I am thinking about this new product but I can't afford it.  I like Sorenson VP better and would like to have a nice Blackberry Pearl pager as my Christmas or Birthday wish from one of my family members cuz I can use it to anywhere in the travel world outside my home.  Anyways, when the speaker finished talking, I went to check out his flyer and an application.  And then I went home.

Here is a slideshow below:

Trip to Wal-Mart Last Wed. News About High School Class Reunion. Christmas Decoration.

I went to Wal-Mart last Wednesday morning.  I had to get more food myself.  As I was about entering into the vegetable dept, guess who I ran into again?  I saw and recoginzed my high school classmate.  Her name is Selena.  She was a homecoming queen and a cheerleader.  Selena was with a lady and 2 girls as she was talking with her.  Those 2 little girls are so cute in their pretty, warm outfit.  We were hugged each other and talked little bit.  She was rushing cuz she was having a party that Wednesday night.  I noticed there's a cake under the cartwheel.  Selena asked me about the 20th high school class reunion.  I replied yes, I am going to be there.  I also said I am going to buy a new dress for a reunion next year.  I was glad to see Selena again since I saw her with female classmates of mine outside on the track field last late April when I went back to my high school for 100th anniversary.  And then after we had a talk, I was looking a plastic bag of salad and kept continuing to do a grocery.  I almost bumped into Selena with a lady and 2 girls few times while I was riding a cart as she was pushing the cartwheel.  I went home when I finished doing a grocery.

As I am mentioning my 20th high school class reunion next year, I just found out about it thru one of 2 different websites of Seabreeze High School after a classmate of mine sent this website to me in an e-mail 2 months ago.  It looks cool.  Wow.  So I signed it up.  It's free.  Greg, who was a homecoming king is doing the reunion plans.  I don't know where it will take  place but I will find out.  I will may be getting an invitation to the 20th reunion in the mail, probably next year.  The date of our 20th high class reunion will be on June 13, 2009.  I am so excited about going back there.  Yes, I am going to dress up pretty.

I started decorating Christmas in my huge suite yesterday but I am not finished it yet cuz I need to get a new Christmas tree.  My old one is broken.  I have to discuss Christmas tree with Mom and Joe when they get back first.  This morning, I put up a Christmas garland onto my computer desk.  It looks very pretty.  When I am finished decorating it, I will take a picture of Christmas stuff everywhere with my digital camera for all of u to see in my photo album.

News About Mom and Joe

I can't believe what I found out from Dad that Mom and Joe will not be returned until Monday December 8th this early morning.  I really wanted Mom and Joe to be home immediately cuz I need Mom seriously and Joe to discuss my rent but I am planning to call him on his cell phone or on my mother's thru a VP later to talk about it.  I have to pay a rent to the doctor who owned our mansion before us now before I could buying anything.  Anyways, I am hoping they MUST be coming home.  I can't wait to see them again.

November 19 and 20, 2008: Aunts Betty and Teresa's Visit Part 2 of 2

Left to Right:  Joe, Teresa, Betty, and Mom at Betty's A1A Cafe.

The next evening, Thursday November 20th, Mom, Joe, and I went to pick up Aunts Betty and Teresa at their hotel, Coral Sands Inn & Seaside Cottage on the beachside.  We were going to have a dinner with them at a seafood restaurant on the beachside, Betty's A1A Cafe.  The weather that evening was cold.  I wore a dark blue overcoat.  Then we were headed for the restaurant, north of their hotel on the same road.  I had been to Betty's A1A Cafe long before.  The food was so delicious.  When we arrived inside there, we sat down at the table together.  I felt inside the restaurant is so warm.  I can tell that the heater condition is on.  I ordered a cheeseburger with bacon and a potato salad.  And a glass of spirite.  Yummy!  Wow!  That food is so delicious!  We were chatting but I did not talking much cuz I had to eat a hot cheeseburger.  After dinner, we were received a sing song so unexpectedly from witnesses.  They surprised Aunt Betty a recent birthday cake (actually on September 10th).  It was a chocolate!  Yummy!  But that cake is a small piece.  Aunt Betty sliced each of it for sharing with us.  We took aunts back to their hotel afterwards.  I went inside their cottage.  Their cottage looks clean and beautiful.  I figured the hotel manager at Coral Sands Inn bought a property of cottage few years ago.  Long before that, cottages were very old and where RV tourists (I guess) stayed.  I saw them on the beachside as one of my parents drove a car passing by.  Staying there for awhile, Mom, Aunts Betty, Teresa, and I were laughed so hard when Aunt Betty tried to get her mouth come out to talk.  I hardly listened to what she said cuz her voice is low.  Oh, I get it when she said.  She said she and Teresa wanted me to write an e-mail to Uncle Bill, Mom's brother, for them.  I said okay.  I always do.  I've had done them before.  I hugged and said goodbye to those aunts.  I am going to miss them very much.  And then we left their hotel for going home.  That's the last time I saw them.  On Friday November 21st, Aunts were going to fly back to their homestate.  Joe drove them to an airport in Orlando and dropped them off there.  I had a wonderful time with those aunts.  I was so glad to see them again.

Here is slideshow of Aunts Betty and Teresa's visit below:

November 19 and 20, 2008: Aunts Betty and Teresa's Visit Part 1 of 2

Left to Right:  Aunt Teresa and Aunt Betty

A week before Thanksgiving, I was so excited to see 2 aunts of mine.  They are from Williamsport, Pennsylvania and 2 of my mother's 7 siblings.  Betty and Teresa are not married.  Betty is retired from being a nun and a nurse in her career but she's still a part of being nun.  Betty became a nun in the early 1960s.  Teresa is still a nurse to take care of an elderly person.  Both Betty and Teresa are living together at the blue house that was once belonged to my deceased grandparents.  The blue house was built by my grandfather as a birthday gift to his wife in, I think, 1983.  I had seen inside their blue house everywhere while I was growing up.  It was beautiful.  Long before Betty and Teresa moved into a blue house, they lived in a big apartment in downtown.  That's where my mother used to live there before she married my father.  Until the fire was first started in the roof of their big apartment, they moved to another apt on the 2nd floor in South Williamsport.  I visited them there often as a teenager.  I was having a hard time to go upstairs with a pair of canes but I got a help from my mother or someone carried me up in there.  Now, they were on a vacation at Disney World Resort in Orlando for few days until on Wednesday November 19th when they travelled to Ormond Beach for staying at Coral Sands Inn & Seaside Cottage.  They stayed at one of cottages.  Betty and Teresa came over to our mansion that evening for a visit.  When they came over, I was so glad to see them again and hugged them.

During a visit to our mansion that Wed evening, David was already there before them and we were chatting each other and had a good time with us.  They drank a soda and had a snack.  Later, Mom, Dad, Joe, David, and I were watching the ballet show that my cousin, Vanessa, teaches little, young, and teenage girls, and few boys on DVD video.  Betty and Teresa brought Vanessa's DVD video and gave it to us.  They were performed on the stage last summer, June 2008.  Wow, Vanessa's video show looks wonderful and she had a great job to do her work to help girls and boys.  And her sister, Tiffany, was involved in it.  Awww, so cute!  I can hear the music in the background with a pair of my hearing aids on.  It's beautiful.  I will watch it again the other time.  Aunt Teresa said I could be a ballerina.  Yes, I agreed with her.  I liked that way when I was a little.  After finished watching the DVD show, we were chatting again at the dining table.  I just learned Jennifer who was born with CP is in care of the other relative, not the other grandmother.  I was wrong.  It turned out the other daugther that Grandaunt Ann has.  I also learned her hubby, Cleo, is not doing well.  Aunt Teresa told me that Grandaunt Kitty is in a nursing home right now.  That's what she heard about.  Grandaunt Kitty is my Godmother, my mother's aunt, and my deceased grandfather's sister. Later that evening, both Betty and Teresa were returned to their hotel on the beachside.  Mom dropped them off there.  I was so glad to see them again.  It's been a long time.  I hugged both of them for the first time since the last time I saw them years ago when they came over.  They have had no idea Florida was having a cold weather since last Sunday.  It was still on until this weekend.  Betty and Teresa like our mansion very much.  They took a house tour by Mom before they left.

Updates on Mom and Joe

Well, Mom and Joe are not coming home yet.  They were supposed to come home from a church trip to California yesterday.  I was disappointed and upset.  They wanted to stay in California for one more day or few.  I guess Joe changed the plans again.  He's the one who is responsible.  I woke up after 4 am today if Mom is there but no, she was not.  I really wanted to hug Mom again.  Dad said he got a call from them and they changed the plans.  Dad also said they will be coming home tomorrow.  Hopefully.  And then I went back to my huge suite and felt I am mad at Joe little bit.  I called Mom on her cell phone after 4 am thru a relay service in my VP and checked on her.  Mom said she and Joe will be home in 2 days (Thursday).  I am confused which day they are going to fly back here in Florida.  Tomorrow or 2 days?  Who is right?  All I need is a straight answer from one of them.  I know Todd is right when he said Joe keeps changing alot while working for him in a law office many years ago.  I think Joe needs Dr. Phil's help.  After I talked with Mom thru VP, I went back to bed.

Thanksgiving Week 2008

Whew!  I am taking a break from doing chores for Mother.  I have been busy at home since Mother's absent last Tuesday.  Oh, boy.  Doing chores drove me crazy.  Took a nap few times, but not much.  I can't sleep.

Last, very early Tuesday Morning, Mom and my oldest brother, Joe, went to an airport in Orlando for flying back to California on that Thanksgiving week.  I had to get up to catch Mom and Joe on time before they leave.  They planned to leave at 4 am.  I wanted to hug Mom and Joe for saying goodbye.  Mom was late.  I noticed she was in a hurry and couldn't have time to chat with me.  She was very busy and went crazy.  Mom had to put her stuff into my green suitcase that was sitting on the floor next to the kitchen.  She borrowed it from mine.  And then I laughed at Mom as she was sitting on top of it as if she was in hurry.  LOL!  Mom was trying to close the suitcase when she was done packing.  She laughed, too.  Mom and Joe hugged me and then they left.  After they left, I went back to bed.  Mom and Joe were going to Mount Shasta, California.  Have u heard about this place?  It nears the boarder of Oregon.  That's where they went on a Thanksgiving church trip.  Everyday, I called Mom on her cell phone thru a relay service in my videophone when she have had a free time before Mom leaves the hotel.  Mom and Joe are coming home tonight, very late.  I can't wait to see Mom and Joe again soon.

The next day, Wednesday afternoon, I went to Wal-Mart for doing a grocery.  As I was about leaving the mansion, I noticed there's a large luggage is trashed outside.  I laughed at it as I was figuring out what it is.  I understood why Mom wanted to borrow my green suitcase.  Otherwise, I had to buy more personal supplies there and more food.  At that time, I felt shivering and warm little bit since that morning and my back was in terrible pain.  Ouch!  I realized I may be getting a fever again.  Oh, no.  I spoke with female Wal-Mart employee about body temperature.  I was looking for a cheap one that I can afford.  I wished my mother is here to help me but she had no idea what's wrong with me.  Anyways, an employee suggested about the product named Reli-On Digital Thermometer.  I chose it and hopefully, it would work.  I don't like old fashioned thermometer cuz I had a difficult reading the number inside and it confuses me.  And then I went home.

When I got back home from a trip to Wal-Mart that Wednesday afternoon, I took a digital thermometer right away after I put food and other stuff away.  And waited for 60 seconds.  I checked to see how much degrees in it when it's done.  Yes, I was right.  I have had a fever again.  100.6 degrees.  And then I took aspirins immediately.  A fever went ups and downs repeatly little bit.  I kept taking those aspirins for every 4 hours to keep a fever down until last late Thursday night when I gave up.  I was so tired of taking those aspirins!  I don't like them!  Mom said I don't need to see a doctor again.  I was told that exactly by Dad last Friday.  Last Friday morning, I took a green liquid for spasm again and I felt better.  I took Bio-K bottle, taste like a yogurt before eating a breakfast.

I went to a Thanksgiving Feast at Greg's Liberty in Ormond Beach with Dad and David on Thanksgiving Day.  David arrived at our mansion on time.  He said I look pretty.  I thanked him.  And then we left.  A funny thing about David is that he's a clean freak cuz David doesn't want me to touch inside his newest blue Honda car when I get in it.  I don't care about the touch.  I wanted him to stop being a clean freak!  David needs loosing up himself.  The food was wonderful and so delicious but I had to take an easy carefully cuz I was still having little bit of a fever.  I ate it slow.  And then I decided stop eating at the halfway of my food.  I wanted to take it with me to home.  I ate a pie at home.  Yummy!  I went to take a nap afterwards.  I needed a rest.  That's what my Dad said at dinner.  I know I needed it cuz I was still having a little fever.

Here is a slideshow of Thanksgiving 2008 below:

I had a guy who works for Sorenson VP company coming over to my place last Saturday afternoon for repairing my VP.  I had a problem with the flashing lights in my VP.  I had to turn off the VP for watching TV program on a cable.  That's why I don't see the flashing lights and I received a long list of missed calls.  I didn't know people including Todd trying to call me so unexpectedly.  I can't believe it.  Anyways, Sorenson guy did it successfully.  He took the VCR box out from the TV set and the wire of Sorenson VP hooked up into it.  Another equipment of Belkin is not anymore.  I thanked Sorenson guy when he finished repairing it and then he left.  Right now, the VP is on in case the flashing light signaled me out when the person is calling me.  I am happy the flashing light is working.

That's it for now. 

Nova's Belated Birthday Party November 14, 2008

I attend a Belated Birthday Party for my hearing friend/interperter, Nova, that late Friday morning.  We were having a birthday lunch together.  That Friday morning, my bus came in on time.  I noticed there's a police car inspecting each house on our street as my female bus driver was about putting me into the bus.  I guess the policeman makes sure no robbers are invading their home but we live in a gate community and it is a safe place for us.  Anyways, the bus driver drove on I-95 highway after we left the gate community.  That's long way to get to New Smyrna Beach where I would be dropping off at a deaf couple's big house with their huge front yard.  The deaf couple are Amy and Chuck from my deaf club.  I arrived there early little bit before 11 am.  When I got out of bus, I noticed Amy's hearing father, Clifford, was sitting in the outdoor chair next to the huge tree.  He's enjoyed outside himself.  Clifford is living with Amy and Chuck.  He's 93 years old!  Can't u believe it?  Wow!  He looks handsome and strong but he has some health problems right now.  Cliff is also widower since summer 2005.  Anyways, as the bus driver pushed my wheelchair to where I wanted to stop at the front of house, I greeted to Cliff, "Hello!" when his head turned around and he looked at me.  Outside the house, I noticed the other deaf couple from St. Augustine, Ray and Jan, already arrived there before me.  Ray, Jan, and Chuck were sitting and chatting each other in their ASL after Chuck cleaned up things.  I was chatted with them, too.  The weather was so nice and warm.  86 degrees and partly cloudly.  Amy had to do chores.  She was in a hurry until she finished them and then settled down for chatting with us.  Then Amy had to leave for going to the Publix to get a birthday cake with her father.  Nova was in no sight.  I was told that Nova was already left that morning for doing something but I had no idea where she go to.  Nova returned later on.  She brought a paper bag of food from Publix.  In that paper bag from Publix, Nova bought a package of fried chicken and potato salad and a soda.  Yummmy!  But Amy cooked chicken that's already been baking in the oven.  And Amy returned with her father.  She brought stuff from Publix.  I brought a birthday gift for Nova, a very good book by Richard Carlson, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff".  I also made a birthday card for her in the computer.  I am glad Nova likes my gift cuz she heard about this name of an author.  Later, we went inside the house and were settled down in the living room for a chat.  I just learned Nova got a "new" hearing boyfriend named Tom recently as she made an announcement about him to us.  Wow, I was surprised.  Nova has known Tom for years.  She had a long story to tell us in her ASL.  I had a drink and a snack with me and waited for the lunch to be ready.  I was so hungry.  Finally, it was time to eat!  I ate a lunch at the dining table with a group.  Tom, Nova, new boyfriend, and Mary, our deaf friend, had just arrived.  Tom brought Mary in there.  I can't see his face as he was in a hurry cuz I was curious to get know him.  When Tom sat down in the chair next to me, he looks good with a mustache.  I noticed Nova and Tom were staring each other while they were eating a lunch.  I just learned the dining table was made by Amy's father.  She grew up with it.  It looks so beautiful and in a good shape.  And then the birthday cake came in with a candle that being a lit.  The kind of birthday cake is a carrot.  And 3 different kinds of ice cream.  I ate a slice of carrot cake and cool mint ice cream.  Ohhhhh, yummmmy!  Nova was laughed and happy.  There were 3 more others arrived late.  Those 3 people are all black.  I just figured out one of them have no car.  They took a city bus.  They were sweat and hungry.  Those black people ate their lunch right away.  Amy, Ray, and Jan left the house for going to Home Depot to get a wood.  Ray is going to make a clock by a wood for Amy.  Then Nova had to leave immediately.  When Tom and Nova went outside, I noticed they holded their hands together as they walked to Nova's car.  Cute.  I wanted to curious to see Tom and Nova are kissing each other if they already did.  Ray and Jan looked on at them.  My instinct said no.  It looked nothing happened.  I was disappointed but I am okay.  Amy, Ray, and Jan returned right after Nova left.  Pretty soon, I would be leaving.  My bus could be arrived to pick me up anytime.  I waited.  It arrived 15 minutes late.  It did.  I recognized that same driver I had with that morning.  The driver picked me up while Amy was upstairs.  I missed hugging and saying goodbye to her.  It's too late.  The bus took me back to Ormond Beach.  I came home safe after 5 pm.  I discovered the gate doors already closed early when the bus arrived there and gave her the code # but I had no idea.  I thought those doors would be closed at 5:30 pm.  She got it the 2nd time try.  Then I saw Mom standing outside our manison and chatting with her neighbor.  The bus driver dropped me off in front of our manison and Mom as she was waiting for me.  I had a wonderful and fun time at the belated birthday party for Nova.  It was nice.

See a slideshow below:

November 21, 2008

Finally, I have time to do blogging this since I blogged a review about the DVD movie, "Scent of a Woman" last Tuesday.  Here are the list that is the reason why I hadn't time to do blogging: 
1.  I had to do chores in the kitchen for Mother few times. 
2.  Attended a belated birthday party last Friday, Nov. 14, 2008.  I sent digital photos that was taken there to my friends from a deaf club this morning. 
3.  Read ur blogs few times. 
4.  Went back to a beauty parlor last Wed., Nov. 19, 2008 to have coloring my hair by a hairdresser. 
5.  That Wed night, 2 aunts from Pennsylvania were visiting us at our manison but they stayed at a hotel on the beachside. 
6.  Went out to eat at a seafood restuarant with my family including 2 aunts on the beachside last night, Thurs Nov. 20, 2008.  Wow!  Thursday was aunts' last night of their vacation.
7.  I had to do a slideshow for all of u to see this morning.  U will be surprised to see it but u have to wait until next week.  And I will work on the other slideshow tomorrow.  Alot of digital photos.
I will do blog those list to talk about next week.

Scent of a Woman (1992 Film)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

I borrowed this fantastic movie from my oldest brother who owns it with many, many other DVD movies. I've watched it last Saturday. Several years before that DVD movie with closed-caption, I couldn't understand what the dialouge between those great actors is saying on TV cable. It's very hard for me to understand.

The Baird School, all boys' boarding school, in this DVD movie was set in the state of New York but the other night, while I am researching this movie in the website of Wikipedia, I just found out it's actually taken at all girls' school named Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. Emma Willard School is a real. I was surprised to learn about it. It's interesting. I didn't know until now. Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell starred in it. Each of those 2 great actors played wonderfully. Chris O'Donnell played a poor Baird School student, Charlie Simms, who won on a scholarship and a nice boy housesitting a blind man who was a former heroic Army soldier, retired U.S. Army Officer Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, played by Al Pacino. That was taken a place during Thanksgiving weekend. The reason Charlie was hired as a housesitter to a blind man on the weekend of Thanksgiving is that Charlie needs a money for a trip back to his homestate, Orgeon, to be with his parents for Christmas. Otherwise, before the Thanksgiving weekend, Charlie has a very big problem at school. He witnessed other boys' prank one night to set up a trick on a headmaster but Charlie won't give out his secret to a headmaster in front of one of stupid boys in the big office of headmaster. I think Charlie is afaird of those stupid boys cuz they would destory his future plans. Charlie don't know how to stand up against those young rich guys. He should do it himself cuz he's grown up. I guess no parents of his taught him how to stand up but it's too late. I figured it out. Anyways, Frank Slade decided he wants to go on a trip to NYC with the help of Charlie. Before coming to NYC, Frank paid as an unexpected, surprised guest to the home of his brother on Thanksgiving Day. His family is embarrassed by Frank's crude behavior during a dinner there.

You should see it for yourself. This movie is the best holiday I've ever watched. I love it. I am recommending this to you. You could watch it during holidays.

Al Pacino won a 1993 Academy Award Best Actor for his performance in that movie, "Scent of a Woman".

Here is a video of this movie below:

Trip to Wal-Mart Last Sat. Visited A Doctor and A hearing Aid Specialist Yesterday.

I was supposed to do blogging yesterday but I didn't have time cuz I had an appt with a doctor that Tuesday afternoon and was tired little bit last night.

Last Sat I went to Wal-Mart for doing a grocery at around lunchtime.  I had to eat lunch first at McDonald's.  This gave me a break from making a lunch at home.  I did not going out to eat much last week until that Sat.  Finally.  I ordered McChicken sandwich and small drink of Spirite.  That's it.  I felt better.  Afterwards, I went to do a food shopping.

I had an appt with a black doctor yesterday afternoon.  My black doctor is happy to find out about the results of my health.  It's changed since the last time.  The last time I visited him at his office in Daytona Beach, I was not feeling well.  The temperture in my body stayed 100 degrees.  It would may be coming back to climb again.   I was concerned.  My lower abdomen acted stirring up and was in a pain little bit.  I do recall I felt the muscle inside in there pulled as the black nurse lifted me back into my wheelchair after the doctor examed me on the bed.  I said, "Ouch!" as the muscle being pulled.  But right now, no more pain.  Thank God.   I would may be needing a medication in case the spasm comes back again but not this time.

After visiting a doctor, I went to see a hearing aid specialist about my left hearing aid cuz my left ear was in a pain.  My hearing aid had been repaired.  It need a stretch but not too long.  My left ear is much better and comfortable since I put my hearing aid back on yesterday.  And then I went home.

I have to stop typing this blog cuz I have to go to do my makeup and get dressed for going out tonight.  I will tell u about it later.

The Medication. The Death of My Grandaunt Ann.

The weather in Florida looks nice and warm.  It's sunny with partly cloudy this afternoon.

About my medication, I've decided stopping take it anymore last Sunday cuz my throat would go dry.  I guess maybe that's why I got sick 2 weeks ago.  But 2 days later, I felt my lower abdomen acting up little bit again.  This could be led to a spasm.  So I went back to take a medication again.  One time is enough for a day.  I received a new tall, white bottle that my mother bought from a health food store.  It's a vitamin juice.  It tastes like a carrot.  It works.  I feel great.  Pretty soon, I will have an appt with a black doctor, not the white one I saw 2 months ago, who prescribed a green liquid for a spasm.

I lost another relative 2 months later after the death of Uncle Richard in this year.  I just found out Grandaunt Ann who lives in Pennsylvania passed away on Sept 8th.  I didn't find out about her until a week later.  I can't believe it.  I miss her.  Grandaunt Ann is my mother's aunt, my deceased grandfather's sister, and a grandmother of woman named Jennifer with Cerebral Palsy but she's hearing.  Grandaunt Ann took care of Jennifer since her parents were killed in a small plane crash in 1978.  Jennifer also have a disabled brother named Jim but the other brother, a little one, was a normal.  The little one was killed along with his parents at the same time, too.  Grandaunt Ann raised Jennifer very well.  She was very busy caregiver until I learned Ann had health problems that I was told by my mother after Ann died.  Ann had a high blood pressure and swollen legs.  I figured her swollen legs are the result of taking care of Jennifer for many years.  It's possible.  I do recall one late winter several years ago (at that time, I was a single and living with my parents), Aunt Ann, her hubby Cleo, and Jennifer came down to visit us on their vacation.  Cleo drove a huge trailer that I've ever saw outside my parents' house.  Inside the huge trailer looked clean and pretty.  Wow!  I will never forget their visit.  Another recall I do have is that I visited Ann's huge house with my then fiance in the summer of 1997.  Wow, it's very pretty big.  Jennifer has an elevated chair at the stairs inside the house.  I think Cleo built it for his family.  Anyways, I was concerned about Jennifer if she would be sent to a nursing home but I was told the other grandmother is taking over Ann's place.  I hope Jennifer is alright.  I have a picture of Jennifer in my photo album but not this time.  I am not ready.  Next time I will post it.

An Election. A Deaf Club.

I am glad the election is over.  Whew!  I was disappointed and depressed when I found out McCain lost a victory to Obama on the news yesterday morning.  I can't believe it.  I felt sorry for McCain and Palin.  Barack Obama is going to become the first black President of USA after 232 years since George Washington was a first white President of USA.  It's going to make a new history in the book 50 years later after the segregation.  I've never seen a black President before.  I have seen only white Presidents since the '80s.  Wow!  Do u remember the Sci-Fi movie, "Deep Impact"?  A black movie star named Morgan Freeman played a black President of USA in that Sci-Fi movie.  Freeman played a black President who warned Americans about the arrival of a huge, dangerous comet.  I saw that movie in the theater in the summer of 1998.  Anyways, I wish my uncle, Richard, of S.F. and grandaunt, Ann, of Pennsylvania, should to be alive to see Obama electing to become 44th President of USA.  They would not believe it.

Last Saturday afternoon, I went to a meeting at the deaf club at Easter Seals in Daytona Beach.  The meeting went well but it confused me cuz I haven't learning anything about ASL but I understood some of their signing.  We were discussed voting club officials.  We were late to eat an early Thanksgiving dinner.  The food was so delicious!  Wow!  I ate them as if I am feeling great.  About a month ago at the deaf club, I wasn't feeling well.  I felt uncomfortable cuz my stomach stirred up.  That was before I got a new medication by a doctor.  But right now, I look much better.  Anyways, a Thanksgiving dinner served submarine sandwiches, potato salads, fruits, sliced cheese, pickles, olives, pies, and a cake.  After dinner, we played Fingo game.  I didn't win that Sat night but I am okay.  Dad came in early to pick me up.  He ate a slice of pie and a cake that I had enough eating and gave to him.  And then I went home.  I had a fun.

I have to go now.  I am watching "30 Rocks" on NBC tonight.  I will have more details in my next blog tomorrow.  Good night, everyone!

Sick Kitty. Belated Birthday Lunch Party. Weather in Florida.

I was supposed to do blogging last Friday but I became sick again.  I ended up getting a sore throat that came first.  That early Friday morning, my throat acted funny.  I didn't know what it is until later I realized I have a sore throat.  Oh, no, not again.  Who gave it to me?  Maybe Joe.  Maybe Dad.  I don't know which one who gave me a sick.  The next day, I had a running nose.  Ugh.  That was next after my throat got better.  I wasn't feeling well.  I had a sinus.  Both of my eyes were hurt and tired.  I rested in bed all day.  And yesterday, I was about recovering from being sick but my eyes still hurt. The left side of my nose hurts, too.  I rested and slept that Sunday afternoon.  I am about getting better today but my nose hurts little bit when I stand up.  No more running nose.

That Friday Mom was having a belated birthday party for Dad.  She invited her 2 friends, Joan and Joanne, for lunch.  Mom made a delicious soup.  I ate it.  Yummy!  I can't remember what's the name of it.  I forgot to ask her what it is.  Mom bought some plastic containers of slice cake.  I took few pictures of them at the dining table during lunch hour.  I think Dad didn't want to join those ladies but I don't know.  At that time, he was tired and napping.  They had a wonderful lunch.

The weather in Florida is changing again.  Tonight will be about 45 degrees.  Brrrr!  Tomorrow will be 64 degrees and that Tues night 48.  But good news for Halloween kids on Friday, the temperature will back up again.  It will be 78 degrees and that Halloween night 58 degrees. Not bad.

"The Other Boleyn Girl"

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

I've watched this rental DVD movie last Sat afternoon. This movie is a very dramatic story about 2 Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne, and King Henry VIII of England. Anne Boleyn was one of Henry VIII of England's 6 wives. It was made by a book, written by Philippa Gregory. I haven't read it yet but I will in the future. IMO, it's a scandalous and dysfunctional. You should see what's going on inside King Henry VII's huge castle. You will may be in for a shock. I enjoyed watching it while I was eating my lunch but my jaws were dropped when I hear about the situation at King Henry's castle where he hid scenes inside from ordinary residents.

Here is a video below:

My Health. Mom and Joe's Church Trip.

I finally have time to do blogging this.  Sorry, I haven't written it for 4 weeks cuz I wasn't feeling well due to a digestive system that is about shut down.  I've tried to do blogging few times but my digestive system interrupted me.  I felt very uncomfortable inside.  I can't stand it anymore. 

About 2 weeks ago on Thursday October 9th, I became terrible sick when I came home from a trip to Wal-Mart.  It was awful.  My stomach stirred up again.  I felt fine that morning but not that afternoon.   I have problems with my digestive systems for months since last February.  It had been going on forever.  I didn't eat much.  I feel skinny.  My mother and brother Joe said I should be moving around and walking but they are wrong.  I kept telling them that.  We had a disagreement about it.  I knew there's something wrong with me.  On Monday October 13th, I had a fever.  102 degrees.  My God!  I felt cold.  I rested in bed all afternoon and night.  The next day, I went to see a doctor.  At the doctor's office, I just found out my blood pressure is lower and my lower addomen has a spasm.  I can't believe those when I found out.  Mother said I might have a mild case of shingles.  I can't tell u where they are.  I do know where shingles are in on.  I am on a medication now.  Since I received 2 different medications last week, I am getting improved.  I am surprised to notice that.  The green liquid, my medication, works in my digestive system successfully.  That is using for a spasm.  The green liquid tastes like a rosemary or mint.  I did eat plenty of food but not too much.  Anyways, I am still waiting to hear from the lab about the result of my blood test.

Mom and Joe are back home now from a trip to Phoenix, AZ.  They came home last night.  Mom and Joe flew to Phoenix for a church trip last Thursday morning.  I am glad to see them again.  While Mom and Joe, I did washing and drying dishes myself.  I kept the kitchen a clean.  On the night of Mom and Joe's returning, we had eaten a pizza together.  David, my other brother, ordered 2 boxes of pizza.  However, I already ate supper one hour or so before but I have had no idea David ordered 2 boxes of pizza.  I ate one thin slice of pizza.  That's all I had cuz I don't want to eat too much.  Pizza is sooooo good!  YUMMY!  Thanks to David!

Wal-Mart. The Chart House Restaurant. Emmy Awards.

Last Saturday, I felt boring as if I have had no plans but yesterday I had a fun.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to do a grocery at Wal-Mart.  I asked Wal-Mart employee if she has a new battery to be exchanged for my watch cuz I discovered my watch was not working that afternoon before I left home.  But she said Wal-Mart doesn't have one.  I was disappointed but I think I forgot about it.  I had to buy a different size of battery for my small wireless clock.that I could put in my bathroom.  And then I went on to buy more food until I've decided I am finished.

When Mom and I arrived home in her car that late Sunday afternoon, I got unexpected plans.  Joe made me staying in the car and wanted to take me out to eat.  I was surprised.  That was so unexpected.  I didn't know what he has in his mind.  We went to The Chart House, an expensive seafood restaurant in Daytona Beach.  The Chart House is located on the Halifax River surrounding by many boats everywhere and between 2 condos.  I had been there few times but not much.  That was a long time ago.  The last time I went there was in the Winter of 2005 or 2006.  I recall Joe brought his guests and our parents to celebrate my birthday there but it was belated.  Anyways, the outside that night looks shining and beautiful and quiet.  Joe and I were talked on other things personally.  Our food was so delicious.  I ordered coconut shrimps with rices but this food look so big.  Wow!  I had a salad from the bar before the dinner arrives.  I took this meal to home so Dad can have it cuz I know he would like it very much.

Did u watch Emmy Awards show last night?  I missed watching the first of 3 hours Emmy Awards show that night cuz we were about coming home from a trip to the restaurant in Daytona Beach.  I was looking at Joe's watch by checking out what time while I was at the restaurant.  I realized I am going to miss watching it.  I can't wait to get home but I've got to be patient.  After I got home from a trip to Wal-Mart where Joe had to buy a cologne for Dad, I am so glad that "Recount" won an award.  I haven't seen it but I will rent that DVD movie one day when I have time.  I really wanted to see it badly.  I can't believe Tina Fey won 3 awards.  Tina looks so pretty and sexy but much alike Sarah Palin, Vice President hopeful.  LOL!  Tina is so funny when she played Sarah Palin on SNL. on "TODAY" show.  She dressed up so nicely in it next to Hillary Clinton.  Wow, so many awards went to "John Adams".  I want to see that DVD movie, too.

Meet Carole Rome, Florida Governor Crist's Fiancee

Florida Gov Crist and his fiancee, Carole Rome

We know about our Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, as being a bachelor until last July when we found out he's engaged to a businesswoman from New York City.  Actually, we also found out Crist got a new girlfriend before that.  Wow, I can't believe it.  Crist had been a bachelor for about 30 years after his first marriage was failed.  He's from St. Petersburg.  We were surprised to find out his engagement.  I read an article about Carole Rome in the Local section in my hometown's newspaper last Monday.  It's an interest to get to know who Carole Rome is.  She's very pretty and smart.  Here is a copy from St. Petersburg Times online that date Sunday July 13, 2008 I found:

The governor had the evening planned.

He bought the ring on a Wednesday from a jeweler near Publix in northeast St. Petersburg. He took his date to Ceviche on Beach Drive that evening, and outside were the city lights and the warm breeze off the bay. They would eat tapas and stroll to his apartment, where the 51-year-old bachelor would ask the woman to marry him.

But alas, a couple who live in his building saw them, said hello, and asked if they'd like to come up and watch the Rays play the Red Sox.

The governor did not get his job by disappointing people, so he and his date watched the Rays come from behind with six runs in the seventh inning. By the time it was over, proposing marriage didn't feel quite right.

He waited till morning. She was sitting on the couch when he took a seat beside her.

He checked the clock: a few minutes before 11.

Nine months earlier, they met at an Italian restaurant in New York; five months earlier, he introduced the mystery woman publicly as "my girlfriend."

That morning, July 3, she saw that he was holding a small box. He opened it. She smiled.

With a word — Yes! — Carole Rome became Florida's first fiancee, the curiosity of a state.

Roslyn, N.Y., is picturesque suburbia, sandwiched between Manhattan grit and Hamptons glamor. Strip mall marquees have gold-leafing. Fancy restaurants look like Grandma's house. Even the liquor store has charm.

Roslyn was home to writer Michael Crichton and former Vermont first lady Judith Steinberg Dean.

It was home to Carole Rome, now 38.

She was the last of five babies born to Bob and Margaret Oumano. Carole was a sweet child with pretty brown eyes who toddled around in pink sundresses. She was doted on, captured in photos her older sister showed off at summer camp.

"I was very proud of her," said Michele Oumano Powell, 51.

Bob Oumano operated his father's gag gift business. He loaded boxes and crunched numbers. He pitched hooting owls and whoopee cushions to novelty shops, hoping they'd carry his stock. His kids helped; tales swirl that a young Carole drove the forklift in his warehouse.

He brought home samples — the girls especially loved plastic Hope diamond rings. But at home after his long commute, Bob had little energy for banana peel slapstick.

"We used to call him the unconscious comedian, because he'd make jokes when he didn't even realize," said Carole's sister. "He wasn't really the practical joke type who was testing out new products at home. He worked hard."

At Roslyn High, Carole cheered for the varsity squad in her sweater vest and shoe poms. She made honor society. She had big bangs and 1980s power curls.

She wrote cryptic notes under her 1987 senior yearbook picture — WOW!WhatATrip! RHShasNEverSeen Such A WildBunch!... Mom&Dad:Thx4Evrythg-URThe Best!LY!

She left for Georgetown University, unsure what to become. She earned a business and accounting degree, graduating with honors. She moved to Manhattan to start her career, and in 1993 married Todd Rome, now president of a private jet company, Blue Star Jets. Three years later, they had their first daughter, Jessica. In 1998, they had Skylar.

Carole juggled family life with work. She was an auditor at an accounting firm. She didn't love it. She worked in high-end real estate. She didn't love it.

Her father, ailing from heart problems, wanted Carole to run the family business, Franco American Novelty Co. She was dynamic and high energy. She was the baby. She could carry on the legacy.

Bob Oumano died in 2000. Before, he gave the family his blessing to take the company in a new direction, focused on costumes.

Carole dived in. She invented a slogan: "Where Fashion Meets Halloween." She designed figure-flattering costumes, including a red goddess dress. A sequined child's devil outfit became a top seller.

Dressed exquisitely in suits, she strutted into the company's modest office in Glendale, a quirky Queens neighborhood surrounded by cemeteries. She got her hands dirty, unpacking boxes. Once, while feet of snow fell outside, she stayed overnight working out finances.

"She'll get you motivated," said David Arce, Franco's warehouse manager. "On days that were real hot, she'd say, 'Go get ice, get sodas, get water. … Get the air-conditioning on, buy fans.' Anything to keep the morale going."

Under her lead, the company turned in record profits.

Her life outside was lavish. She and Todd Rome owned homes all over New York City. They built a townhouse on Manhattan's exclusive Upper East Side. They had a 10,000-square-foot vacation home in Southampton. Carole decorated it with a palette of pale blue, white and silver.

The couple threw fundraisers for the Red Cross and other charities, raising thousands of dollars by auctioning trips, cruises, jewelry, paintings, a Gucci bag, a diamond bracelet.

Carole hobnobbed with Tommy Hilfiger, John McEnroe, Patty Smyth, Kelly Clarkson, the Hilton family. She appeared in the society pages wearing flowing baby doll dresses she designed with Erisa Dilo, design director at Franco.

"She loves custom-made dresses," Dilo said. "She loves Roberto Cavalli, which is also my favorite designer, which I think is why Carole and I click. That's why when I design for her, she loves it."

She frequented Nobu, a New York restaurant co-owned by Robert De Niro, and Pink Elephant, a bar that offers Krug Clos du Mesnil champagne for $2,100. She had her long, wavy hair styled on Madison Avenue.

• • •

The governor and his fiancee sit for an interview in a comfy poolside room on a private island south of Miami Beach, where the sand is imported from the Bahamas and caged toucans squawk under a giant banyan tree. You can reach Fisher Island only by boat, helicopter or ferry, and according to the 2000 census, its 1,400 residents had the highest per capita income in the United States.

Carole Rome has a 3,690-square-foot, $4.1-million condo.

She moved from New York to Florida with her children in 2006, when her marriage was in trouble.

"In a million years, I never understood why she wanted to move out of New York, except for what she said, which is, she wanted a simpler life for her children," said Carole's friend Jill Zarin, a cast member on the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of New York City. "She wanted to slow down, which is funny, because now she's on a treadmill."

In their Florida divorce file, Todd Rome alleges that Carole took the kids to Miami without his blessing, lured him to Florida to work out the marriage — and then served him with divorce papers.

He says Carole became inexplicably unhappy with their $6-million Upper East Side townhouse. She wasn't happy with any of their homes, he says.

"No sooner was a new home built, bought or rented, but that defendant became dissatisfied with it," Todd Rome says in the records. "In the first 11 years of our marriage, we lived for an average period of one to two years in a succession of no less than five apartments and three houses. … We also have had a total of four vacation houses in the Hamptons."

Todd Rome, who is now engaged to be married, did not return calls for an interview.

As news of the divorce spread through society circles, so did whispers that he couldn't abide Carole's spending. The society press delighted in the rumor.

"That's just gossip," said Zarin. "The truth is, I like to shop, so do you; everyone likes to shop. She gives a lot of money to charity. … She doesn't just write a check. She does a lot of the work at these events. Carole Rome has no problem rolling up her sleeves."

• • •

Florida's wedding of the year will most likely be in the spring. The newlyweds will divide their time among Fisher Island, Crist's rented condo in St. Petersburg, and the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee. Carole and her former husband share custody of their children, according to Todd Rome's lawyer. They go to a private school in Miami.

"The girls are wonderful," Crist said, "and I think the world of them and I look forward to spending a lot of time with them."

In the hourlong interview on Fisher Island, Crist and his fiancee never stop touching. He rubs her hands and her back and her shoulders. She squeezes his thigh and stares at his face.

"We just kind of hit it off from the get-go," he says. "It was classic."

They met in late September, when mutual friends got them together to talk about GOP fundraising at an Italian restaurant in New York, a romantic place called Campagnola, on the Upper East Side. They sat next to each other.

She thought he was handsome and sincere. He thought she was beautiful, sweet, smart.

They talked about politics and sports. They hit a club after dinner and listened to music. They ended the night with a kiss. She gave him her number, told him to call.

The next day, he had to deliver a lecture at Bill Clinton's Global Climate Initiative, but he couldn't get the woman out of his head.

Crist was faced with the most human of challenges: How long should I wait before I call?

He saw her again that Friday, at a fundraiser in South Florida.

There was an immediate connection.

"I felt it," he says.

"I did, too," she says.

"She was so friendly, so sweet, and so knowledgeable about a lot of stuff," he says. "It was very nice to find someone so beautiful, so brilliant, and so sweet as well. So I fell in love."

"I find him to be the most handsome man," she says. "I just so enjoyed his personality, his charm, his grace, his goodness."

They began seeing each other more regularly, and the news media eventually caught on. But the girlfriend remained mostly a mystery.

• • •

"We're not identical," the governor says, "but I've never met someone more like myself in a woman than Carole."

This from a man known for eating one meal a day, a man who rents an apartment and carries no credit card debt, a man whose entire net worth — $457,262 — might not be enough to buy him a nice condo in any of the neighborhoods his fiancee is used to living in. Is this a case of opposites attracting?

"My parents were very simple people," she says, "and always instilled that in their children, and I always valued that. And that really is my core and my roots. Meeting Charlie, and seeing the life of a public servant and somebody who's so selfless and is not driven by material things and by money, and is so simple and so humble and so pure, was really something that was very attractive to me, and it reminded me very much of my upbringing."

She says Crist has changed her. "Maybe it's more accurate to say I'm getting back to my roots and my solid foundation of who I really am and what's really important in life," she says.

So was hobnobbing with the rich and famous insincere?

"I don't have any regrets whatsoever," she says. "I think in life it's important to experience all things. But at the end of the day you need to come to terms with who you are and what really fulfills you and inspires you, and I have found great inspiration and fulfillment through Charlie."

She says she loves St. Petersburg. She loves eating shrimp salad at Fish Tales and dining at Fred's at the Vinoy and going out on Crist's boat on Tampa Bay.

"I find it to be the most beautiful, wholesome, wonderful community," she says. "I love St. Petersburg."

"Can't beat the 'burg," Crist says.

Crist has heard skeptics say his wedding proposal was politically motivated. He has heard the speculation that he's marrying to make himself a more appealing vice presidential candidate. He says those people are wrong.

"It's all about being in love with Carole."

They stand, hold hands, walk outside near the pool. Pausing in front of a bougainvillea, they embrace. Then, as a photographer snaps pictures, they kiss.