And my week just keeps gettiing better and brighter!

I've made mention here before that I was hoping to get one of two tattoos I've been planning for the last 10 years on my upcoming trip to LA. However, I had been unable to contact the artist that I wanted to do the work and I had given up hope of getting any work done this trip.

The other day, I saw that Terry, a high school friend of mine, recently had some work done. I wrote to him and mentioned my predicament. He kindly recommended a couple of shops for me to check out.

One phone call later and I've found another artist who is quite skilled in Art Nouveau-style! YAAAAYYYYY!!! Now, I'll just need to give a call to the new shop once I get there to see when he'll have the time to take me during my stay. I am SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!

Pardon if I have to stop once in a while. Shawni is all over me today. :D *Shawni break*

It's been a while since I've wrote. Well, since my hospital adventure anyway. Just to update, the stone is gone, the stent is out, I'm off the meds, and I'm feeling a million times better already. *Shawni break* I'm getting ready for my "Mommy Time Off" trip next week to L.A. so I'm trying to cram everything that I was supposed to do over the last month into this week. A bit frustrating at times, but fun too. *Shawni break x 2* I'm going to miss my family terribly while I'm gone, but Momma needs a break!

I recently had a couple of instances of being called a racist, a bitch, and priviliged. Those that know me in person know that I am not racist. The farthest thing from it, in fact. I have friends of all shape, size, color, & religion and I can talk freely to them about any of that subject matter. But for some reason, some folks have a real issue when a "white" person addresses a racial issue from the flip side of the coin or points out that a racial issue exists as it does in my neck of the woods. It seems to be fine if anyone else brings it up, but if you happen to be even part "European American" you are expected to keep your mouth shut and take what crap is shoveled at you. Oh, and for the record, yes, I'm a good portion EA but I'm also a good portion NA. Don't classify people purely on what is evident on the outside. You never know what their true heritage is.

Those that know me also know that I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. That probably is where the charge of bitchiness comes in and it's probably well deserved. Actually, it's something I'm quite proud of because so much more damage comes in the long run when people DON'T speak up. I stand my ground when it's something that I feel strongly about. Sorry, it's a flaw (strength) in my system. I do know that I have to work on my delivery sometimes, but I do the best that I can with what I've got. It's all I can do. In the meanwhile, if what I say makes people think about things and make changes for the better, I can take a few emotional kicks to the groin.

And finally, about the whole being priviliged thing.... I'm not. It's called careful planning, scrimping, & saving. Having the foresight to do so allows us to take a vacation once in a while, purchase something nice once in a while, or to help friends and family when they truly need it. We're not rich, except for the love that we have in our home and for others. What more can a gal ask for?