Heidi Flash

Friend Pimp

I don’t need a Friend Pimp. What is a “Friend Pimp” you say? My definition of a “Friend Pimp” is someone that insists you meet someone that they know that they want you to know. Now this is okay in social situations – like bringing along a friend to a bar and introducing them to you. Or having a dinner and inviting different folks over. But I have a friend that sent me an email and wanted to get my phone number to give to someone that they know that lives close to me. “Um – why?” The answer was “well I think she would like to meet you. She is new to the area and wants to meet some people.” “Um – okay – tell her to go to a bar.” Geez – I know it makes me sound like a total ogre but I have reasons. And scars (sort of) (okay – maybe they are emotional). What I mean is my wuzband use to meet people at the boat docks where we kept our boat. Some were fun – some not so fun. I was “social” but didn’t cast off that “warm and fuzzy I want to be your friend” kind of feeling to EVERYone. Cause I didn’t LIKE EVERYone. He use to get so mad at me.

Wuzband-“Sally wants to be your friend”

Heidi – “ok”

Wuzband – “you should be nice to her”

Heidi – “ok”

Wuzband – “you treat her mean”

Heidi – “HOW? I don’t even hardly talk to her”

Wuzband – “that’s what I mean”

Heidi – “we don’t have anything in common!”

Wuzband – “bitch!”

I swear this is how the conversations went. I finally got so tired of hearing that shit from him that I told him to quit trying to find me friends. I didn’t have time for the friends that I have and if he continued to insist that I be someone’s friend I was going to tell them straight up what I thought of them and end all chance of them ever wanting to be my friend. GAH! Even as I am typing I am thinking how frickin GAY (not in a sexual way) this all sounds.

And what is wrong with not liking someone anyhow? Is there a rule that you have to be friends with everyone? I understand not causing any bodily harm or personal injury. But do I HAVE to fake a smile and carry on a conversation with someone that I sized up as an idiot after only 5 minutes? And I don’t like women that try too hard. What is it with some people that just try too damn hard? You know the ones – they are totally in your face (or personal space) while they are talking to you. And you are supposed to not do anything but listen to them. They know everything – have done everything – taken classes on everything – taught everything – had every illness known to mankind and have all the coolest stuff. Only no friends. But YOU could be their friend. Humm – maybe it’s not just me! If they are so “cool” and have no friends but want to be YOUR friend – doesn’t that say SOMEthing?

Don’t get me wrong (please) – I love to meet new people. Some of them might even end up being a friend. Some may be an acquaintance that I enjoy the occasional conversation with. Some will be those that get a polite “hi – how are you doing?” and others are just not going to get the time of day. Cause I’m (apparently) a bitch!

But lets go back to the “Friend Pimp.” What would happen if I met this person that he wanted me to meet and then I didn’t like her? Anyone given any thought to the consequences that situation would cause. Now YOU don’t like a friend of a “Friend Pimp.” And now the “Friend Pimp” is going to think you are a bitch too. This is a no win situation folks! “Friend Pimps” need to go away! Or at least leave me alone – okay?

ROTFL!!!!

Has anyone besides me noticed that television selection BLOWS lately? Yeah - I know about the writers strike. And this whole thing about bringing SOME of the new shows out a little at a time BLOWS too! On top of all that our (cheap ass) DVD player crapped out this weekend. So bfJ and I were doing a little channel surfing Saturday night and came to the Comedy Channel. I had never heard of Ralphie May. OMG is he funny! I have not laughed out loud like that at a comedian in a while. He is hilarious! If you get a chance go to the link and play some of his stuff. And don't take him serious for crying out loud - he's a COMEDIAN!

SPRING!

YEAH!!!! I know it was yesterday. Today is FRIDAY though so there is even more reason to CELEBRATE! Nothing much going on here though. I have the daughter and grandsons in town. Nothing compared to last weekend! Friday I drove to Norfolk to visit gfDoc for his kickoff fOOl mOOn event at his house. (read: party) GREAT time and a good turnout; thanks in part to the Shamrock Marathon event taking place on Sunday. Saturday was the Green Dress Run. About 150 folks running (or walking) around the ocean front of VA Beach got a few stares. Had 2 or 3 beer stops (read: party) and it was back to the bar (read: party). Sunday was volunteer time. Every year the TH3 gets together and "organizes" a waterstop for the Shamrock Marathon.  This year we were dressed a Pirates. On a normal day (read: warm) that would not be so bad. But THIS year - OMG! It was so c - c - c - o l d! And WINDY! I was wearing my beer wench "costume" and I am here to tell you - it's the type of outfit you're going to want to wear in a nice warm Tavern. I got out of my car and immediately started shivering. And re-dressing. By the time I STARTED to get warm(er) I was wearing gfDoc's fleece, jacket and rain poncho and my neck warmer, gloves and hat. Needless to say there was not much "Pirate'ty" to see! Oh - and we had to be there at 5:30 AM! That means getting up at 4:00 AM to get dressed and drive to the Beach. ouch! It was a good time though and lots of fun seeing everyone.

About noon I decided it was time to hit the road back to Beaufort. Figure a 4 hour drive, no sleep, beer, cold, meh - I'll be okay. I thought. I was on the road an hour and had to pull off for a power nap! I still made it home about 4:30 though. And soaked in a nice warm Jacuzzi bath with a cool glass of wine. AHHHHhhhh! Now THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! I was refreshed enough to make it to the couch! And then to bed by about 9:00! I didn't finish unpacking until YESTERDAY! And that is just because my daughter needed the guest room!

Hope everyone enjoys their Easter weekend. I'm hoping to get out of work a little early today and start enjoying this beautiful weather! It's about 65 degrees and sunny. Good day to work in the garden but the thought of "work" is not really inspiring me. Maybe I'll settle for a glass of wine instead!

Get Over It!

It's been a week and Obama is still yammering about the race card. Hey - Obama - you are BLACK! You are where you are because of it. Deal with it. Make it work for you. Quit trying to look at who said what about your race. You are not going to win anyhow.

Hillary - you are a WOMAN. You have (some) qualifications to become president but you are not going to win either. And quit trying to share the ticket with Obama. White wimmens ain't suppose to hang with black mens.

Enough of me being a smart @$$. But seriously, the Democrats haven't got a snowballs chance in h*ll of uniting their party with such a serious split. The damage has been done. Get over it! Both of you should go home until November.  And "news" should be "new."

Thankful

Tuesday I sent out a note to several of my email buddies and asked them for a favor. The title in the subject live was - "HUGE FAVOR - as if there was any other kind." I asked that these folks log into my great-nephews address book and post a comment to him as he is battling a horrific cancerous brain tumor. He is EIGHT YEARS OLD! I was overwhelmed with the responses and the folks that really did forward my message to more of their friends and then THEY posted too. I am reading messages referenced to me from people I have no earthly idea who they are or how they got the message. I am just grateful for all of it though. And overwhelmed with gratitude. So if you haven't signed his guestbook - stop now and PLEASE do it (www.matthewcostis.org) and if you know someone that might be interested in helping the lil guy feel like a ROCK STAR then by all means pass it along.  Matthew was taken by helicopter today to the Children's Hospital in DC. He was having seizures. His radiation treatment is being delayed. He needs prayers too.

Here are some of the comments from the folks I know-

Hey Matthew,
We just returned from Thailand and heard about your website so we are just dropping in to give our support. We know your Aunt Carol so obviously being tough runs in the family!

Name: BETH From: NORFOLK,VA

Hi Matthew,Just another friend of your Aunt Carol sending best wishes and lots of prayers your way.

Vindy aka CowPoke

God Speed. You don't know me, but I know and have had fun with your Auntie.

Name: Liz From: Topping, VA

Hey Matthew - looks like you are a rock star overnight - how lucky can someone be to have all these people pulling for you. Your Aunt Carol is definitely someone to have on your side. It can be all about attitude and it looks like you have it to get through this. Will be looking in and checking out how things are going for you. You got a prayer everyday from this house. Keep on smiling and God bless you every minute of the day. Liz

Name: DJ From: Newport News

Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder. Anita and I are praying for the butterflies.

Name: Judy From: Chesapeake, VA

Hi Matthew. Just stopping by to say Hello. I can imagine it's a real tough time, but remember, you can beat this....our bodies have an amazing way of fighting illness and cancer, we just have to fight and believe! I know you have such a wonderful family and many friends-let them help you fight when you get tired. I'll be sending much love and healing energy your way! All the best, Judy

Name: Todd From: Portsmouth Virginia

Matthew! What a rock star you are!  130 comments in just a few days! Hang in there, stay tough, and before you know it - the hard times will be a distant memory! Take care little man.

Name: Kathleen From: Cumberland MD

Hi Matt - my son Rick forwarded your website to me. He is a friend of your great aunt Carol and I am delighted to meet you via your website. I am a praying woman, and we have a prayer list in my church which is sent out each week to about 18 people who pray. Your name will be on it for next week. From what I read, you are an outstanding young man and have what it takes to get better. As you can see from your guestbook, so many people care and want you to be the healthy, happy person God created you to be. I'll be checking back off and on to see how you are doing. God's blessings to you dear one, Kathleen

Name: Dan and Tammy From: Beaufort NC

Hi Matthew. I don't read my e-mail every day or I would have responded to your aunt Carols request sooner. Don't loose faith, miracles happen every day.

Rick From: Cumberland MD

heya Matthew ! I'm a good friend of your great aunt Carol; she sent me news of what you're dealing with and this website today, and I have passed word via blog to my circle of friends. It's good to hear you're enjoying your video games and pizza (if you have a couple of slices with sausage and pepperoni, save 'em for me !). My nephews are 18 and 15 and they have a 15 year old sister. My 15 year old nephew is way into video games and laughs at me because I can't understand how to work the controls ! Stay strong, buddy; alot of people are in your corner !

Name: Ben From: Atlantic Beach, NC

Hey Matthew! Cool Site!! I need to get a background like this on my my space page. I know your Aunt Carol, she's pretty cool and a really good friend of mine. You must be an awesome guy, because she said so, and she knows her stuff. I wish you all the best.

Name: Amy From: Williamsburg

Hi Matthew my name is Amy  and I am a friend of your Aunt Carol and I am a kindergarten teacher at James River Elementary in Williamsburg and I told my students about you.They want to wish you a speedy recovery and will be thinking about you everyday!

Name: Doug the Duct Guy From: Richmond, Va

Man I like that tie. Can I wear it??? Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. Feel free to e-mail back if you want to and feel like it. What else can we do for you? Keep fighting. Many folks are on your side.

Name: Mark S From: Williamsburg, VA

Matthew, I'm happy to hear your surgery went well and I pray for your speedy recovery through your treatment. Your Aunt Carol is an "old" friend of mine and she told me how courageous and strong you are. I look forward to hearing stories of you teaching your little sister how to play soccer as well as you. Keep charging!

Name: Tom C From: Williamsburg VA

Matthew, Your Aunt Carol is pretty cool and she says that you are even more cool then she is. If thats true then you must be an awesome young man. My wife Laura and my kids Taylor and Even will be thinking about you every day. Stay strong and don't let anything get you down

Name: Leslie From: Beaufort, NC

Hi Matthew, I'm a friend of your great aunt Carol, and she certainly thinks you are special. I can see why.I read your website and loved the comment you made about Hilary and Obama. Wow, what a great way to express your ideas. I have a grandson your age, and your sense of humor reminds me of Cody. He and I will both be thinking of you and sending huge amounts of positive energy your way.

Name: Mark B From: Williamsburg, Virginia

Hi Matthew! Your Aunt Carol tells me your an amazing young man...My son Adam is 10, and my daughter Maci is 5. They both are telling all of their friends at school today to say a big ole prayer for you!!! Take care Matt...

Name: Cindy S From: Montichiari, Italy

Hi Matthew, I am a friend of your Aunt Carol. I want to wish you a speedy recovery and well wishes all the way from Italy. You sound like a strong young man and I know you will fight to get better. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Name: Brad From: Southport, NC

Matthew, My prayers are with you for a complete recovery. Aunt Carol is a personal friend and asked that I sign your guestbook. Any nephew of Carols is a friend of mind. I wish for you complete recovery and if that be God's will it will happen. Love you much even though I don't know you. Brad and Phyllis

Name: catherine M From: Raleigh

Hello Matthew, you are a very courageous little man and I know you'll get through everything and will be back running, playing and doing all the things that you like in no time.

Name: Sheila From: Morehead City, NC

Good morning Matthew, I was hoping to hear back from you! Come on, you can think of something you want..not a truck, a house or even a bike but something like...a chocolate soccer ball,,,a big purple plastic frog or turtle,,,,a picture or your aunt Carol (a funny one too!!),,I hope your day is going well and you are enjoying this sunshine!!

Name: Denise From: Beaufort, NC

Hi Matthew, Happy Saturday!! I'm a friend of your aunt Carol and Mom-mom. I love your website, I can't wait til you put some of your own stuff on it!! Hey Matthew, what do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark?? Frost bite!! Take care of yourself, I'll send more dumb jokes!! Love, denise

Name: Tom D From: Norfolk, Va

Hi Matthew, I'm a friend of Mom-mom and your Aunt Carol. I just wanted to send you some warm wishes and hope that you’re feeling better.

Those are the ones I know. There were no less than 20 folks that signed that I have no idea who they are but I am humbled by the response.

Almost Forgot....

....to post pictures of my grandsons from their last visit.

Tooooo cute aren't they????

well that just SUCKS!

My great nephew Matthew's pathology report came back.  It beyond SUCKS! Please check out his website - even comment (but I am his Aunt Carol not Heidi Flash) if you will. Keep in mind he is EIGHT YEARS OLD! This is so not fair.

www.matthewcostis.org

So yeah....

....gfDoc was right. I should tell about my fun Valentine Night. gfDense (SHE spelled it that way once and it stuck!) and I planned to go to Williamsburg for my sisters installation (see yesterdays post). gfDense luvz her sum Williamsburg so she was more than willing to come along. The plan was to leave work early Thursday and get to gfDoc's by about 6:00 for dinner at Azalea Inn. They have the BEST BEST BEST pizza in the whole world. Or at least I remembered them as having the  BEST BEST BEST pizza in the whole world from when I lived in VA Beach about a million years ago. So since I wasn't getting to spend Valentines Day with my FAVORITE'ist guy in the world I got to spend it with my second fav - gfDoc! Only I didn't get off work early. dang it! Ended up getting out of work about 3:30 and FLYing home to get my last minute stuff packed and pick up gfDense. Poor bfJ - he was trying to be nice and all I wanted was to get going! Picked up gfDense by 4:00 so it wasn't TOO bad. Got to Norfolk just a smidge before 8:00 and had a drink in my hand by about 8:01! The pizza was just as I remembered -  BEST BEST BEST pizza in the whole world! We spent the next little while having pizza and hanging out with gfDoc's other 2 gf's. He was the stud of the night I tell ya! gfDense and I bought our "date" some lil Valentine gifts. One was a frog that sings "I Can't Stop Loving You" or something like that. A pink and red rubber duckie set and some appropriate cards. After dinner we went back to gfDoc's and had a few drinky winkies. Boy did I sleep good! Until I woke up with a headache. I just can't drink like I used to (and DON'T!).

Friday morning we headed on up to Williamsburg after we had a MANDATORY breakfast! For some reason gfDoc bought farm fresh eggs, bacon and bagels. And coffee. Lots-o-coffee! It was great though. Once we got to Williamsburg I got a call from my daughter Andrea. She wanted to meet (at the BEST BEST BEST hot-dog place in Yorktown) for lunch. Yup - ate again! And THEN that night gfDense and I went out for the BEST BEST BEST sushi in the whole world! OMG! I cannot even describe how awesome it was! Suffice it to say that neither of us was very hungry but ate everything we ordered! yum f'n yummmmmmm!

So yeah - the whole weekend was food food and more food. But it was also friends, family and fun! Heavy doses of all too I might add!

Fast Forward

yeah - it's been a while since I posted. I was going to list all the dates since the last post and write about what I did that day but I realized I have no idea what I did from then until the SUPER BOWL weekend (other than beg gfDoc to please please please come down for the party). (he didn't by the way) So I'm mostly going to start with the party.....except before that I finished my second piece of stained glass. It's for my sister and I gave it to her at a special event that it was designed for this past weekend.  I put a different eye on it though but didn't take another picture. It looks much better held up to the window too but that is near impossible to do when you are holding the camera.  duh!

   

2/3-Sunday - SUPER BOWL PARTY - it was awesome! We moved the couches around and brought all the televisions out. Had folk upstairs shooting pool (ala sports lounge) and watching the game on two of the tv's, and the food was kicked @$$! The game was great all the way up to where the Patriots lost (dammit). (it was because gfDoc didn't come down for the game)

2/4-Monday - long long l - o - n - g damn day at work. Me tinks I drank too much. duh

2/5 - 2/8 - more  l - o - n - g  @$$ days at work.

2/9 - dinner with a few friends for another friends birthday. And then.......bad news

My sister called to tell me my great nephew (Matthew) is in the hospital with a brain tumor. He had to be taken to the Children's Hospital in DC and has undergone many many many tests that led up to emergency surgery on Tuesday night. It seems like it went really fast unless you were waiting for the news. Anyhow - his surgery went "especially well" - that was the doctor's words. Only the tumor ended up being "aggressive" and now we're waiting for more test (pathology) to determine the stage, type and next steps. He's EIGHT YEARS OLD! This is so wrong on so many levels! Please keep him in your good thoughts and prayers. It's really been tough on his parents and his younger sister. Not to mention the rest of the family (there are a lot!).  That's all I can say about it right now.

2/12 - LobsterWeen Day - That's what bfJ called our Valentine Lobster night. Had to "celebrate" on Tuesday cause we had a meeting to go to on Wednesday and I was going out of town on Thursday. bfJ bought us some killer lobsters though and we commened to enjoying our "LobsterWeen" holiday dinner! yeah!

This past weekend my sister had an Amaranth event in which she was installed as the Royal Matron. She gets to wear a crown. It was held in Williamsburg, VA so I decided (was told) to attend. Lucky for me my friend Dense (think "Denise" only typing it too fast one day) offered to go with me. It was great fun with her along. The whole fam-damily was SUPPOSED to be there but due to events beyond our control (as noted above) it ended up being just my Great Niece, her dad, and me in the family section. That's less then the 10 we were expecting. It was tough going on trying to make things feel "normal." It's an event that has been planned for a year and my sister was more or less the "star of the show" so she had to be there. It was not the fun filled week it normally is but we did turn it into a bit of a fund raiser for Matthew and came away with a little over $600.00. A mere drop in the bucket to what they will all need but I am sure it will help.

2/18 - today - thought it was going to be another  l - o - n - g  @$$ day at work but WCB decided to go out of town for the day. Good day for it too - it's nasty outside. Rain, thunderstorms and wind. Lots of wind. And no new news on Matthew......:( 

Oh Well

I'm still a REDSKINS fan even though they lost. bad. They were ahead for a while. About 3 minutes. I think. Whatever - they made it to the playoffs this year at least.

But my real thought today is this.............how come whenever you TRY to plug the sink drain - with a bonifide sink stopper mind you..............it drains all the water out. Now on the other hand - you set a stray dish in the sink and come back to it later and all the water that has run is still there. And cold. And yucky. What's up with that? You didn't WANT the sink to be stopped up and the dish you set in there was certainly not water tight. ::sigh:: Such is my day at work today.

So beyond the huge little disappointment of the football game, the weekend was great. bfJ had friends that came to visit for the weekend from Savannah. Had a few other friends over and next thing you know we have a little party (what's new about that?). Served up some Carolina Surf and Turf (In case you didn't know - like friend Harley - that is Carolina BBQ and Carolina Shrimp). AWESOME!

Not much else to write about - the whole sink drain thing has me scratching my head. Thank goodness I have the screw-in sink drains at home.

GO PATRIOTS!!!!!!!