(43-219) Judge Judy

There are some days (OK, many days,) when I have no idea what I'm going to write about.  On those days, I do everything from review my Facebook for ideas and inspiration; check out my old blog posts, look for quotes, as you well know; or delve into Mari's "Memories and thoughts" jar.  Well today I thought I had a topic; but I think that it's one that I need to let brew for a lil longer; so I went searching.

While I was reviewing my Facebook friend's, posts, I saw that someone, I won't say who; posted "Judge Judy is a bitch;" and by the time that I saw it, 6 people had agreed with her; and one person commented "I dare you to say it to her face."  I wanted to comment, because I actually hold Judge Judy in very high regard; but I wasn't sure what to say; so I'm writing this post.

If you've ever read my "100 MORE Random Things About Me" post; then you may recall that #93 was "When I was a Social Worker, I appeared before Judge Judy (before she was ever on TV.)"  Yes, in fact I had to go before her for a TPR (Termination of Parental Rights;) and I was beyond nervous.  Even when Judge Judy was a NYC Family court judge, she had a reputation for being ferocious; BUT, it was because she wanted what was best for the children in the foster care system and she wanted to insure that everyone who came into her courtroom, was well prepared.  I'll never forget it.  She posted a sign in the hallway, right outside her courtroom, that said "Foster care is not a permanency plan," and she meant it. What that means, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the foster care system; is that she wanted each lawyer, social worker and parent, that entered her courtroom to know that we better have plans for the child that didn't involve keeping them in foster care on a permanent basis.  We needed to have a goal - either family reunification, adoption, or preparation for independent living.  In my opinion, the children in the NYC foster care system had no better friend than Judge Judy.

On the day that I was appearing in front of Judge Judy, I was very fortunate to go to court with my good friend / co-worker, who just so happened to be Judge Judy's cousin; and we were invited to sit in her gallery and observe other cases until ours were called.  As someone who wanted to be a judge once upon a time; I remember sitting there in awe.  Judge Judy was a force to be reckoned with and I felt honored to sit in her courtroom and later present a case to her.

Now when I saw that post on Facebook today; I honestly didn't know if my friend meant bitch in a good way; like she admired her, or bitch as in; she's unnecessarily mean and rude. I can tell you that Judge Judy KNOWS her stuff; and she impresses me EVERY time I hear her speak; whether she's a guest on a talk show or she's giving out her shoot from the hip, straight talking rulings on her show (which I don't watch; but I see clips of from time to time.) I think that she's brilliant, fair and VERY wise.  A bitch?  Yah, in the BEST sense of the word.  I think that more people need a Judge Judy in their lives.  They need someone who's going to be honest; call it like they see it and hold them accountable; instead of coddle and enable them when they need to make crucial, life changes.  As much as I am a lovey dovey; positive reinforcement kinda girl; I also have to say that I wholeheartedly endorse Judge Judy's manner of speaking, because it comes from a place of intelligence and experience.
It's certainly uncalled for, when someone is just nasty for no reason. But if someone is perceived to be a bitch because they've told you a truth that you don't like; then I think that the problem is more yours than theirs.  I'm just sayin...  I'm absolutely, 100% positive, that Judge Judy doesn't need me coming to her defense; but since appearing in her courtroom, watching her in action and working with children whose lives she tried to protect and preserve; I have the utmost respect for her and I just felt the need to comment.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-218) Why Lyndzi?

The other day I told you that I had "VERY Big News."  I shared that my daughter, Lyndzi, my cousin, Jackie and I are going to be taking a trip to New York to celebrate my 44th birthday.  I mentioned that I decided to take one of my kids with me and that Lyndzi seemed like the perfect choice; but I didn't say why.  Since that post, I've spoken with a number of my friends and although everyone is very glad that I'm bringing Lyndzi; they all seem to want to know how I made my choice. They all want to know; why Lyndzi? 

When I first considered asking one of my children to come to New York with me; I thought about who would enjoy the trip the most; and hands down the answer was Lyndzi.  Although all three of my kids can be picky eaters; Lyndzi is the most adventurous diner.  Lyndzi enjoys trying different foods, where with Nicky and Kelsie, it can be like pulling teeth to get them to try something new.  Since I was planning to eat in China town as well go out for Italian food; Lyndzi seemed like the logical choice because I knew that she would enjoy these meals more than Nicky and Kelsie would; and the same may be said for "Mamma Mia."  All three of my kids like musicals, and both Lyndzi and Kelsie adore ABBA, but I think that Lyndzi is at an age where she'll really be able to appreciate the show, more than Kelsie would; and I didn't think that "Mamma Mia" was up Nicky's alley.  Then there's the whole patience thang.  Lyndzi is extraordinarily complacent, patient and considerate; and honestly,the same may be said for Nicky.  Whereas Kelsie is seven. Nicky and Lyndzi are usually very shy, so Kelsie always appears to be the friendliest of the three.  She's also naturally outgoing and a great conversationalist; but patience and consideration are two traits that my youngest daughter needs to work on.  Lyndzi on the other hand, will sit and draw for hours on end; and she finds it very easy to entertain herself.  Lastly, but certainly not least; I really relish the idea of introducing everyone to my little ray of sunshine.   Lyndzi is such a joy to be around and her positivity is contagious; therefore, she is a gift that I would love to share.

It was very difficult for me to only invite one of my children on this momentous trip; but I assured them that they will each have an opportunity to travel with me at some point.  I was very proud of all of my kids and the way that they handled my decision to take Lyndzi with me.  Lyndzi didn't gloat or act overly excited; and Nicky and Kelsie didn't question my choice or make me feel guilty about it.  Are these some special kids or what? 

With each passing day, I get increasingly excited about our trip; which I've had to extend by a couple of days, by the way.  I am so delighted that Lyndzi AND Jackie will be joining me on my return to New York; and I can't wait to revisit my past with them; and celebrate my future.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-217) Holy Shin Guard!

One of my favorite things on "GLEE" is when they do a mash up.  If you're not familiar with this term, according to "Wikipedia"  "it's when they combine two or more different songs into one by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another." 

A little earlier tonight, I was talking on the phone with my friend, Jenny; and she asked what tonight's blog was going to be about.  I shared my two ideas, she gave me her opinion; and after we hung up, I realized that I could totally combine both.  I realized that often times, "The Bumpy Ride," truly is a mashup. 
 
I was all set to go with the idea that Jenny preferred; until "American Idol" came on.  Y'all know from several recent blogs, that I am once again a big (yes) HUGE, fan of "American Idol;"  and when I found out tonight that the 12 guys were going to perform today, the twelve girls tomorrow and then on Thursday, the top five guys, the top five girls; and the judges wild card picks would be announced; I was a HAPPY lady.  I for one am very glad that they won't be drawing these qualifying rounds out.  Get in, get out quit messing about.  That's what I like!!
 
We settled in to watch and laughed as Ryan Seacrest handed Steven Tyler a blooper mask.  Now this is just a term that I made up, because I don't really know what you call the "American Idol" logo on a stick, that Ryan handed to Steven to put in front of his mouth in case he cursed.  Ryan demonstrated how Steven might use the blooper mask; but he didn't need it when he yelled out "Holy Shin Guard," after one of the performances. (Or at least that's what it sounded like to me;)   I love me some Steven Tyler and the new and improved "American Idol."
 
Ironically enough, the original idea for tonight's post, is something that had me saying "Holy Shin Guard," or something like it, earlier today.  A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from USAA or so it seemed.  It was asking for my personal information, but as I'm not a USAA member; I totally disregarded it.  A few days later I received a similar email from my bank.  It didn't read right to me, so I decided to take my chances and disregard it as well.  Then this morning I found this email :
"We recently have determined that different computers have logged onto your Online Banking account, and multiple password failures were present before the logons. We now need you to re-confirm your account information to us.
If this is not completed by March 4, 2011, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely, as it may have been used for fraudulent purposes. We thank you for your cooperation in this manner.
To confirm your Online Banking records click on the following link:https://online.my/my banks name.com/IdentityManagement/

Thank you for your patience in this matter.
My banks name Customer Service

Please do not reply to this e-mail as this is only a notification. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.
�2011 My banks name  Corporation. All rights reserved.

Thank you Steven Tyler, I'll say it again; "Holy Shin Guard!"  Once again I was suspicious; so I clicked on the link, and I swear to you, it looked very similar to my banks home page; logo and all; however, it required me to provide my log in and password on the same page, and that doesn't happen unless I'm first shown my site key.  I decided that I'd rather be safe than sorry; so I called my bank and waited on hold for ten minutes or so; in order to ask if my bank had sent me this email.  Well, I'm sure you know as well as I, that in fact they did NOT.  It was a total scam.  My bank told me what information would have been included in the email had it been authentic; and I felt really relieved that I was not duped. 

In the interest of (say it with me,) "the Greater Good," it is my fervent hope that by posting this story tonight; I will prevent at least one person from falling pray to these scavengers.  When I think about this email scam and the potential harm that it could do; I get very angry.  How ironic that they threaten to suspend my account due to fraudulent activity; when this is the most fraudulent activity of them all.  I know that there have always been con artists out there; and some of them legitimize their craft by calling themselves car salesmen. No offense to my car salesmen readers; but I'm not really a fan of the mode of operation used to separate me from my hard earned money.  But I digress.  I feel the need to pull Roseanne Rosannadanna outta my arsenal and say "Hey, you email scammers; stay the heck outta my business and go make some money by gettin a real job.  Hopefeully one where you're bustin your hump; YOU'RE MAKING ME SICK!"
 

Whew!  Talk about a mashup... I covered "GLEE," "American Idol," email scams AND Roseanne Roseannadanna all in one blog.  HOLY SHIN GUARD; not bad for a Tuesday night.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING