It Is Grand To Be Alive….
Posted by Michelle Moquin on January 27th, 2009
I was on Facebook last night chit chatting with all of my friends. An old high school friend of mine, Michael Hersey, posted some photos of ‘the gang’ at Redwood high, and I hadn’t seen any of them before. They were simply so much fun to look at.
And I just love the one above. I am ‘posing’ with my best friend Lisa, who I am still very close with. Like you ZL, she is very tall and blond – the total opposite of me. Not sure what year this was taken but I think I was ‘sweet 16′ :) Oh…how sweet and innocent I was…a sweet, young, tender. And the Farah hairdo…ya gotta love the 70′s ‘wings’!
The photos just brought back a flood of memories. I have to say that when I speak to people about their high school experiences, many have told me that they did not enjoy that time in their lives. Not me; I have fond memories of high school. I had the time of my life at Redwood. My high school days were the most fun, the most reckless, carefree, spontaneous, explorative times that I will always cherish.
And because I grew up in the Bay Area I still am in close contact with many of my girl and guy friends. And now because of Facebook, I can not tell you how many old friends I have reconnected with. I feel like everyday is a reunion. My childhood is blossoming all over again and I feel like a kid…..Love that feeling.
I am grateful and blessed for the childhood that I was so privileged to have experienced. All of my experiences have lead up to the totality of the person that I am today…and I have to say, I love being me.
That being said, it is MY day today and I am going to go out and enjoy it. I am open to whatever the universe is offering…and I chose to accept it with love, happiness, and joy. It is grand to be alive, to truly feel alive…even in the midst of all of this chaos going on in the world. Just remember, the universe is random, looking for order, looking for….Order is on it’s way….
Peace & Love to all of my dear friends…old and new. Today and everyday I am living it and giving it.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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January 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Michelle
I’m a black male who has been reading you blog for about 3 weeks. It is very interesting. The ladies that referred me to your blog were so excited to have a medium to counter the male ego with that they were practically giddy when referring me to your blog. Considering most did not know each other it was intriguing to say the least.
If this makes it in I will make an effort to comment between work. Can’t give the boy all my time.
Robert
January 27th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Your President has made another first for American Presidents. He added to mentioning Muslims in his inaugural address to giving a one on one interview to the Arab media. There is hope yet for peace in the world. May Allah bless President Obama.
Abaan
January 27th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Oh, I just love your President Barack Obama. He is concerned about the suffering of the whole world. I just finished listening to his interview on tV for the second time.
Chaghcharan
January 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
President Obama isn’t he beautiful. His smile is wonderful. And it doesn’t hurt that it springs forth from the happiness of bringing peace to the whole world.
Jyoti
January 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
It is really heartening to hear an American President who knows what he is talking about. I sat with a arab girlfriend of mine to listen to his interview on her favorite station. Where did you find this man? God has sent him to the world.
Dafne
January 27th, 2009 at 10:20 am
You people need to take a breath the nigger isn’t all that. He is not the messiah. He is a fucking politician and not all that skilled either. He needs to let the fucking desert monkeys and jews kill each other and concentrate on the United States of America.
I am one white male who is tired of everyone trying to either put a crown or halo on his head. He’s a fucking spook for god’s sake. White America didn’t elect him. He is an accident that will be corrected in four years. This is white man’s country. He has brought monkeys, jews and a few nigger lovers into his administration to fuck the white men of America. We won’t stand for it.
Charles
January 27th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I think Mr. Obama is just what the world needs. He is level headed, fair, and concerned about all the peoples of the world.
Jeevika
January 27th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Wow! Looks like you have always been a cutie. I’m smitten on you girl. Bet your husband has to keep on his toes. I never miss you blog. I check it first thing in the morning and it’s the last thing I view before I turn in. Actually my wife reminds us to check the latest on your blog before we retire to some goood loving. She knows that she’s still the finest thing in my life.
Hey babe hope I finally got in
Paul
January 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Charles you are an asshole. I’m a white male and I voted for Obama because he was the best candidate. Get over your racism or put it aside for the country you claim to love so much.
Steve
January 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Yeah I remember you at school. I spent a lot of my time catching glimpses of your tender thighs. You were never shy about showing off those tender brown legs of yours. I would like to be a part of your face book fantasy but as I am still afraid to allow others to know that I am gay, I will have to continue to admire you from afar.
I did get to hug you once.
Secret Lesbian
January 27th, 2009 at 10:38 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michelle from the girls in New Mexico who love you.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hi Mischa, Happy Birthday!!
& every petite girl needs a tall blondy pal, it keeps perspective for both : ) I had several petite pals and several jewish and black pals also, still do – I’m kind of a life sentence, hahaha…
Charles, you need to take a chill, babe…or a long walk off something short, very short…
Maddie, could you please check on Anonz and see if that man is keeping safe, and as per his request, no interference, though – hmmm, if it’s necessary you know I’d say – yes and do what you must to let him live another day even if he’s willing to die – that’s just me though, all that being said, we know it would be Mischa’s call, she’s more objective, and she’s the dang commander : )
Ciao, Zen Lill
January 27th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I can’t leave my name for fear of retaliation but Mr. Obama’s appearance on Al Arabiya has been the biggest topic of conversation since the invasion of Iraq.
He has given the Arab and Muslim world hope. Countless western lives may have been saved by this man. It is no longer fashionable to hate westerners especially americans because they are anti islam.
Obama says he has Muslim family members. And that he as the President of America represents all it citizens, christen, muslim, and atheists alike,
How wonderful to hear an american president that respects the religious beliefs of all the people.
January 27th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
The honorary “girlz” of Kentucky wish you a very happy birthday.
Jennie, Mary, Sheryl, Connie, Phoebe, Delores, Sharon, Missie, Carla, Liz, Martha, Mary C. and Helen
January 27th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Happy Birthday——- Michelle
We kissed but I never got to make love to you. Will join your face book page. My life is a very happy one. But when i see how truly beautiful you have become, I wonder what an effort to be closer to you would have produced. I love your writing.
Hope you are always happy
DH
January 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
The republican senators have no fear of losing their jobs by opposing the stimulus plan because our white men vote color over the state of the nation. I’m tempted to stop sleeping with my husband the next time he mutters nigger under his breath.
Choe
January 27th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
The republicans could care less about the country. They only care about what party runs the country. Who are those 55% whites who voted for the republicans.
They want to lower the corporate taxes. Give the rich more. They are using the mantra “create jobs” to mean trickle down economics. Give to the rich and wait for the rich to give some of the benies back to the middle class.
Mosley
January 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I’m so sorry. In my haste to get in I forgot to wish you a sincere Happy Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 27th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
My brother is one of those 55% who voted for McCain and that moron Palin. He voted for her because he said she was cute.
He is a 58 year old imbecile. This fool thinks Limbaugh is intelligent. White man, little dick, little balls, little brains and little use to the world.
Turn Maddie loose.
Rhonda
Happy Birthday – Your birth was a gift to us women of the world.
Rhonda
January 27th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I’m white. I didn’t vote for obama because I didn’t think he was the best candidate. I still think the nigger is going to destroy the country as we know it. He is sucking up to the those rag heads and closing down Gitmo without posing where the terrorists in there will be putl.
Teddy
January 27th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Pay-for-Play is what being in politics is all about. You think those politicians give so much of their lives to be a representative of their constituents? Grow up. They do it to advance their own interest the best way they can. Like preachers who buildup their followers to increase the Sunday take, the pols do the same to increase their take only they get it from special interest.
Lou Dobbs on CNN is much better Limbaugh.
Thomas
January 27th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
White men are so full of themselves. I hear my father and his male friends railing about the democrats trying to give money to people who don’t pay income taxes. how ludicrous are these fools.
Most of their friends and relatives have lost their homes, jobs, and level of income they had under Clinton. Bush took it all back and gave them two wars and bankruptcy of the country.
Yet they continue to mouth the talking points of those ignorant republican senators who cite non existent reports as authorities for their positions.
Like bush they just make up whatever they want to get their point across. Most of those guys couldn’t add the graft they demand without their fingers.
Tiffany
January 27th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Happy Birthday Michelle, I wonder if you remember me. I partied with you at Redwood High. Do you remember the time we skipped school and went to a classmates home when his parents were away?
Mary
January 27th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michelle, we love you in Texas.
Your “Girlz” in Texas.
We will kick ass for you.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Rhonda
I agree with you completely. My male relatives and friends are for the most part anti Obama. They seem rabid for him to fail. Any suggestion that his stimulus plan might work causes unending arguments.
I would hate to be black in this country. I could not see myself with a black man because my family would disown me. I will buy a nice picture of President Obama to put in my room. Imagine sleeping with that hunk over your head!
Christine
January 28th, 2009 at 8:34 am
10 Fun Ways to Make an Extra Buck
Abigail R. Gehring
In today’s world, making extra money is often a necessity. But even when it isn’t, taking on an odd job can be challenging and fun.
Working — even occasionally — can bring excitement in doing something totally different and in meeting new people. Ideas to consider…
1. Male dance host on cruise ships. Dance with partygoers who don’t have partners. You must be a competent ballroom dancer, dress appropriately and have charm and confidence.
Downside: You won’t always want to dance with everyone who wants to dance with you. Also, you’re on call for all social activities on the entire trip.
What you’ll earn: $25 to $100 an hour plus the cost of the cruise.
More information: Dancing List (800-815-9158, http://www.dancinglist.com/hosts/host1.htm).
2. Mystery shopper. This work requires you to visit a bank, shop, car dealership or restaurant posing as a customer and to evaluate your experience — for example, you’ll report back on the service, product quality and how items are displayed. Sometimes you may be given a small amount of money to make a purchase. Other times, such as at a car dealership, you only pretend to be interested in buying. (Caution: Beware of help-wanted ads for mystery shoppers. Most of them are scams requiring money up front.)
Downside: Sporadic assignments.
What you’ll earn: About $100 a month in cash, food and/or merchandise if you work two to four hours. Note: You are hired by the mystery shopping company. They pay you and bill the company you visit.
More information: Idea Lady (www.mysteryshoppersmanual.com).
3. Movie or TV extra. You do not need to belong to a performer’s union to work as a movie or TV extra (since you have no spoken lines). Sign up with a local talent agency or watch for newspaper ads to learn about work opportunities. To do this work, you must have the particular look that the production company requires — such as a certain age, ethnicity, hair color, etc.
Downside: Twelve-hour days — including sitting around for hours doing nothing — are not unusual.
What you’ll earn: About $100 to $200 a day if you are not a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Agencies take a 20% commission.
More information: EntertainmentCareers (www.entertainmentcareers.net).
4. Resort receptionist. During busy holiday periods, resorts are always short-staffed, and they are very happy to have extra help checking people in and out of their rooms, answering the phone and accommodating guest requests. Generally, you get to stay at the resort for free. To do this work, you need customer service skills and good command of English (fluency in other languages is a plus).
Downside: You’re expected to present a positive image by always being particularly polite and helpful around hotel guests, even when not working.
What you’ll earn: About $10 an hour (varies with location and type of resort).
More information: Resort Jobs (www.resortjobs.com).
5. Focus group participant. Meet with a group led by a moderator to give your opinion on an idea, evaluate a service or test a product. Sessions last one to two hours. Requirements for participation vary according to the needs of the client paying for the session. You’ll need to supply information about yourself — education and income levels, profession, marital status.
Downside: Sporadic work — many companies only allow you to participate once every six months.
What you’ll earn: About $40 to $100 an hour.
More information: FocusRoom (212-935-6820, http://www.focusroom.com) for New York City groups. Focus Pointe Global (www.focusgroup.com) for groups in other locations. Or, type “focus group” into a Web search engine, such as Google.
6. Home-based sales representative. Sell a product (such as cosmetics or health supplements) for a company through “parties” or personal contacts. Some companies require you to buy a certain amount of product at a wholesale price (for example, the cosmetics company Mary Kay requires you to buy a minimum starting inventory). Others require you to pay to become a member of their sales force (for example, the natural health supplement company Shaklee charges $19.95 for membership). And you do need a knack for selling.
Downside: Pay depends entirely on how much you sell.
More information: Avon (800-367-2866, http://www.avon.com)… Shaklee (800-742-5533, http://www.shaklee.com)… Mary Kay (800-627-9529, http://www.marykay.com).
7. School crossing guard. Most guards work two to four hours a day. Qualifications vary by state — you may need a driver’s license, high school diploma and first-aid certification. Depending on the school district, you may be given some minimal training. Good eyesight and hearing are a must. This is an ideal job for early risers, and those who want the satisfaction of providing safety for school children.
Downside: This can be stressful work — for example, drivers may not stop even though you’re standing in the middle of the road, but instead zoom around you. You may have to work in inclement weather.
What you’ll earn: An average of $7 to $10 an hour.
More information: National Center for Safe Routes to Schools (866-610-7787, http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/guide/crossing_guard/index.cfm).
8. House sitter. Just stay in a home while the residents are away — all you need for this work is to be responsible and have common sense.
Downside: If something goes wrong (fire, flood, robbery, the dog dies), there’s a good chance you’ll get blamed. Protect yourself by asking your lawyer to write up a liability contract (or fill out an “Employment Contract” form at http://www.lawdepot.com) with the home owner that spells out what happens if you need to leave for a personal emergency and you can’t fulfill your obligation.
What you’ll earn: Free rent is the biggest payment, plus you can house-sit anywhere in the world. If you have additional responsibilities, such as caring for a pet or doing yard work, you could make up to $300 a week.
More information: House-Sitters 4u (www.housesitters4u.com).
9. Gift wrapper. Have gifts brought to your home — or pick them up from customers — and wrap them in style. Or ask a local store owner if you can wrap gifts during busy periods. The cost of getting started is modest — $40 to $100 for supplies (wrapping paper, tissue paper, tape, gift bags). You need creativity and efficiency. Put an ad in your local paper to get customers. Also, add a rider to your home owner’s insurance to cover loss or damage to items that you’re wrapping.
Downside: Paper cuts.
What you’ll earn: About $3 to $10 per package.
More information: Mommy’s Place (www.mommysplace.net/gift_wrapping_business.html).
10. Complete surveys. Sign up on-line to complete surveys on anything from coffee preferences to toothbrush use. All you need is a computer, Internet access and patience. Surveys generally take five to 25 minutes.
Downside: You can waste time starting a survey only to be told after several pages of questions that you’re not eligible because you don’t fit the desired profile of the survey group.
What you’ll earn: About $3 to $5 per survey.
More information: Survey Savvy (www.surveysavvy.com).
Retirement interviewed Abigail R. Gehring, author of Odd Jobs: 101 Ways to Make an Extra Buck (Skyhorse). She lives in Edgewater, New Jersey, and has held 24 of the jobs included in the book.