Soul 2 Soul

Karaoke me B-a-b-y…..

2010-03-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

I know I can sing I have a lot of fun, and I enjoy singing. At least once a week a group of us from work go and karaoke. I have won the prize a few times, but that's not why go. I just want to have fun. I'm not trying to be the next big thing, which really is too much work! There are a lot of places that you can karaoke in Tucson. Every week one or more of my fellow crooners picks up “the Weekly” and then we decide where we want to go. Personally live within a mile of four places I can literally go every single night and in the meantime I’ll learn how to play pool. Back in November a coworker of mine passed and I was asked to sing at his funeral. I was really reluctant to do it because I generally don't sing in a church like setting for a funeral or weddings, I get too nervous. I always feel as though everyone is looking and judging [of course] but mostly because someone that they'd love is gone forever from this life. After some soul searching and some prayer I did go ahead with it. I had spent some time with him and I knew he liked the old hymns so I sang “What a friend and we have in Jesus.” I know that there are some people who don’t like the sound of my voice, when I was younger they eventually told me I could not sing and I pretty much got thrown out of the choir. It hurt, but I figured back then they knew what they were talking about.
Things are different now I know that I have a good solid Alto voice, and no one can tell me that I can’t sing. They don’t have to like the way I sing, ok, so don’t listen. I appreciated the members of the family [from the service] coming up to me and telling me how blessed they were by my song and I just thanked God for that. As you read this you might wonder why I am sharing all this, but I am reminded of how sometimes you can let people tell you things about yourself and if you allow it what they say can affect your life. You listen to them because they're the people in authority; they're the people that are supposed to know. It just amazes me how many people say things to you about your abilities and how many people have misguided others along their path and have pushed them off their path for whatever reason they had. I'm not saying that I would've been a great singer I'm just saying that had I known way back when that there was nothing wrong with my voice, or the particular style that a bit of training would have fixed. So for those of you out there that are talented, don’t allow the jealousy end envy of others mislead you. Even if you do not choose to pursue a career in music, Sing for the hell of it! Be more confident and mix it up all you want, just remember to have some fun while you’re at it. Don’t you stop singing in the shower, or while you're walking down the street with no headphones. And if you’re asked to perform then do your best. If you love singing then don’t ever stop!

Answering the call

2010-03-16T04:48:00.001-07:00

A Belated Happy birthday to La Vante & La Grant, and Happy March to everyone else.
This time I would like to present a tale of a local call center worker, who's story has a loud ring of truth to it, hopefully everyon that reads this will re-adjust their thinking when speaking with a customer service representative from now on.

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I work in a call center I've been doing this for a long time so long that I hate to think about it. I started doing this when I lost my job and I couldn't find another one for about three months. I had the skills and I thought this will just be temporary and now it is eight years later. Where has the time gone? I found that I'd hate it I hate is so bad that I hate to get up in the mornings on the days I have to work. It has got to be the most thankless job there is. It’s so terrible I hate talking to people on the phone now I'm so sick of talking to people about their problems I'm not a counselor and when people can’t pay their bill they get mad. Why are the mad at me if they can't pay their bill it isn’t my fault, I am not to blame and for the matter neither is the company that provides the service at fault. This is not my first call center job but I can tell you it WILL be my last. I don’t care what I have to do or how I have to live from now on. I am not exaggerating when I say it’s a horrible position to be in.
Over the past eight years I have worked for five different companies here in Tucson. I know what you are thinking, that I can’t keep a job, well the truth of the matter is I've lost 2 very good jobs and 1 I hated because they outsourced my position to India to Brazil to Canada to Mexico and the Philippines I mean seriously in eight years of how many jobs can you lose to out sourcing? When will these companies can get a clue that the people of America hate talking to people in India they hate talking to people in Brazil they despise talking to people in the Philippines when they speak to someone there they know they're never going to get anything done it is a complete waste of their time.
I had a customer tell me that the company I work for has a bunch of stupid monkeys working for them and she was right what can I say I work with the same stupid monkeys all the time I feel like I should be a sewer worker because I spent all day cleaning up shi*. These outsources and Vendors [for they are just as bad] make a mess of the accounts and then just transfer the customer when they call in angry about the situation. I have to clean it up and they won’t ever let me off the phone until it’s done right! I take pride in doing my best, what is right for the customer within the company’s guidelines. That is not good enough most of the time, because you’d have to be a miracle worker to resolve some of the issues to the satisfaction of both. The company cares more about how long it took you to resolve the issue than they do about its resolution. The customer only wants the issue resolved. It never ceases to amaze me how many people tell me how good I was and helpful and that I have taken the time to listen to them when no one else would and fix the problem, but how many of them are willing to write a letter, send an email, or call back and say that to someone that matters? Don’t get me wrong I always give my best and I appreciate the few that do say nice things about me {it’s part of the bonus system, that earns me more money} but there is something seriously wrong with the customers that just yell and scream like a baby that needs it’s diaper changed, or a toddler falling out in the floor having a tantrum because they cannot get their way. I’m honestly sick and tired of the donkey’s that call in angry and belligerent because their service has been interrupted, and when you pull up the account, you always find that they haven’t paid ANYTHING on there account in months. They all say the same thing “I need my service!” Well I say, hen you NEED to pay your bill! But I do say it in a nice way.

I learned years ago about complaining about the outsources' my first encounter was indeed a Indian matter and I was told by someone high up in that particular company back in 2002 that they didn't care they only cared about the bottom line they only cared about the fact that that representative in India that was taking calls compared to what they were pay me they could have three people for that amount of money. That really sucks it sucks when you know that the shareholders only care about their dividends that they don't care about the fact that the people who pay for the service are not happy with it. It sucks that the management cannot see the trend of people calling back again and again because they don’t want to talk to those people in foreign countries. I had an account with Citibank [after they bought out my original bank] and I had to talk to people in India, my account was so screwed up and every time I called it just seemed to get worse. I would ask for a supervisor and they would never let me speak with one. I always got the same story “Yes Ma’am, we are doing everything we can to assist you. Everything will be taken care of just as you requested.” Liars!!!! I actually had to drive all the way to Mesa, and go into a branch, by this time 3 months later I was livid. I spoke with a personal banker who got her manager and although it took 2 hours I got my problem fixed. The next day I closed my account. And I have never looked back.
A lot of call center companies have left Tucson in the last five years and thousands of people have lost jobs to outsources. What I see more and more of nowadays are shops and payday loan centers isn't that funny get high and get in debt that the growing job industry in Tucson….. signed Answering The Call

I hope you enjoyed this piece as much as I did.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

Hitting the Hiking Trails

2010-03-13T05:00:00.027-07:00

Greetings and Happy day light savings times to all you poor saps that have to set your clocks forward tonight,
Today I present a tale to you that should have been written by me, as I share the same views as the author about the hikins around Tucson. Enjoy.

Hi Loko. I was so glad to read your blog about Tucson Arizona I've only been living here for two years I moved down here from Las Vegas because I had been working in the casinos and I just kept getting laid off from one after another room for about the last five years and I knew that there were similar conditions here so I decided, Okay then let's just go down there and give Tucson as chance. I had been working in the casinos in Vegas, I do have a job at the Desert Diamond casino on Los Realos. I'm a blackjack dealer and it’s great it’s a lot different than it was in Vegas it’s a lot more relaxed here, actually I make more money on a steady basis than I did when I was in Vegas. Tucson, Arizona is a lot like Las Vegas as far as being surrounded by the mountains but the mountains here are much prettier than they are up there, the temperature is cooler here and I've gotten a chance to explore all lot of the three major mountain ranges around the city. I even got turned on to a couple of the places within the city that I can go and have a great view, There is of coarse “A” Mountain, and another place over by Saint Mary's Hospital. The U of A has a project going on and its 1.5 miles to the top and that seems like a really short hike for someone as experienced as I am, but it is really a good workout for anyone that's interested. Around the half way point you begin walking a 45° angle switch back road leading up to the top. I can feel the burn all the way to the top and the view is spectacular. You're not exactly in the middle of the city but you can, to coin a phrase “see forever” to the North East is the Santa Catalina’s. They are not Rocky Mountain High, yet the beauty of the Catalina’s at sunset is incomparable, like all Tucson sunsets with the reds, purple and orange colors. When I'm standing at the top of Tuc Hill gazing to the northwest it’s funny how you visualize certain shapes and formations. There is a mountain grouping that literally and looks like it's a large chair or throne for some giant or a godlike figure from Olympus. I've taken so many pictures yet I can never capture it on film as I see it with my naked eye. I can clearly see Wasson Peak, which is the highest point in elevation within Tucson. It’s a great view from there and from there you can actually see the west and onto the reservation. I've been on Finger Rock Trail, it's wonderful and hard part of the Catalina's also there is the Ponatoc Ridge Trail which leads off from the trailhead to north You have to access these two from Alvernon Way.
Sabino Canyon is by far the most popular trail around simply marvelous, but not much of a challenge. The seven falls trail that is just spectacular I go out at night among night desert hiker and sometimes we go out specifically just to see some of the things that you can only see at night I actually had an opportunity to see the Queen of the Night flower bloom in stages, what a magnificent flower it is, nothing compares to it. I've taken the Douglas Spring's trail from Speedway and I've hiked all through the Rincon’s floor trails but the Tanque Verde Trail is by far my favorite. I purchased a Parks pass the second time I went to what the Natives call the Monument; actually it is Saguaro East National Park. This year I plan to upgrade my pass to a National Parks Pass because it is not just good for Saguaro East, but is good at any National Park in the continental U.S. It has taken me several tries to reach the first camping ground called the Juniper Basin that is 6.3 miles in, but U finally made it, all by my lonesome. Along the way is a wonderful view atop a Butte of a Box Canyon. There have been many times that, it was as far as I have gotten, especially when I took someone with me. The desert is full of dangerous creatures and some not so dangerous like Javalina’s, Jack Rabbits, Rattlesnakes [Diamondbacks and Sidewinders], Gila Monsters, Giant Tortoise, Coyote’s, mountain deer, Scorpions, African Bees, and Roadrunners. I do love going up into those mountains and there’s a point when I can turn 360° and I don’t see any houses any cars any people nothing but mountains and Cactus the natural landscape and it's just beautiful. I hike alone 75% of the time, although I have gone with a group, or with just one other person. I always have to adjust my pace because they can’t keep up with me. I do stop often to take pictures or for a bite to eat. I really work up an appetite while on a hike. I don't really like going with large groups no more than four total is perfect for me, but just me and the trail is wonderful.
I keep hearing a lot about Mt Wrightstown, but so far I have never been there I did go to Pichaco Peak a kick-ass climb, but I loved every minute of it so far that's the only one that I've been able to go to that is outside of the city limits. I feel like I'm there are so many mountain ranges here and trailheads that I should explore all of them completely before I spent hours driving somewhere else to go hiking when it is literally right in my own back yard
A note to all of the readers about what to take when you go hiking, always take plenty of water and food. Seriously, as much water as you can carry, you should freeze most of it and even leave some frozen in the car, for when your hike is over. Eat a good solid breakfast, I generally start with some Oatmeal, take some orange juice, for space take along a packet or two of the salt you get from the fast food places. I like to have some cocktail shrimp, cheese, apple, banana, kiwi, orange, frozen grapes, melons, assorted nuts like pecans and almonds, dry roasted peanuts and something sweet for sure. You may pick up a bag of trail mix with any combination you like, but get a large bag, your life could depend upon your being properly prepared, especially if you hike alone as I do. There are times when I just want to go on a hike, but don’t want to have to carry a lot of food, let’s face it fruit is heavy and when you have to climb 2000-3000 feet, the water is heavy enough! Since I do most of my hiking do in the summer months when there are no tourists it is unlikely that I will encounter anyone on the trail. I’ve never camped out overnight but I would love to as long as I could go with people that I felt like I can trust if you don't have since enough to bring more than one 16oz or 32oz bottle of water with you and it is not even frozen when it's 115° in the shade I don't think so. You should carry a cell phone with you, although the reception may not be that good. Remember to always sign the register, before you venture onto the trail and please let someone know that you are going. How can they search for you if they do not know that you are out there? …… I dream of hiking trails!

She certainly sounds like my kinda girl. I love hiking as well, have a look at some of my photo's taken when hiking around Tucson.
Just follow this link [copy/paste into browser]

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

Dance till you can’t dance no more

2010-03-10T05:10:00.017-07:00

Greetings one and all.
Again thank you all so much for contributing to this series. Today I am happy to present the ideas of the self proclaimed "Dancing Queen of Tucson"
I might have seen her without even knowing it as I attend most of the activities that she has mentioned. Well, put on your dancing shoes and get down on it girl!

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I love to dance I go to the club's. I go early so that I don't have to pay a cover charge and I dance all night. I do this at least three times a week it keeps me healthy; I have a lot of fun, and enjoy myself. Yes I drink a little bit, but not much I don’t go to get my drink on and since I don’t drink I can be a designated driver.
I get out to a lot of different events throughout the city throughout the year, last fall I went to the Tucson Meet Yourself festival and I saw some of most amazing cultural dances and displays it's just wonderful that you could find so many diverse cultures here in what's considered a small metropolitan area. There were several things are really caught my eye on one of the stage as they had some Hawaiian dancers and although you could tell some of them were really needing some more practice but there were a few dancers that were so graceful and beautiful that I decided to take up Hula. I started taking lessons after the first of the year so it’s only been a month but so far I think I’m doing pretty well. I have mastered 3 of the as I’m told 8 basis steps of Hula and hopefully by summer I can learn a dance. I am so excited! I had taken up the Belly Dancing through the Parks and recreation a couple years ago and can see a lot of similarities between the two styles, but I really do love the Hawaiian Hula more. I even attended a Bollywood Dance [From India} class at the public library at the Martha Cooper Branch late last summer it was so much fun it was a little different than what I thought it would be. There are apparently a lot of different movies that this form of dancing has been featured in and although it was not for me I did enjoy the class and the instructor was great and she said that she had actually been injured and as such could not really do as much as she normally would, and I was thinking yeah right. Here I am huffing and puffing and barely able to keep up with you. I thought that was funny but she was a wonderful girl and I enjoyed the class. I ran into a group of belly dancers there who were taking the class and then I saw them down at the U of A performing they remembered me I was flattered. The form of Belly Dancing they do is more of European origin, I have observed this style before, and they did have great costumes. This was part of the Renaissance Fair at the U. of A on the Mall. I used to know someone who was a really into the Renaissance Festival she had made a lot of her own costumes and I recall her telling me that a belly dancing group practices at one of the Ramada’s in Reid Park near 22nd St and Country Club. Last summer belly dancing I met a native of Alaska and she was kind enough to show me some of their dances and they were also beautiful, and had I had more time to spend with her I would love to learn some of those as well. I don't pass up any opportunity to learn a dance.
At the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival I saw Pasqui Yaqui and the Tohono O’odham also performed a sacred dance, in all honesty they were so boring it amazed me that the Pasqui Yaqui had asked that no photographs were to be taken during their time on stage. I sincerely mean no offense by this but I can’t imagine anyone wanting to photograph the dances that I witnessed. I respect their culture and their beliefs I thought I was gonna see something really spectacular and to make matters worse they were half hour late starting I waited an extra half an hour to be bored to death literally.
I watched many different cultures perform over those three days and most were amazing I have temporarily misplaced my program so I cannot specifically name the ones I saw, but there was a group of Middle Eastern Ladies, a Native American group that would be hard to forget as they had large peacock feathers in there head-dresses, lots of Latino dancers and honestly the Korean drummers stole the show for me! I spent 3 wonderful rhythmic filled days and nights there. I would love to learn some of the dances that I saw there the costumes were just as creative on a scale that makes it hard to even describe so beautiful. When ever I see a style I like and think I can learn easily enough I go for it, and then I can incorporate all these different styles and moves into my own dance. Which is why I consider myself literally the; ….. Dancing Queen of Tucson

BTW I do have some photo's of some of the events mentioned in this article, check back for links to my sister site and updated photo's

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

All about the yarn!

2010-03-08T05:02:00.021-07:00

Greetings to all.
I am very proud to present this tale to you for your enjoyment. This lady has actually got me wanting to work with yarn, imagine that!

Hello world first of all let me start by saying I'm live here in Tucson Arizona and I think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I don’t understand how can anyone say that it is dull and boring, there are many things to do here a lot of them are free and some of them you do have to pay for but I can do anything I want, all of the things I love to do. I relocated here from Kansas City fifteen years ago and let me tell you this is like heaven to me.
I love the feel of wool, cotton, and acrylic yarn. I take my old jeans my old tee shirts and recycle them into rugs, blankets, sweaters, hats, and scarfs. Can you tell I’m a crafter? I spend a lot of time at the public Library and last year I was in the main library downtown and I saw a flyer for a group called Urban Yarns; it's a wonderful group of ladies unfortunately so far no men have joined. I invite every man; woman, boy and girl that I meet who shows an interest in my crocheting and knitting, and I know that the ladies have to but alas still no men have joined our group. We are currently involved in the end of a project for the new Diamond Children’s Center a medical facility that will be a part of the U of A. We are making blankets for them and I jumped in with both feet and hands. I have made about a dozen blankets since last August, and I love it. I'm a grandmother and make all kinds of gifts for all of my grandchildren it's relaxing, therapeutic and its fun. Since I joined this group I have been made aware of all sorts of projects one can participate in for charity. My suggestion is that if you don't have a hobby, get one. If you are not sure which one will work for you try working with the yarn? Yarn work is a very inexpensive hobby but if it is not to your liking, try gardening, pottery, embroidery, face painting, photography, or even dancing. All are great things that you can do to pass the time, to fill the time, to make something beautiful for yourself and for others to donate its wonderful!
I go from one craft fair to another sometimes I display my things sometimes I think my stuff isn't good enough even though my family tells me I should be selling what I make and occasionally I get offers to make things for others and they are willing to pay me, but I don't take myself too seriously. My yarn work goes everywhere I go. I check out yard sales and I go to the plea market or the swap meets, looking for yarn or something that I can use to make something beautiful for someone. I heard about some group that makes Lap blankets for the Veterans and disabled, blankets and things for the homeless caps for the homeless children and next year plan to have a lot more projects that I'll be working on. I think that I’ll make some things for the children in the shelters around town I learned a little bit about the origami and would like to start making some of the smaller little animals and toys and creatures. I will of coarse have to test run them on my own grandchildren, to get a good feel for them before I make some for the homeless children. I have started stockpiling the thread already in anticipation. My plan for this year is to donate most of what I make to various organizations. My feeling is that if you have a hobby that allows you to create something there's no reason for you to ever be bored in Tucson Arizona or any other place. …… All About The Yarn

I hope you enjoyed this piece as much as I did. Talk about creative, I am so jealous.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

From the good earth..

2010-03-05T05:40:00.002-07:00

I have a green thumb, no really I do I’m a gardener. I love plants, indoors, outdoors, in containers or in the ground. I love mixing the soil with my bare hands too; I rarely use gloves when planting. Perhaps I did not play in the dirt enough as a child. For me there is no greater enjoyment than watching a seedling grow. I prefer to grow my plants from seed, bulb or cuttings. The best approach for me is careful planning, lots of researching and studying. There's nothing about gardening that I don't enjoy. Some people say it’s easy to have great looking houseplants and that gardening is not that hard. Well if that is truly the case, then I must be doing something wrong, and have been doing it wrong most of my life. I have always found it fulfilling but believe you me, gardening can be very hard, backbreaking work at times depending on what kind of garden you have.
I have a small raise garden section, and the construction of it alone was hard, but worth it. It has become the centerpiece of my outdoor garden, filled with herbs, plants and flowers. Gardening outdoors in Tucson can be challenging at best, frustrating at its worst. If you are using containers, and you should have about one-third of the plants in some sort of container they have to be repositioned occasionally depending upon what time of year it is. That means at some point you’ll have to pick them and dirt is heavy, just like water.
There are quite a few nurseries, and other places to buy everything you need to be successful, and my advise to you is when you get new plants, don’t just get them because you like them. First things first; an awful lot of foliage is sold here that will not grow properly here. If you read a book on any kind of gardening, consider the geographical location of the author, look for local authors and consider their views first. Again, don’t be fooled by the plants you see in the Botanical or some other specialty gardens, they invest a lot of money ensuring that those plants you see there are ecologically balanced. Remember you live in the Sonoran Desert and summer temperatures here last for about 5 months.
The best gardens, for my money are a mixture of plants, herbs, vegetables and flowers. I get a great deal of pleasure every summer in more ways than one from my garden. I grow my own tomatoes, garlic, onions, peppers [bells, jalapenos,] basil, sage, cilantro, squash [yellow, Mexican grey & Italian] I have even been successful growing avocado’s from seed. These I grow every year and believe me growing theses herbs and vegetables saves me a considerable amount of my food budget. Every year I try something new, like the avocado last year as well as the green beans and eggplant. Honestly I stay away from the melons, because of the amount of water they require, but this year I’ll be growing my own cucumbers as well. As you can see most of what I mentioned are seed bearing plants, so all I have to do is harvest some seeds, dry and store them until needed. You always have to be concerned about birds and bugs, but there are ways around them, there are certain flowers and herbs that bugs and birds don’t like, for instance French marigolds, cotton lavender, curry, tansy, chives, garlic, penny royal and chamomile helps keep your plants healthy [often referred to as the plant physician.] Purple passions or purple hearts I use them as ground covers and in a hanging pot the produce very small pink flowers and thrive in the heat as long as they are well watered.
Since it is February we experience a lot of rain this time of year more than we do with the monsoons rains, I love this time a year not because of the rain so much but because of what the rain brings during the months of March and April everything will be in blooming all of the barrel cacti, the prickly pears, ocotillo and such as the desert comes alive again. To me the desert is the most beautiful place on earth for a couple of months, all around you are bright colors, reds, orange, yellow, blues, white and pink. I can hardly wait to see them. I always have beautiful plants and I always take lots and lots of pictures and strive to improve my garden with a renewed zeal.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

More than a Soccer Mom

2010-03-02T16:47:00.002-07:00

Greetings to all.
The Moon is still full and the weather is so beautiful here in Tucson today. I would like to thank all of my faithful followers and everyone that reads this blog. I know I don't do it as much as I should be sometimes, you know how it is, I just don't have the time. It's not that I dont have plenty to say, finding the time to get it all out would almost be a full time job, without pay.
In any case many thanks to all who have submitted me a story about life here in Tucson. I now present to you the first of many more to come from a mother of 3 a resident of the Eastside of town and her tale is presented to you pretty much the way she sent it to me.

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A belated happy New Year to every one. It's just after Valentine's day now and it's been a long time since I had an opportunity to speak about things that I see and things that I'm concerned about. I like living in Tucson Arizona, it's one of the most beautiful places on earth and it has some of the friendliest people that I have ever encountered. I remember ten years ago when I first got here I moved into a place off 22nd street and Craycroft I didn't have a car so I caught the bus I caught the bus public transit is terrible no matter where you live but I remember when I used to walk down the street people would speak to me and smile, single people, walking couples I mean just people walking their dogs their kids at the time and it is still like that after ten years. Even though I have a car, I still like to get out and walk through my neighborhood, just last weekend {Valentines Day} I decided to walk to the grocery store. It seems that most of them had steak and lobster on sale, yum.
I think Tucson is a beautiful place and I love the spectacular view of the Santa Catalina’s, the Rincon’s and the Tucson Mountain range as they form a wall around the city. Most days no matter which direction I look in I can see either of the three. When I first read the blog by Loko asking for stories about Tucson, what you love what you hate I thought that nobody cares what I think. I did change my mind, and I feel better now after having shared my Tucson with others. I've been living here for a long time and I've seen the city change, people come and go I seen a lot of things happen not all of them for the good either. I originally moved down here from Phoenix, it grew so much that I didn’t like it anymore; it just got to be too big for me. I liked the simplicity of living here I love the scenery I love the people there's always lots of things to do. Sadly the average person sits around moaning and whining about how bored they are but they never go anywhere they never do anything. we have several publications that tell us exactly what's going on all over town they tell us when where we can go for entertainment whatever suits your fancy. What a wonder mixture of cultures we've got here so what if we don't have a beach we live in the Sonoran desert get over it. I live, I play, I work and I do it all right here. I can barely remember the name of the street I lived on as a child, but my children are having a fabulous childhood experience.
On a sad note though over the last five years a lot of jobs have left the area and it is getting harder and harder to find a job. I know that it is not just here I'm sure it's going on in other places but my main concern is what's happening to me right here right now how will I pay for my children's college education I went back to schools last year to the University of Phoenix which is very expensive. The only reason I can afford to was because my employer was willing to pay for it. I wanted to go back to school for something different but they wouldn't pay for what I really wanted to do because it has nothing to do with their industry I can understand that if the work in an office why would they pay for me to be a welder so there you are.
Now down to the heart of the matter, my favorite part about being here is that we have long hot summers not like the Tennessee Williams play. Living with the hot summers triple digits for a leased five months I still find plenty for me and my family to enjoy. We like to go rollerblading around Reid Park we blade around 3-4 times at least every time we go in the summertime we go at least once a week and now that Roller derby is back in fashion, my teenage daughter is planning on trying out for the team. We still love going to the drive and what I heard it was closing down this year. I mean it so raggedy you’d better drives slow when you go there and I don’t think they have filled in any of the potholes since they built it, but we still enjoy taking our own food and my husband likes to get ice cream from the concession stand [he said he was never allowed to have any at the drive-in as a child {poor baby}]. We load up the car and sit in a captain's chair I’m a soccer mom, I admit it.
I live on the Eastside near Kolb and Broadway we do have a few neighborhood Parks that are close enough for us to go to on a regular basis sometimes is hard to get down to Reid Park so we just go to the neighborhood park and we can skate for a while, there is the soccer field, basketball court, doggie area there are even a lot of neighborhood Parks and have swimming of course there's grills and I forgot about the softball fields. We always find something to do as a family minimum if three times a week. Don't tell me your kids don't have games, or that they're not in the band at school or there is no soccer game. Who says you have to know someone playing on the neighborhood game field? There's no reason to sit around looking cross saying oh my god is so boring here. Now I've just been talking about some of the free stuff, don’t get me started on the inexpensive things to do in Tucson we do a lot of other stuff that cost little or no money we ride our bikes we walk sometimes just to get away from the house. Since we don’t have a pool we go to the neighborhood park it only cost $1, we load up the car and you know we have a picnic we barbecue we spend a lot of the day out there and we spend a lot of time at Reid Park you know there's an open air Rose Garden, an indoor pool and an outdoor FREE theater! This past summer we saw Shakespeare's Julius Caesar it was wonderful my kids loved it we just gave a donation so don’t tell me there’s not a lot of free stuff you can do in Tucson even with the family and especially if you don’t have a family …….. More than a Soccer Mom

I hope you enjoyed this piece as much as I did. I felt "Soccer Mom" had a lot of really good ideas for fun here in Tucson.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

Tucson, Arizona. The City you Love or Hate.

2010-02-26T17:01:00.001-07:00

Hello to all, its February and were almost at the end of the 2nd month of 2010 can you believe that?
Well for those of you who had all of those failed New Year’s resolutions I offer my condolences I gave up on New Year’s resolutions years ago. I think they’re too hard to keep because our expectations are way Way, Way too high, so what I’d like to know is for those of you who live here in Tucson what are you doing right? Let’s focus on what we like to do instead of focusing on what you haven't done right. How about a list of the things you like to do, and would like to do more of? Why not get more encouragement going? Try getting back into doing some of those things. If you don't feel like you're really doing is much as you should be doing now, and there are no limitations on what you can tell me. What you do for fun in Tucson? This year I decided that I wasn’t going to make anymore New Year resolutions! I used to be good at keeping them, but really? I mean come on how many years can you say you can loose weight, or save money, get out more or even find the perfect partner? These are the same resolutions that we have made before and we have made them again this year. forget about them because by now you are like oh my god it's Valentine's day and I still have nobody or I can’t fit into that outfit I bought five years ago! Give it up. I thought about what I would have resolutely this year and basically I decided that I'm gonna do what I want to do. I’m tired of doing what other people expected me I don't intend to do that anymore. So if you hate your job tell me about your job, why you hate it and then tell me why you're not looking for another one because most people who really hate their jobs don’t look and for another one. When your job starts to affect your life that's different. Come one, all tell Loko all about it.
Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

SHUT UP!!! You are in the Library.

2009-08-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times lately I have wanted to tell someone to get off their cell phone, shut up, get control of your children, or worse while visiting my local library.
Is it just me or what?
No. I'm sure it is not just me, for what prompts me to write about this is that at this very moment I am sitting across from another patron who is trying her best not to scream at the the one that recently sat down next to her with her cell phone glued to her ear yacking Loudly in some foreign language. And I do not mean spanish! I live in Tucson, so hearing spanish is just like hearing english.
The foreigners are really bad especially the Africans and the Europeans from the slovic countries. Don't they have libraries whereever they came from?
There is one branch here in town that I wont go back to even though it is the closest to where I live, because the majority of the patrons are from these two groups. The posted rules are one person per computer, but there are oftentimes 3 or 4 of them around one screen, with another person seated not two feet away. They are busy chattering away, its very hard to concentrate on what you are doing when someone is constantly bumping your chair or yacking away on their cell phone. Now the Latino's are just as bad since they bring their children and let them literally run around as though they were outside and see nothing wrong with allowing that behavior. Then there are the homeless, no offense but they simple need to bathe!
This may come across as politically incorrect and I really don't care about being politically correct. I care about what is right. If anyone is offended by anything I have said, it is obvious they have not spent much time at their local library, and I offer no apology for speaking the truth.
My question is Whatever happened to whispering or better yet not talking at all when in the public library? The offenders seem oblivious to the glares they receive from the other patrons. Worse yet the staff don't say anything unless somone complains, and in some cases the staff are even louder than the patrons.
Back in the day one would go to the library for homework help, study groups, reading, research and the like. Now days they offer so much more. Judging from how busy the computer terminals are on an average day, contrary to statistics there is a great percentage of the population that do not have a computer at home let alone internet access. The majority of the people who come to use the computers or he internet, sit down and handle their business. I can honestly say that there has never been even one occassion that I got in an out without at least wanting to complain about someones behavior.
Lest keep it real and respect the spirit of the librays by keeping the disturbances to a minimum.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

Ask Cereus Datura Home - Ask Cereus Datura

2009-08-01T14:23:00.001-07:00

Ask Cereus Datura Home - Ask Cereus Datura

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Renting Out A Room 101

2009-06-24T13:25:00.004-07:00

There are lot's of reason to Rent out a Room in your home. Let's face it the main reason folks are doing it now is for the money, or better yet the lack thereof.
I find that for the most part the rooms are over priced and a poor value to the renter.
Here are some things to consider prior to posting that add for a 'Room for Rent'
1. Why are you renting out the space?
Is it because you are falling behind on your mortage?
2. What type of person do you really want to share your home with?
3. Do you have any children? Pets? Are they Truly well behaved?
4. How much traffic flows through your space?
5. Have you ever had a roommate before?
6. Have you prepared any sort of rental agreement?
7. Are you intending to post any photo's of the space?

These are just the basic questions you need to REALLY think about.
Not only will this person/persons be helping you keep the property you are desperately attempting to hold onto, but they deserve to be treated with respect and consideration. Once you embark down this path, you will need to change the way you think of your home. It ceases to to yours alone!
The renter has rights just like you do. If you are asking them to observe quiet hours between 10pm-8am you MUST observe the quiet hours as well.
Ifd you have children, think real hard about having strangers in your home, especially if they don't have any. Be honest! You know your kids are B-A-D, so don't get your nickers all twisted up when you're reminded that they are.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

2009-06-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

I'm loko-queen

This is the 3D me.
Make your own,
and we both get Coinz!

2009-06-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

About Etta

2009-02-09T11:36:00.002-07:00

Etta James like every other American has a right to voice her opinion।
I thought it was funny and agreed that Beyonce had no business singing 'her' signature song।
As I recall back in December Beyonce was on some show saying she wanted to sing for President Elect Obama। When asked what she would sing, her response was, "At Last." I was appalled! Personally I don't care for her nor her music, but she is popular and it is understandable that she was asked to perform. In my opinion, she should have sang something else. Why couldn't she sing one of her own songs. Oh I know why, they are not appropriate! From what I've seen of her it appears impossible to sing without shaking-her-money-maker.
Right-On Etta, You go girl. BTW I don't think President Obama cares what anyone says one way or another.

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

Our New Years Resolutions

2009-02-04T14:30:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all;

Were just beginning the second month of the New Year, and it is unfortunate that some of us have already abandoned our 'Resolutions.'
Not to worry, this happens every year to most of us, but it doesn't mean we should give up!
I personally decided to set a series of goals for myself this year, starting off with what I consider my most serious issue. But get this, I didn't even try to start on January 1st. It was only about 3 week ago when I began to put forth the effort.
Eating during the middle of the night! Yep, that's right. I wake up in the middle of the night and after a visit to the bathroom [pardon me, but it's true] I head straight for the kitchen. Pop-tarts, cookies, potato chips, or leftovers. They are all fair game!
Sad but true.
You see for most of the month of December someone in the house had a cold or Flu-like symptoms except for myself. I had been so careful avoiding the type of contact that passes these viruses on. Alas finally I started to feel Sinus pressure and... well I ended up with a scratchy throat/dry cough. I actually went a full 24 hours without eating anything. I finally forced myself to eat a little something & for the next 2 days I hardly ate Anything, especially at Night. Wow! I was onto something.
Armed with 3 whole nights under my belt I began to make a conscious effort to to eat anything when I awoke during the night. I must admit I was doing great and was very proud of myself until,... You guessed it. Last night I slipped. When I got up around 5am I also grabbed a handful of Cheetos. [bummer]
I had been reproaching myself all-day-long for slipping, but I have also realized that sometimes we slip even more than once. I can't let it stop me, permanently now can I? Tonight when I awaken I simply remind myself, [as I have had to do for the past week] not to eat anything. Lay back down and go back to sleep.
Wish me luck!

Peace,
Loko, Queen of The Night

NOT MY ROLE MODEL!

2009-02-02T10:09:00.007-07:00

For some time now the issue of who or what constitutes a "Role Model" bothers me।

From Wikipedia
The term role model first appeared in Robert K. Merton's socialization research of medical students.[1] Merton hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with "reference groups" of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires.[1] The term has passed into general use to mean any "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others".

With this definition in mind, is a celebrity really a Role Model? By celebrity I mean someone who is famous for their achievements in Sports, Music, TV, Films, Authorship, Politics, Educational skills, Championship status and so forth?
Fame is certainly a fickle mistress. It sweeps you up and carries you along for an amazing ride, not always pleasant. Many today are caught up in the whirlwind of fame where your accomplishments are often overshadowed by some published indiscretion.
Whatever happened to just being a Fan, of admiring those who entertain you, simply because they are good at what they do?
When my daughter was in High School, she played the Clarinet. She became friendly with the 1st chair holder and truly admired his ability for it seemed effortless. She talked about him all the time and compared herself to him. They became good friends, but when the semester was over he advanced to another band, called Symphonic. He finally told her she could be just as good if she practiced more, and gave her some pointers as she required them. Amazingly this is what I had been telling her all along. It worked! By the time she had graduated she had made 1st chair and moved up progressively from Concert Band to Symphonic Band and the ultimate band, Wind Ensemble. She was also in the Marching Band for her last 2 years. I was very proud and attended as many concerts and games as I could supporting her.
Natural ability is not always enough. Everyone needs encouragement and instruction, even someone they can look up too. Young and old can always benefit from the advice and experience of that persons which inspires us. Inspiration is a wonderful thing and we must continue to look for it in one form or another everywhere, for you never know when you might find it. However, if it is a model for your life, you should look closer to home. Have you taken a really good look at your Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Aunt, Uncle, Grandmother, Grandfather, Cousin, Teacher, Coach, A Co-worker, Friend, Minister or Neighbor?
You wont find what you need on TV, in the Movies you watch, or in the games you play, because they are Paid to entertain you.
Through-out my life I have known some wonderfully talented and gifted people, more that a few have mentored me, without even knowing it.
Take a look around you, there are people you can learn from। Don't tell me you don't see them, cause if you don't, then you must be blind and live in a cave!

Peace
Loko, Queen of the Night

FAMILIES, WE DO LOVE TO HATE!

2008-12-02T21:48:00.004-07:00

There's no place like 'home 4' the holidays
So Thanksgiving has come and gone, one of the few Holidays that I celebrate!
I spent it at my younger sisters. Boy, what a time it was! She might not appreciate what I am about to say, but Oh well. It is my story nonetheless.
It was a constant yap-fest about one minor thing or another. I swear she and her husband get on my nerves. The most casual comment turns into a debate. How tiresome this becomes when it is never-ending. Needless to say I shall not attend any functions for Xmas.
On the bright side, I spent some time with my nephew & niece. I even had a chance to get to know my nieces' fiancee a bit better [yes I did] a nice guy. First impressions are not always right [as I have learned over the years] circumstances and situations ALWAYS play a part in a persons behavior when ever you encounter them. But this time around Josh came thru like a the 'white knight' that he is!
For the record, I'm ok with by-racial couples my hope is that they both understand what is in store for them and their progeny. He does! It's never easy, as forces beyond their control are always gathered together to impede them.
The most vocal of all African Americans would prefer to see our women and men marry and pro-create with only those of our own kind, even though they are aware of the fact that there are not enough brothers [worth while, not withstanding] to go around, and many sisters are left out! So what is a Sister too do?
I really love good music, especially when there is a life style message in the lyrics. Here are some great examples:
'Love The One You're With'
'Hold Your head up, High!' if they shout, don't let it change a thing that you're doing.
Love Is Where You Find It!

Peace
Loko, Queen of The Night