Gina.Place.

HUGE Update - Finally!!!

Ok, well, I've been neglecting my site, and it was beginning to become obvious.  Everything was stale, and I hadn't posted in forever!!

To be fair, I recently lost my job, and looking for a new one is full-time work!  Plus, it's more than a little depressing!  I wasn't fired, I was let go due to lack of work, but it still smarts, and not working sucks.  However, I'm pulling myself up, and getting sh*t together, so I thought it was time for a major overhaul.  Everything's been moved around, some new affiliates have been added, and links have been trimmed.  If you were one of 'em, don't be offended, I just needed to cut some stuff; it was getting out of control.  TV Tome was no big deal, as they are no longer TV Tome, but TV.com, and they suck.  The page looks like it's being written by illiterate 4th graders.  I wouldn't be surprised if that Nazi KrisTheTVGirl is running the place now.  She spends so much time removing 'negative' posts from the forums, along with managing like 8689393623211 individual actor/show pages, she probably has no time for a crazy thing like a life.

Anyway!!  Elsewhere things are going well.  I've been making lots of new friends thanks to TextAmerica which is awesome, and I'm hopefully going to the New York Meet & Greet next Saturday.   I've met a few REALLY cool, sweet people ( you know who you are :) <3 )  and they have helped me alot, both when I was working in Hell, and since I left.  :P

Thanks are also due to the other cool people who have recently come into my life, such as Evi, who has alot in common with me, and always thinks of me when she's making plans.  It's nice to know that someone is thinking of you when you're not around.  I mean, do you ever feel like sometimes you disappear when you walk out of a room?  I guess alot of people are just too wrapped up in their own sh*t to bother these days.  It's sad. That's why I try to put extra effort into being a good friend, because effort is something people are just too lazy to make nowadays.

On the tech side, it looks like FIOS is coming to our area sooner than expected!!  It may be here in time for Todd & I when we move into our first appartment.  Hello, 5MB downloads!!!  *Rawr*  Ooo, I'm getting all hot and bothered :P

To be completely honest, one thing that has been taking up alot of my free time, when I'm not looking for a job is UK Big Brother.  To hell with the American version, we gave up on that years ago.  Too many 'twists' for their own good.  BBUK is classic, the public votes to evict.  Luckily we have a source for the episodes which air  *once a day* plus Big Brother's Little Brother (BBLB for short), which is like a tongue-in-cheek mini news show that covers the day's events in 30 minute segments daily.  Digital Spy also keeps me up to date with the hour-by-hour goings-on in the house, and plenty of "Goss-ip!" :D   The forums are a great place to chat about BBUK, although I rarely have time.  I really watch the show for the psychological angle, along with the entertainment value, because there's something very interesting about watching people in an artificial environment, and how they interact with one another.

Well, time to end this massive update for now, and I promise not to neglect this site for this long again!!  I want to gain readers, not lose them :)

~G*

It's here!

Today is our 9 year anniversary!  :)

Thursday Quiz Fun :)

You are Danny Sofer. You're smart and together, but
you can be a little naive. You tried to see the
good in people, but now you know better. People
have taken advantage of your kindness before,
but you wont let it happen again.

Which "The Shield" character are you?  <- Take the quiz here! :)
brought to you by Quizilla

Shocking, hmmm? ;)  I got this result on my first run-through of the quiz too!  I do see some of those qualities in myself, but not the naive part.  Hey, it's only for fun though, and I needed the distraction this morning, so why not?  :)
~G*
 

18 Days...

18 days until Todd & my 9 year anniversary!
On one hand, nine years is a long time.  On the other, it feels like just yesterday that we met!  All the things we've been through together have forged an unbreakable bond between us.  I only hope that we can continue to be like two giggly kids who just met, for the next 9 years!  <3  :)
Love you Sweetheart!!
~G*

Buy My Stuff!

Hey Everyone,
If you're interested in bidding on some cool stuff, from a reputable Ebay seller with 100% positive feedback, check out my Ebay auctions: Hippyangel* Auctions when you have a minute.  I only have two items listed for auction right now, but I'm trying to add a few items a week so it's easy to manage the auctions.  I will be selling jewelry, clothes, and lots of items relating to Japanese Animation in the next few weeks; alot of the items are brand new or in nearly-new condition!  I have been out of the anime scene for quite a while now, and my stuff is just sitting around taking up space, so spring cleaning here I come!  I take very good care of all of my things, so the clothes and jewelry, if not new, are in excellent shape!!  I may also be selling some video games, and game-related equiptment, so there's something for the guys too!  Check back every once in a while to see what I have for sale that week :)  This bit of shameless self-promotion has a softer side though:  I love knowing that someone else is enjoying something that I'm not using anymore!  Nothing should go to waste if it's in good condition, right?  Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!
New Shield tonight after waiting two weeks!!  And I have to get last night's 24...

Peace,
~G*

Monday, Monday...

*sigh*
I don't understand why people insist on thinking that I am a controlling person.  I have no desire to run anyone else's life.  Sometimes I can barely run my own.  People need to stop blaming me for decisions others make, and things that go wrong in other people's lives.  I am not, and never have been, one of those girlfriends that keeps my boyfriend from seeing his friends, family, etc.  I don't expect him to spend every waking minute with me.  I need my alone time, and so does he. 
Just because there are people at a party that neither of us would like to hang with, does not mean that I made him stay home.  It disgusts me to make an effort with someone only to be disappointed.  Screw that, I don't need it anymore.  I'm done going out of my way for people.  I am only going to spend my time, energy and caring on those who genuinely care about me, and the rest of the people can fall by the wayside.  I'm learning not to trust anyone, and that's sad.  But, if it's what I have to do to protect myself and my sanity, then so be it.
I don't even have the energy right now to go into any more specifics than that.  But, if you're my friend, make an effort to see me, talk to me, hang out with me.  If you don't, I'm not chasing after you.  If enough time goes by, I'm writing you off.  I'm tired of always being the one to make all the effort and not even being met halfway.  All my generosity, both emotional and otherwise, has gotten me nothing but hurt.   You have to GIVE, people...not just take.  No one can be friends with emotional vampires without being drained completely eventually, and that's where I am now.  No more giving.  I will only give back to those who give to me.  I will not pursue anyone, if you don't want to make the effort, it's your loss.  I am a trustworthy, loyal, generous, loving friend.  I deserve friends who are the same in return.  If that's not you, move along.  I will be screening new candidates randomly as I meet them, but history is no longer going to be a good enough reason for you to stay in my life.  I will not be completely selfless anymore.  I can't live that way.
Peace,
G*

Sad State of Affairs

I don't want to go into much detail, in order to avoid causing a ruckus, but it is sad how you can meet someone, even someone younger than you, and think that they are mature ('on your level' so to speak) and then find out that they are less mature than people you knew in high school.
Imagine my suprise and happiness last Sunday when Todd informed me that a photo of mine had been chosen for Artistic Shot of the Day on Textamerica. This is the way this works:  if the person who choses the Shot of the Day sees your post, and is moved by it, and finds it worthy, they will post it as the Artistic Shot of the Day, and leave a comment on your moblog to let you know that you've been chosen.  Another way you might be picked is by submitting a post you feel qualifies to the Considerations moblog.  Then, it will be reviewed, and at that point if it passes muster, will be posted.
Well, my photo was chosen without my knowledge, and I was very pleased.  I don't usually submit photos to the Considerations moblog, because frankly, I work full time and although I love photography , it is just a hobby for me now and I don't have time to shop my work around.  I'm not looking for freelance work, or to win any contests.  The award was an honor, and I appreciate it immensely, but the bottom line is:  I didn't go looking for it.
Afterwards, someone whom I thought was a friend, posted a positive comment on my moblog (see original post here).  I thought nothing of it, until I visited the Shot of the Day moblog, and in looking at the photo that was chosen the day after mine, came across the following post from the same person who had posted the positive comment on my moblog: (UPDATE: the post has since been deleted...thanks Janet!) but basically what it said was "I've submitted SIX of my pictures to Considerations, and none of them have been chosen.  No offense to Gina but, I'm suprised you picked her photo over mine...*snip continuing paragraph of immature, shallow carping about how much more talented she is than me*.
Well, pardon me, but I *WAS* offended.  And anyone who claims to possess 'old-fashioned manners' as she does should know that ANYTHING uttered after the phrase "No offense, but..."  is better left unsaid, and is absolutely intended to offend someone!!  If you feel the need to say "no offense, but..." before a sentence, then whatever you're about to say should be kept to yourself.  You *know* it is going to hurt someone, otherwise you wouldn't be qualifying it with "no offense, but..."
I found that entire comment she posted to be completely inappropriate, petty, shallow, and reaking of immaturity.  It was basically serious sour grapes & jealousy, masquerading as righteous indignation.  Not to mention the fact that there are a few things she should have considered before her rant:
1. It's called Artistic Shot of the DAY.  I was chosen for ONE DAY.  24 hours!  My being chosen on Sunday does not take the chance away from anyone else.  Someone is chosen for every single day.  All you have to do is wait until the next day for a brand new chance.
2. I did not pursue this.  I was chosen on merit, without my knowledge.  Someone obviously thinks I'm worthy of it, or else I wouldn't have been chosen. Period. 
3. Just because she's bitter that SHE hasn't been chosen YET (yes, I said yet because every day is a new chance!!) there is no reason for her to tear my work down.  She could have effectively made her statement without mentioning me at all.  She CHOSE to insult me in order to try to elevate herself.  This is petty and never OK.  There was no reason to bring me into her complaint whatsoever, but the fact that she proved herself a total hypocrite amuses me even more.  To post a compliment on MY moblog about that picture, and then run off to another moblog and rip it apart only shows how two-faced this person really is.  Why pose as my friend if you are envious of me?  Sit there in front of your computer and shit-talk me all you want.  But don't try to be my friend.  I have enough real friends, I don't need fake 'schaudenfrade-embracing' people like you around me. (For those who don't know what schaudenfrade means, it describes the emotion of taking pleasure in watching someone else fail, especially someone you are envious of, or whom you feel 'deserves' to fail.  Loosely translated, it would mean 'cold-blooded'.) 
4. If you absolutely feel that you can't go on another day without complaining about my lack of talent to the powers that be...do so privately please.  Email the webmaster of the site and tell them what an offense to your eyes my work is, and how little talent I have compared to you.  They will still delete what you have to say, like they did with your petty comment, but at least you've gotten your point across, and gone about it in a way that doesn't humilate someone in a public forum.  Unless that was your intention all along...?
I feel sorry for you.
I have blocked this person's IP address, so they can no longer post comments on my moblog, and removed them from my Favorites list.  What a shame when you meet someone that you think is a decent human being, and they turn out to be a sad, envious, little girl.
~G

Too Long

It seems like it's been forever since I updated.  I've been going through some medical problems, and everything else has kind of taken a back seat to that.  Those who know me, know what's up.  I really don't feel like going into the whole thing right now.  Suffice it to say, I'm in physical therapy now for at least the next 2 months, and slowly getting better.  Thank god for ice packs, and patient supportive people (you know who you are!).
Two people who did not deserve it have been fired from my job in the last month.  That sucks.  The morale is at an all-time low, and there are apparently more heads scheduled to roll.  Hopefully yours truly is not one of them.  I'm saving for a car, and I need my income, especially with the medical thing.
Bleh.
I also recently had the pleasure of attending the New York Auto Show, as we usually do every year.  It didn't impress me much this year.  They have completely eliminated the Classic Cars section (NOT cool!)  It's always fun to look at the concept cars, and of course I got to sit in the 2005 Civic that I plan to purchase, which was nice.  BUT...most of the new cars coming out are butt ugly...AND...getting more and more expensive with each year that passes.  Pretty soon cars will be something only rich people can afford, and like the imagined future in Dark Angel, we will all be riding bikes or motorcycles to get around in day to day life.  Sheesh!
Right now, I am keeping up with The Shield, What Not to Wear, and CSI, along with catching up on 24 by watching Season 3, and admittedly, rewatching Season 1 as well, when i have time (I.E. - when I'm walking on my treadmill!)
Todd & I are planning our vacation for the summer, I have no idea where we're going yet, but we ARE going!  Neither of us has had a real vacation, with a change of scenery, in over 9 years!  That is ridiculous.  We don't want to become statistics of stress. 
I'm looking for the next great concert.  Since Y100 has changed hands, looks like the Y100 Feztival, which we so enjoyed when we went, is no more.  I'm not happy about that!  That was a helluva lotta concert for $45 a ticket.  We were there from 11am to 11:30pm give or take.  They just don't make shows like that anymore!  Due to technical issues with the Ticketmaster website (f**k you Ticketmaster!), we did NOT get the tickets to the Greenday show in Atlantic City, which was VERY disappointing, since we had planned a whole weekend trip around it. 
My hair is getting ridiculously long, and I'm toying with the idea of cutting it or dyeing it black (but true black this time - Starry Night is the color, Feria by L'oreal)..we will see... I'm kinda enjoying the length and being able to play around with it...
Been working out like a fiend, and trying to eat healthier, for many reasons, not the least of which is I was informed that my cholesterol is up (WTF?!) and I have a wedding, my highschool reunion (which I might not even attend, but who knows?) and Jessie's visit from Italy to look forward to this summer, as well as the TextAmerica 2005 NYC Meet & Greet (yay!!) all of which I want to look my best for!  :)
Well, as far as massive updates go, this definitely qualifies, and I'm going to try and be more consistent from now on with my posting.  I enjoy keeping this site up, and I want people to visit, but it has to be interesting for them to want to come back!            
Incidently, my friend Tim is in the process of revamping my Moblog template to something that more suits my personality, and so far it looks freakin' awesome!  I can't wait to go live with it, to show it off and start using it!!  Thanks Tim!
Now, I'm off to finish up some things at work, and go home and relax with my Sweetheart and watch CSI and ice my aching shoulder.  Happy Thursday to all, and let's hope for Spring soon!  :)
~G*

Yay! Woo hoo!

Wow, I've really been slackin' on updating.  *sigh* 
Just a little quickie now before I pass out.  Today I got my new work laptop, finally.  My old one's fan was making a sick noise and basically freezing whenever I opened ANYTHING.  Of course, it was a refurb hand-me-down, so I didn't expect much from it to begin with, but I'm not about to lose a year's worth of work, so I begged & pleaded for a new one.  I got one, and so did Jim (his was completely FUBAR'd)  I had my heart set on a hot little Sony Vaio, but it was sold out, so I got a Toshiba Satellite instead.  I will post specs tomorrow, but it is a hot little mama!  Powerful as hell, with a sweet 15.4 inch widescreen display, with protective glass coating.  *Whistles*  Sweeet!
Tonight I had my MRI of both shoulders, it took almost 2 hours, and although the MRI machine where I went was technically 'open' I still got a little panicky.  Looks like maybe I should have taken the Valium the doctor suggested afterall...Dunno...  I will see the doctor on Mar. 1st to get the results.  Let's see what the bloody hell has been causing this pain in my shoulders for the last few months.  I hope to god I don't need surgery, because I'm sure my job's crappy HMO will bend me over for it.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Well, gotta get going, just wanted to post a quick update.
Oh, for all NJ people, here's something interesting you may want to check out, thought I'd post this to help out a fellow NJ gal, megjersey; her brother's organization is making this shindig happen!
Here's the info (from meg's moblog all credit for info goes to her!) :

This year marks the Two Year Anniversary of donewaiting.com ( You'll surely find all the music reviews that are worth a shit, music news, tour info and basically everything else you've ever wanted to know about what's going on in the world. No exaggeration.) and a show is being put on to commemorate this milestone.

When:
This Friday, February 25th
Where:
Uncle Joe's - Downtown Jersey City, New Jersey
Who:
9pm - the multi-purpose solution
10pm - the gospel
11pm - the night lights (featuring chris lee and steve shelley [of sonic youth! i think that's pretty cool and i know you do too.])
12am - the black hollies

Sorry to the youngins, but this show is 21+
Contact me with any questions and/or visit www.donewaiting.com for more info
See you there!!!
Visit her moblog too, it's pretty freakin awesome!  :)
<3 ~ Gina

ARGH!!!!

My life is insane right now.  Everything is ridiculously messed up.  I have 65 manuals to write in less than a month, my personal life is a disaster right now...ugh.  Work is taking over my life, I swear to god.  I haven't had time to update my moblog in days, I have 3 doctor's appointments I have to make and haven't done, and I haven't found any relevant tech content for this site in at least a week.  I'm getting frustrated.  I'm probably going to have to take a break for a couple of days from this until I can pull together some stuff that is relevant to add to the site.  I need some stuff that I find interesting, because otherwise no one else will find it interesting.  I just wish more people would comment, I see hits on my counter, but I'm not getting any feedback.  If there are ways to make the site better, I want to hear about them.  We all want our site to stand out from every other freaking site on the 'net, and any ideas you might have would be great to hear!
I have to get back to work now, and continue to go crazy....*sigh*