Shane McMahon, the son of the chairman Vince McMahon, is quitting the WWE. On 1-1-10 Shane will no longer be in World Wrestling Entertainment. Shane’s reasons are classified.

Also: The Writing Contest’s Entry is going to be posted today!

Family. Holidays. Together. Joy. Laughter. May yours be merry and bright.

You know I’m a planner. Especially at this time of year with holiday parties and family gatherings and Breadan’s December 24th birthday, which needs to be celebrated both at school and at a party all while keeping it separate from Christmas. Add to that the fact that our house might be ready to move into a mere week before Christmas and I am really really wishing I was able to plan.

But plan, I cannot.

Austin’s ultrasound has been moved from the 10th to the 15th, due to the radiologist’s schedule, which could truly screw us for the holidays. If this mass is indeed growing, I imagine we would check in that afternoon for a surgery the next day. That gives us nine quick days for recovery, eight if we want to be home on Christmas Eve. Now remember, back in April we expected to be in for ten to fourteen days and Austin was home jumping down the stairs in just three.  But when he had his right kidney removed in September 2007, he had a ten-day ileus, prolonging what was already the worst time in our lives. The ileus, for those of you new to our story, is a common post-operative intestinal blockage that is not dangerous but is truly miserable.  It renders the poor patient unable to eat or drink anything by mouth, not even an ice chip or sip of water.  They usually last for three to five days, but Austin (with his tendency to ignore such rules and parameters) has had one ileus that lasted for eight and another for ten.  Not to mention, he would need to get established on dialysis and I have no idea what that entails. So, we would only be able to hope beyond hope that we would spend Christmas together under one roof.

Well, no, I think we would spend Christmas together under one roof; just not under either of the roofs we had hoped for. If we’re actually still in the hospital for Christmas, I hope we would all be able to sleep there together on a variety of cots and couches.  Braedan’s never stayed the night before but it certainly seems the right thing to do. Oh, but I know there are restrictions on sibling visits during flu season. Any of you nurses reading, let me know if there are exceptions made for the holidays.

Now of course, the other thing we must hope beyond hope for is that the mass isn’t growing at all and that we get to wait a few more weeks before taking any action. Or that maybe, just maybe, it has disappeared. I have no idea what that would mean and am not even sure if such a mystery would make us feel better, but it would at least buy us some time. And with two little boys who are most excited to discover Santa’s deliveries on Christmas morning, time is all we need.

In this city, I’ve been to long.
We said that we could make this last,
But maybe we were wrong.
No.
We will go until not even the world will tear us apart.
Even if we are left in the dark,
You’re the reason this city feels just like home.

Let go of the wheel,
Jump out the back,
Land on the soft grass,
And stand there with me safe and sound,
And we’ll watch those feelings burn to the ground.
Together we’ll talk,
Talk all night,
Talk for talks sake,
And wait for the talk to break.
Then we’ll wake,
And walk away from these problems.
That you couldn’t face.
But together we burnt them without a trace.
Because wearehound.
That feasts these problems into the ground.

St. Matthew 7: 2… (Our Christ Jesus, as he was ending His “Sermon on the Mount”).

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

Near-Future-shift…

We must abolish the Legislation of Morality. Antiquated laws of both Church and State should never stop love and the commitment of two people. Antiquated Laws—an illegal combo of Church and State?

First Amendment: Civil Rights and Civil Rights and Civil Rights and Civil Rights!

 May Respect and Understanding and Peace and Love, be with all of us…Amen

“You okay?”

“I don’t know.”

“You can do it…you’re doing great…you’re almost there.”

- A brief but repeated conversation between me and my competitors somewhere between mile 20 and mile 21 at the Manchester Marathon. My quadriceps has cramped up and I was barely hobbling along.

In my two recent races I was struck by the camaraderie and solitude that is running. We all run for different reasons and some of us are more competitive than others. Some run for the physical health benefits; others for the meditative qualities of the repetitive footfalls.

To say that I was almost there was not quite true. I still had nearly 6 miles to go. 6 miles! That’s a pretty decent distance for most people. On a good day I can cover that distance in just under 45 minutes. On that day, I was barely moving. I still had what would be almost an hour and a half of “running” in front of me. Yet here these people were, my competitors, slowing down to check on me, to see if I was “ok” and then shouting words of encouragement as they pressed on, leaving me to my lonesome struggle.

The overwhelming majority of us are not elite runners. The races we run we have no hope of winning, yet we run them anyway. We don’t race to win. We race against ourselves. Sure, we want to beat the person who has been running stride for stride with us for the last so many miles, but in the end, it is ourselves that we want to beat, whether it be a previous race’s time or the inner demon that says we can’t possibly finish. We ultimately run alone.

But as ridiculous as this sounds, we are not alone in our “aloneness”. Because we all have the common experience in trying to better ourselves, we develop an empathy for each other. I have found that the longer the races are, the more empathetic the competitors are. At the marathon level, there is the shared understanding that the last 10K of the race is an internal battle of will versus sheer exhaustion. One can talk about it and understand it intellectually, but I don’t know if one can understand it without going through it.  No matter the external encouragement, we must find the motivation to move internally; the twist being that the external encouragement can guide us to our internal motivation. It is the shared pain. If we see someone struggling in those last 6.2 miles, it is instinctive to lend a voice. I did it myself, despite the fact that I was struggling with my own physical crisis as I passed a runner worse off than me. He shouted back at me in a remarkably chipper voice, “You’re doing great!”

Imagine if everyone in the world ran a marathon at least once before they were 30, and maybe again as a reminder before 50. Would people in our country, our world be less alone and be more willing to work together? Would our politicians stop talking at each other and start talking to each other. One can only dream…

I can’t help but to keep thinking of all the religious strife that covers this planet all in the name of the all mighty.

I wonder how anything in this little place can be of any more significance

to that which is everything.

If one proton of one atom in my body has a billion solar systems in it’s being and one place there less than a speck of sand has beings living on it and they are made up of the same thing as I or I am made up of it because the speck and the me are one thing, inseparable except by my casting it out but I am all things so when I cast it out there is no place but back in to me it must go to be mixed again in an ever-changing, roiling mass of energy as known by me but which is unknowable to the speck. The total is me yet the speck is me.

I do not want to kill myself, I only want to let the speck change to my benefit. My purpose is only to be and the only battle should be against that opposite, not to be.

Perhaps Shakey Spear had it more right than is given credit except to be or not to be is not the question, it is the answer.

Why? Why do I continue to be obsessed with you? What have you done to deserve that spot? This isn’t really a dig at you; its a dig at me. I put you up on that pedestal, and I’m disappointed. I have no idea why I did it. You showed a nigga a little attention and it quickly spun out of control. So as much as I don’t want to, I gotta let the dream go. I gotta let the dream die. I gotta come to grips with the fact that it simply wasn’t meant to be. During Homecoming weekend, I don’t think I could have said this. I was feeling too low about losing the both of y’all. But now that I’m over the fact that Megan will be “just a friend” forever, I think I’m ready to put you there too Starr. I’m using names now because I need to make it real for me. I need to close this chapter and really, really, get on to the next one. This isn’t healthy for me to hold on to someone that obviously doesn’t want to be held on to. As beautiful as you are, and as great as this whole ride started, its over. It sucks, but that’s the reality of the whole thing. I can’t, Can’t, CAN’T buy you a ticket to fly out to Florida to see me… I really wanted to, but you showed me how important I really was to you. I tried… I’m not perfect, I didn’t call you everyday, or text every night, but I tried. You could’ve reached out too if you cared at all. This isn’t to say you’re not a cool friend, cuz that’s not the case. But my girl, you won’t be. And I don’t really have a need for friends outside of Orlando. If you call tomorrow, or text tonight, or apologize, I can’t take that. I shouldn’t. It’s happened too many times and I know that it would be a mistake to do so. I’m reluctant to say all of this because I really don’t want to start over with someone new but that’s only because I’ve yet to meet someone new. Once I get a new one, it’ll be fresh and exciting and really, the newness is the great part about it all. So until I meet her, I’m focusing on me again, and being the best man I can be when she gets here. I deserve a great woman. I deserve a great woman. I deserve a great woman.

I love Thanksgiving.  This is the day to sit back and reflect on all that is right in life and make a vow to keep a positive attitude from now on.  Of course I can’t be positive every day of the year, but it’s still nice to get an attitude adjustment from time-to-time and today was the day.

Normally we celebrate this day with a big family dinner, but my oldest girl has been running a fever the past few days, so we stayed home.  Despite the change in plans, my husband, our girls and I had a fantastic day.  We ended up cooking a full, traditional Thanksgiving meal and I made the best dessert – Paula Deen’s pumpkin gooey butter cakes.  Delicious!  After dinner and a Barbie movie, we decided to put up the Christmas tree a little early.  The point is that we were all together and all healthy despite a slight fever and that’s all that mattered.  The girls even dressed in their chosen holiday outfits for our stay-at-home dinner.  Maybe it’s because we got them new boots and they felt the need to get out of the pajamas!  Check out a few photos of our day:

My girls ~ vintage style:

Posing for a quick outdoor photo:

Stella’s rockin’ suede crush boots:

She was fascinated with the side zipper:

Here’s hoping you enjoyed your day and paused for a moment to give thanks for all your blessings.  I wish you well this holiday season. 

I leave you with a quick glimpse of one of our favorite Christmas images:

Together Sneak Preview will be aired on 29 November 2009 @ 6.15pm

Наконец-то, дождались, хоть и слушаем его миксы каждую в неделю, промо миксов Кисси днем с огнем. И никак не разочаровал, мощный, яркий, безумный микс из, как бы он сказал, hot-top-celeb треков. Mixmag своими миксами отмеряет эпохи клубной сцены. И этот микс тому подтверждение.
Конечно, про то, что Kissy Sell Out выпускает микс для Mixmag я говорил еще пару месяцев назад. Судя по треклисту, задержка налицо, у Mixmag’a все миксы такие, никаких новинок.

Mixmag Presents – Kissy Sell Out’s Xmas Blowout (alt)

01. Kissy Sell Out – Joanna
02. Skunk Anansie – Hedonism (Kissy Sell Out Remix)
03. Dub Pistols – I’m In Love (Foamo Remix) (alt)
04. SonicC – Stickin (Kissy Sell Out VIP Edit) (alt)
05. Dance Arena Feat Austin Boston – A/A/24/7 (XXXChange Edit)
06. Kissy Sell Out – Essex Boy (The Cheerz Remix)
07. Together – Hardcore Uproar 2009 (Lee Mortimer Remix/Kissy Edit) (alt)
08. Rainbow Arabia – Holidays In Congo (Myd Remix) (alt)
09. Hot Pink Delorean & Fantastadon – Party Favour (alt)
10. Kissy Sell Out – Garden Friends (Stereo Killaz Remix)
11. David Jones & Aqua Diva – Thriller (David Jones Mix) (alt)
12. TC – Deep (Jack Beats Remix)
13. Blake – What I Like (Knuckles Insomniac Remix) (alt)
14. Art Vs Science – Parlez Vous Francais? (alt)
15. George Frideric Handel – Zadok The Priest

Step aside, stars from the ‘Polo Boys’, 黄俊雄 Elvin Ng’s ‘ooh-la-la’ six packs will make theirs feel like some kacang puteh lor! There’s this saying: ‘if you have it, flaunt it’ and Elvin will do just about that next week on national TV.

These photos were taken off from the opening episodes of the Ch 8’s anniversary drama ‘Together 当我们同在一起’. Elvin played this muscular fellow nicknamed ‘Tarzan’. In this scene, Elvin was seen taking a shower when the fire broke out and threatened to burn down the whole building…he ran out without clothes and the first thing on his mind was to seek out for Jeanette’s character…but instead of saving her from the scorching fire, he almost caused great damage to Jeanette’s pretty face.

To fit the role of this lovable beef cake yet simple minded character, Elvin watched his diet very carefully and trained hard for those abs prior to shooting the drama. His current six packs probably ranked best amongst all ’sizeable’ male artistes in MediaCorp.

At the press conference, Elvin politely requested host Cui Fang to change subject (she was showing intense interest on his muscular new abs) as he wanted viewers to focus a bit more on his acting instead of his body.

I have seen the few episodes of ‘Together 当我们同在一起’ and I must say Elvin landed himself a fabulous role. There’s something about this role that he was able to deliver much better than any of his previous attempts. With no intention to sound sarcastic, I feel that he had played this ‘himbo Tarzan’ role very well. I think he will be adding many girls maybe even guys (omg…scary lah) as fans after this drama goes on TV come Monday (debuting Monday, 30 Nov at 9pm on Channel 8).

This boyish face on a ‘Greek-God mythological statue’s looking body ‘ character will suffer the biggest humiliation – he will loose his ‘manhood’ in a violent wrestling fight…haha…heaven is fair lor.

Elvin Ng will be one of the stars (with Jeanette Aw, Dai Yang Tian, Zhang Zhen Huan, Eelyn Kok, Constance Song, Hong Hui Fang & Zheng Ge Ping) at the roadshow on 5 Dec, 2pm at Jurong Point 2 Entrance Square. 1st 100 fans to queue will get limited edition of the calendars and a chance to go on stage to get the stars’ signatures.

: Roadshow will start exactly at 2pm because some stars like Elvin Ng, Zhang Zhen Huan and Eelyn Kok have to finish by 3pm and leave JP2 to return to MediaCorp for other assignments…We MUST sign all by 3pm. DO NOT BE LATE.

For your information, Elvin will be wearing clothes that day (what are you thinking? You naughty ah…

Credits to Paul Chan,VP of MediaCorp’s Branding & Promotions for Channel 8.

Once we were in our golden age. The time when we were so proud of ourselves, the time when we put our togetherness among all, the time when we had so many dreams and agendas to be realized. The time when we enjoyed our togetherness…very much..

At that time, I dreamt to write a novel about us. I really wanted to write such an imaginary story about our adventure. In the story to be, I imagined that there’s something or even many things ruin our togetherness that we are separated, for a moment. Only for a moment.  And then as we were born to live together and as we feel comfort when we are together; so we can be back as we were – live in togetherness-. That’s it. I would publish the novel then, and it will be the best seller novel of the century. That would be the most tremendous story ever, that would be a legend for  us, I thought.  But till now I have not started to write the story yet.

And I think, the story I have imagined is being realized now, accidentally. Something has ruined our togetherness. This is real. Everyone knows about it but no one confirms it. I didn’t, I don’t mean it to be realized in my real life, but this is what going on now. So many factors lead these all in to the reality. Incredible.  Fyuwh, God has planned it.. Everyman for himself, this is what beyond us now. This is what has messed up everything. May be. And this is not the end.

Well, I have to be sure that everything is going to be as it was.  I’m sure that this is only a part of the story that has a happy ending then, though friendship lasts forever.

Hark, hark, hark..

One God, One Belief, One Mission.. We’ll be met again, soon..

togetherness

I stubled upon Thomas Bangalter’s music by accident but since that day I fell in love with it.

So here is a Best Of from the french record label Roulé which as you all know Bangalter created himself.

Enjoy!

Album Artist: Thomas Bangalter
Release: Unofficial (last track was released in 2005)
Genre: French House

Tracklisting:

1. Call on Me[Fine Touch Mix]
2. Call on Me
3.  Colossus
4.  Falling in Love
5.  First
6.  Graceland
7.  Happy go Lucky
8.  Honeymoon
9.  New New York
10.  Outrun
11.  Rock Shock
12.  Roulè Boulè
13.  So Much  Love To Give[Duprè Pump Mix]
14.  So Much  Love To Give
15.  Together
16.  Turbo
17.  Unplugged
18. Untitled
19. Ventura/Into the Tunnel
20. Vertigo

Download:

http://rapidshare.com/files/312310477/theworldisdaft_-_Best_Of_Roul__.zip

I had a thought earlier today.  Being alone again… there’s nobody to tell me, “Mary, that’s a dumb idea.”  Not that John ever quite said it that way or ever treated me like that– I’m a little more blunt.

But at the same time there’s nobody to tell me “Mary, that’s a dumb idea.”

With John it was more the gentle reminders that I needed to get some sleep.  Or “did you feed the horses yet?” (which by the way, I haven’t yet).   Or “we need to remember to…”  Or the “what do you think about…” Or “don’t forget to…”

Confiding in a soul-mate and sharing a partnership together are some of the things I miss the most.  I miss them everyday, but I miss them most when it comes to matters of Nathaniel.  I don’t want to be the person that decides if it is safe for him to get vaccinated for H1N1 of if it is dangerous for him not to get it.  (He has gotten his first shot and is scheduled for dose number two.)   I want to be one of two parents who decides together how to best raise their child.  You know the way it ideally is… in a perfect world.  But, in a perfect world your beloved spouse doesn’t die of cancer at 35…

Everything is now my decision to make- for wrong of for right.  In a way it’s nice to know that there won’t be any conflict in parental matters- it’s my way or the highway.  (Practicing for the teenage years.)  I can do things that I want to do- if I want to go take Nathaniel somewhere, I just do it.  No, “not now… maybe later”… “I’m tired…”  or “I don’t feel like it,”  or “why don’t you just go (aka I’m not interested and don’t want to join you).”  I’m tired of learning things the hard way.  Hoping I’ll be making more right decisions, but I’m fully aware that I’ll make wrong ones too.

All that being said, I think I’m doing mostly okay on my own.  I ask for opinions when I need them and make my own decisions.  I’m pretty good at researching and collecting data.  I’m an adult and quite capable of making my own decisions.  I just wish John was still here to help me make up my mind.