Part 16: Night Desires

 ALL previous 15 parts are linked here....

I wake up the next morning with a text from Dave asking me to call him at my earliest convenience. I shoot him a text back and he responds with asking me to meet him at the coffee shop across from his office again in about 45 minutes.

When I walk in, Dave looks very serious, almost concerned.  

"This can't be good." I shake his hand and take a seat.

Dave exhales loudly and says,  "Based on the tests I performed there was a high dosage of Rohypnol. The street name is Roofies."

"Okay, have heard of that. There's more, I can tell.  Go on."

He looked me in the eyes with a very serious look, "Whoever did this to you wanted to knock you out very quickly and effectively. The amount used was extremely dangerous.  Rohypnol mixed with alcohol in such high dosages can cause decreased respiratory and blood pressure, coma and even death. These people were either that stupid or maybe even wanted someone dead.". 

Then he suggests getting it to a police lab quickly. I thank him and he heads back to his building. I'm more than shaken by the results of testing the contents of that Vodka bottle. I am now convinced that Ace and Javier were after more than just a couple of TVs, jewelry and cash.  I call Detective Reed’s office and ask to meet with him. 

I wait for Jack Reed at the same table I just shared with Dave.  The bottle of Vodka is now a big piece of evidence and sits in a brown bag on the chair next to me.  I think about how if I tell Reed everything about that night, it could do some serious and maybe irreversible damage to my marriage. But the harm it may cause may be for the greater good of hopefully finding our baby.  It's been 7 months since she was kidnapped from our home, she won't be a baby for much longer. Reed's arrival interrupts my thoughts. 

When I tell him the condensed version of the story behind the bottle of Vodka, Detective Reed looks at me and shakes his head.  "Jules, that story is full of holes and the only way I will even consider taking that story serious is if my department's lab tests the Vodka bottle. Also, I'm going to need you to come completely clean on your actions the night your daughter disappeared.

Reed continues, "Give me one line of crap and I will arrest you for hindering an investigation. After all, how do I know you didn’t concoct this whole vodka story just to cover your own behind?"

Frustrated but ready to just tell the whole sorted story,  "Okay, the details of what really took place that night...." and I tell him everything about how I crept out of my house while Marissa and the kids were asleep with the intention of late night drinking and clubbing downtown. Then ended up meeting a girl name Kate and how we went back to her place where we crossed paths with Ace and Javier. In short who I believe drugged the bottle of Vodka.

"Jules, Jules, Jules! Why didn’t you just tell me that from the beginning?"

"Do I really have to tell you that, Detective? At first I really didn't think it was that important but now that I know we were drugged and I'm fairly certain those 2 thugs stole more than my cash."

"Call me Jack! And this may be the lead we have been waiting for."

He tells me he will get the bottle over to the lab right now for testing. But he also has to collaborate my story by talking to Kate and all the other witnesses. He needs to get Ace's and Javier's full names and any other details that could help find out who they really are.

I look in my address book in my phone and forward Kate's number to Jack.  Then I ask him is there anyway we could keep this from Marissa. He looks at me with a big smirk on his face and says, "We can try."

I thanked him and as I am turning to walk out he says, "Jules. Go home and tell your wife the truth. 99.9% of the time in these cases, they find out anyway. This is a kidnapping investigation. Understand?"

"I know you are right, Jack. Thanks for that and also, I'm sorry for holding out on you.  I only just figured this all out myself."  As I walk to my car I can only imagine how Marissa is going to react when I tell her about Kate.

Dating? Old Married Couple?

One of our favorite things to do is freak people out by telling them how long we have been married. Then they flip even more when they find out we have an 18 year old. Because who doesn't love to hear:

"You couldn't possibly be old enough to have a child that age."

Oh, we are and we do.  The other day I had a hair appointment and Paul was with me.  He came in with me and said if he was gone when I was done to just call him. I come out and he is engrossed in some magazine and it was nice that he stayed.  So I sat down and the receptionist asked how long we had been dating.

That was a new one. But we proceeded to freak her out like we do and I asked her why she thought we wouldn't be married.  She said, "Your interaction and you just seem so in love, like it's new."

Nicest thing she could have said (besides I couldn't be a day over 30).  Spending time together and finding common interests is the key, people.  I am telling you. Couples always going in different directions is a recipe for future disaster. 

Being running partners is our favorite thing to do.  We tell other couples we know all the time to just run together. We are lucky with our schedules that we can run together as often as we do but most couples could do it at least once, twice a week.  So why aren't you? 

So if people we know aren't listening, we can get happy over couples we don't know that we see running together. Or the larger girl that is trucking along, one foot in front of the other and clearly so very determined to go farther, lose those extra pounds and get faster.

The moral? Do more things together and you too can freak people out over how long you've been married and how old your kids are.

Is Evelyn Lozada Really A Star?

 Weekly Sports Writer

Cleavie Wonder

visit Cleavie's Website

As you may or may not know my least favorite show on TV is Basketball Wives..  It's a reality show that chronicles the lives of women who's only claim to fame is being married, engaged, or the girlfriend of a basketball star.  The whole concept of entitlement these women possess irks me to the core.  Of all the cast
members I particularly despise Evelyn Lozada.  The former fiancee' of Antoine Walker and the present fiancee' of Chad Johnson has a very nasty disposition and is a self proclaimed "real bitch."   Although she is very attractive physically, her attitude and her personality make her ugly and other than her looks she has
no other redeeming qualities as a human being.  I can splash all the haterade I want on this subject, but the fact of the matter is Evelyn Lozada is famous and becoming more so every day.  How did this happen?

The sad truth is the 2011 blueprint for success is very easy to follow.  For the purposes of this blog we'll just refer to it as the Kardashian model.  First you hook up with a famous athlete or entertainer (check), have a messy break up (check), tell the whole world about it (check), leak naked pictures or sex tapes (check), then hook up with another famous athlete or entertainer (check).  Soon the whole world will know your name and you'll be on your way to selling mascara, clothing, perfume, and lingerie.  Although Evelyn has no real talent (other than the XXX variety) she has managed to parlay her personal relationships into opportunity and wealth.  I have to admit that does take some skill.  The Kardashian model pays dividends because we as the public consumer have become predictable and shallow.  Naked breasts, cat fights, and intimate details of relationships that have nothing to do with us is all it takes to capture our attention.  Until we change this form of "entertainment" will continue and get progressively worse.  I feel sorry for the modern day athlete.  Hooking up with a pretty girl has ramifications far beyond anything they could have possibly imagined.

There is Crying In Running Sometimes

I had a new experience this week.  One that if you have been an athlete or active your entire life, you may think, "wow, you are really writing about this?" But I wasn't that person until about 2 years ago.  Active and an athlete, I mean.

I have talked about being competitive before. While I know my running partner is a man, sometimes I forget what that means. It means that Paul is genetically stronger, faster and probably has more endurance than I do. I hate that. I really do.

So I am on a run with "the man" and I am beyond tired, my right hip is killing me and my left shin decided it was done. I had to slow to a walk to regroup my fatigued body.  I actually got a lump in my throat and felt the tears coming.  Paul heard my voice catch and asked me if I was crying. I said I wasn't. I so was.

I was mad at my body for not being able to keep up with Paul and what my brain wanted to do.  It was very frustrating. But later after I was all showered and fed, I thought, "My God girl, you are a true athlete. You are not a quitter and you are still so committed to running." And also? I had an additional 6 miles on Paul this week (yes honey, I had to say it)

A revelation, if you will. If you would have told me that I would be writing this just over 2 years ago, I would have slapped you for telling tales.  If you would have said that I would be running 20-30 miles per week, there would be that slap mark again.  Because I'm sure nobody, least of all myself would believe I would still be running and this fit.

Running is my lifeline. It clears me, centers me and saves me. If I cry because it's a rough run?  So be it, tomorrow is a new day.

Photo of the Day: Stacey Dash

I recently saw her in a music video looking mighty fine. You may remember her from movies like 1995's smash hit "Clueless" or the Wayans Brothers' "Mo' Money". That was one of my favorites back in the day.

When you think about the likes of Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Beyonce or even a much younger example Megan Fox. Sorry they can't touch this 42 year old beauty from the Bronx New York. I'm going to go as far as to
say she is one of the finest girls alive. Tell me! What do you think?

photo credit: Smooth Magazine

Part 14: Night Desires

If you have missed any previous parts, ALL are linked here. 

As I drive off I call Dave to find out if it would be a good time for me to drop off the bottle of vodka. He says that he will meet me at the coffee shop across the street from the building that he works at. He wants to be as discreet as possible about testing this bottle for me. He could lose his job doing this for me so I

definately understand his caution.

While waiting for Dave, I started thinking about Ace and Javier and how  important it is that I start trying to find out who these to low lifes really are. The thought that these two creeps had my wallet for any amount of time while I was clearly drugged is scary. Forget about the money they took. More importantly they know where I live, work maybe even my social sercerity number as I happen to have it in my wallet at the time. We were in the process of renewing our passports for the family's trip to the Ivory Coast of Africa. With the abduction of our baby, that of course never happened. 

Dave arrives and he explained to me the process of performing such a test and about how long I would have to wait for the results. With his work load, it would be 2 to 3 days. I told him how much I appreciated his help and thanked him for his generosity.

After fighting traffic back to the office to grab my stuff, messages and let my assistant know I will be in early tomorrow. I brave the late afternoon LA traffic home and realize that I am completely exhausted as I pull in our driveway. It's then I notice that no other than Detective Jack Reed is parked outside on the curb. He walks up to my car and asks if he could I talk to me and Marrissa. He has a few questions for us. I hate this guy! He hasn't done much at all except follow me around in his investigation to find our baby. I’m tired and my lawyer isn’t present yet I invite him in.

Anthony Robles

 Weekly sports writer, Cleavie Wonder

visit Cleavie's website

It's not everyday you get to see an inspirational story unfold before your very eyes.  On Saturday during halftime of the NCAA basketball tournament I started channel surfing and ended up on ESPN (what a surprise) watching the wrestling championship.  The finals matched up the defending champion versus a one legged wrestler from Arizona State, Anthony Robles.  At first I couldn't believe my eyes and it took me a second to realize what was going on.  I figured it was a feel good story, but Robles had no chance to win the match.

 To my surprise not only did Robles hold his own, he won the last competitive match of his career and took home the gold.  As this improbable story became reality I couldn't help but think of all the excuses and explanations I make in life for not accomplishing my dreams and goals.  I couldn't help but think I need to be more positive and show initiative in life to get where I want to go.  If a one legged man can show enough heart, discipline, and determination to get to the top of his sport why can't I get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and have a more productive day?

It was nice to get a chance to witness the moment before it becomes exploited and spawns a movie featuring Sandra Bullock.  Anthony Robles story will touch the lives of millions and give people courage that otherwise wouldn't have it. Saturday's performance was like Visionquest meets The Blind Side.  It had all the elements of a Hollywood fairytale.  A young man with a handicap faces his fears and rides into the sunset victorious.  You couldn't make up a story this compelling.  Look for Anthony Roble's story to come to a theater near you next year.  It will be worth watching.

Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

We were happy when  www.GuaranteedLifeInsurance.org contacted us to write about life insurance. We were just talking about this a couple of weeks ago. We have coverage but then read this article about Million Dollar Life Insurance and now we need to reevaluate.  Do we have enough if something happened to one of us?  A $250k or even $500k policy may seem like a lot of money but when you start thinking about debt, mortgages, college and loss of income and even caring for a child or parent someday.  That money needs to last for years.

If something happened to Paul tomorrow, I would still have to pay for Charnai's education and take care of Kyran and myself. Without at least a million dollar policy, I would likely have to make some major changes such as finding a job.  Working full time outside the home as single parent to a special needs child is overwhelming. It's next to impossible to find suitable childcare (that I trust) that isn't astronomical.

I'm convinced that would adversely affect Kyran in so many ways. Not only from losing his father but his mother is now also gone the majority of the time working.  A large enough policy would protect us.

Guaranteed Life Insurance makes some really good points about a policy as large as a  $1,000,000 life insurance policy especially for families with one parent working. All of this makes so much sense to us.  I like how they present all the facts and are sincere with making sure we understand insurance.  It can be confusing but now I feel like it's all spelled out for us. While it may seem morbid to talk about one of us dying, we just never know what fate has in store and it's so important that we are protected financially.

Re-Post:: Man Issues, We Have Them too

A post from our archives. Originally written on February 14, 2010. 

Kerry has talked a lot about the issues women have with weight, self-image etc. Men are insecure as well and have plenty of issues. I actually believe that many men tend to sit around, drink beer, watch sports and are depressed as many women are. Idolizing these teams and professional athletes and wishing they could do that. I don't know how many times I have been in a conversation or overheard a conversation where guys are reliving their high school sports days. Time to get over it and move on. It wasn't in the cards for you to have a professional sports career and that's okay. Many of these guys are successful business professionals. Why isn't that good enough? As with women, these guys tend to be out of shape and overweight and hiding their insecurities behind money or their job. These are the first guys that will make comments to their wives about their weight. Does it make you feel good to tell the mother of your children she should get off the couch when you know damn well that you should too? Put down the beer, turn off Sports Center and do something about that gut.

Along with watching all these sports, wearing athletes jerseys, baseball hats and bad jeans is not going to help your image problem. Even if you are married, do you think your wife wants to see you wearing that? Not at all. Not saying you need to be in Versace, Gucci or Prada but at least stop buying your jeans at Sears. Leave the jerseys for the kids and if you lose the gut, you can wear fashionable t-shirts and button down shirts. It's not hard to look good but it seems like guys don't want to try. Even if you don't know how to do this on your own, your girl can help you or their are plenty of image consultants, stylists and even friends that can help you. Most of you have the money to do this and really what is stopping you? Here is a huge misconception about men liking fashion, shopping and looking good...IT IS NOT GAY AT ALL! Gay men do not have the copyright on knowing how to dress and looking fantastic. I am tired of several guys I know making comments about a shirt or whatever I am wearing and I have to hear the "gay" thing. Quit hating and if you want me to help you pick out something to wear, I will. I'm sure a lot of other fashion conscious men feel the same way. I even have dumbed-down my outfit for certain events because I didn't feel like catching flack about it from the guys. Kerry has had to convince me to be myself and wear what I want many times. It's ridiculous to even feel that way. What I find interesting is the woman always seem to compliment me because they understand fashion and some are wishing their man would do the same.

Grooming...okay. First of all, if you don't know what to do with your hair, please don't just shave it all off or it's so short people think you just got back from basic training. Again, it's not gay to go to a real salon and have them suggest a style for you. Longer hair is again, not gay. Mustaches are so out. Have been for years. I am not a fan of facial hair in general but scruff or a goatee can be okay but for God's sake, no mustaches.

My point is not to be arrogant. Men, get off your asses, get over the sports obsessions and learn how to dress. Worry about yourself instead of athletes. Instead of harping on your wife about her weight, how about working out together? Lose weight together. You will feel better about yourself and if will show in all that you do. And please, if you don't like to shop or know how to dress better, find someone to help you. That is what sales people at Nordstrom or Macy's are there for..to suggest outfits. Ladies, if you don't like the way your man dresses or wish he would get off the couch, talk to him about it. Some guys just assume that you are okay with all of it and accept it. You don't have too.

The bottom line is communication and willing to make changes. It's another piece of the puzzle. You and your wife will be happier if you BOTH look good. This is not brain surgery. It's basic, easy and not up to the women to figure this out on their own. I have learned a lot about my wife, about myself and about us just from talking to her. Turn off the TV, put down the beer and just do it.

Race, Looting, and Tsunami-Stricken Japan

**No Friday Rant today from Paul as we thought this article was too important not to post right away.  Please welcome our guest writer, Lisa Shoreland.**

In the days following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan, my mother said over the phone, “You know, unlike the disasters in New Orleans and Haiti, nobody’s looting over here.”

Admittedly, there’s not much to loot near the epicenter, but areas that received less damage do have unmonitored DVD players, jewelry, cash, and just as much to loot as anywhere else.  Still, there hasn’t been much of that.  Why?  Fearing I’d be accused of jingoism, I didn’t ask anyone I knew here in the United States.  Being born and raised in Hiroshima as a dual Japanese-American citizen comes with its fair share of unfair labels.

The Race Factor of Looting

On Tuesday, a friend of mine showed me a link to Jack Cafferty’s blog on CNN discussing the same issue.  I spent most of that night horror-struck by the theories others were coming up with across the Internet about why there was no looting in Japan.  It came down, of all things, to the color of our skin.  

"Japs” are submissive and obedient.

 “Yellow” girls are submissive in bed.I

 It was payback for Pearl Harbor. 

 Japan is an unchristianized nation.  

 There are no blacks in Japan.

As irate as religious zealots and blindly patriotic idiots tend to get me, it was the reference to blacks that widened my eyes the most.  I mean, really?  There’s no looting in Japan because there aren’t any black people there to do it?

As appalling as this theory of race in this issue is, what’s even more inexcusable is its prevalence.  Uncensored and anonymous Internet trolls fearlessly spout racial slurs and, more commonly, add the immunity clause,
“I’m not racist, but. . .” 

We finally (finally!) have a mixed-race president and we’re still running in circles of hate.

Why Race Has Nothing To Do With It

The looting in Japan has nothing to do with race.  On his blog, Jack touches on our Shinto-Buddhist culture, although since most of Japan is practically a-religious, I wouldn’t give that much thought.  More valid I think is the fact that our society is historically community-based and what I call—evoking lessons learned from The Song of Roland—a “shame culture.”  

Japan, unlike America, doesn’t emphasize individualism so much as it does the wellbeing of a community.  In such a tight-knit and vigilant society, there’s not much room for bad behavior.  If you did something locals didn’t like or stood out in any way, you were shamed and then shunned from the village, outside of which you really couldn’t make a living. That of course is changing nowadays with globalization, but cultural roots are an easy place to go to when your life has literally been washed away.

Why Race Has Everything To Do With It

Although poverty levels in Japan are rising, most people are very well taken care of by their government.  We have universal healthcare and unflinching national pride.  We generally lack something I have found practically bubbling over in the United States: a sense of entitlement.

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard my own mother-in-law, whose husband lavishes her with closets full of clothes in two enormous vacation houses, says, “I deserve this.”  I don’t understand the Wal-Mart patron who buys three packs of Oreos after a workout and says, “I deserve this.”  I don’t understand the employee who works 8 hours a day like anyone else and buys a $300 jacket at the mall on the way home, saying, “I deserve this,” while pinching pennies around homeless people on the highway.  

If race had anything to do with looting after Hurricane Katrina and has anything to do with northeastern Japan, it’s that racial, sexual, and other minorities get the short end of the stick.  It’s no secret that prejudice is alive and well, and prejudice itself forces the “deviant” to create defensive subcultures.  Because the United States fosters individualism and capitalism, this “make your own fortune” mentality can actually encourage people not taken care of by their government or their community to take care of themselves.  Times of crisis for others thus becomes for them opportunities to “get theirs.”

We blame looters for being uneducated, uncivilized, unfeeling savages.  Who allowed them to drop out of school at the age of 15 to join gangs, deal drugs, or simply find a job so he or she could support the family?  Who ignores the daily trials of the poor and focuses, instead, on which diamond necklace to buy this Valentine’s Day?  Who voted for the educational system to receive less funding so good teachers get fired and students don’t receive individual attention?  

We truly have nobody to blame but ourselves.  Perhaps it is time we take a step away from the bathroom mirror and take a look at how the rest of the community is doing.

Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she's been researching student loan application tips as well as student loan default recovery. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.

Cheer Performance at Spring Sports Assembly 3/11/2011

Part Thirteen: Night Desires

I don't know how you could have missed any parts, but if you did all are linked here.

The next morning while having a cup of coffee, something dawned on me. The mere fact that Ace, Javier and that bottle of vodka could have something to do with why my daughter Marcella is missing. When I think about the state of my wallet that next day, as if they were after more than just my cash.  My credit cards were all accounted for so why rifle through my wallet as if they were looking for something else?

I get up from the table to go upstairs to take a shower. I was dressed and out of the house within 25 minutes to go to the office or so Marissa thought. However, the truth is I am on a mission to find out who took Marcella and why.  I think the first clue is that bottle of Vodka. Which means I have to call Kate to find out when would be a good time for me to stop by. I need to test that bottle as I'm sure we were drugged and now I'm thinking that goes further than robbing us.

On my way into work, I call her. She answers the phone in a groggy voice as if she were still sleeping. I apologize for waking her and ask when would be a convenient time for me to come by briefly. She perks up immediately and says "Now baby!" 

Great.  She clearly thinks this is more about me wanting to see her again than the Vodka. But it was perfect timing because I was coming up on her exit. After parking my car, walking the block to her loft and when I get on the elevator,  the nightmare of that whole night hits me all at once. I am disgusted with myself as I knock on her door.

There she is and clearly for my benefit in a very sexy, short nighty that reveals her perfect figure. "Come on in, Jules. I'm happy you are here."  she says shutting the door behind her and staring into my eyes. "What’s up with you? I don’t understand a guy who is married and such a gentlemen but lives such a perverse life style."

I let out a long sigh and say, "Listen, let’s clear up a few things here. I said one or two words to you in line at that club and you became the aggressor. It wasn't all that difficult. Yes, I was very wrong for my actions that evening. However, don’t chastise me when you could have been a bit more of a classy lady by asking more questions. Instead I think we both wanted the same thing. Sex."

She was speechless and knew I was right but spouts, "How many times have you left your wife in the middle of the night to do that?"

Very turned off and offended I say, "Not that it's any of your business, but never. Now could you please give me the bottle of Vodka?"

At which point she shoves the bottle at me and glares at me, "Here. Now get out!"

"Muy bein"  I say as I walk towards the door. 

"You're an A-hole, Jules!"  she yells.

Sensing I should just get myself out of her building all together, I call over my should as I make my way down the hallway to the elevator, "I will let you know if we find anything interesting."  Her answer was a very loud door slam. 

One thing I do know is that Kate is done. I want Marcella back and if I have to die finding the truth, it will be

God's will. My mother used to always say that to me during difficult times.

Fendi Handbags, LOVE!

Fendi Handbag anyone? Yes, me too please. I don't have the patience or the time to go to the mall and look in store after store. I love websites that offer lots of variety and you can shop by brand like www.bluefly.com. I was excited when they wanted us to review their selection of Fendi Handbags because who doesn't love that classic? Let's do a little drooling, shall we?

I know. Great for trips or just a huge mom bag!

I'm proud and resisted posting all the black bags I love because it goes with everything. Go check out the selection and they offer 20% retail. And guess what? YOU can read other Fendi shoppers reviews and leave one too!

March Madness: How Do Parents Get To Games?

 This article brought to you by our weekly sports writer, Cleavie Wonder.  Visit Cleavie's website

The NCAA basketball tournament will begin this week with 68 schools competing for the championship.  This is the time of year when heroes are made and legacies are solidified.  Undoubtedly the parents (mostly mothers) of these collegiate athletes will travel from city to city supporting their sons and daughters and giving them encouragement.  It is a long, expensive process to go from Charlotte to Albuquerque to Houston (if the teams make it that far) so ask yourself one question.  How do these parents afford to travel all over the country to watch their kids play basketball?

The safe, conservative answer is these parents save up all year to have enough money to pay for travel and lodging during the March Madness.  The safe, politically correct answer is these parents reach out to family and friends to help out with the financial burden of tickets, parking, and concessions.  The real answer is college boosters supply them with the money.  Most of the student athletes come from poor backgrounds and single parent households.  Not only is there a cost associated with the travel, but there's also a cost associated with missing work.  Can you tell me how a single mother raising 4 kids on her own can afford to sit 12 rows behind the bench 3 weekends in a row without any financial aid whatsoever?

Most people don't ask the question because they don't want to know the answer.  It is probably the easiest NCAA violation to spot, but who wants to be the person that puts a school on probation for supplying improper benefits to parents that just want to watch their children in pursuit of their dreams?  I for one applaud the NCAA for turning a blind eye to these violations yet I can't help but think how hypocritical the whole system is.  It doesn't take a mathematician to figure out something doesn't add up and the money has to come from somewhere.  Sometimes I'm too observant for my own good.

Part Twelve: Night Desires

Missed any of this continuing story?  All previous 11 parts are linked here.



He looks at me blows smoke my way and says, "Who’s the girl Jules?" as he flicks the cigarette to the ground.

"None of your business. If you have anything to say to me, contact my lawyer." and as I walk off the Detective calls after me, "Should I ask your wife Marrisa who she is? She will be able to tell me right?"

So I stop and turn around to face the man who should be looking for our missing baby not stalking me. But I tell Jack that Kate is a client.

"That’s some kind of a client dressed like that to meet a married man." Jack smirks

At this point, I’m pretty nervous but I manage, "I am in the entertainment business." but I know I have opened another door for Detective Reece to investigate as Kate was sitting a little too close and the meeting looked anything but professional.

I turn around and tell Jack, "Think what you want."

Feeling really guilty thanks to that damn detective and seeing Kate, I decide to go do some shopping for Marissa at the Promenade. I buy her a very nice pair of thigh high camel color boots and a diamond bracelet.

On my way back to the office,  I call a friend of mine, Dave who works in a lab. I ask him if he could test the bottle of vodka that Ace gave to us for a controlled substance. I tell him that a friend of a friend brought this bottle over to our house and we are suspicious of it. Dave buys the lame story and tells me to bring the bottle and he will test it.

Once I get back to the office, I can’t focus so I call it a day and head home early to Marissa and the kids. They are surprised to see me as I walk in the door with a couple shopping bags. I hug the kids and tell them to go upstairs to play until dinner is ready. Marissa eyes my shopping bags and sarcastically says, "I see you were busy indulging yourself with new clothes."

I hand her the bag and tell her to check it out. She opens the shoe box and says, "Oh my God, honey! These are lovely!" and follows up with a passionate kiss. The mood is getting good. We haven’t had many days like this lately. She is still so depressed over our missing baby that smiles from Marrisa are rare.

After getting comfortable, I pour us both a glass of wine.  I hold her hand tight and then give her the box with the diamond tennis bracelet. She was elated and shows me how much by pushing me down on the couch and jumping on top of me. I laugh and whisper, "the kids!" We run quietly up the stairs to our room and locks the door.  I pull those tight little Lululemon work out pants off to the beautiful sight of her red lace panties. After 4 kids, she looks so good and I'm a very lucky man. She does a little sexy turn for me that she knows drives me crazy and that does it. We make the kind of passionate love that was well worth the bracelet and the boots.

Totally Addicted

And no, this has nothing to do with Charlie Sheen. I don't care if he is crazy and/or on drugs or fired. I really can't believe all the hype over him right now. Please make it stop.

Anyway...

Yesterday was a really good day. Major grocery shopping done and then lunch with a good friend. We came home and worked for a couple hours. Little kid came home, big kid came home. There was some happy hour and now I'm waiting for dinner to be prepared.

Something's missing....right? Running. I am now to the point where I miss running. Even on busy, fun days like today or on our rest days. I drive by people out for their run and I am jealous that they are running and I'm not.

This is the sign of a true addiction. Which amazes me. I am a former fat, anti-working out girl and now look at me. I can't not run. Sorry about the double negative but it's true. I am terrified of injury or anything that may inhibit running. Terrified, I tell you.

Running is like crack. Except it's not going to kill me or make me have bad skin (or is that meth?). Anyway, if you think you would never in a million years love running, never say never. Try it and be consistent. Tell me you don't love looking better than you ever have. Tell me you don't feel like an athlete that can do anything. Tell me you don't love eating pie every now and again and not feel guilty about it. Please let me know if I can help you. I mean it. I think Charlie Sheen needs to take up running. He would love the endorphins. Maybe too much.

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Senior Day

Our weekly sports writer, Cleavie Wonder. Visit Cleavie's website.

Over the past few years Senior Day has become one of my favorite events.  It's a chance for players to reflect upon their experiences and accomplishments over their college career.  Coaches are emotional and players are emotional for their last home game.  Parents (mostly mothers) are escorted to the court and treated like royalty while the fans get a chance to show their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication these student athletes put in.

It's hard to quantify how surreal it must feel for an athlete to know their college career is coming to an end.  For the most part a lot of these seniors will not play professional basketball after their eligibility is up.  It's the memories, the discipline, and the comradery that they will cherish.  Some students will continue to live the dream and pursue basketball opportunities around the world, but for the most part it is their last chance to be a part of something they have loved their whole lives.

We should not feel sorry for these students, we should be proud of them for focusing on their goal and achieving it.  There is some sadness of course because of the finality of Senior Day and the realization that these players must go forward without basketball.  I'm sure for most players there is an empty, hollow feeling and an uncertainty as to where their lives go from there.  It's important (but not easy) for these players to remember that the day is a celebration of a wonderful four years and not the end of life as they know it.  After all, 22 isn't exactly a "bucket list" age.  The world is their oyster and with the confidence and experience gained they should find plenty of pearls on their journey through life.

A funny little video before heading out

Running In Races

For as much as we promote and love running, this may come as a shock to you. Paul and I have never participated in a race. Which is odd. We are really competitive. We know we *CAN* easily do a 5k or a 10k and probably could even run the full 13.1 miles of a half marathon right now. We run a 10k nearly every day.

We just haven't yet. The key word there is *YET*. Races keep runner motivated and goals to work towards. We have decided to run the Can Do Run 5k-10k at the end of this month. The proceeds benefits children with special needs. The cool part is we can register as a family and the kids can join us. We were dubbed The Running Family last summer after all.

But then pushing Kyran in the jogging stroller does slow us down...and here I come with the competitive side. I really want to kick butt in my first race and Paul said he wants to win so little kid joining us is still up in the air.

And then we have one of our friends who just started running after having her second baby last fall. She was inspired by this website and me losing 70 pounds from running (how much do we love hearing that?). She is totally addicted and goes for her runs at 10pm when her girls are asleep and husband is home. Love how she works in her run!

She and I were "talking" on Facebook yesterday and I asked her if she has ran a race yet. She hasn't. It was decided that we should do the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Arizona next January. Obviously we have plenty of time to train for the full marathon but I would like to start with a half and work up to the full. And since I am calling her out here, she HAS to come to Arizona to run with us. So she is, right CG?. Charnai wants to run with us too! We will have a whole team! Team ButlerWay!

So there you have it. We will begin our competitive side of running this month and I'm sure it will become addicting and we will become race-aholics. Or something like that.

10 Reasons To Avoid Office Romance

This post was written by Laura Trutna who also writes for bachelor degree online on the topic of criminal justice degrees

The Office Becomes an Extended Walk of Shame: You thought what happens in private stays in private? Of course. But then you fall asleep at your office Romeo's apartment. No big deal, you'll just run home and change in the morning. Oh, but you live uptown and you'll never make it back to work in time? Uh oh. Now Becky two cubicles over notices you're wearing the same blouse with the mustard stain from yesterday. Okay, you'll just laugh nervously, brush it off. Only 7 ½ hours left in the work day and it'll never happen again. Until it does

Water Cooler Gossip: This was bound to happen. No one but you blushes when Mail Room Mark walks by. Maybe you even feel a little sassy on Monday and throw them a wink. Oh, now it's on. Coworkers can see something is happening, they wonder if it's mutual. You can deal with it right up until you get recommended for that sexual harassment seminar. Try not to take it too personally, but maybe that good-job-completing-your-report-sweetie bootie tap wasn't as clandestine as you thought.

Favortism: Maybe you aren't the type to keep your love a secret. Kudoes! But Bob has noticed that you seem to finish those spreadsheets faster when the request comes from a certain someone, and he doesn't appreciate it. Or worse, your sweetie is in a position above you and now the positive review you received this quarter is under scrutiny. Accusations of favortism are flying left and right and there's nothing you can do about it.

Proximity Does Not Make the Heart Grow Fonder: Dinner last night was so romantic. And breakfast this morning. And lunch this afternoon. And the love notes in your in-tray. And the emails. And hey, that argument last night wasn't a big deal, you'll have time to cool down in your adjacent cubicles before your date again tonight.

Secrecy is Only Hot for So long: You are keeping your dating life a secret? Naughty you! Of course, all those stolen glances and secret rendevous' in the vending machine alcove are pretty hot. But the lies are starting to get exhausting. And this afternoon you got stood up in the supplies closet because your better-half got pulled into an emergency meeting. Romantic...

You May Stay Together Longer Than is Wise: You've finally decided that enough is enough. But what to do? They're not ready to break up and you really don't feel like getting bitter memos every hour. Plus sitting across from them. So you'll stick it out just a little longer. Then a little longer. And longer... and longer...

The Fallout: It's everything bad about a breakup: the blame, the maudlin voicemails, the bickering over returning Creed CD's and Led Zeppelin t-shirts; except you share a breakroom and are together 40 hours a week. Moving on? Good luck!

Future Discomfort: There are and unlimited number of scenarios that would have been moderately uncomfortable to begin with, but are now exponentially more so; competing for the same promotion, collaborating on a project, requesting edits on a subpar piece of work. The list goes on....

Lasting Effects: No matter how nice your coworkers are to your face, they're not going to forget you diddled your coworker. The YouTube videos in your email inbox say so. Worse yet, your manager wasn't completely oblivious and now wonders if you can be objective enough to be project manager. Ouch.

Firing: This one is pretty self-explanatory. Many companies frown on, or even forbid, office romance. Don't play with fire. Pun intended.

Part Eleven: Night Desires

 Paul's story continues. It you missed any of the previous parts, they are all linked here.

I get straight to the point by explaining my actions that night. My behavior was both reckless and hurtful. Not only to her but Marissa as well. Then I assure her that isn’t the real Jules. She calms a bit and we move on to the night in question..She asks me when did I leave. I tell her about 7:30 and I had tried to wake her up but she wouldn’t budge. 

"Weird." she says. She goes on to tell me how she woke up about 9:00 and couldn’t remember anything. She went into Loraina’s room and was somewhat disturbed by the scene. Loraina was naked and uncovered and knocked out cold. She didn’t wake for several hours.

“I guess from what she remembers, Loraina says that either Ace and or Javier raped her. Plus they had stolen a lot of expensive electronics and other items from our apartment.” Kate says shaking her head.

We both share with each other how we thought it was weird that we passed out like that after one drink. I know it was for me. One thing I forgot to mention to her is that they took $1400 cash out of my wallet.

I asked her, “So neither one of you guys knew those two creeps huh?”

“No. Loraina met them at a house party that night. She thought they were kind of funny and because a good friend of hers Ava introduced them she felt comfortable inviting them back to the flat. And Ace mentioned he had a little weed and she wanted to cut loose a little bit.”

“How can a low life loser like Ace be funny? I knew he was bad news the minute I laid eyes on him. Javier he just a puppet on string.”

“Jules, something interesting I just thought about. I had a friend over last week and gave her some of the vodka that Ace left behind. She passed out rather quick which was very surprising after one drink.  That girl can hold her alcohol well and not to mention it was only 7:30pm.”

That got my wheels turning fast so I ask her if she still has the bottle. She nods with a dubious look on her face. I ask her if I can have it because I want to have it tested. I think we all might have been drugged that night. She agrees and tells me I am welcome to stop by her place anytime to grab it.

“How about tomorrow?” I say

“Okay.” she says.”Just call me and we can figure out a time that works for us both. I need to get going.” She gives me a hug then walks out into the LA sunshine.

As I think back on that whole night and what really happen to me, it’s all starting to make more sense. I’m fairly certain we all were drugged that night by Ace and Javier. Was the master plan to take advantage of the girls and take our personal belongings? They stole all my cash out of my wallet but left the credit cards. My driver’s license seemed like it had been removed and returned to my wallet. I can’t be sure but I tell you what, I’m going to find out.

After settling up with the waiter, I walk outside and turn the corner.  Damn sure enough no other than detective Jack Reece is standing right outside the door smoking a cigarette.

Diana Taurasi: Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Our weekly sports writer, Cleavie Wonder. Visit Cleavie's website Sidelinestalk

Diana Taurasi is arguably the best women's basketball player on the planet. She has won multiple national championships, WNBA championships, and gold medals. Her body of work rivals Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie respectively. Earlier this winter Diana was accused of taking performance enhancing drugs by the Turkish basketball confederation after two of her urine samples came back positive. Despite her claims of innocence, Diana Taurasi was suspended from play in the Turkish league and banned from international competition.

In the modern age of technology information flows so freely and instantaneous that it is difficult to determine what is true and what is false. A rumor becomes fact in a matter of minutes just because the story is out. There is no way to control the dissemination of information or to validate the truth of the speculation. More times than not a story is taken at face value and no one cares about the consequences. It is a function of the times we live in that hearsay is perceived as fact.

As it turns out Diana Taurasi was right. The Turkish lab that administered the drug testing admitted they made a mistake and the results were incorrect. Diana was re-instated on her Turkish basketball team and is eligible for international play once again. At this point. the damage has been done however there is no way to restore her reputation. The negative connotation of being labeled as a cheater will always stick with her even though she has been exonerated of any wrong doing. Bad news is more sensational than good news and it stays with you longer. Let's hope for Diana's sake the same public that rushed to judgment about her guilt stands up and acknowledges her innocence. Probably not though huh?