Chix Chat

From: Anne
Date: Friday, June 29, 2001 4:17 pm
Subject: Twins? Could be!!

Hey, Michele!
 
I know - it IS amazing how much we have in common!
 
I have been to inventories at [greeting card] stores, so I kinda know what you mean about counting the drawers. That was an amazing story about the money missing. I can’t believe that they were setting you up!! That’s always burned me up: being blamed for something I didn’t do. I’m sure no one enjoys it! And it is beyond unfair that Nora had to come back after surgery when she should’ve been resting.
 
I know exactly what you mean about the Arnold channel and saying each name and saying sexy things. There is an Anne character on Angel and whenever he says, "Anne…" I get silly and giggly: he said my name!  I don’t know what I’d have done if he’d been sweet-talking her… yes I do, I’d have watched that part of the tape over and over and over!
 
I hope I don’t need a scanner to run that site. (I plan to "borrow" any images from other Angel sites - uh, with permission of course! If I do need a scanner: hello, [college] computer lab!) But I’ll definitely need a computer at home soon! To answer your question, I started my web page just by answering a few questions on the yahoo-geocities site. If you have a yahoo email address, they’ll let you have a free web page with the email name assigned as the site name (so I couldn’t pick anne.com or iloveangel.com). I actually started a new "*****" yahoo email so that I could have that as my webpage address. To start an AV page we could create a cool yahoo/whatever name like arnoldrocks or welovevosloo or whodovosloo. Okay, those are lame, but we could come up with something cool!
 
I haven’t heard of any new Weird Al tapes. I did NOT know that he is a Christian! I always really like to hear about famous (and nonfamous!) people being Christians.
 
It looks like I’ll be having another lost weekend. I’d forgotten about an inventory gig this evening at 6 pm. I really hope it doesn’t last long; I have to pack a bag for my two hour trek to Nashville tomorrow. I’ll take some snacks, something to do on the way, some lotion, a brush, etc.
 
Talking about attractive confidence, I also try to be confident in myself especially around guys! I’ve read many articles that guys aren’t as hard on us about our looks as we are, and they find it very unappealing when we obsess over our hair, noses, weight, thighs, face, whatever! Those same articles say that if a non-size-3 person is comfortable with herself, they will be too! That makes a lot of sense, but it’s often easier said than done.
 
I was going to write last time that I’m too selfish for a child right now! (We are so often on the same wavelenght!) Of course, I see a really cute baby and think, "what if that was my baby …?" Then I see/hear horror stories of all night crying fits, potty training, etc. and I praise the Lord that it’s not me! I think it’s important for a couple to have some good time alone with each other before having a child. One couple -Kevin and Pam - that used to attend our church was truly my ideal of the perfect couple. They were both smart and fun - I would call them "dynamic" - with NO KIDS! (Kevin was the one who told me that revelation about still being attracted to others after you’re married.) They were our singles class teachers for a while and we went to their house for a get-together: we all loved their stylish yet practical place! I thought, "Man! I want this!!" Pam once commented about a "roll in the hay" and we all gasped in shock. She said, "It’s okay: we’re married!" (And I thought, "MAN! I want THAT!!!!")
 
I can relate to your looks/personality man combo! It is tough (impossible?) to find the perfect combination! A good looking guy turns out to act totally wrong. Lately even the less handsome/good personality guys that I meet and like are married. (Especially true for the handsome/good personality guys!) :*(
 
 
new questions answered!
 
was there a type of music that you disliked for the longest time and now you love?- rock and roll! When I was younger, my dad always listened to country. My sister started listening to rock/pop when she was in 8th grade or so, and I set my mind to dislike it, just because she liked it!
 
If you could go back in time and prevent one terrible event in history from happening (ie- the sinking of the Titanic, the assassination of JFK, the Oklahoma City bombing,) would you?-  No. I agree with your reasoning; I’m thinking of something like preventing the Crucifixion.
 
were you in brownies and/or girl scouts?  no
 
You’re in a room by yourself and there is a copy of Playgirl on the table.  Do you sneak a peek?- absolutely not! That would be wrong, VERY wrong because it’s EXPLOITING … you’re not buying this, are you? Yes! I’d sneak a peek!!
 
If you could change one thing about yourself physically, what would it be (not "lose weight")?- Ok, if I can’t choose to be a big-chested size 3 person, then I’d change my nose. (Did I mention that it’s like Jewel’s nose?)
 
what do you think is worse- deafness or blindness?- Both would be bad, but I think blindness would be worse
 
have you ever seen a porno?-(I was going to ask you!!) No, but I’ve been really curious!
 
have you ever been in a school yard fight? no
 
who did you vote for in the last presidential election?- George W Bush.  me too!
 
"childhood Pastimes" you enjoy doing now- coloring, watching cartoons, painting with those watercolors, and napping!
 
Does any of the men you had crushes on remind you of anyone famous?  When I saw Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray, I gasped and thought, "He reminds me of Sammy!" Sammy was the guy from Nicaragua - so of course the hair wasn’t the same, but the faces were very similar! And Trent could do a faboo Tony Danza impersonation.
 
do you prefer a hairy chest or a hairless chest on a man?- hairless.  Hairy is ok
too, just as long as it isn’t too hairy.  And forget back hair!  YUCK! (Couldn’t have said it better!)
 
do you curse a lot?- not really. But when I worked at ***** it seems all I did was swear! Sometimes I’ll let a "damn" slip when I’m experiencing road rage at some *&(^ driver that is going 3 mph in the passing lane!!!!!
 
NEW QUESTIONS!
 
Coffee drinker? If yes, how do you like yours? I love coffee! I drink mine with milk, no sugar.
Tea drinker? If yes, how do you like yours? Iced, with sugar! I also like hot decaf tea with honey and lemon.

What features will your dream house have? Hardwood floors (tile in kitchen/baths), large open kitchen/living room area, plenty of storage space/closets, a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub. Ideally the bathroom would have a view of a private courtyard with a fountain.

How old were you when you learned there is no Santa Claus? About four - my mean older sister took great pleasure in informing me of it!

If you could pick any superpower, what would it be? the ability to fly, no question. (x-ray vision might be cool too…)

What jobs do the people in your family have? My mother works at ***** (grocery store), and my sister works at *****. My father used to be a dispatcher for ***** until 1995 when he retired due to his health.

Do you have big plans for the fourth? Yes: with no jobs and no school, I plan to sit on my butt!!!!

*************************

Aargh! 10 minutes before I leave and my boss is trying to give me a project!

So, that’s it for now. Have a great weekend! God bless!

Anne

From: Michele
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2001 9:35 PM
Subject: Were we twins seperated at birth?

HI Anne!
 
I always look forward to our daily e-mails!  I was just thinking the other day how amazing it is how much we have in common!  I mean were both 28, we’re both single, we both still live at home, we both have sisters, we’re both Christians, we’re both virgins, we’re both looking for the same attributes in a man, we’re both in lust with Arnold Vosloo ….. Amazing!  Well , like I said before I believe God brought us together.
 
Nah, no plans for the weekend.  I’m working both Saturday and Sunday.  I’m off tomorrow, though.  If Danielle works in the morning maybe we’ll go to the movies tomorrow night.
 
It takes us about 10-15 minutes to close up at night.  Not only do we have to count the drawers, we have to run the vacuum and straighten cards.  We stay much later during our busy periods (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas) because there is a lot more money to count.  And if there is a mistake with the credit card slips, that takes even longer.  One night during last Christmas we didn’t get out of there until 10!  And I had to be back in at 8:30 the next morning!  As you can imagine, I wasn’t a happy camper.
 
Let me tell you what happened about the stolen money ( I think I mentioned that).  IT happened last year.  Nora (she’s my boss) was in the hospital.  She had a tumor removed from her stomach.  Thank God it wasn’t cancerous and the operation went well.  Amy was the assistant manager at the time.  Only three of us (besides Nora) knew the combination to the safe- Me, Amy and Mary.  One morning, about a week after Nora’s operation, I opened the store.  I came in at 9, and Pat (who is Amy’s mom) and Grace started at 9:30.  Well, when I opened the safe and took the deposit bags out, they felt strangely light.  I noticed they were opened and empty.  Anne, you don’t want to know the panic I felt surge my body then!  I just so happened to have worked the night before (I was the one who put the bags in the safe) and I racked my brain thinking ‘did I put the money in the bags last night?’  Of course I did, but you know when you panic and you can’t think straight?  I didn’t know what to do!  I felt sick to my stomach, I was having trouble breathing, I was nearly crying.  I had a panic attack, the first one I’ve had in years!  I didn’t even know who to call?  The police?  Mall security?  Finally Pat and Grace came in and I told them what happened.  Pat called Amy and Amy said we had to call Susan, who was the district manager.  Pat called her, I was too upset.  And Susan called Bob who is sort of the "head honcho".  They figured that it had to have been one of the employees, and someone who knew the combination.  And since I worked the previous night and opened the next morning things didn’t look too good for me.  I was so scared that I was going to lose my job.  I was so scared that my co-workers would think I was a thief.  Then I realized that "Hey, I didn’t do it and God knows the truth and if people don’t believe me then that’s their problem!"  So, who did take the money?  We never found out, but we have high suspicions that it was Amy.  She was fired a month later.  NOt because of that.  She was slacking off in her job and Nora couldn’t take her irresponsibility’s anymore.  Pat had quit too.  I guess Nora still trusted me because as soon as Pat and Amy left we got new locks on the doors and a new combination on the safe and Nora gave me a key along with the new combination.  And since Pat and Amy left, money hasn’t been gone like it was before.  (some nights when Amy worked, the drawers would be short $10 …$15) .  Something more disturbing- I believe that they set me up.  I mean they took the money between a night I worked and a morning I worked.  I had a key and I knew the combination.  Also, I live the closest.  I was really hurt by that.  Amy and I were pretty friendly with each other.  We would borrow each other’s movies and I had a good time with her at work.  I haven’t seen either of them since last September, and I don’t care if I ever see them again.  Something even more disturbing- and makes me angry- Nora was supposed to be on sick leave until the middle of October.  She needed time to rest and heal from her surgery.  Well, she came back at the beginning of September, because of what was going on.  Were Amy and Pat that selfish and uncaring that they would jeopardize Nora’s health for a measly $1,000?  Yes, measly because $1,000 really doesn’t go far nowadays.  Anyway, I wouldn’t care if it was a million dollars, what they did was cruel and spiteful.  Pat was the one person I ever had a problem with.  She was moody and crabby.  I learned to get along with her, but boy was i glad when she quit!  NOra was too.  Even now she’ll say to me, "Oh, Michele, I’m so glad they’re gone!"  I had found out months later that Bob wanted to fire me, Amy and Mary (because we knew the combination) but Nora fought for us (well, for me and Mary).  She said to me, "Michele, I know you could never steal."  God,  I would never even think about it!
 
I’m sure your bosses are just trying to be through, but I can understand your annoyance.  Its like you want to say "Um, excuse me, but does it say ’stupid’ across my forehead?  (lol)
 
Yeah, Arnold gets around a lot.  Look out for his next movie- I think Its called "The Red Phone".  I don’t know when its being released, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.  You haven’t seen The Mummy Returns yet?!  Hurry!  You have to see him on the big screen!  Good lord, he is so beautiful!  There should be an Arnold Vosloo channel.  Yep, ATV.  All Arnold.  All the time!  And late at night it would be "Arnold After Hours"  Where he would parade around in the nude for two hours!  And every night he talks to the camera and uses a different girls name.  So on a Michele night he would look at the camera and say things like, "You are so beautiful, Michele.  I want to make love to you.  I want to touch you and have you touch me.  See how much I desire you?"  The camera pans down to his …. well to his  appendage, and he is obviously in an "excited" state.  And then he would describe in graphic detail exactly what he would like to do to "Michele".  I am crying laughing as I am writing this!   Hope you don’t think I flipped my lid!
 
That’s so cool that you might be taking over that Angel website.  If you decide to take on the project, then good luck with it!  I always wondered how someone would start up a web page.  What are the basics?  Would you have to have a scanner?  Who knows, maybe some day you and I could start up an Arnold Vosloo web page!  That would be pretty cool.
 
Yep, that’s The Woman Song. Isn’t it hysterical?  The guy who sings them is Sean Morey.
 
Yeah, I heard some of Weird Al Yankovics songs.  I love "I lost on jeopardy."  I don’t have any of his tapes.  Do you know if he’s made any recently?  Did you know that he’s a Christian? 
 
I don’t know why that girl said that Darrell was too nice.  He sounds pretty ok to me.  Maybe she was just a bitch or maybe she was one of those sick individuals who like abusive men.  oh yes, I’ll keep on saying it too- confidence is a turn on!  I just hope I present myself in a confident manner to the opposite sex!  I don’t want to be stuck-up though!  I just try to be myself.
 
At this point in my life I feel as you do (having children).  I can’t see myself having kids unless I got married to my soul mate.  I guess I’m too selfish to have a baby at this point in my life.  To have someone depend completely on me for everything- I don’t want that now.  How on earth I thought I could handle that at 16, I’ll never know!  Things will change.  When the time is right.
 
Here is a perfect example of the looks/personality combination in the appeal of a man.  I had two guy customers today who were perfect examples.  The first man was rather attractive.  I’m guessing he was in his 40’s.  Dark hair.  Moustache.  I mean he had potential!  But he turned out to be a total dweeb.  He just got on my nerves so bad!  First of all, he had the most annoying voice and he was asking me the stupidest questions.  I couldn’t wait for him to leave!  The second man (who I waited on about 20 minutes after the first man) wasn’t ugly, but he really wasn’t nothing to look at at first glance.  I’m guessing he was around the same age as the first.  His hair was a blondish-gray and it was thinning on top.  He had a moustache too.  He had a nice, deep voice and he had a really nice personality.  He smiled and said "Hi, how you doing, hon?"   He emulated confidence (not arrogance) and I was attracted to that.  He didn’t talk down to me (which got the feeling the first man had done).  When man #2 left, I thought he was rather attractive. 
 
here are my answers and a few new questions (this is so fun!)
 
How often do I eat out?- I used to eat out all the time.  At least once a week.  Now I hardly ever eat out.  Maybe once or twice a month
 
fave fast food restaurant?- Wendy’s (Anne I was thinking about sending this question to you!)  Does Pizza Hut count?
 
fave non-fast food restaurant and dish- Red Lobster (even though I haven’t been there in years).  My favorite dish?  Anything seafood from any restaurant!
 
Am I a planner or a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal?- I say about 90% of the time I’m a planner and 10% of the time I "throw caution to the wind!"
 
saver or a spender- both
 
can I swim?- yes
 
ride a bike?- yes
 
roller skate- yes
 
rollerblade- no
 
iceskate?- no
 
What I like the most about my hometown?- The history surrounding it, the rich culture.  Lots of places to go and things to do.  Many movies had been filmed here (Pittsburgh is dubbed a "mini Hollywood.")
 
what I like least about my hometown?- potholes, the crowdedness, the fact that every five minutes construction is being done on something.
 
typical weekday/weekend day-  since I work on the weekends too sometimes, I’ll write my typical day at work, typical day off work.
 
typical day I go to work (if I work morning), get up, take my shower, get dressed, put my make up on.  go on the computer for a little bit, walk to work, (or my mom will drive me), work (duh), usually walk home, get on computer again for a little bit, if its nice out I’ll take a walk, eat dinner, watch tv , ride my stationary bike for a little bit, try to write in my diary and prayer journal a little bit, go to bed , have pleasant dreams of  Arnold Vosloo!
 
a typical day I have off work varies.  I do different things on different days.  Believe me, it isn’t very exciting!
 
new questions-
 
was there a type of music that you disliked for the longest time and now you love?- country music.  I never really listened to it until I started my job at *****.  The radio over the speakers was set to the country station and I thought ‘oh lord.  I’ll go nuts if I have to listen to this every day!’   Before I knew it, I was tapping my feet and humming along with the songs!  Now I love it!
 
If you could go back in time and prevent one terrible event in history from happening (ie- the sinking of the Titanic, the assassination of JFK, the Oklahoma City bombing,) would you?-  No.  Because everything happens for a reason, no matter how terrible it is.  Maybe if we prevented something horrible happening in the past, it might make it worse for us in the future.
 
were you in brownies and/or girl scouts?  yes.  In fact my mom was my troop leader.
 
You’re in a room by yourself and there is a copy of Playgirl on the table.  Do you sneak a peek?- HELL YEAH!
 
If you could change one thing about yourself physically, what would it be (not "lose weight")?- I wish I had perfect eyesight.
 
what do you think is worse- deafness or blindness?- deafness.  I would be devastated if I never heard music again.
 
have you ever seen a porno?- yes.  When I was in eighth grade my friend, Karen, had a slumber party.  After her parents went to bed we put it in.   It  must have been her dad’s.  We only watched about ten minutes of it.  We were giggling hysterically and saying things like "Ew gross! "  I just about died when they showed two women "doing it".  That’s when we ejected the tape!
 
have you ever been in a school yard fight? no
 
who did you vote for in the last presidential election?- George W Bush. 
 
"childhood Pastimes" you enjoy doing now- coloring, watching cartoons.
 
Does any of the men you had crushes on remind you of anyone famous?  Chaz reminded me of Larry on Three’s Company.  More in personality than in looks.  Bob (produce) reminded me of Craig T Nelson another Bob reminded me of  Ted Wass (he played the father in Blossom).  TJ reminded me of Val Kilmer.  Fyi-I like Craig T Nelson and Ted Wass.  Oh la la!  Larry was pretty sexy too (in his own way)!
 
do you prefer a hairy chest or a hairless chest on a man?- hairless.  Hairy is ok
too, just as long as it isn’t too hairy.  And forget back hair!  YUCK!
 
do you curse a lot?- sometimes.  I really hate it when I slip and say God’s name in vain.  I only use the f word when I’m talking to my friends, and I try to say it very seldom.  I usually say damn and hell.  I’ll say shit sometimes too.
 
that’s it for now.  Till next time take care and God Bless!
 
Michele

From: Anne
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2001 11:38 am
Subject: HALLELUJAH!!!

Hey, Michele!
 
I’m very glad to read that your back is better! And I know what you mean about those good generic drugs: I’m a big fan of many generic products!
 
Do you have big plans for this weekend? I’ll be working a bunch again. I have to go to Nashville - which is about two hours away and in Tennessee to count from 9 am to 6 pm. Man, I was looking forward to a quiet gig-free weekend! Maybe next time!
 
Oh, no - another casualty at work? I don’t understand those quit-after-one-day people! It’s good that the others are working out, and that you have two new possibilities. It’s also good that you’re training other closers: how long does it usually take you to close?
 
Here’s an example of one of my boss’s quirks. He just picked up the mail and looked at it. He asked, "Did we get anything from CSC?" Ummm, do you see it in the stack of mail? WHY would I put it anywhere else? And the other lady boss used to step out of her office every time the phone would ring and ask, "Is that for me?" If it was, I would have told her! Does she think that I put the caller on hold and suddenly forgot that I was going to tell her about the phone call? This is why I say that sometimes I find them downright insulting! I’m sure they’re just trying to be thorough.
 
So it *was* Arnold on Charmed! I was sitting in class: my thoughts turned to being unlucky, and in that episode he was a bad guy trying to make this girl feel unlucky and cursed so that she would kill herself. Then a light bulb went off and I thought, "Is that Arnold? I bet it’s Arnold! I’m sure it was Arnold!" And he was in yet another movie? For some reason, I’ve been thinking of him as his Mummy character. (Please tell me that movies still in theatres!) Now he’s been on Charmed and in the Disney movie with the dog and dolphin? He really gets around!
 
Angel news: I may be taking over one of the Angel websites. I’d been emailing the girl that runs it since I offered to review the episodes for her at the end of last season. She’s too busy to keep updating. I told my mom, she said, "You’re busy too." Don’t I know it! I figure, "Hey, it’ll get updated when I get to it!" It’s not official, but that’s another project that I have in the works. I’m actually looking forward to it - I hope it works out so that I can get it!
 
I think I’ve heard part of the Women Song on our local radio morning show. It has a line "And I can fight in combat, but I can’t kill a spider" right? Also, "And I don’t take drugs and I don’t drink booze, but I am addicted to buying shoes…" Who sings those songs, do you know?
 
Do you like Weird Al Yankovic? I have one of his cassettes - "Even Worse" - it’s pretty amusing, although I haven’t listened to it in years. One song on it is "Stuck in a Closet with Vanna White." There’s also a good one to the tune of George Harrison’s "Got my mind set on you" with a line "Oh, they’re paying me money - they’re paying me plenty of money - to sing this song, child." The song is called: "This song is just six words long."
 
I see what you’re saying about the good "bad" guy. Like you said, surely no one wants a BAD guy: abusive, nasty, foul-mouthed druggie! But when you see some devilishly handsome guy (like Jason), who is so good-looking and so confident and slightly naughty - it’s the stuff that daydreams are made of! Oh, I do not think of Darrell as "too nice;" as I said, he’s great! People do not walk all over him, as far as I know. He’s pretty self-assured. I know I keep saying it, but I really, really like confidence in a guy. If you believe in yourself, other people will too. I really believe that! I definitely don’t want some timid, "I hope she might possibly think about going out with me. Please?" guy.
 
RE: having babies, I’ve always been on the opposite end of the spectrum. I’ve always said, "I’ll never get married and I’ll never have kids." Lately I can picture myself getting married (to the *perfect* guy), but I still can’t imagine myself having kids! I’m sure I’d change my mind, though, if I married the perfect guy! I’ve dreamed (several times) like you that I’m pregnant, and in the dreams I have two recurrent thoughts, 1) "This is impossible!! I don’t even remember doing anything to get pregant!" and 2) "How will I get my abs back in shape?!"
 
That’s about it for now. Talk to you later! God bless!
Anne
 
questions answered
 
favorite Christmas songs?- O Little Town Of Betheleham, Away in a Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
 
favorite cereal- Wheaties/the Walmart Bran flake (I also like that Cracklin Oat Bran and Shredded Wheat.)
 
closest amusement park- Vision Land (It used to be Opryland in Nashville until they closed a few years ago.)
 
are you a roller coaster rider- used to be: not so much anymore.
 
shows you watch for guilty pleasure- Angel, Buffy, Charmed (I’ve read online arguments that these are completely inappropriate for Christians - I disagree! They’re just entertaining stories!)
 
what would be the most shocking thing your boyfriend could tell you?  That he used to be gay, he used to star in porn movies and he slept with 500 women or that he used to be a woman?- Ok, all of them are pretty bad, but I think the woman thing has them beat! Agree!
 
how much would you be willing to pay to see your favorite singer/group in concert knowing this would be the only time in your life that you would be able to see him/her/them (the seats are good)?- $25- $30
 
would you or have you ever date(d) someone of another race?- the first guy I ever dated was from Nicaragua. He wasn’t black, but he wasn’t white either. I don’t have a problem with different races dating. I figure, "who am I to judge? That’s between them." I think especially that two Christian people can work past any odds!
 
would you or have you ever date(d) someone of another religion?- I’ve dated Catholics before. I don’t think I’d consider "getting serious" with a guy who wasn’t a Christian.
 
how old were you when you first learned about the "birds and bees"?-  I was eleven or twelve. I was reading a magazine and I decided to look up the word "copulate"? I also thought "WHAT?!?!? YUCK!!!"
 
have you told anyone about me? yes
 
who have you told?- my family and several of my friends that I email.
 
do you think we will meet in person someday?- I hope so! Me too!
 
If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would you want to be?- 28
 
I skipped the "DISNEY character thats like you question before" oops! I would have to say "Belle" too, because she’s stubborn, loyal and just a plain girl, not a princess.
 
NEW QUESTIONS
 
How often do you eat out during a week? Probably an average of once a week - usually grabbing a meal on the go
 
favorite fast food restaurant(s) TACO BELL! also Wendy’s
 
favorite non-fast food restaurant and dish? The Olive Garden - Eggplant Par-mee-shan-a (forgive the spelling!) it’s heaven on a plate!!!
 
Overall, are you a planner or a "fly by the seat of your pants" girl? I’m a planner - I love to check things off of my "to do" list!
 
Overall, are you a spender or a saver? Saver: I’m cheap - prefer "frugal" - to the point that it’s almost ridiculous.
 
Can you swim? No.
 
Ride a bike? Yes
 
Roller skate? Yes
 
Roller blade? Have never tried - would like to though!
 
Ice skate? Not very well - I’ve tried it one time.
 
What do you like most about your hometown? I like that it is home: I like that it’s very familiar to me. I like the school and the beautiful countryside. I’ve lately been proud that Huntsville is home to so many high-tech companies.
 
What do you like least about your hometown? I don’t like that I have to drive several minutes to get to any place that I go - bad city planning! I also don’t like the potholes and bumps that are on practically every road!

Describe your typical week/weekend day. Typical weekday: up about six, get ready drive to work, go to class (two days a week), come home, usually exercise, do things on my to do list, and go to bed. Weekend: usually get up about seven or eight, watch TV and sit around on Saturday then do whatever, on Sunday go to church, then do whatever. On any given night, I may have a part-time inventory gig.

From: Michele
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2001 8:09 AM
Subject: I AM HEALED! SAY HALLELUJAH!!!

Hi Anne!
 
My back feels 100% better today, thank God.  I think the advil really did the trick.  Actually, I didn’t even have to waste my money on advil.  Both Nora and Mary suggested that next time I just buy the generic brand of ibuprofen.  So much more in a bottle for a cheaper price.  I hope there wont be a next time!
 
We’ve had another casuality at my work- Shawn.  I think she only worked one day.  I only met her briefly.  Oh well.  Shelly and Carla seem to be working out really well.  The other day I showed Shelly how to close down the registers and count the drawers and she caught on almost immeaditly.  Good.  Only a few of us know how to close and sometimes its annoying.  I mean everyone  should learn how to close.  And its so easy once you get the hang of it.  Nora had two more interviews today and she liked them both.   So hopefully, we’ll have two more workers.
 
Yes, that was Arnold Vosloo who you saw on that episode of Charmed.  I’ve never seen it.  I only know about it because I read it on one of the Arnold Vosloo websites.  I just found out that a movie he is in, Zeus And Roxanne, is going to be on The Disney Channel on July 5.  He has a moustache in the movie.  I think I like him best bald, but I think he looks good any way!  He would have hickies all over his beautiful bald head after I got a hold of him!
 
Yeah, I thought you would like The Man Song.  The first time I heard it, I cracked up.  The same singer does The Women Song too, but I can’t find it anywhere to send out.  If I can get the lyrics, I’ll send them to you.
 
I think when we say that we are attracted to "bad boys"  I think we mean "bad" in the sense of daring, bold and adventuresome.  Of course we don’t want abusive men (at least I know I don’t).  I want a man who is a bit dangerous and very sexy on the outside and a big teddy bear on the inside.  Someone who "rides a motercycle and has tatoos" but has a gentle heart and loves children and puppies and kittens.  When Darrell said that girl said that he was "too nice", I agree that there is such a thing as "too nice".  I don’t know the guy at all, but does he let people (women as well as men) walk all over him?  Thats a sign of being too nice.  Another sign is always going out of your way to do everything for everyone.  I mean, its nice to be nice but you have to say no once in awhile.  I want a man who is going to respect me, but I want him to take control and put me in my place if I’m in the wrong.  I mean, if something is black and I say its white I don’t want him to say "Yes, dear.  You are right."  I want him to tell me that I’m wrong!  I think the more true and honest we are with each other, the more we will respect each other.
 
Do you know whats really sad about all my peers having sex at such a young age?  After awhile it wasn’t even shocking to me.  I got used to it.  Pretty soon I was shocked to find out if someone was a virgin!  I can’t even count how many girls I knew who got pregnant.  Some of them had two kids- all before they graduated high school!  Ok, maybe the first time was a mistake, but why on earth would you go and get pregnant again?!  I don’t believe in abortion but there are alot of things a girl (and a guy) can do can prevent pregency in the first place!  And if you’re not going to abstain, theres like a million forms of birth control.  I went through a "maternel" period when I was about 16.  I really wanted to have a baby.  I thought ‘If I was dating someone and we were in love, I’d get pregnant.’  Thank God I never got that chance.  If I had gotten pregnant then, my life would have been turned completely upside down.  I would have to have given up so much, and that choice would have affected me for the rest of my life.  Now, twelve years later I know I’m not ready to have kids yet!  Someday, when I am married, thats when I’ll have kids!
 
I think maybe one of the biggest reasons why young girls want to have babies is because they want so badly to have someone who is going to love them. (this wasn’t the case in my situation.  I just thought babies were sweet and cute and I  thought it would be fun to have one.  "FUN!"  Good grief, what was I thinking!)  If only they could grasp how much God loves them- it be amazing how many girls wouldn’t give up their virginity so quickly, let alone get pregnant.  Looking back, I REALLY think God was watching over me then because I think if I had a boyfriend between the ages of 15-18 I would have made a lot of mistakes!  Maybe this was all part of his "grand plan" for me. 
 
 
here are my answers to your questions and a few new questions:
 
what do I like the most about my job?- definitely the people I work with.  Also I get an employee discount and I take home a lot of  "claimed" items.  For example- once we were way overstocked on stationary and Nora said I could take some if I wanted it.  I have enough stationary to last me 20 years!
 
what I like least about my job?- the demanding, rude customers
 
have I ever stolen anything?- I might have when I was a kid, but I can’t remember.  I have a savings account and one time the teller accidently put that I had deposited $200 when I only deposited $!00.  I called her upon it and she fixed her error.  She thanked me for my honesty. 
 
do I drive?- no. 
 
new questions,
 
favorite Christmas songs?- O Holy Night, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Carol Of The Bells, What Child Is THis, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town Of Betheleham, Winter Wonderland.
 
favorite cereal- frutiy pebbles
 
closest amusement park- Kennywood Amusement Park
 
are you a roller coaster rider- YES!
 
shows you watch for guilty pleasure- Married With Children, South Park ("O my god!  They killed Kenny!"  "You bastards!")
 
what would be the most shocking thing your boyfriend could tell you?  That he used to be gay, he used to star in porn movies and he slept with 500 women or that he used to be a woman?- Ok, all of them are pretty bad, but I think the woman thing has them beat!
 
how much would you be willing to pay to see your favorite singer/group in concert knowing this would be the only time in your life that you would be able to see him/her/them (the seats are good)?- $100-$175.  I know, I’m insane!
 
would you or have you ever date(d) someone of another race?- no.  I don’t have a problem with it for other people, I’m just not attracted to non white men.
 
would you or have you ever date(d) someone of another religion?- it depends on the religion
 
how old were you when you first learned about the "birds and bees"?-  I was eleven.  My mom talked to me about it and I remember thinking ‘You mean a guy has to put that inside me?  Ew, gross!  Well, I’m never going to do that, and if I ever do it won’t be for a very long time!’  My how have things changed!
 
have you told anyone about me? yes
 
who have you told?- my family and several of my co-workers.
 
do you think we will meet in person someday?- I hope so!
 
If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would you want to be?- 30
 
well, thats about it for now.  Until next time, take care and God bless!
 
Michele

From: Anne
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2001 1:29 pm
Subject: Busy, busy, busy!
 
Hello, Michelle!
 
I really like this color scheme, so I’m borrowing it.
 
I’m sorry to read that your backache returned. My sister went on birth control pills for the same reason as you. I read that as many as 50 symptoms can be attributed to PMS; if I have some weird pain I usually blame that first.
 
I am *so* in a headless chicken state! I feel a bit frazzled mainly because of my test this evening. I have looked at the material and will look at it again soon, but lately I have wicked pre-test anxiety!
 
Do you know if Arnold Vosloo was ever on an episode of Charmed? I was daydreaming in class and I suddenly thought, "I bet that guy was him!" I am going to look at that taped episode and see if it was him.
 
I liked that "man song" - precious few guys will admit those things!!
 
You mentioned using examples as a writer. It’s good to be as specific as possible when communicating. So many times people don’t really "get" what the other person is saying. I would go so far as to say that people rarely understand exactly what others mean. For example my bosses frequently overexplain things, and I would *frequently* think, "Good grief! I’m not stupid – they don’t have to point out EVERY LITTLE THING." I’ve lately tried to be rational: "Well, they are from another country (India) and they’ve probably had a lot of problems with miscommunication. So now, they really want to be sure that they are clear in what they’re asking."
 
I also wonder why we are attracted to bad boys. Darrell said that some girl told him one time that he was "too nice" for her. We wondered what that means: do we want some guy that does drugs, beats us up, takes our money, cheats on us, etc. Bad guys aren’t usually bad in that cool James Dean way. Yet still we rarely look twice at the "nice guys." Part of it could be that bad guys seem more confident; I think I’ve mentioned before that self-confidence is very attractive.
 
I could not believe when I read what you wrote about being shocked about others having sex at a young age; I was going to write the same thing last time! I remember in 8th grade that I overheard one of the "popular" girls telling another that she and Brian "F*&^ed" at Claire’s party. I remember being so shocked! I just could not believe it - what in the world were those *kids* doing? I really thought that she was making it up. I don’t recall feeling "out of it" but I really was. I had no idea what was going on - I was also watching Saturday morning cartoons and sleeping with stuffed animals. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t imagine being 14 and worrying about having a baby! I agree that it is way too young to be having sex. I remember 14 being a angst-filled, worrisome time already. I’d have been a basket case with *that* to worry about too!
 
I remember that sex IQ quiz in YM that you spoke about - I can’t remember how I did. I wonder how some "thirty-somethings" would do on that quiz.
 
That’s about it for now. Talk to you later. God bless!
Anne
 
******************************************************************************
 
New questions-
 
You see your best friends boyfriend with another girl.  Do you tell your friend?-  If he was just having lunch, I probably wouldn’t because I’d think it could be his sister or friend. If he was kissing and hanging all over her, I’d probably tell because I’d want to know in the reverse situation.
 
You have access to a time machine. Where (or when, rather) would you like to go?- ancient Greece, medieval times, witness the birth and later life of Christ
 
if you could live in any decade of the 20th century, which one would you like to live in?- 1990’s. Those were good times for me!
 
what flavor gum/mints do you prefer?  Cinnamon, spearmint or wintergreen- wintergreen
 
if there was one day where God said "Everyone can do whatever they want (except for murder) and its a freebie day" what would you do?- Lose my virginity!  OH YES!
 
If God was sitting next to you right now (you can see Him) and you can ask him one question, what would it be?- Who is my future husband?
 
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you found out Princess Di  had died?- About 11:30 I had just come in from working an evening shift at the [restaurant]. I turned on the tv and there was a special report telling about her car crash. She was in critical condition and while I sat there watching, they reported soon that they’d lost her.
 
How about the news about JFK jr’s plane being missing?- I don’t remember…
 
How about when the Challenger blew up?  I was at school and I overheard one of the guys who was an office aide telling another "The space shuttle just blew up." I thought he was kidding, but I watched Dan Rather’s news that evening and they must have shown it five times.
 
How about the Oklahoma City bombing?- I don’t remember…
 
did you ever have a Cabbage Patch Doll?- yes
 
if yes, what was her/his/their name(s)?  Tracie Fern.  Sara had one too. Her name was Charlene  (somethng).
 
did you ever give your Barbie dolls haircuts?- no, but I did ruin one’s hair by "styling" it  …
 
Favorite Loony Tunes character?- Bugs Bunny. From Tiny Toons, I love Plucky Duck!
 
Have you ever walked out of a movie theatre because the movie was so awful? No, I figured that I paid, so I’d see it through.
 
Movie you have seen the most in the theatre- Don Juan Demarco, Interview with the Vampire and the Lion King (each 2 times)
 
comic strip character(s) who is/are most like you- Luann
 
Disney character who is most like you-
 
****New questions asked! (I was thinking these up on the way to work …)*****
 
What do you like most about your job? I really like that it’s not waiting tables! I like that I am often by myself at the office. My bosses are usually pretty nice and they work with me to accommodate my school schedule.
 
what do you like least about your job? I don’t like doing menial things that make up most of my job: travel arrangements, calling to find who has the best price on whatever we need for the office, etc. I also don’t like that many of the projects I complete are not even acknowledged: clearly they were just "busy work," which makes me feel like I’ve wasted the day.
 
Have you ever stolen anything?
I stole a pack of LifeSavers when I was about four: my mom drove back to the store to pay for them. When I bought my first computer, it was a floor model, so it wasn’t in a box. I had it in the buggy and then the salesman put the box with the new monitor on top. He wrote a ticket with the computer’s price for me to give to the cashier. So I did and she only rang up the computer. I pointed out, "I have a monitor too." She looked in the buggy but didn’t ring up anything new. I figured the security person at the door would catch that she didn’t charge for the monitor. That person didn’t catch it either. (Okay, I didn’t mention it.) As my sister and I were going to the car I told her that I don’t think they charged me for the monitor. She was telling me to go back inside. While we were standing in the parking lot discussing it, the security lady came out and I said to her, "I don’t think they charged me for this monitor." She had been bringing the mouse pad that I’d also bought and left at the register. She took all of the stuff back inside "to sort it out" and I paid for the monitor. I like to think that I would’ve gone back inside to pay. (I did try to tell them.)
 
Do you drive? Yes
 
Ever been stopped by a policeman while driving? What for? Did you get a ticket? I’ve been stopped twice and given warnings both times for the same thing: failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. (I could see that no one was coming!)

From: Michele
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 11:06 PM
Subject: OW! MY ACHING BACK!

Hi Anne!
 
Well, my stupid backache came back on Saturday morning.  I had to leave work early.  Thank God we weren’t very busy and there were already two people there.  I spent the rest of Sat and all of Sunday flat on my back (ha-ha).  When I went to work today, the pain was mostly all gone but I still felt very uncomfortable.  I’d been taking tylenol and Cindy (one of my co-workers) suggested advil.  So I popped a few of those suckers and as of  right now my back feels fine.  (mental note to self- advil for back pain!)  I know what part of the problem might be.  My periods late.  I used to be really irregular, but then I went on the pill (me on the pill.  How ironic!) but I had to be taken off of it (its a long story).  That was about ten years ago and now my periods are pretty regular, but if I’m late or if I skip a month, my whole body goes out of wack.  I just hope I get the stupid thing soon! 
 
Most things are in stock at amazon.com.  The only reason why that book is on back order is because it hasn’t been released yet.  They try to be as up to date as possible.  I did try to order a book (The Mummy) and it was no longer available.  That’s the only time I couldn’t get what I wanted.  I was reading my Foxtrot book I bought the other day (Foxtrot En Masse) and nearly wet myself laughing at the one comic.  Peter had broken up with his girlfriend, Denise and was in a pretty foul mood.  Jason was sitting on the couch and Peter said something like "get out of my seat" and pulled him off the couch.  So in the next panel Jason says to the mom "Why is Peter being such a jerk?"  to which the mom replies "He broke up with Denise." Third panel- Jason says "He broke up with Denise? Wow."  Mom says, " ‘wow’ is right.  So keep that in mind the next time you two cross paths."  The final panel has Jason sitting on the couch again and Peter saying, "I thought I told you to get out of my seat!" and Jason saying "So how’s your love life, Tiger?"    ROTFL!  That’s so true because what 10-year-old is going to care that his 16-year-old brother broke up with his girlfriend? It also cracks me up when Jason chases Paige around the house with Quincy. 
 
I understand how you felt when you saw Jason and you didn’t look your best.  I remember one time I waited on Chaz and here I was, wearing my funky glasses, my hair pulled up in this lopsided ponytail and I had a huge zit on my chin.  I didn’t feel my most attractive that day!  Needless to say, he still smiled at me and all that, but I lamented it was a "mercy smile".  You know, ‘be nice to the ugly’ day.    Yeah, Jason sounds like bad news.  Why do bad boys seem more appealing? I’ve been attracted to my share of "bad boys".  I guess its another one of those laws of nature.
 
I found out about Brittany and Justin being virgins over the internet.  I’ve read it several times so it must be true.  You commented that celebrities who take a stand like that risk losing their popularity- I think its the other way around.  I think celebrities who are virgins are great role models for young women (and men).  They might lose popularity among their peers, but I think the majority of their audience will respect and admire them. 
 
I’ve seen the consequences of not only premarital sex but also premarital sex when you’re barely old enough to grasp what it is you’re actually doing.  When I went to high school, I think I was the only virgin out of all of my friends.  Here I was when I started high school, coming from a little Catholic grade school and I was shocked that some of my new friends were already having sex (at 14!)  One of my friends, Jackie, got pregnant and had an abortion.  That was 12 years ago.  I wonder if she ever thinks about it.  Then my other friend, Justina got pregnant and kept her baby.  Even though I knew sex this young wasn’t right, I still felt kinda "out of it".  I mean while the majority of girls my age were talking about things like condoms and ‘bjs’, I was still sleeping with a teddy bear and watching Saturday morning cartoons.  I was beginning to have sexual feelings but it was all new and weird for me.   Now, nearly 14 years later as a woman, I know that no girl at 14 or 15 or 16 can experience the emotions and the pleasure that a woman can have from having sex.  I feel sorry for all my friends who never realized how much they should have held on to their childhoods.  And I’m glad I held onto mine as long as I could.  And I cherish the modesty and innocence I still have in me. I haven’t seen my friends since high school and sometimes I wonder- "How many divorces, abortions, broken hearted children, empty lives (etc) have resulted from that one choice they made when they were fourteen?"  Maybe some women our age, women who’ve had their share of sexual partners, aren’t even enjoying sex anymore.  They’re bored with it.  Not me!  I’ve had 28 years of sexual energy pent up inside me, and I’m sure it will get me through at least 50 years of marriage!
 
One more thing about the dangers of young sex- we both mentioned that we seem to know more than most people in relationships do.  theat reminded me- when I was in 10th grade I brought a YM magazine to school with me.  There was a 10 question quiz in it "How Much do you know about sex"  I remember two of the questions were "Can you get pregnant if you have sex doing your period?" and "Can you get pregnant if the guy pulls out before he climaxes?"  The answer is yes to both questions.  Anyway, I got 8 out of 10 right.  Four of my non-virgin friends took it and they each got three right.  They were really impressed that I got almost all of them right.  My one friend, Kim said to me a bit sheepishly, "You’re the smart one.  ITs kinda stupid of me to even be doing something I hardly know about."  I wasn’t a Christian then so I had the idea that I would "save myself" until I was in love.  Then at 18 when I accepted Christ, I truly understood why I was to save myself for my husband.  Love alone wasn’t enough.  Now I needed a ring on my finger too!
 
Ok, Ok, I know I’m rambling on here so I’ll shut up!
 
I feel another must-do-before-you-get-married-thing is at least six months of pre-marriage counseling.  So I guess I can’t really run off and get married.  Another piece to the Kristen/Keith equation: they did go through pre-marriage counseling but they fought it tooth and nail.  I remember Kristen commented that it was "stupid." Bad sign.
 
Oh yes I can imagine that there is a sense of failure when a marriage ends.  Cindy Morgan sings a song called "The Promise"  and its about the heartache of divorce and how God can pick up the pieces and help someone to move on from it.  ITs a very emotional song.  Although I haven’t been personally touched by a divorce, many in my family have and when I hear that song, I think about them.  I have 8 cousins on my dad’s side and two cousins on my mom’s side.  All girls (!)  and between all my ten cousins there have been six divorces.  Plus two of my aunts got divorced, so that’s eight divorces in my family.  I sometimes wonder if God has a special purpose for me- that I am the one to show and teach my family how a true marriage is supposed to be.  Maybe that’s why there isn’t anyone in my life right now, because God is preparing both me and my future husband for our treasured relationship.  If that’s the case, I feel so honored that God chose me.
 
I’m glad you like my lose weight/candy and Mitch/Arnold examples.  As a writer I tend to use colorful analogies like that.  Its the easiest way to get my point across.  Yeah, Arnold did look mighty fine in that teeny outfit in The Mummy.  The second one too.  I even heard rumors that there might be a third Mummy.  Sigh!  Another chance to see a half-naked Arnold?  Bring it on!
 
Here are my answers to the added questions and a few new questions:
 
allergic to anything- never until last year.  I broke out in these awful hives and I think it was from eating strawberries.  It never happened before, but needless to say I don’t eat strawberries anymore!
 
favorite sports/teams- I don’t watch much sports, but I do enjoy hockey sometimes (when The Pens are winning!)  I also like figure skating and gymnastics.  I love watching the summer/winter olympics.
 
best dream- I’ve had many "best dreams" concerning men who I’m attracted to.  Lately I’ve been dreaming about Arnold (gee, what a surprise!).  IT doesn’t take a genius to guess what we’re doing in the dreams.  Hmm …. maybe that’s why my back went out on me! (lol)
 
New questions-
 
You see your best friends boyfriend with another girl.  Do you tell your friend?-  No.  She might not believe me.  Let her find out on her own.  However if she says to me "I think Tom (or Dick or Harry) is cheating on me, I would reply "You’re probably right."
 
You have access to a time machine. Where (or when, rather) would you like to go?- medieval times, witness the birth of Christ, travel 20 years in the future to see what my life has become,
 
if you could live in any decade of thee 20th century, which one would you like to live in?- 1950’s. The "Happy Days"
 
what flavor gum/mints do you prefer?  Cinnamon, spearmint or wintergreen- cinnamon.  (fyi- I hate anything spearmint.  Wintergreens ok)
 
if there was one day where God said "Everyone can do whatever they want (except for murder) and its a freebie day" what would you do?- Lose my virginity!  To someone I’m attracted to, of course. 
 
If God was sitting next to you right now (you can see Him) and you can ask him one question, what would it be?- Who is my future husband?
 
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you found out Princess Di  had died?- I was up watching tv.  It was 11:30 on a Saturday night and they interrupted Saturday Night Live with the news
 
How about the news about JFK jr’s plane being missing?- I was in Massachusetts with Danielle visiting my friend, Ingrid.  We had the tv on when we heard the news.
 
How about when the Challenger blew up?  I was at home from school (it was parent-teacher conference day).  I was in seventh grade.
 
How about the Oklahoma City bombing?- I was at work (at Foodland) when one of the customers mentioned it.  She also mentioned there was a day-care center and many of the children had been hurt or killed.  I felt sick to my stomach for the rest of the day.
 
did you ever have a Cabbage Patch Doll?- yes
 
if yes, what was her/his/their name(s)?  Nadine Caitlin.  Danielle had one too. Her name was Brianna Rosa.
 
did you ever give your Barbie dolls haircuts?- yes.
 
Favorite Loony Tunes character?- Daffy Duck. 
 
Have you ever walked out of a movie theatre because the movie was so awful? No, fortunately.
 
Movie you have seen the most in the theatre- tie between Terminator 2 and Beauty And The Beast (each 5 times!)
 
comic strip character(s) who is/are most like you- Andy Fox (she’s a writer and the voice of reason), Lucy Van Pelt (she’s crabby and bossy ) and Garfield (loves food and relishes in his laziness!)
 
Disney character who is most like you- Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
 
Well, that’s all for now.  Until next time, Anne, take care and God bless!
 
Michele

From: Anne
Date: Monday, June 25, 2001 4:13 pm
Subject: It’s a V thang!

Hello, Michele!
 
I was sorry to read that you had a backache. I don’t claim to know much about that: I tweaked my back a little one time after a shift at the paint store and I could not get comfortable at all the next day. Just from that little pain I felt huge sympathy for people with back problems. You say it just goes out on you sometimes? That’s got to be inconvenient and painful!
 
What a weekend I had! I call it a lost weekend because I worked most of it at inventories. I had two gigs on Saturday for a total of about 13 hours and then nine hours (and change) yesterday. Of course this is the weekend before I have a test on Wednesday! Most of the time I don’t work nearly that much and that’s the way I like it! We were doing a huge department store - people from other districts came to help us. And there he was! Jason, easily one of the most attractive/sexy man that I know in real life. He used to work with our district until he became a manager with another. I’d forgotten about him - why did I not consider that he might be there? So there I am with no makeup and a messy, falling down, been-workin-all-day hairdo! (And if I’d looked okay, what would I have done? The same thing I did: looked at him, then averted my eyes and walked on past, too shy to speak.) It’s very good that he doesn’t work with us anymore because I don’t think I have that much self control. I don’t know if he would be attracted to me, but I’d sure give it a shot! And of course he’s one of those completely wrong types: party-er, smoker, drinker, and who knows what else ……… Give me a moment, I’m thinking of the What Else …. depressed sigh…. Sometimes being good really womps! Just kidding.(?)
 
Okay, I’m back. I will definitely check out Amazon.com for my next on-line shopping needs, thanks to your glowing recommendation! How long does a back-order usually take? Do they often have to "back-order" or is a lot of stuff already in stock?
 
WHERE did you hear that Brittney and Justin T are V’s - virgins?!??!!?!?!! I just can’t imagine … Writing that just now, I see that I was talking about Jessica Simpson! (oops!) *She’s* the one dating the hunky guy from 98 degrees. I don’t know much about Mandy Moore; she does seem like Miss Goody-Two-Shoes, but who knows? It is refreshing to see famous people choosing to wait. I know they’re just people like the rest of us, but if they take a stand like that they risk losing popularity which could be fatal to their careers.
 
I agree with your "babbling" i.e. thoughts about how it’s cool to wait. I also think that it’s sad that people sleep around to gain acceptance or to try to keep a boy/girlfriend or for whatever reason. I know if I had ever slept with a guy, I’d have been beyond devastated when we broke up. I imagine that other people are as well. Especially women who like you said believe some guy’s empty promises and the women think it means something and then find out otherwise. I think these same women probably turn bitter and cold because of it. There’s just so much less to worry about if you don’t do it!
 
Those are good questions from Dr. McGraw. I agree with you that most people these days take marriage way too casually. If they even consider the possibility of their marriage failing, they think, "Oh, I’ll just get a divorce." It’s not that simple. I’m only guessing of course, but I imagine there is such a sense of failure. I’d be thinking things like, "How could I be so WRONG? Why couldn’t we work it out? Am I unlovable? Will I ever find The One?" And it would be so painful - this one that you formerly loved so much and wanted a life with forever is now leaving and doesn’t love you anymore. (How …?) Now I’m rambling - I consider myself a pretty empathetic person, so I really try to imagine how I’d feel. (Or maybe I’m just selfish, always bringing the subject back to myself…) People should definitely think of the practical day-to-day things when considering marriage, because they’ll have to think of them sooner or later.
 
I agree that *everyone* has the potential to cheat, certainly no one is immune! And I fully agree that it is VERY IMPORTANT to not put yourself in that situation! I like the lose weight/candy in the cupboard example; I’m sure I’ll use that in the future! I don’t think you’re being pessimistic at all. I’d say it’s very realistic, but like I mentioned before I don’t think most people think about these things and they should. (I also really liked the Mitch/Arnold example. I’m pausing here to think of the picture of Arnold in his Mummy Returns outfit ……………………. Oh my!!!!!)
 
You said that we probably know more than a lot of people in relationships: I agree! Hey! Maybe that’s why we’re still single: God is trying to show us important things to consider. Maybe soon we’ll get to test out our theories.
 
That’s about it for now. Talk to you later. God bless! (Feel better!)
Anne
  
New questions answered
 
favorite magazine(s)- Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan (my sister buys it), Architectural Digest (makes feel very cultured)
 
coke or pepsi?- Coke
 
favorite 80’s song(s)- I love the 80s music! Babe (Styx), And We Danced (?), Angel (Aerosmith), heck - anything by Aerosmith, anything by the Police (especially "Every Breath You Take"), anything by Bon Jovi … Note: This is *not* a complete favorites list - there’s not enough time!
 
what was your graduation song? I think they wrote one - I don’t remember it! Our senior prom song was "Here and Now" by Luther Vandross.
 
If your car radio or walkman or stereo is set for 6 stations, what are they?  1) 99.1 WAHR Soft Rock 2)104.3 WXYP Pop/Rock/Top 40, 3)101.1 "The Spot" Top 40 4)102.1 WDRM country music 5)93.3 "Mix 93"- Music from the 70’s and 80’s (I love this one!) 6) 97.7 - Contemporary Christian
 
music you hate- gangster rap, anything Marylin Manson (double puke),  headbanging, heavy metal music. (I fully agree!)
 
do you smoke?  No
 
first crush on real life person- Heath when I was about 12
 
very first cassette tape- I think it was Permanent Vacation (Aerosmith)
 
do you still keep in touch with your high school friends?  no
 
pets you’ve had and have- we have always had cats - too many to list! For the last sixteen years, they’ve been outside cats. We currently have three grown cats - Bobo, Peepers, and Teenie Bean. They all have kittens: Angel, BJ, Brownie, Spot, Bandit, Boots, Fuzzy Face, PJ, and three babies of Teenie Bean’s that we haven’t seen up close and haven’t named yet.
 
Additions
allergic to anything? Not that I know of
 
favorite sports/team? I like figure skating. No favorite teams. I like to play volleyball and softball, but I don’t get the chance to very much.
 
what’s the best dream that you remember? I actually just had a great one! I was with Dru and Spike (they’re Buffy tVS vampires) and I was trying to run away in my underwear. Suddenly Spike had a hold of me with both arms wrapped around my, uh, upper torso with my arms pinned. He turned me around to make me look (at where I’d just been running from) and there were decorations (I think)  with signs and streamers and I can’t recall exactly what, but I remember being so moved because it was beautiful and he did it just for me. I was thinking about how good it felt with him holding me for the rest of the day, and I thought, "Man! I want that!!" It was tender - like I had been running from him, but he cared and meant me no harm. (In the series, Spike has unrequited love for Buffy.)
 

From: Michele
Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2001 12:22 PM
Subject: We should write a relationship book!

Hi Anne!
 
Hope you had a better day than I did.  Well, first of all, I woke up with this terrible backache.  I was hobbling around the house all morning like THe Grinch!  I almost called off work, but I didn’t.  It felt a little better after I used the heating pad on it and by the time I went to work, it was feeling almost back to normal.  I don’t know what the heck I did to it.  My back will go out like that sometimes.  It feels much better now, thank God!  Also, we were pretty busy tonight and people were just getting on my nerves royally. So what else is new?
 
I like Amazon.com a lot.  I’ve ordered some Enigma cd singles, a couple celtic cds and a couple Foxtrot books so far from it, and I’ve gotten everything within a few weeks.  Oh!  I also got The Mummy Returns cd.  I have one item on back order- THe X-Files episode guide for season seven.  What I really like about amazon.com is that they don’t deduct from your checking account (I use a debit card) until they actually ship your items.  I find it to be a very reliable service.
 
I didn’t know Mandy Moore was a virgin.  Cool.  OTher virgins- Brittany Spears, Justin TImberlake, Jessica Simpson, Toni Braxton (she actually took a vow of secondary virginity until she got married),  Leelee Sobieski, Anna Kournikova (tennis player), Jonathan Jackson (actor, "The Deep End Of THe Ocean") AC Green (LA Lakers), Amanda Penix (Miss Oklahoma, USA) Kirk Cameron (before he married Chelsa Noble), Brett Butler (LA Dodgers), Kimberly Gloudemans (Miss California teen USA 1997) and Lakita Garth (Miss Black California)- and I’m sure there are plenty more.  So you see, there are plenty of attractive, desirable people out there who want to save themselves!  It makes me feel good to know that I’m not the only one, you know?  Also, lets not forget all the contemporary Christian singers.  There is a quote that says, "Modesty is proof that morality is sexy."  I think that’s so true.  I mean what’s sexy?  An air of quiet mystery, of a subtle glance, of protecting your womanhood., of loving yourself more than a man’s empty promises. I mean, after you sleep with someone (before you’re married) what else is there?  I feel sorry for people who sleep around, hoping to fill some kind of void in their lives.  Sexual attraction is a powerful thing, but I want to be the one in control.  I know I’m babbling here, so I’ll shut up!
 
No, Kristen and I aren’t close.  She and Keith live in New Jersey, and I haven’t seen them since they got married.  I know about her business trips because my aunt tells my mom.  I forgot to tell you another factor in this equation.  Kristen drinks.  So picture it- A beautiful, built woman, hundred, sometimes even thousand miles away from her husband, sitting at a bar with her work friends,  after a few cocktails (or whatever) a handsome man comes up to her and starts putting the moves on her.  I can see trouble a mile away.  I really don’t think Keith is Kristen’s soul mate.  I think Kristen was so scared that she would end up alone she probably thought ‘I might as well get married now because who knows when I’ll get another chance.’  The few times I did see them together before they got married, I don’t think they treated each other very nicely.  There just wasn’t that respect there or deep love.   They don’t want any kids right now, which is good in a way.  It be terrible to bring a child into the world, only to divorce a few years later. 
 
I saw an Oprah show once with Dr Phil McGraw.  I really like him.  He gives great advice.  Anyway, it was about marriage and 5 questions you need to ask yourself before you get married.  They are 1) Why are you getting married? 2) Do you trust your partner’s personal history? 3) Are you planning a wedding and not a marriage (you mentioned that one) 4) Are you investing more than you can afford to lose? and 5) Have you identified and communicated your needs and expectations?  I think the decision to marry someone is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life and I think its a very serious subject.  Too bad the majority of society treats it like its a big joke.
 
Oh, it doesn’t surprise me about what your married friend said.  Of course you’re still going to be attracted to other people even after you’re married.  That’s why I said marriage is serious business.  To make the decision to spend the rest of your life with someone does mean "forsaking all others", even if someone comes along who you’re powerfully attracted to.  That’s why you don’t put yourself in situations where you can be tempted (look at Kristen and Keith).  I look at it this way- EVERYONE has the potential to cheat.  I don’t care if you are a Christian or not.  Everyone has a breaking point.    Take me for example.  I’m "married" to Mitch Pileggi.  Well, for some reason I’m alone somewhere with Arnold Vosloo and he starts kissing my neck and whispering sweet nothings in that sexy South African accent of his …. well, it would be pretty difficult  to push him away!  So I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I could be alone with an "AV".  Anyone who says "Oh, I completely trust my husband (or wife)" is fooling themselves.  If my husband is going off every five minutes on "business trips" with his petite blonde secretary- oh sure I trust him! NOT! On the other hand if my husband thinks I could be locked in a room with an "AV" and not eventually take a bite of the forbidden fruit, he could be wrong.  Just because someone is a Christian, it doesn’t mean they don’t have desires. 
 
Do I sound pessimistic?  I’m just trying to be realistic.  I mean, so many people have affairs and I think this is the reason why- they let their guards down.  They think they can overcome temptation.  Remember that saying, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  ITs like being on a diet.  If you want to lose weight, it would be stupid of you to keep potato chips and candy bars in your cupboard.  Of course you’re going to want it, and eventually you’re most likely going to eat it.    I mean, you can try to rely on sheer willpower alone, but wouldn’t it be better if that junk food wasn’t there in the first place?  So it goes back to what i said before- don’t put yourself in a situation where you’ll be alone with someone you’re attracted to.  And don’t think God is going to help you out either.  "Well, God, here I am alone with Arnold Vosloo and he just happens to be kissing me and seducing me and all that. Not to mention the fact that he’s only wearing that little sarong thing that he wore in The Mummy! Now its up to you to get me out of this situation."  Believe me, at that point God will seem like a million miles away!
 
I think I’ve rambled on here enough!  I just feel really comfortable speaking my mind with you.  Its sad to think we probably know more about relationships than most people who are in one!  Oh- here are my answers that you added to "All about Moi" and I also added a few more quesitons:
 
Worst Job- probably the job at the grocery store.  HOw I lasted there for five years, Ill never know!
 
second job choice- owner of  a little book shop in New England. 
 
States Visited- Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachauttes, Maine, New Hampshire, Conniecut, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida.
 
favorite actors- Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford
 
favorite actresses- Meryl Streep, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Minnie Driver
 
last movie seen on tv- The new version of The Shining
 
last cd listened to- The Visit (Loreena Mckennitt)
 
book I plan to read next- The Mummy Returns (even has a pic of  my man on the front cover!)
 
why fall is my favorite season- same answeres as you gave- cooler temps, new television season, changing leaves,  upcoming holidays.
 
fave colgone for men- Prefeffed Stock.  Also Chaz always wore this certain colgone.  Don’t know what it was, but he always smelled wonderful.
 
recurring dreams? - When I was younger I had a recurring dream that I was giving birth.  I always had a boy and my husband was always with me.  I never saw him though.  He always stood behind me and held my hand.  He must have been my husband because we were both wearing wedding rings.   I also have a recurring dream that I’m in the lobby of this really nice hotel.  Its a place I’ve never been before.
 
what I miss about being a child- no responsibilites, feeling safe and secure with Mom and Dad, being able to do things without feeling stupid and self-concious. The smallest things excited me (well, they still do now).  Everything was "magical" and wonderous.  Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy …
 
what I like about being a grown up- I can do whatever I want,  I’m at an age where I make my own choices and I can persue my dreams and ambitions.  I really don’t have to answer to anyone.  I’m way beyond the dreaded "high school years".  Independence.
 
New questions
 
favorite magazine(s)- Mode,  Readers Digest, Womens World
 
coke or pepsi?- Pepsi
 
favorite 80’s song(s)- Broken Wings (Mr Mister) Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi) Don’t Dream Its Over (Crowded House)
 
what was your graduation song? Its So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday (Boys 2 Men)
 
If your car radio or walkman or stereo is set for 5 stations, what are they?  1) 96.9 WRRK Classic Rock 2)107.9 WDSY Country, 3)104.7 disco/dance music 4)100.7 variety of 80’s & 90’s music 5)92.9 WLTJ- Light Music from the 70’s-2000’s.
 
music you hate- gangster rap, anything Marylin Manson (puke),  headbanging, heavy metal music.
 
do you smoke?  No
 
first crush on real life person- TJ when I was 15
 
very first cassette tape- Cyndi Lauper- She’s So Unusual
 
do you still keep in touch with your high school friends?  no
 
pets you’ve had and have- 4 goldfish (Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe), 2 hamsters (Benji and Teddy Bear) and 2 cats (Mr. T and currently Olivia)
 
 
 
Thats all i can think of right now.  If you think of any more questions- please add them!
 
Later, Gator!
 
Michele

From: Anne
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 3:51 PM
Subject: Revised: It’s all about moi!

I see - it’s kinda like twenty questions! I’m game! I bolded categories that I added.
   
*Full name- Anne (Like Cher or Madonna…)
*dob- October 1, 1972
*siblings- 1 sister, Sara
*jobs I’ve had- Telemarketer (one day!), Visual Merchandiser (I dressed mannequins) at a clothing store, Waitress at ***** then at *****, Telephone Secretary at an answering service, Interior Decorator (mostly sales person) for ***** Paints, Student Assistant for the Co-op Office at *****, Co-op Student with *****, "Undergraduate Assistant" for the Math Dept at ***** (I graded papers), Secretary at *****, Auditor with ***** Inventory. 
*Worst boss? Has to be the manager at the paint store. There was no pleasing him!
*Dream Job- Actress!
*Second Job Choice - Engineer/Mathematician (I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I do math!!)
*Dream Vacation- Australia or Montreal, Canada.
*States visited - Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin (Have driven through: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois)
*First celebrity crush- Richard Dean Anderson (still!)
*Favorite actors: David Boreanaz (also my "favorite obsession"), Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Keanu Reeves, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson,
*Favorite actresses: Gwyneth Paltrow, Bette Midler, Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts,
*favorite color- black
*last movie seen in theatre- The Mexican
*last movie seen on TV - Muppet Treasure Island
*cd currently in cd player- none
*last CD listened to: Styx Greatest Hits (Volume two, I think)
*favorite candy bar- They’re all good!! I also love anything peanut butter/chocolate.
*favorite ice cream flavor- plain chocolate, but again it’s *all* good!
*favorite name for a girl- Alexandra
*favorite name for a boy-
*If money wasn’t an option and you were married, how many children would you like to have? zero (Do you know where they come from? OUCH!)
*early bird or night owl? early bird
*book you are currently reading- Probability and Statistical Inference (school book)
*book you plan to read next - The Bridge of San Luis Rey
*favorite comic strips- Dilbert, Foxtrot, Heart of the City, Cathy
*favorite Saturday morning cartoon- Spiderman (love his sense of humor!) Currently, I watch Recess when I’m up in time.
*character from any 80’s sitcom that you would most like to be friends with- Carol Seaver from Growing Pains
*favorite season- fall
*WHY? cooler temperatures, New Episodes of TV Shows, leaves are changing, holidays are coming
*favorite month(s)- October (fall, my birthday), December (Christmas)
*do you collect anything?  coffee mugs
*three words to describe yourself- analytical, open-minded, quiet
*if you could lose your virginity to ANYONE, who would it be? DAVID BOREANAZ (In my dreams, I already have!! Giggle! Blush!)
*something about yourself you’d like to change- there’s a lot! Including: I’d like to be more chatty around people, and I’d like to be nicer to my family. I’d like to be less lazy and do things, not just talk about what I plan to do!
*Favorite movie- I also have about a hundred of them, but the Princess Bride is probably number 1.
*Favorite tv show- Angel followed closely by Buffy the Vampire Slayer
*least favorite food- brussel sprouts (they are so awful!!)
*favorite foods- Pizza, macaroni and cheese, vegetable lasagna, Fig Newton’s, Oreos, natural peanut butter (it’s more peanut-y!)
*favorite board game- trivial pursuit (That’s a good one.)
*do you resemble anyone famous? I’ve been told that I look like Jewel (the singer).
*would you shave your head for a million dollars? Yes!
*would you give up tv for a year for a million dollars? Yes!
*would you not shave under your arms or your legs for a year for a million dollars? It would be gross, but I think I could do it. Ditto and Ditto
*would you run naked down a relatively busy street for a million dollars? Yes, with assurance that I would not get arrested for indecent exposure!:O
*Ok, lets say you got that million dollars. What would you do with it?  Build a house! Give some to charity (*****, and others), finish school, give some to my family, travel, and save some.
*would you sleep with Arnold Vosloo for a million dollars?  Yes, but I’d also sleep with him for free!
*one person you tell all your secrets to- Sara (I tell her most, but not all!)
*do you keep a diary/journal? Yes, since I was 14.
*favorite comedian- Does Jim Carrey count? I also like Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall (Here’s your sign: HAHAHAHA!)
*last concert you went to- I think it was the New Kids on the Block in 1993! I almost went to see the Barenaked Ladies a few months ago but the guy stood me up!
*dream concert- Aerosmith and Bon Jovi!
*would you rather be married for 50 years to a nice man but theres no real passion or married only 20 years to the love of your life, but he suddenly passes away?  The love of my life.(No question!)
*favorite perfume- Chanel No. 19. I also like the musks; Impulse had a very nice body spray a few years ago that I received many compliments for. I haven’t seen it in a while
*favorite cologne for men: Halston!!!!!!! (I love a good smellin’ man! There’s a lot of nice colognes out there for them!)
*You can become invisible for a day.  Where do you go?  To the bank for a little withdrawal (wicked grin!)
*Would you call a guy you had a huge crush on and tell him you loved him for a million dollars? I’d feel awfully stupid, but yeah. (Ditto!)
*Is there a day (or week or month or year) you would like to live over again?  Not to be depressing, but I’d relive October of 1998 and not be working out of town when my dad died.
*Is there a day (or week or month or year) you would just like to forget? Ho boy yes! Just about all of the time I spent with Ray et al.
*are you lefthanded or right handed?- right handed
*would you be more upset if your boyfriend had a meaningless one night stand with a stranger or a passionate kiss with your close friend?- both!
*Someone invites you to a party and wants to fix you up.  Do you want to know about it ahead of time? NO
*Do you prefer a bald man or a man with long hair?  Tough one - it would depend on the guy!
*would you date a man who was younger than you, but he looked and acted like he was five years older than you? Yes
*Do you ever have recurring dreams? I often dream that I’m fighting bad guys and really kicking some tale like Buffy tVS. I love those dreams - I wake up so empowered!
*What do you miss about being a child? I miss how Christmas and birthdays used to be something really special. I miss pretending that everywhere I went was an adventure (e.g. when I was in some clinical-looking building, I’d pretend that I was working with MacGyver to save the world from terrorists.) .
*What do you like about being a "grown-up?" I like making my own decisions and having freedom that kids just don’t have!
 
I’m including a paragraph that I got from a site that "reads" your name. I don’t place much stock in all of that, but this description of me is pretty close! Here’s the address if you want to try it: http://www.kabalarians.com/ do the FREE name analysis. (That’s what I did!)
They even included where weaknesses in my health will centre. (LOL) If they’re wrong, do you think I can sue them? I tried my sister’s name and the description was pretty close, but I tried my mom’s and others’ names and the descriptions were WAY off.
 
The name of Anne has given you a rather quiet, reserved, serious, studious nature. You have sensitivity and appreciation for the finer and deeper things of life, the beauties of nature, music, art, and literature. The people who mean the most to you are those who can offer you intellectual companionship. It is only when you are among those who understand your deeper nature that you can really be yourself. The experience of having your remarks taken lightly or belittled, particularly during the early years of your life, has caused you to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. You do not express yourself spontaneously when conversing with others; hence other people may often regard you as being aloof, and even unfriendly. Your difficulty in putting your deeper thoughts and feelings into words can lead to problems in more intimate associations. This name has caused you to live much within yourself. You are rather easily hurt or offended. At such times you can withdraw into a mood, and may not even speak to others. Aside from these points, this name contains many fine qualities. You are a thoughtful, analytical person, and you know your own mind, even though you may not speak it. You are very conscientious and competent in all that you do. You take seriously any responsibilities that you have–in the home, in the community, or at the job. Worry and mental depression could be problems in your life. Physically, any weaknesses in your health would centre in the heart, lungs, or bronchial organs.
 
This was fun! I know as soon as I send this I’ll think of a bunch more I wanted to include. Let’s collect more categories and send them again later!
Anne

From: Anne
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2001 2:15 PM
Subject: Calgon! Take me away!

Hello, Michele!
 
I’m with you on that ordering on-line thing. I’m still leery of sharing my credit card number! I have ordered on-line one time from *****.com. I bought a set of Buffy video tapes which they had to "backorder." It took about eight weeks for me to receive them! On the up-side, the tapes were about $10 cheaper than if I’d bought them at the store. How is amazon.com with delivering things? Can they ship stuff in less than 8 weeks?
 
I like *your* list of desirable man-qualities! I’m thinking of revising mine! For sure, he will have to have his priorities straight! In a word, my guy will have to be wonderful.
 
Like you said, I think it’s highly unlikely to say the least to find a guy who’s a virgin. That isn’t very high on my priority list in a man either, although it would be really something special to find a guy who had the cajones to wait until he found The One.
 
Speaking of virgins, I did not know that there were so many famous virgins! I read recently that Mandy Moore (the singer) is a virgin. I was blown away! She is dating that hunky guy from 98 degrees! Apparently they are waiting until they get married. "Well, shut my mouth and call me ‘blabby’!" :O
 
From what you wrote about your cousin, it does sound like her marriage could definitely be heading for trouble! I agree that it is very important for couples especially newly married couples to spend time together. Spending so much time apart is just an invitation for trouble! And I agree: I would WANT to spend time with my new husband! You said that maybe she wanted a wedding and not a marriage. I read an article about marriage a while back and that was a question to ask if you were thinking about marrying a guy: how do you picture your day to day life AFTER the ceremony and are you excited about life after the ceremony. I’ve done that before - got really excited thinking about walking down the aisle and seeing my guy at the end of the aisle in a tux waiting for me, but then I’d think, "Then what?" I bet that a lot of couples fall into that trap; they really want to be "married" - like that is a complete finished thing - and they have delusions that it’s gonna be absolutely perfect. Then they get married and there are good but also bad points that they weren’t expecting so maybe they start doubting and may even wonder if it was a mistake. ("The grass may be greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed.") I don’t know if that’s the case with your cousin. Are you very close to her? I was gonna suggest talking to her, but then again, even if you’re very close, that’s a sensitive subject!
 
Also on the subject of marriage: a (happily) married Christian man told me that just because you’re married doesn’t mean that you’re never attracted to anyone else. (I may have told you that before.) I was really shocked by that, and I think a lot of people don’t realize that either.  The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Even now, we find ourselves attracted to a variety of people. When we’re married, I don’t imagine that just shuts off! I guess that’s another reason marriage is such a big deal, you promise to forsake all others, even the other ones you’re attracted to. But I can see how strong attractions to other people might make a person doubt his/her marriage.
 
That’s about it for now. I am working on that All About Moi list and will send it to you today!
 
Have a great weekend! God bless!
 
Anne