Dru-Kara's Home of Mayhem

I said, "yes" to Eric's marriage proposal today

2009-04-20T05:11:38Z

Okay, I haven't made a post in forever.

But there you have it.

:)

It's October, time for my annual trip to El Paso and surrounding areas

2008-09-26T12:01:40Z

October is the month of Maize Maze and Nukestock.

Hopefully I can make both. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Me: MIA

2007-11-06T10:38:55Z

Sorry I've not been around much. I've been terribly busy. I just moved.... again! But this time, I have my handsome boyfriend with me.

Work is crazy as usual, and I'm doing good work, but I'm not happy about it. I could do better if the caseload wasn't so high. *sigh*

So...How are you?

Grrrrrr

2007-08-24T11:03:32Z

Well, Eric and my boss say to take it as a compliment, but yesterday was the second day in a row that I was double teamed by two DAs against wittle ole me.

My office is short attorneys that we don't even have the luxury of doing that in Magistrate Court. I am so freaking annoyed.

Right now, I am assigned to all four magistrate court judges while training a guy who is waiting for his bar card from the NM Supreme Court. Cool, huh?

And how many DAs are there in Magistrate Court? 2 in the Domestic Violence Division, and 4 in the DWI Division.

Absolutely ridiculous!

I'm getting a promotion AND a raise! :)

2007-08-19T12:27:30Z

My boss came into my office yesterday and told me that as soon as we hire another person for my division, I am going to have to train the two newest recruits, because I'm movin' on up!

And I get a raise with the promotion! Yippee!

I love my job

2007-05-25T12:37:57Z

Well, I have logged in 23 hours of undocumented overtime in my first three weeks on the job. The big boss guy is out of town, so he can't pre-approve my overtime (which only translates into comp time anyway, and later pay when I cash out of this job).

On the first day of my second week, I was asked to second chair a 4 day (turned into 5 day) jury trial which quickly accumulated into 15 hours of overtime.

This week, the jury trial continued which brought me to 22 hours, and then I had a lot of work of my own to catch up to which now has me at 23. Oh, and did I mention that we won!!!! Yay!!! The jury insisted on reading the verdicts that set my guy free that night.

Yesterday, I represented over 15 clients, and met with one at the office, in addition to stopping by the jail. I was in court from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and then again from 1:00 p.m. until 4:40 p.m.

I scurried to my office to pick up my foster son and had a quick meeting with a client, wrapped up the day's paperwork and left at 6:00 p.m. (Not that I got to go home right away, because my foster son's video was being shown at a movie theater in town, and after all the celebrations and hoopla, we got home at 8:30).

Anyway, the lead attorney (and the second seniormost attorney) has been keeping track of my time, and she has approved me using some of my undocumented overtime today. I am taking half a day off. I also get Monday off because it is a holiday (Memorial Day!).

I'll still be recouperating from the last two weeks, but I'll be here a wee bit more often... at least for the next couple of days.

*hugz*

Ken Valdez and my son, Joseph

2007-05-02T20:37:22Z

My son, Joseph, is trying out for his school's talent show again. Last year he didn't make the cut. He figured that it was the music and not his dancing, so this year, he's not taking any chances: he's going to dance to one of the song's from Ken Valdez's last album.

As of posting this entry, he still didn't know "which" of Ken's masterpieces was going to be used, but he assured me that he would bring the CD back in one piece.

Here's to hoping. :)

1 More Impossibly Long Day

2007-03-28T11:13:18Z

Until I see my boyfriend in Richmond, VA.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2007-03-03T05:33:44Z

Happy Birthday, Mom!

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(X) Never Been Kissed

2007-02-23T15:10:21Z

This is fun and a good way to get to learn about your friends! Copy and repaste into a bulletin, and then mark the box with an X on things you've NEVER done!!!! This should be interesting! ONLY MARK THE THINGS YOU HAVE NEVER DONE!!!

with a cute twist of Elena humor

(X) I've Never Been Kissed ... by a Chimpanzee.

(X) I've Never Been Drunk... in a barn.

(X) I've Never Kissed A Member Of The Opposite Sex... in a treehouse.

(X) I've Never Kissed A Member Of The Same Sex...under the mistletoe.

(X) I've Never Crashed A Friend's Car... but I'm willing to try.

( ) I've Never Gone Past "Second Base" at a movie theater
       It was at Rocky Horror, what do you expect?

(X) I've Never Been In A Taxi... that I didn't want to jump out of.

(X) I've Never Been In Love... with a canary.

(X) I've never dumped someone... into a swimming pool.

(X) I've Never Been Dumped... by Patrick Dempsey.

( ) I've Never Shoplifted
    Okay, I have no funnies for this one. Get back to you with a proper answer later.

( ) I've Never Been Fired
     Well, she was an evil warthog with a nasty disposition!

( ) I've Never Been In A Fist Fight
     It was totally my turn to kiss Patrick Dempsey.

( ) I've Never Snuck Out Of My Parent's House
       But they gave me the ladder, so I don't think this counts.

( ) I've Never Been Tied Up
       Bondage, baby! Yeah!

( ) I've Never Regretted Having Sex With Someone
       Although I have regrets, we wouldn't have had this cute little boy.

(X) I've Never Been Arrested
       Though, with my political activities... it is only a matter of time.

( ) I've Never had a one night stand
       I didn't intend it to be that way. We just never saw each other again. Damn out-of-towners.

(X) I've Never Made Out With A Stranger
     She wasn't strange for long!

(X) I've Never Stolen Something From My Job
       I am told that pen karma doesn't count.

(X) I've Never Celebrated New Years In Time Square
      Okay, here's another serious one. I really want to some day.

(X) I've Never Gone On A Blind Date... nope all of my dates could see.

(X) I've Never Lied To A Friend... about what day of the week it was.

( ) I've Never Had A Crush On A Teacher
      *sigh* Guilty. But does my Anthropology T.A. count? He was yummy AND my Amtgard captain!

(X) I've Never Celebrated Mardi-Gras In New Orleans
      But I've partied like I was there.

(X) I've Never Been To Europe
       Except vicariously through my sister and other friends who no doubt went all Girls Gone Wild while there.

(X) I've Never Skipped School... on a Saturday.

(X) I've Never Slept With A Co-Worker... in the copyroom.

(X) I've Never Been Married... to an ape... Oh, wait, there was my first husband... hmmmm

(X) I've Never Been Divorced... from my convictions.

(X ) I've Never Posed Nude... for Playboy.

(X) I've Never Thrown Up In A Bar
      I had the decency to walk outside or catch a ride home.

(X) I've Never Eaten Sushi ... for breakfast.

(X) I've Never Been Snowboarding
       But with my luck, I'd break an arm doing it.

In some amazing twist of gluttony for punishment

2007-02-13T10:23:07Z

I am now the Regent and BOD President of Pegasus Valley.

Pray for the poor souls of P.V. I am the evil one, and Kate, our Duke is the nice one. For those of you who know us both, you will see the irony.

Have Battlestar Gallactica Will LMAO

2007-02-13T03:06:48Z

Thanks to the arm twisting of my long-time friend, Shinankoku*, I have become reacquainted with a series I have not seen in quite some time: Battlestar Gallactica.

I loved the original series, and from the looks of it, I will enjoy the new. I avoided it, but my friend is an equal sci fi geek like me, and he has given it a 2 thumbs up.

So here I go.

See ya on the other side. :)

*Shinankoku is the owner of Tia Sophia's: home of the hand-mixed, kill-for sopaipillas. My Amtgard friends will remember him as Beo, an Amtgard relic and original founding member of Dragonspine.

Ripped from Weilok (love ya, g/f!)

2007-01-13T17:48:23Z

Two is a magic number.
Pick any 2 of the following and answer them in a comment. Then, post it on your journal to share. You can answer more, but you must answer at least two.

1. 2 songs that remind you of me, or of something we've shared.
2. 2 movies that you think I belong in, and the roles in those movies that you cast me in.
3. 2 books you think I belong in, and why.
4. 2 foods that remind you of me.
5. 2 memories of me, good or bad.

Miracles (Thanks K)

2006-12-30T15:26:32Z

This is a repost from a friend's journal. I was so moved by it that I just had to repost EVERYWHERE. Enjoy. :)

"On Christmas Day, 1914, in the first year of World War I, German, British, and French soldiers disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with "the enemy" along two-thirds of the Western Front. German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with signs, "Merry Christmas." "You no shoot, we no shoot." Thousands of troops streamed across a no-man's land strewn with rotting corpses. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged photographs of loved ones back home, shared rations, played football, even roasted some pigs. Soldiers embraced men they had been trying to kill a few short hours before. They agreed to warn each other if the top brass forced them to fire their weapons, and to aim high.

A shudder ran through the high command on either side. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March, 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million would be slaughtered.

Not many people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce. Military leaders have not gone out of their way to publicize it. On Christmas Day, 1988, a story in the Boston Globe mentioned that a local FM radio host played "Christmas in the Trenches," a ballad about the Christmas Truce, several times and was startled by the effect. The song became the most requested recording during the holidays in Boston on several FM stations. "Even more startling than the number of requests I get is the reaction to the ballad afterward by callers who hadn't heard it before," said the radio host. "They telephone me deeply moved, sometimes in tears, asking, `What the hell did I just hear?'"

I think I know why the callers were in tears. The Christmas Truce story goes against most of what we have been taught about people. It gives us a glimpse of the world as we wish it could be and says, "This really happened once." It reminds us of those thoughts we keep hidden away, out of range of the TV and newspaper stories that tell us how trivial and mean human life is. It is like hearing that our deepest wishes really are true: the world really could be different."

Excerpted from David G. Stratman, We CAN Change the World: The Real Meaning of Everyday Life (New Democracy Books, 1991). Available for $3.00 from New Democracy Books, P.O. Box 427, Boston, MA 02130.

Saddam Hussein hanged

2006-12-30T14:59:19Z

I'm still processing this. I don't even have words, yet.

Just that I wanted to put a placeholder on this moment.

I'm conflicted because I don't believe in the death penalty (yeah, I'm a bleeding heart liberal... sue me). But on the other hand, what he did was completely heartless.

Is justice served? Do we feel better? Is this a deterrent?

I'm just thinking aloud. Feel free to comment. I'm a big girl. I can take it.

It has snowed this much

2006-12-30T14:57:42Z

Dude, where's my Joey?

On Being Thankful on Christmas Eve

2006-12-30T14:52:02Z

This is the first Christmas that I will not be able to spend with my family. I can't remember a single Christmas Eve that I didn't spend with my parents. My brother and sister and their families are there. My grandmother is there. My uncles and their families are there.

And I would be there except I can't afford it. I have a ton of bills to pay and my car is still not fixed. At least, I managed to buy Joseph one Christmas present (which I know he will love) and we have close friends to share Christmas Day.

No matter how disappointed I am, I am thankful for the people who love me, no matter what happens to me or because of me. My family loves me. My best friends, Elizabeth and Gilda love me. The many people whom I count as close friends love me. Even my ex-boyfriends love me, though I don't really know why because they know I'm in love with Eric.

And speaking of Eric... I know that he loves me with all his heart. And I am thankful that he knows that I love him with all of mine. He is my confidante about all things important. He is my inspiration to give life another chance.

Because of Eric, I believe in love once again. Of any gift he could possibly give me this year, this is the most precious. Because of my love for Eric, I have found it easier to forgive those who caused me to doubt that any man could light this fire that now burns deep in my heart. And forgiveness is the path to salvation.

This time and place are temporary. I just have to work myself out of the pit, and look to the sunshine of those who love me.

Merry Christmas: Religion and Reflection

2006-12-30T14:49:27Z

WARNING: RELIGIOUS CONTENT

This is the time of year where I thank God for the blessings in my life. I remember when I am at my poorest that Christ was born in a manger. I remember that Mary and Joseph had nothing.

And from nothing came God's blessings. From the humblest of people came our Savior.

When I dwell in self-pity about not being perfect, I remember that Matthew was a tax collector who was despised by his own family. I remember that David was a King who was in love with another man's wife. Yet the former went on to become a witness to the miracles of Jesus, himself, and the latter is remembered for his faith in God, for taking down a worthy adversary, and for his thoughtful reflections about his relationship with God.

My Creator has a plan for me. And God can take this insignificant vessel and make me a better emissary of love.

All my best to all of you.

I'm snowbound!

2006-12-21T01:46:05Z

And we've got cabin fever [insert music to Jungle Fever]. Please send help. Lol!

Dude, Where's My Car?

Dude, Where's the Road?

A view from the front porch.

That's like the first car I've seen try to make it down my street.</

Congrats to Eric

2006-12-15T12:25:47Z

Congrats to my boyfriend, Eric. He graduates from Virginia Tech today. In commemoration of this festive event, I have set my MySpace background to a Virginia Tech emblem. Go Hokies!

His family is there. His friends made a special trip to see him. Really, the only person who is missing is me. I wish I could be there with him, but alas, I have a knock-out, drag-out hearing this morning. *sigh* I have to save the world today.

I remember my first college graduation. My parents weren't able to make it because of my grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. I was ok with that, but I wished that they could have had a transporter to check into both places at once. Today, I wish that I had a Tardis... ya know... fold time and space to be at two events at the same time... or at least have Hermione's time travelling device.

Okay. Enough self-pity for today.

I LOVE YOU ERIC! BLESSINGS TO YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

You are ending one phase of your life, and beginning another. I look forward to being a part of the next chapter.

I'm such a geek! (Buffy)

2006-12-11T04:10:59Z

How well do you remember Buffy season 1

You're brilliant!you are an expert on season 1. Way to go. You are a true fan of the best kind. The Buffy Gang would be proud. (please rate!)
Take this quiz!

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Pictures (sorry... these were posted to MySpace eons ago)

2006-12-05T22:37:01Z

Alright, here are the pics you asked for. There are more in my photobucket, so if you want to see more... follow this link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/elenalamorena/Visit%20to%20Eric%20112006/

Enjoy!

Connor holding the flowers that Eric bought Elena.

Elena has Eric in a particularly precarious position.

Afterwards, Eric's voice rings in Elena's ears, "You didn't really love me... you loved my quickening!"

Elena and Eric standing in the gazebo that overlooks the duck pond.

Eric and Elena kissing in the gazebo that overlooks the duck pond.

Elena with Survivor star, Cao Boi.

Hi... I'm Elena... Errr... Dawn Summers

2006-12-05T14:34:42Z

Dawn Summers
63% amorality, 90% passion, 90% spirituality, 72% selflessness

Dawn is a person driven by her love for her friends and her desire to make a difference. Perhaps you are, too. You're willing to do whatever is necessary to do what is right for those you care about, and sometimes this can get you in a little bit of trouble.

Most of all, however, you have a heart of gold.

Congratulations!

If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback! Also, you might want to check out some of my other tests if you're interested in the following:

Nerds, Geeks & Dorks

Professional Wrestling

Love & Sexuality

America/Politics

Thanks Again! -- THE 4-VARIABLE BUFFY PERSONALITY TEST

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 99% on morality

You scored higher than 99% on repose

You scored higher than 99% on spirituality

You scored higher than 99% on selflessness

Link: The 4-Variable Buffy Personality Test written by donathos on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

23 Secrets About Me (Repost from MySpace)

2006-12-05T14:16:52Z

23 secrets about yourself...

1. What does your Myspace Quote MEAN?
Eric has my heart. :)

2. Where was your default pic taken??
At a bus stop at Virginia Tech. I'm smiling at my handsome boyfriend.

3. What is your middle name?
Don't have one.... my parents snuck in Gonzalez from time to time, but it's not on my birth certificate.

4. Honestly, does your crush like you back?
It's not a crush... we love each other.

5. What is your current mood?
Frazzled. I should be getting ready for work.

6. What/who do you love most?
Eric and my family (especially my little boy).

7. What makes you happy?
Talking about geeky things with my boyfriend, Eric. Mutual friends should join his Highlander RPG!!!

8. Are you musically inclined?
yes.

9. If you could go back in time, and change something what would it be?
I can't decide. For the most part, my life has led me to this place... The path might have been hard, but it has taught me so much.

10. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day- what would you be?
A palatypus.

11. Ever have a near death experience?
No... not that I can recall.

12.Something you do a lot:
Talk to Eric on the phone.

13. What is the name of the song stuck in your head right now?
So Far Away by Nickelback. That darned song keeps playing on the radio... making me miss Eric even more than I already was.

14.who did you cut and paste this from?
My g/f, Magic.

15. Name someone with the same b-day as you?
There was this girl in high school... born on the exact same day as me... Her name is Lily Macias... we were in the same classes... same groups... and she has subtly disliked me since sometime in the 10th grade. I don't know what happened to her, but she wanted to be a doctor like one of her parents. Good luck with that, Lily!

16. Have you ever sang in front of a large audience?
Yes. I used to compete and sing regularly in high school. Now, I sing at karaoke nights and sometimes sit in with a band or two from time to time.

17. What's the first thing you notice about the OPPOSITE sex?
IQ. I admit it. I'm an intelligence snob. Sorry. I've met some really cute guys that don't turn me on, because they can't have a coherent, adult conversation. I ? geeks.

18. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
I get a Caramel Machiato (sp?) when I REALLY need some caffeine (I've been mostly caffeine free for a little over ten years).

19. What's your favorite color?
Purple. Duh.

20. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows?
I love kiddy shows, and I am nuts about Grey's Anatomy.

21. Do you have braces?
Nope.

22. speak any other languages?
Yes. Spanish (fluently) and bits of other languages. I can speak a little Latin, but I read and write it better.

23. What's your favorite smell?
Oranges.

Thanks Tkil!!!!

2006-11-22T22:00:45Z

Who knew that you introducing me to ranch dressing on my pizza would one day make the man I love fall even harder for me.

All I can say is... thanks, honey! :)