Hi all - I know I haven't been on for ages and ages. RL has been sort of overwelming lately - we have had illness's here and I recently lost my job. It is because of that, that I have decided to sell my Angel Puppet from the "Smile Time" episode of Angel Season 5 on e-bay. It is the original one - Numbered 4,130 out of 5,000. If anyone is interested in it you can check it out here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANGEL-SMILETIME-PUPPET-REPLICA-BUFFY-MIMB-NUMBERED_W0QQitemZ160031308031QQihZ006QQcategoryZ348QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Hope everyone is doing well.
Thanks
Karen (Red)

Hey everyone - went to Moonlight Rising in the Poconos over the weekend - and it was awesome! I am going to post my "report" from there. I'm sorry - I'm computer stupid - I don't know how to make this a link - so I will just post it as is. Sory if it's too long.
Went with my sister and my daughter who turned 16 over the weekend. She got mucho attention because of it - and a big kiss on the cheek from Anthony Stewart Head!

Nick Brendan was to come to the con but couldn't because of filming his series -however we all did get a signed autograph of him - but his brother Kelly Donovan and his girlfriend Stacey Scowley (she was in an episode in season 7 of Buffy - Spike killed her) came - they were very sweet - funny - outgoing and so funny. Kelly obligingly posed for pics and told me I was "lovely".

James Leary (Clem), Camden Toy (Ubervamp) and George Hertzberg (Adam)were also there - they were all three very warm and funny. They did a comedy improv Saturday night that brought the house down! And George Hertzberg is so good looking - I had no idea what was behind that makeup. I asked him if he had ever done any male modeling and he hugged me and told me that "flattery will get me everywhere".

Christian Kane was also there with his band Kane. While I am not a fan of country music - they did an awesome concert on Friday night. Was very cool. He's definetly a "good ole boy" who likes to have a good time. Much beer was consumed during the weekend.

Jonathan Woodward (Knox) was also a guest - he was - well, how can I describe him best - a real smart ass. Never answered a question seriously - and when my daughter told him it was her b-day he said he would take her to a bar! I told him he'd have to wait 5 years - and he was like - no.....we can go now! What a strange...man.

Robia Lamorte and Iyari Limon (Kennedy)were also there. Both very nice. Robia is quite the beatiful woman. She is very much into her faith and unfortunatly offended some people with her talk of not being able to support the wiches and demonology behind Buffy. Apparently she said something to the effect that since she is now a christian she would not be willing to do the part like Jenny Calendar again.

And my favorite guest was Anthony Stewart Head! God I love that man! This was my 3rd time meeting him, and he just gets better and better looking. Believe me - tv and pics do not do him justice! He has the most beautiful eyes - fabulous tan. So tall and slender - and he always smells so good! (ok - calm down Karen)
I had photo session with him - where he asked me if I was ok - as I was somewhat shakey. Then afterwards he said "Now that wasn't so bad was it" sigh....

We also signed up for a private meet and greet with him - with about 30 other people. He came and sat at our table (and I got to sit next to him!) and we just chatted. We talked about the fans (which he thinks are cool) and some of the british shows he's been in. He was impressed to find out that I had gotten his series "True Horror" from britain (I have a region free DVD player) and we talked about that for a bit.
Then we all took pics - my daughter told him it was her b-day and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. After my pic with him, I shamelessly asked him if I could give him a hug since I "adore you so much" He took me in his arms and held me for the longest time! I was in heaven! I whispered in his ear that I am going to be 40 in 2 months that I need to get my thrilled where I can! He chuckled and kissed my right cheek and then my left one! I kissed him back on his cheek but got lipstick on him. I told him that I had - and he said - "who cares" and I got to brush it off of him! And then he told me I was a dear - or was lovely - or something like that. I was beyond understanding at that point! When I sat down the ladies at my table were laughing at me because I was so flushed! Everyone wanted to know if I was ok!
Did I mention that I was in heaven?! sigh.......

Anyway - he also did a 45 minute music set for us on Sunday which was awesome! He sang Sweet Transvestite from Rocky Horror that was fabulous! That man is the sweetiest, most sincere "star" I've ever met.
They also raffled off a guitar that James Marsters, Christian Kane and ASH signed. And guess what - my daugher WON it! She was so THRILLED! We couldn't believe that she won this with just 1 raffle ticket! What a great b-day present!
Anyway - the last night they did Kareoke - where Kelly Donovan sang "Mandy" - was very funny. And I actually sang (after several drinks) Donna Summer "Last Dance" I had Camden Toy dancing behind me. Was very fun and I got much applause (to my surprise)
There were a few bumps on the road - especially with a mess for autographs on Saturday - but otherwise we had a totally AWESOME time!
Next year they already have Alexis Denisoff announced. Looks like I'll be heading back to the Poconos!
hugs
Karen

Date:	2005-07-24 18:35
Subject:	Moonlight Rising
Security:	Public
Mood:	cheerful

Hey everyone - I know I'm hardly ever on here - but after answering Dawny's post I decided to post a new one myself.
Anyone else going to Moonlight Rising next month in the Poconos? I would love to be able to say hello. I for one can't wait! Even with some cancelations - am still going to see ASH and the Kane concert! Should be big fun! My daughter is actually turning sweet 16 during that weekend. (how did I get old enough to have a 16 year old daughter?!) Anyway - she's thinking of making a shirt that says.....sweet 16 and never been bit (with a pic of Spike and Angel on it) what do you guys think?
hope everyone is doing well.
hugs
Red

Date:	2005-02-12 22:35
Subject:	Phantom Musings
Security:	Public
Mood:	energetic

I don't know if any of you have seen The Phantom of the Opera movie and if you have, you may have already discussed this - but as usual I'm late to the party. These are just MY opinions - but can I just say for the record how I LOVE this movie? It is one of my all time favorite top 5 movies. (and I say that after having seen the movie for the 4th time tonight!) In every theatre I've been in, the audience loves the movie - they cry and clap at the end like they love it. So I don't get what the critics are bitching about!
I have seen the stage show with Michael Crawford and another time with another actor (since it was a while ago- I don't remember his name!)

Is Gerard Butler like Michael Crawford? No - but neither is he supposed to be! He's supposed to be a younger, sexier phantom with a "rock and roll" edge to his voice. (in the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber)When he starts crying, I cry right along with him. Emmy Rossum is superb, I just love her voice and can not believe that she was only 17 when she filmed it. She shows a special kind of naivete in her character and it is just wonderful. Patrick Wilson as Raoul is also wonderful. They complain about his character being boring, flat. But his character in the movie was much more "exciting" than in the broadway production. His character in the stage show is quite yawn worthy.

I have always loved the music to Phantom, it's one of my favorite soundtracks. In fact when my teens went to see the movie with me, they already knew and loved all of the songs as they grew up listening to them. And I love the movie soundtrack just as much. It sweeping and romantic. The scene with "Point of No Return" in the movie is one of the sexiest and moving scenes I have ever seen in a musical. (sorry Buffy!)

I guess the point of this little essay is just to say I LOVE this movie - and I am so disappointed that it has lost money and people are trashing it.

I mean - I've seen some of the movies that are nominated for Academy Awards, like The Aviator. It was good, and Leo did a wonderful job. But I was a bit bored after almost 2 1/2 hours with it. Being in the mental health field, I deal with enough people with OCD that I didn't need to see him with it! I would have been fine just seeing that movie on DVD, wasn't nearly as "fulfilled" when I left the theatre.


On the flip side - stopped by a small sci-fi con today - had a lot of Buffy pics (and I have almost all of them!)- but it mostly had a TON of Spike pics. I was sort of surprised that there was still so much out there. Some guy there was selling the Buffy Soundtrack to Season 2 (it's just the music) for $45! That was unbelievable! He said that it's out of print and you can't get it any more. What a bunch of crap - I bought it last year for just $10!

Anyway - enough of my complaining. See I hardly every post - and when I do -I go on.....and on....and on!

If anyone else has seen this movie - and enjoyed it please let me know! If you hated it - don't tell me - my heart can't take it!

hugs!

Date:	2005-01-27 22:49
Subject:	Hi everyone
Security:	Public
Mood:	nostalgic

I everyone! I know I haven't posted in such a long time - and I'm hoping people still remember me! But today I caught a Buffy show and it made me think of everyone and how I miss talking to everyone and I wanted to say hi.
(Of course I had to throw my 15 year old daughter off the computer first!)
I miss talking to you all and I just wanted to tell you that.
hugs

Ok, what is America thinking voting off the best singer?! I am so disgusted! All along LaToya has been my girl and poof -she's gone like that. I was crying along with Paula Abdul! I don't get it - I just hope that she gets a record deal. And no offense to anyone, but I feel like Jasmine just got a lot of sympathy votes because she cried last night. I had always liked her, but lately she has not been shining and I don't think she should still be there. Purely my opinion though.
Top that whole thing off along with seeing Angel in bed with another woman - and I'm grabbing a cookie and going to bed!
grrrrrrrrrrr!

Hey all - I know I haven't been around for a long time - lots of stuff going on with my kids - oh the fun of having 2 teen girls. Just wanted to say hi to everyone - and send hugs. Hope everyone is doing well - I'll try to be around more often!

Yippee!!! Watched the very boring Golden Globe awards tonight - but was very happily suprised to see that LOTR Return of the King one best picture! woo hoo! And Peter Jackson won for best director! It was wonderful to see! Am so glad, finaly, to see a sci-fi/fantasy movie win an award!

On a more yucky note- we're supposed to get 3-8 inches of snow here tomorrow. God, I hate winter!

smooches everyone

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday. This year will be tough for our family, but am hoping for a better new year!

hugs everyone
Red

Your meme, should you choose to accept it, is to rank the following movies in order, from COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT to COULDN'T CARE LESS. To add value to this process, you must also add two movies to the list, and remove two movies from the list, before passing the meme on (including these instructions).


Star Wars
Indiana Jones Movies (my addition)
What’s Up Doc (my addition)
The Princess Bride
When Harry Met Sally
Groundhog Day
Lion King
Grease
Clueless
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Lord of the Rings

The two I removed:
To Sir, With Love
Ocean's Eleven

Unfortunatly I had to put Lord of the Rings at the bottom - only one I haven't seen on that list!

Date:	2003-11-12 22:34
Subject:	Sexy Wes
Security:	Public
Mood:	touched

So I thought tonights Angel was wonderful! Can Wesley get any sexier? I thought some of the funny lines with Spike felt forced - but otherwise - I thought it was great. Loved the stuff with his "dad". I have a message for Wes- forget Fred - I've got more to offer! (unfortunatly that more means body size - but we won't go there!)

We're still working on the house - trying to move in - my kids got their report cards yesterday - My 14 year old is like - well 2 D's are good aren't they mom? At least I'm not failing! grrrrrrr!

We're signed up to go to Moonlight Rising Buffy Convention next June - but they changed the date - to make it two weeks earlier - now my daughter will still be in school! Is nothing ever easy?!

Have to go to doctor on Monday - been having a lot of pain - she thinks I have a cyst on one of my ovaries...and the fun never ends!

They're actually saying we may get snow here some time the next few days - I am so not ready for that! I need to live somewhere warmer!

Date:	2003-10-17 23:01
Subject:	Birthday
Security:	Public
Mood:	content

Well, even though I feel old, I guess this was a decent birthday after all. Thank you to everyone for the lovely b-day wishes. My kids got me an Angel keychain and some David pics. And it was a wonderful Buffy b-day from my big sis. A lovely plaque called "The Embrace" with the pic of Angel and Buffy in Surprise (white shirts) and a Buffy pillow, Angel cards and DB calender for next year! I'm all set!

The day had started off on a sad note with my sis's 7:00 am b-day call. When the phone rang, I immediatly expected it to be my dad as he was always the first one to call me and wish me a happy day. But then I remembered that of course, it's not him and that was a sad moment. I guess the first year is the hardest.

Anyway, off for a big shopping trip tomorrow...maybe I'll just have to buy myself a big b-day present?!

Date:	2003-10-08 23:32
Subject:	Tonights Angel
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited

Ok, if I knew how to do a link thingy I would, but since I'm computer stupid, gonna talk about it here - so beware - if you haven't seen tonights Angel show.
S
p
o
i
l
e
r
s
Ok, I loved, loved, loved this show! It was so funny. I loved the part where Wesley said - "Spike" and Angel get's this dark look on his face and says in a low voice "Spike" LMAO! It was perfect! I of course loved all the Buffy mentions, clearly she's keeping in contact with Angel. And I found that very interesting that they edited out her "I love you" to Spike. I think there was a specific message there.

Also thought it was awesome the way his information kept creeping out to the others. Information that Angel had known but neglected to share with the. ie, his relationship with Buffy, his soul etc.

Can I also say how I loved drooling over DB and JM? Especially DB! Holy shit! He is looking fantastic these days, and I would love to see more shirtless scenes! That was just......God, it's getting hot in here! *g*!

Also, loved the dialogue and the little turn around at the end with that creepy guy. If the season continues like this, should be very interesting and entertaining.

Well, guess it's off to bed for me - hoping to have sweet dreams!

I just wanted to let all of you know that at 1:00 this morning my sweet father passed away. Most of you know that he has been
struggling with ALS for a year now and it finally took him. It was what he wanted. He died at home, he knew we loved him, but we still werent ready for it. Anyway - thank you all for your support over the last year, it's meant a lot.

hugs
Karen

Well, I'm hear to update this and just vent and write down how my dad is doing. His breathing is now down to 18%. Needless to say his breathing is really labored. He's on oxygen at night. Has to sleep sitting up. His feedings are done over night with a pump.

His speech is gone completely - can pretty much just make mumbling sounds that you can not possibly understand. Since he can barely move his arms he can hardly write. Communication is very difficult.

Hospice is now involved. They're saying he has anywhere for 6 weeks to possibly 6 months left. He no longer is seen at the ALS clinic as there is nothing they can do for him.

He can not ever be alone. My darling girls where with him all summer during the day. They didn't do one thing with friends all summer. Tuesday they go back to school and I have had the fun task of trying to find some kind of care for him. Right now we've chosen an agency that has people that live in - that's $113 a day - but we are desperate to keep him at home. Why are we so stubborn about this you might ask? Well......it his desire to die in the home that he built with his own hands 40 years ago. My mother died there and my sister and I were both raised there. His only enjoyment now is watching his Westerns on his big screen tv. Am I going to take that away from him? No.....If the nursing situation fails then I will have to take a leave of absence from my job and take care of him. I feel so bad for him because he will cry and has asked me before (when I could semi understand him) Why won't God take him. I don't have any answers. I don't know why someone that was healthy 1 year ago is now so close to death. I don't understand any of it.

I feel terrible that I really haven't spoke to anyone lately. I didn't even know that poor Clerky had passed away until yesterday. No time to get on the board, no time to chat, no time to e-mail.

Anyway - basically I'm using this space to whine......did I do a good job?? And to say hi to everyone and I miss you all.

Date:	2003-06-28 00:07
Subject:	Convention & Dad
Security:	Public
Mood:	blah

Seems like I haven't been on the computer for ages. And once again I'm here with an update on my dad's ALS illness. He is not doing well at all. It's been awful. He can't eat or swallow anymore, hence his feeding tube that he received in April. Also his breathing is down to 49% so he has to have a breathing machine at night. He also has to have treatments with this "vibrating vest" twice a day to help his weak diaphram and to help move his secretions along. He can no longer talk and communicates by writing on a dry erase board. No he had only slight use of his arms. This just happened today. It had been a while since he could lift them up, but today he was very upset to discover that he can only move them several inches. He now needs help bathing and dressing (we have someone come in 3 days a week, but are going to have to have someone come in for more days than that.) He is obviously very frustrated and it's been difficult for all of us. My oldest daughter is taking care of his lawn, she's been working her ass off. And my youngest has been washing dishes and helping with his laundry. And my sister, the sister that lives with him? Well, I won't even go there. Let's just say, that I feel like I'm going crazy! I am at his house every morning and evening and it's starting to take it's toll. Ok, now that I've whined about that.......

My convention was so much fun! I had already posted a little bit about it on the BNA babbler e-mail. I had hoped to do a big post about it - but time never permits. Which also depresses me......but what can you do. Got my picture in the mail today of me and Tony Head. He looks adorable, so at least there's that!

Been watching teh re-runs on F/X of Buffy - they're into the sex fest right now with B/S - the only thing I keep thinking of is - how could the Spuffy's not see he was still evil?

Better finish this now - as my youngest has a dentist appt in the morning, then my contact at ALS association is coming to talk to us about my dad's new condition. Big decisions to make. If I listened to his brothers and sister I would have put him in a home months ago......sigh...

ok, was that depressing enough???? No wonder I keep visting Dairy Queen!

Date:	2003-05-14 00:11
Subject:	B/A woo hoo!
Security:	Public
Mood:	ecstatic

Short and sweet! Loved, loved, loved Buffy tonight! Loved everything about it! Still tons of chemistry between B/A! I haven't felt this good about them in a long time!

Date:	2003-05-10 23:38
Subject:	Weekend
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

Jeez, I never hardly every update in this thing. Have been having a very hard time getting on line lately. I either can't get on - or get knocked off right away. Haven't figured out if it's my AOL or my stupid computer! I need someone that is computer smart to look at it - cause that ain't me!

Had a fun day with my sister and oldest daughter today. We went to see Man of La Mancha at a local dinner theater, it was very good. I keep hearing "Dolcinea" going through my head.

Watched Manchild on BBC America with my sis tonight. For those of you who haven't seen it - it's a british comedy with ASH and 3 other "blokes". It's very funny. The latest one was very funny and exciting for me as ASH had a bit of nudity! Got to see his hot behind! May not be exciting for everyone - but I was thrilled! What a cutie!

Kids are winding down with school, thank God - I get sick of nagging them to get their homework done!

My father's ALS disease continues to progress. He got a feeding tube several weeks ago and so far seems to be able to take care of it by himself. He can no longer eat food. His speech is pretty much gone. He writes most things dong on a dry erase board. Makes it difficult to check in with him during the day when I can't understand him on the phone. He is still getting around pretty well however. Let muscles are still pretty strong, driving on a limited basis. His hands and arms get weak/tired.

I also found out last week that my ex-husband is in jail. Thought that was a lovely bit of news. Guess he'll be there for 3 months or something like that. What a loser.

After much discussion back and forth, my sis and I have decided to go to our Buffy convention next month in New York. We weren't sure if we should go cause of my dad's illness. But he is "stable" and said we should go and have fun. My kids are going to stay with him part of the time and some friends will look in on him for me.

******Spoilers ahead for finale of Angel********

Anyone else love Angel this past week? First of all - can I say - how HOT is DB looking these days! Man he made my tv set want to melt! I loved how they handled the Conner situation. Made me feel sorry for the kid. If they do renew Angel (which I am desperatly hoping they will) I hope that we won't see anything of him next year.

Ok, I'm off to bed before my computer knocks me off again.

Date:	2003-03-17 00:00
Subject:	Sunday night
Security:	Public
Mood:	awake

I don't know where the weekend always goes - it always flies by, which really sucks!

So why have I chosen the awake icon you might ask? Well....being that it's almost midnight, I should be sleeping, or thinking about sleeping. But my cute little kitty Buffy Angel - is in HEAT! grrrrr - it's so annoying! She will be 6 months old on the 24th, and my vet flatly refuses to "fix" her till she is 6 months old. Well that's fine and dandy, except she started going into heat on Thursday! She's not too bad during the day, but at night. hoooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwlll! It's so annoying! Then she comes in and wants to be petted and be all lovely dovey! I don't mind fawning over her, but at 3:00 in the morning? ugh! Anyway, she's walking around here howling already. It's why I'm here on the computer watching The Easter Beagle Charlie Brown!

It was a beautiful day here today, but it's also very muddy! My best friend helped me hang some pictures. They look so nige! I've only lived here for almost 3 years! My bare walls were driving her crazy! Well I didn't think they were too bare! I have two Angel posters, a Buffy calendar, an Angel calendar and a DB calendar all hanging in my room! It's all I figured I needed!

Anyway, it's lovely Jennem's (sorry I don't know how to do that link thingy!) birthday on Tuesday! I hope she has a good day and does something fun!

Well, it's quiet at the moment...guess I can try to get some sleep! Back to work tomorrow, yuck!

Date:	2003-03-12 19:04
Subject:	long day
Security:	Public
Mood:	contemplative

I feel like all I do is update on my dad's illness here. Hopefully I'm not boring anyone. It was a very long day today. Started at 5:15! Went with my dad to the ALS clinic in Hershey where he saw his team of doctors and nutritionists etc. They are concerned about how fast this is progressing. Eating is extremely difficult and they want to put in a feeding tube. They make it all sound so easy, but it's still a hard step to take. They also want to give him a device that says what you type, since people can't understand him. The man has NEVER typed in his life. He is not ready to do that yet. I can still understand about 95% of what he says.
Also his breathing capacity is diminished. It was 70% of normal, is now down to 65%, they said when it gets to 50% then he'll have to think about oxygen. He also has muscle weakness in his right side and his balance is off. No more mowing lawn with a push mower.

The doctor wants him to start taking a medication that slows down the process, but drug store prices are $1,000 a month! I spent my afternoon calling his insurance company trying to find the cheapest way. It is much, much cheaper (his copay) with mail order, so guess that's the route we're taking.
I guess my plans for upcoming Buffy con in June are up in the air. Don't know if my dad should be home by himself for 5 days. They worry about him choking.
My girls and I may have to at some point move in with him and my sis (I'll be so thrilled) to have to take care of him. It's all just moving so fast.

Anyway, on a brighter side, I did finally get my back child support from 3 years! Yea!

Took my daughter to see Chicago and we really enjoyed it!

And am looking forward to Angel tonight, that's a good feeling!