Happy Halloween!!!

It's that time of year again for you groovie ghouls and ghoulies to get all decked out and have some fun. It is on a Friday this year, so I expect a large crowd out on Lincoln Road and other areas of Miami.

Mr. S and I are going to the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Colony Theater located at 1040 Lincoln Road (Box office: 305.674.1040). It is a General Admission show for $25.00 (A benefit for ECOMB-Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach) and you receive a bag of goodies to use during the film and an "adult beverage". I'm glad they have a bar.

We, again, are dressing as Franknfurter from the "Creation Scene". We did upgrade this year with .... (do I dare say it?)..... Heels!!! I practiced and Mr. S. says I walk like a monkey in heels and yells "Godzilla, Godzilla!" when I walk towards him.....let's see how it goes.

I have a Facebook page inviting people to come to see the RHPS. So far, the fabulous Vickie and her friend Penny will be attending. I also received a "yes" from Edison Farrow and some old friends from High School. I'm hoping it will be a good turn out.

We are planning to get dressed early. If Mr S. is done with decorating Twist in time (there is always some last minute maintenance and decorating to be done) we will have time to "chill" before the evening. Then, time permitting, we will hit Twist to see Tommy and then Laundry Bar to see Chuck or meet the other Sobe Transylvanians at Halo and then go to the show. We will play it by ear after that .... try to walk Lincoln Road.... and later to Twist.... we have our back-up costume....Western....."Bandit and Sheriff"... I thought more of "Butch and Sundance"... all we need is the bike and a recording of "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head". That will get us through the night ... I think. Saturday, we might hit the show at the Palace adn meet up with the Jonnies (Haven't seen them in awhile) or just have a couch day and recuperate watching old horror movies.

The boy and the other kids will be going to an neighborhood Halloween Party and he is going as a variation of The Ghost Rider. They get to run around, get candy/food and play in a large, safe environment.

Whatever you plan, be safe and have a good time.

REMINDER: Clocks move an hour back

the evening of Sat Nov. 1/morning of Nov.2

Oh, my! It's the great pumpkin!

Time to spend some quality time with Mr. S. today. I think I'll help him with laundry.

BUT, at about 2:30 pm we will be heading to Twist and hang out with Adelino. He is having a pumpkin carving contest. I bought some tools and I have some patterns to choose from. It's a nice, traditional autumn thing to do and I think it will be a great distraction from the past week and get me in the mood for the upcoming Halloween debauchery.

Any ideas on patterns? Mr. S is going to do either a "Simpsons" or "Family Guy" character and I'm thinking old Hollywood monsters/scary things or cartoons.... or maybe just an old fashioned scary house. I'm sure I'll come up with something. Hopefully someone will have a camera .... I'm still going through withdrawals from not being able to take pictures......

A Brisk Day

Today, I feel like it is really Fall. It is our first day with cooler weather. We were in the 50's during the evening and today is in the 60's/70's. It is a nice feeling to be outside and not be in a pool of sweat after 15 minutes of being in the sun. I think I'll take the bike out or maybe do a little walking/jogging. I want to lose a few pounds before the holidays hit and I get a little bigger. The sun with the mix of cooler weather makes you feel like being outside.

They say we don't have the change of seasons in Miami. I think it is true. We have green and brown. No colorful leaves and beautiful foliage. We have to jump into a pile of palm fronds instead of leaves .... and that is not as comfortable!!

I guess I'll see what I can do in between all of today's errands. Drop off and pick up the boy from school, Mom's Dr. appt, pick up some paperwork, take the boy for a haircut and help with homework, Winter Party Festival Committee meeting and whatever else comes up. Have a good day y'all! Enjoy the weather!

Today is the "Herald Hunt" (formerly known as the "Tropic Hunt). It will be held in downtown Miami. The main stage/starting point is at Bicentennial Park. There will also be part of it at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Dave Barry is one of the creators and MC for the event.

Mr. S and I participated last year and he enjoyed it. I have done it at least 5 times and have always had a great time. It is a Scavenger Hunt/Puzzle solving day of surprises and fun ...... and all for free!

It is difficult to describe to those who have never heard of it or participated, so if you want to know more or see some video from past "Hunts" go to:

http://www.miamiherald.com/heraldhunt/

Irma update and the weekend....

Thanks for those who have given kind words and prayers for Irma. I am still a little tired and would like to thank Nilda, Mr. S, Ana, The Garcias, Carlely, church friends, the O'Neill's for helping my mom, sis and me with support, food, a smile, etc.

Irma is back to a regular a condition (as she was before Thursday). She is still in a hospital room because the doctor can not see her until Saturday morning. Hopefully she will be discharged, since there really isn't any real treatment for her condition. We, as a family, have decided to sign the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) if this episode should occur again.

"Vitas" is a Hospice type service organization (they bill Medicare/Medicaid/Private Insurance). They have offered some assistance if she qualifies. We have heard that many times in the last 4 years.....let's see how it goes. I'm hopeful.

Today, I have a Youth Commission meeting at the Cathedral in downtown Miami and I have to give my report about the Happening #23 event last weekend and lead a Requiem service for the father of our Youth Commission President who passed away this week. (The President is 16 and will be 17 in November.)

After the meeting I will be with Mr. S. It looks like a laundry day and then a pleasant evening with The Mrs. Astor and some cocktails at Twist with the All American Boy Bartender, Tommy. That's it for right now.

Again, thank yous to all.....Enjoy the weekend.

A morning of anxiety...

Thought today would be productive and that Nicholas and I would have some "guy' time after I picked him up from school, but so much for that......

My cousin and I returned to Mom's after dropping off the boy at school, where we though we would then go out for breakfast. At the moment we walked in, the lady who assists with Irma's care said "she is not looking good". We went to the room and found Irma pale ... almost gray .... gasping for air. It almost looked like we had lost her. My cuz did quick CPR, I used the oxygen and my mom suctioned out phlegm. (I called 911 first, but they were not very helpful since they did not know the history and Irma's condition.) The EMT showed up and we went to Metropolitan Hospital (formerly Pan American Hospital).

We were attended quickly. I had printed out all of Irma's info and our Power of Attorney while she was being loaded in to the Emergency Vehicle. I travelled with her and my cuz took my mom. I called my sis and she met us later in the Emergency Room. Irma is stabilized and is being kept overnight for dehydration. Still waiting for blood test results, but x-rays were okay. This all occurred before before 12 noon.

Friends, clergy, family were called and they all came to give my mom support. I'm glad I got to speak to Mr. S.... his voice kept me calm and ready to keep going. I still have to get Nick at 3:30 from school and explain. I am still a little anxious, etc.

Until later...... I'll be better tomorrow........

Now, I am at home while Mom is at the hospital and my sis and

.....just.....

Getting "back on the horse" after a long, tiring, emotionally and physically draining, but great weekend. I have just gotten my long nights sleep and am about to eat a really big lunch.

Am looking forward to seeing Mr. S later. I'm really proud....he volunteered at the "Out in the Park" event without me!!! Nelly, a friend, ended up being the organizer, so I'm sure it went well. I have not heard anything about it yet.

Am going to spend the first part of the afternoon getting my crap back in order and then go to see Mr. S. Oh! I do have to exchange the shoes I got him for Halloween for a larger size ... will blog about that later.

Have good week!

Out in the Park - Gay Pride Miami Beach Kick-Off Event

Happening #23

This weekend I will be spending my time with appoximately 60 Episcopal High School youth at an event called Happening #23. (You can check out http://www.happeningnational.org/). It is a renewal weekend and I am one of the Co-coordinators. I have been working on the planning of this event for the last year and I can finally see the fruition of the hard work put in by the youth and adults on the leadership team.

There is time built in for different types of worship, music, free time, fun, fellowship, silliness and seriousness (in English and Spanish)..... all in an accepting and safe environment for all. Everyone, no matter of background, upbringing, economic difficulty, etc. is turned away. We are all God's children.

I'm really proud of the youth on the team. One of my main goals in working with youth is that they develop their leadership skills and take on the leadership roles and be "up front" all during the weekend. The adults should be there for support, take care of logistics (food, safety, lodging, etc), mentoring .... and when needed "parenting". There will be two clergy present for the whole weekend (one male and one female) to assist with Spiritual direction and matters. Bishop Frade will be with us on Saturday afternoon and all the parents and clergy are invited to the closing service on Sunday afternoon.

The event starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday late afternoon. Part of the team and I will be at the location in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday to set up and take care of last minute things. The youth always have a voice, so I also give them this time to resolve any last minute issues.

Right now, I'm having flash backs. I have close friends that I know from church youth events that I have known for 30 years......Did I say 30 years??!!!! We might not see or contact each other consitently, but we always have an ear open for each other. I am blessed that we are still in contact and that I can say I have friends. We have helped each other through school, relationships, weddings, divorces, coming out, births, deaths, injuries, sickness, promotions, demotions, transfers, moves to other States, coping with family, etc. I am hoping some of these youth will make some life long connections. (We all have to learn how to live together in one community.)

Peace and have a great weekend.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings

I was exposed to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' "100 Days 100 Nights" (also the name of the CD) one day while watching some music videos while having some cocktails with Mr. S and some friends. We really liked it because it had that 70's funk and blues sung by a raspy voiced black woman.

Mr. S bought the recording, we gave it a listen, and now really like it. It is a 2007 recording and it had has that Gospel-like background vocals along with piano, guitar, drums, organ, saxes, trumpet and some congas/bongos. It is from Daptone Records and is my favorite pick of the week. Give a try....you'll enjoy it.

So, updating my playlist for the week I have: Duffy, Amy Winehouse ("Frank" CD), Alison Moyet, Joss Stone, Pink Martini, K.D. Lang, Etta James, Cyndi Lauper ("At Last" CD) and Madeleine Peyroux..........gives you an idea of my mood this week. Give 'em a try ............

Teacher of the Year!!!

Congrats to my little sister, Gladys!!! She was just named Teacher of the Year for James H. Bright Elementary, Hialeah, FL. She is also featured in one of the posters showing teachers reading in order to promote reading. (Point of interest: Gloria Estefan's mother was a teacher at this school.)

I am very happy for her. The down side is that now she had to fill out all that paperwork and get interviewed and observed for the next level of "Teacher of the Year".

FYI: Gladys is a National Board Certified Teacher and has two Master's Degrees (Montessori Education and Reading). She has been at the same school for more than 10 years and currently has an ex-student as a teaching intern. There is no one in her school who has not been touched by her ..... from the Principal to the Maintenance Staff. She is dedicated to the students, parents and teachers.

Now my soapbox: Teachers are the leaders in children's education. They are the day to day person that directly deal with all the good and bad things that occur in the classroom. Due to budget cuts, Gladys did not receive her promised bonus/extra pay for mentoring teachers taking the National Board Certification Exam (including teachers from other schools) and is not being paid for training and consulting for an after school tutoring program (at another location) to assist students taking the FCAT Exam. This was all done off school time ...... So, who exactly is being left behind?

Okay, back to the good thing. I am very proud of my sister and all the hard work and caring she puts in daily for the community of her school.