BizEturtle

The Wrong Name

2011-05-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Long Branch, more specifically North Long Branch
We lived on Atlantic Avenue, right between West Street & Church Street
It was all I knew. I thought venturing beyond that to be a novelty
Didn't drive and only time I got on a bus was to go to school or go
volunteer at the hospital as a candy stripier yeah, I wrote that pink striped jumper thing.
My world was Johnny's Candy Store, Diamonds Pharmacy, West's Market and the Laundormat
I remember passing by the fire house, the ceramic shop on the corner and the back tracks to get to these places. That's what we called them. They were old tracks that lead from Cooper Avenue area into Atlantic Avenue and vice versa.
There was a cleaners, Randi's Dairy Isle across the street
It was at the Dairy Isle we all stood to get the bus to High School
My friend who lived over on Copper Avenue, would walk down the back tracks to meet up with me so we could ride the bus together. (Thanks, Friend)
To get the beach, I walked past all those places down to the end and there was Ocean Avenue which went on and on and on . So did the Boardwalk.
My memories of all this are vague. But I do remember there was talk of eliminating the back tracks and making it so there would be a road to go through it
Well life went on and I grew and left Long Branch, more specifically NLB
I don't remember when it was I first discovered it, but there it was
You could no go down Atlantic Avenue and make a left or a right on to Ocean Avenue
That's what I thought it was
I have now found out after all this time I have been saying "The Wrong Name"
It's Ocean Blvd or as I told by true LBer's (like myself) it's referred to "New Ocean Avenue'
Oh and that other Ocean Avenue at the end, it's still there
Only it doesn't continue on and on.
As for the rest of the area, Johnny's moved across the street, Johnny died and it's now has a different name and I am told some people still call it Johnny's.
Oh and last I was there, the same lady is working there from my teen years.
Diamonds is now over at Ursula Plaza, I'm not sure if Dr Diamond is still there (I doubt it, he was old, when I went into it)I often wonder if he ever realized it wasn't me doing the stealing. He would watch my every move when I would go in.
The laundormat turned into a bait & tackle store, which I think is gone now
The ceramic shop is gone.
My memories are both good and bad for this area and traveling through still sometimes places an ache in my heart
But now I know It's Ocean Blvd and I will start calling it by it's right name

Assuming & Communication

2011-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just got through watching a rather odd movie It was about 4 kids running around stealing, breaking things and murdering. Think it was boys. Wrong it Was girls!
Set in the 50s it was about that old juvenile delinquency, They didn't blame it on the music, but the parents. Seems these parents were quite well off and gave their daughter, the ring leader everything. Everything but there time. So off she went with her 3 friends to find some thrills. OK It's not funny, but they actually took this guy in the weeds and raped him. Only the headline said "they criminally" attacked him.
The girl killed a cop, got sentenced to an all girls juvenile home, then went to jail had a baby in jail, and she died. The parents tried to adopt the baby and the judge denied them. But not before giving them a long ass boring lecture. But what got me was it made me think of how often we take things for granted How we don't explain things to kids. Recently I had my granddaughter over and we had subs for a late lunch (actually we only ate 1/4 of a sub each) Later on I gave her the other 1/4 of her sub.
About an hour later , she asked me what was for dinner. I didn't tell her the last sub was dinner, I just ASSUMED

Meeting Famous People

2011-04-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

I;'m not one much for going out places or for that matter meeting
so called famous people
Far as I'm concerned everyone shits the same
Today I went to this Musician Discussion for the sole purpose
of getting to meet Billy Brown of Ray, Goodman & Brown (The Moments)
Now granted it wasn't like one of those "Oh I must meet him and my world will be complete"
It was just that he happens to be the last one left of a group I have loved
since forever and he felt like home

My dearest friend, Harry, had always talked about him and I wanted to see if he remembered Harry. Also participating in this discussion was Southside Johnny,
Bobby Thomas,& Nick Addeo

I have heard of Southside Johnny, can't say I knew much else then hearing his name now and then. I think I heard one tune by him and tossed it aside in my "it's one of those bang bang eat my guitar type music genres" part of my brain. I didn't pay attention that it said Bobby Thomas was someone who sang with The Orioles
But after they started talking and he made mention of this, my ears perked up.
Interesting to learn that Sonny Till never liked "Crying in The Chapel'

Sorry to say, I also didn't know much about Bobby Thomas and it seems being the eldest of the discussion, Mr Thomas couldn't remember much and seemed to repeat word for word quotes from an interview he did in 2009, http://www.uncamarvy.com/Vibranaires/vibranaires.html.

After they got on stage, I did recognize Nick Addeo. I saw him at a concert in Bradley Beach, couple of years ago. Thing was everyone kept talking about this song "Gloria that he did. Now in my head, I'm singing the one I know which is the one by Enchantment, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGOqmXhNzRY)
Then of course there is that raw song about that gal, Gloria by Them (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_j7i_ZVfxw&feature=related)
I remember singing this one all over back in my teen years Loved the grittiness of it.

Now here they were speaking about yet another song about this chick named Gloria only this one had a different spin on it. I did remember hearing it after I heard it(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQELbFggZM8) (Can't say much for the lyrics)
But it is catchy. Hands down, my favorite one is by Enchantment.
It was surprising to hear Nicky speak about his childhood days. That old saying of "Walk a mile in my moccasins" certainly holds true when you listen to him. You never know where someone has been to get to where they are at. Loved the fact that he spoke about helping others even though he himself was a person in need. Also it was wonderful to hear, he is still helping others still today

OK I'm rambling and the whole idea of this things is to talk about my reason for going. Turned out Billy Brown did not appear

But guess who was there, Bruce
He comes one walking in and saunters to the back and everyone just ignores him
Ok I have to say I wasn't quite sure if it was him. I had to ask someone.
All I'm thinking is this the perfect opportunity for me to pass off one of my cards to him. So, I begin to walk around, handing out my card and telling people about my website and just rambling and walking, etc. Walk over hand him the card and continue on. Mission accomplished. I do have to say he smells like a chimney
When they started the discussion, which was headed by Dan Wolfe, he was called up on stage Now is when all the cameras came out. I did notice that he shakes his legs a lot when he sits. Could be he was jonesing for a cigarette

Post Operation

2010-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's over!! What a fiasco So much of all the babble on surgeries and the war stories. Mine is finished OK so not compeletely Seems o no one mentioned to me of this thing called "Internal Scar Tissue" It's this adhesion like thing. That's near the incision and feels like alump or a constant foot pushing on to your side. Yes incision!! They had to cut me Seems they couldn't see the what they needed and they made an incision. This is what I was told. See I woke up almost 4 hours later and was told this. Along with that I was given a transfusion and broke out in hives. Huh? And this was caused by? What? I don't know Today I went and had the staples taken out. The "adhesion" as I was told will go in stages and eventually disappear and I was also told some other mumbo jumbo doctor gobbety goo and totally let it fly right over my adorable brunette head. I do remember him asking why was I not taking the pain med UMM let's see I am not having enough PAIN that warrants me taking Percocet which you prescribered thus triggering another addiction. OK Buddy? I have enough troubles with my other addiction of alcohol Damned if I couldn't use a drink right now Have no fear it's a thought which will pass and never me acted upon.
Anyway I'm healing and me and my "adhesion" will have to get along for a little while and soon as the little bugger leaves I will let you know

Pre-Operation

2010-11-10T19:52:00.001-08:00

It is now almost 11pm on Wednesday the 10th of November The day before I am scheduled for surgery. I knew the date but not the time. That is not until I called after 2pm today.
I was quite delighted when I told surgery would be at 7:30am and I needed to be there at 6am. See I am one of those early birds, I'm up when the worms are turning over for a few extra winks. My son who was bringing me is not one of those people. I'm usually up at 5am, take my meds and then eat anywhere between 6am-7am. My son and I went out to eat tonight and my phone rang
It was the hospital to tell me,, my surgery was rescheduled.
I now had to be there at 8:30am and surgery will be at 10am. Needless to say, this made my son quite happy after I told him. Me? Well that is why I am up right now.
I am trying to stay awake so I sleep late. It probably won't work But at least I can give it a try.

Hospital-# 3

2010-10-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

This will end my stay at the hospital. Mostly because I have pretty much forgotten the details of what happened. I do remember one thing. That I plan on doing before I ever go back. I keep a bag in my house to use in case, I have to spend a night at a friends or for in case I end up in the hospital, as I did
The bag contains the following, shampoo, conditioner, soap, a soap holder, toothpaste, toothbrush with a cover over the top, mouth wash, baby powder, dental floss, nail file, emery board, shaving cream, ladies razor, compact mirror, hand & body lotion, face cleanser, hair brush and comb.
Some of these are in travel -size , some in regular If you do not have such a bag, I suggest you get one ready. You never know when you will need it. Another thing is if you can, bring your own meds and be sure you tell every doctor and every nurse you have your own meds. Don't let me tell you they will get the meds. It will end up costing you twice as much as you paid for them. Besides you know your schedule. They will be coming in and out of your room, all hours to give you the meds. If they walk in with a medication you already have refuse it and tell them you told them you had your own meds. Another idea is be sure and bring a notebook with you and write down every time, any doctor or nurse walks in to your room. Get their name!!. Also keep track of your bodies outputs. They will ask you. If you are told you are NPO (which means nothing by mouth), be sure every doctor and nurse knows it There will be a sign on your door, but some walk past it without noticing. If you can walk, then do it every day. Walk around the ward at least 3 times each day. If you don't they will come in and give you a shot in your belly to stop blood clots. Be sure and question everytime they come in with any medication you are not familar with. Don't forget to bring the charger for your cell phone. Yes, you can bring your cell phone so long as you are not on a floor that prohibits them. The phone in your room will let you get incoming calls at no charge, but outgoing are charged.
You can only get the TV & the phone. Not just one or the other. If you only watch TV in the day, take walk around, there is usually a lounge on each floor and you can watch your day time shows in there at no charge. Bring a good book and puzzle books to keep you occupied in the evening. This would also be a good time to catch up on letter-writing. A lap-top would also be good. But be sure you have place to keep it under lock and key. There will be times you wil leave the floor to go for tests.
Also be aware that each floor has kitchens with things for patients. Things such as saltines, graham crackers, tea bags, sugar, splenda, milk, juice, pudding, and jello. Most of the time you can go in and get what you want. Depends on the staff on your floor. Just don't abuse it. I kept ordering tea with splenda and they would give me sugar. So, I would walk down to the kitchen and take the 2 splenda and leave the sugar in it's place. Bring your own PJ's and a robe and your own slippers. We all know about those hospital gowns.

Hospital-# 2

2010-10-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

My stay at the hospital, Which happened to be Monmouth Medical Center was short and long at the same time. Being waited on hand and foot was nice, but the boredom overcame all that. I slept most of the time, just to pass the time away. That is except when the doctors would walk in Had this one doctor walk in at 5 am, asking me how I was "I was sleep, mother fucker/ WTF!! Most of the time I couldn't remember things like "So when was the last time you had a bowel movement"
I'm sorry no one told me I was supposed to make note on that.
Advice to the hospital, post a chart in the bathroom so the patient can write down that stuff. Or at least have a clock that works in the room. My clock said 4:30 for days. Another thing I found out is doctors do not speak to each other
I was told by the medical doctors I could go home on Thursday after dinner.
Happy Happy Joy Joy I was so delighted. Started making plans and everything.
Got some things ready and decided I would take a midday nap. Guess who walks in These 3 doctors, one says his name and he and the rest are from the surgical team
Then he goes onto tell me, I am going in the wrong direction. They are going to put me back on the IV and I will be in the hospital for possibly 2 more weeks.
Say What? I lay there waiting for the nurse to hook me back up. An hour passes and I decide to get up. Take a walk around. I pass the nurse in charge and tell her what happened. She says OK with this look on her face of concern. About 15 minutes later, she comes in and tells me, you are going home. She called medical and told them, medical called surgery and they all talked it over. You couldn't get me out of there fast enough. I had everything packed and ready to go.

Hospital -# 1

2010-09-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

On Friday, September 17th I began having serious stomach and back pains
So severe this, hard-headed Irish-Scottish woman had to call her son to bring her to the hospital. Now, let's back track and let everyone know that for 2 weeks I was feeling nauseous. Which I thought was only gas and if I drank some soda it would go away. Hey, it usually works. Only thing is it made it worse.
The ER ran tests and hey guess what I had acute pancreas or something to that effect. I never claimed to be on doctor. So, upstairs I went to be admitted. For 4 days I was on IV liquids. It's been since 1998, that I have been in the hospital for more than one day. I agreed that the doctor who was in charge of me, could bring on the all kiddies. The doctor in charge of my case or what ever they refer to is as was Dr Daniels. I met him as I came out of the bathroom and he offered me his hand to help me to my bed. I just wasn't sure if he was helping me or I was helping him. old? ummm I think the covered wagons were still around in his day. But, alas he had far more experience. He would listen to my belly and begin to ramble of everything he heard as the young residents looked on in awe. He was fast efficient and right on point. After they all left the room, 2 or 3 of the residents would come back trying to see if they could hear what he heard. The looks on their faces told me they didn't. I will continue this some other time

It all comes together

2010-08-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

It is now 8 days past the NJFC Festival
Turned out pretty good. OK I am still a little a bit of a control freak. I did not like
the ones who just showed up. Calling themselves the "regulars" and how they have done this for years. Never had the respect or courtesy to e-mail or call ME and let me know.
Think we had one way too many face painters and no one actually helping out in the childrens' area.
There were people showing up late or not at all.
I especially loved when one person showed up late, then went to get something to eat
before starting.
Now comes the process of getting everything in order to avoid all this in coming years.
I have also come to realize that I tend to do some of these things
Where I don't rsvp or reply to invitations or just show up to annual events
Guess I should heed my own words and start calling or e-mailing if I intend or not intend to be there.

Finding volunteers

2010-07-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here I go on my second year of being the volunteer coordinator of
the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater Festival
We now have less than 30 days until the festival with no one
to head the access area
That means no one to mark out the seating areas for those with
handicaps, designate parking spots, finding out where the potholes or rough patches are for wheelchairs to get around, ramps to go from section to the next etc, etc
I'm still not sure of who goes where and how many people to use for each area
It doesn't help that I am only a member of NJFC for 3 years now and most people have been members since I was probably "knee high to a grasshopper"
Okay not really, NJFC started in 1974 and then I was 21. I may have been taller than said grasshopper, but I wasn't quite as large as I am now.
Last year, I was given this duty of volunteer coordinator and sent 3-4 excel sheets of information. Spent 2 weeks putting them in order.
No idea who was a performer, a volunteer, a member or anything.
Some of the information had just a name with no contact. Some had a contact with no name. Alas, I set out e-mailing and calling. I got yelled at, informed of their age "Dear, do you know I am 87" had a wonderful convo wiht a gentleman who turned out he wanted to perform and was astonished I had no idea who he was although his name was right in front of me. He even sent me to his website and this did nothing to clue me into who he was. Turned out he's this "famous" folksinger in the runs with Pete Seeger. I laughed and told him I wouldn't know who he was with either, if someone hadn't told
Anyway, I'm babbling. I connected the gentleman, Oscar Brand with head of Entertainment and he came to play.
On to this year. I have my list and I know people a little better.
But still comes the task of the phone calls and e-mails
We had a meeting last night and perhaps the access dilemma will be remeeded from another member
As for the rest of the areas, I'm working on all that. If you want to see fun
Come on over to the NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival on August 21st at Sunset Park in Asbury Park from 11am-7pm
You can laugh as we all run around with no heads

It's never easy

2010-07-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's approaching and I can feel it. Unless you are an alcoholic you will never know what it is that makes me so antsy. I put on this mask, this face when I'm near people Bragging and boasting of going without a drink for coming up on 12 years now. Underneath my insides are shaking, my head is spinning. I can see the me that was when I drank and I think I want to be her, again. I want to sing off key and dance without a care. Then I think of how I could not stop. It wasn't one, two or three.
It was seven, eight, nine and there was no end. I want to celebrate my victory, but I know I am only one of the many who are on this crusade. Tell someone you want to celebrate and the first thought is to bring out the booze. Even when you tell them or they know you are an alcoholic. They show up with a bottle of wine, thinking
"It's only wine, it's not really alcohol, surely they can have a sip of wine"
One sip, one drink, one gulp one drunk.
It's your celebration, your moment. They claim they are not an alcoholic, yet they disrespect you by ordering a drink with alcohol. It drifts into the air and you can smell it and almost taste it. It feels as if you are cheating perhaps relapsing having this demon so close to you. You watch as they take each sip, each gulp.
You began to curse silently to yourself. "How could you fucking do this" Don't you see what it is doing to me" Damn You!
I just want to be able to go to a RESTAURANT with silverware and cloth napkins and nice waiters without the presence of alcohol. I want the lights on, to be able to see my food.
Don't get me wrong, don't be afraid to invite me to a party that you are hosting. It's your party, do what you want Serve what you want. Let me make the decision on whether to attend. It's never easy but I try to make like it is.

Time is so valuable

2010-06-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

I thought when I retired I would have so much time on my hands with nothing to do.
Little did I know I would end up being retired at the age of 45 with a diagnosis of AIDS. Taken account of my wild days of tramping through bar after bar and countless one night stands and the denial that it would never happen to me, I suppose it was inevitable. But there I was in a hospital with a t-cell count of 25 and PCP. Time marched on and I took the time do something valuable. To do my best to get as healthy one can in my condition. I took my meds and I found a way to channel my sorrows and woes into something positive. OK, I'm not sure positive is the word to use for someone who is HIV+. But positive I am. I no longer tramp through bars, instead I walk gently and quietly through my life of volunteering and being the best Grandma and Ma and friend, I can be.
The one night stands are only a vague memory with no regrets or shame. This is who I was and I have nothing to apologize to anyone for. Time didn't count back then But now I know that Time is Valuable

At the Library

2010-06-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Someone told me that I should start blogging to help build up my clientle list
Oh hell did I spell that right? Oh yeah I'm on a puter, it has spell check. I am also sitting at the library. Why am I at the library on a computer, when I have a computer at Home? Well to be aggravated by the little messages that keep popping up. OK No that's not the reason. I'm cheap, that's why.
It has been HOT HOT HOT and my little AC in the living room and the one in the bedroom do nothing on cooling the corners of my apartment. If you step 3 feet away from them, the insides of your brain begin to boil. So I put my stuff on a flash drive, showered and sweltered my way over to the Eastern Branch-Shrewsbury Library around 10 am this morning. Came here thinking it would be less distracting OH did I forget to mention, the lawn service was also out my window, hacking away at the bushes and mowing and sucking up the leaves or whatever it is they do with those awful foul smelling monsters. Danmed if I didn't settle down to work and some guy comes in babbling on and on. Managed to get in some work and then Mr Stomach started speaking to me. You know the drill. Off I went to feed him. Came back and enjoyed a free movie in the children's area Yeah Yeah I know But hey like I said I'm cheap and I always wanted to see the movie. Here I am back on the computer to work once again on Bizeturtle. But I see by the clock time runs short. BIzeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2009-05-19T03:10:00.001-07:00

Hi, Everyone
Welcome to the ramblings of a bizzzzzzzzzzzeee retired female
be warned I am retired but I am not dead.
I have very way far out views on things and I'm to old to care
what anyone thinks about what I say.