My Land Lord`s Electrician`s Business Skills

A few days before we had to go to Tampa Florida for FetishCon, my Living Room Ceiling Fan stopped working as well as one Outlet. I called our Landlord and he gave me the Number of his Electrician. I called them and left message that I needed to set up an appointment. When we were in Florida I saw I had a few missed messages from the Electrician. When I got a chance, I called the Electrician Back and set up an appointment once we got back home.
The appointment was set for Friday at 3pm. Roy had to be gone all day so I adjusted my schedule so I could be home by 3pm. At 1pm I was at home doing errands when the Electricians called me, they said that they were running early and if it was okay to come by in 20-30minutes. I said okay and decided to wait for them and finish my errands afterwards as long as I can get everything done before 3:30pm. By 1:30pm, no electrician, so I called them to see how much longer and if had enough time to take a quick 20minute jog. The Electrician said they are on way, so I waited some more. I was getting stressed because none of my errands was getting done and it was getting later. 20 minutes later (it was around 2:30pm by now) I called electricians and asked if I could just reschedule because I really needed to get my errands done before the weekend and it was Friday. They said they were still on their way. I asked again, if I could just cancel today and reschedule. The lady said they are booked until next week. I said I will take my chances and call them back.
The Following week my Husband called the Electrician and left several messages un-returned. The next day he called them back, this time they picked up the phone. He asked them if he could schedule an appointment. She pulled attitude with him saying that we were on the no call back list and they refuse to come to our house. My husband then called our Landlord and told him of our problem. Our Landlord said that they were His electrician and for us to find our own electrician, have them fix our Ceiling Fan & Outlet and to deduct it from our rent as long as it is under $65-
Really????? WTF???????? How is this Good Business??? Sheeeesh!!!!

Happy 100th Birthday to Lucille Ball, I love Lucy!!

Happy 100th Birthday to my Favorite Star EVER Lucille Ball! My Dream was to become Lucy in I love Lucy, she had the Perfect Friends, The Perfect Husband, The Perfect Hair Color and The Perfect Life! If ever I could jump into a TV Show and make it my Life, It would be I Love Lucy!

2nd Place TV Show, might be Gidget!

Lucille Ball Owned her own Studio, was the First to have a Pregnant woman on TV and have an Episode about it. Lucille Ball was the 1st to bring inter-racial Marriage to TV. Lucille Ball was the 1st Cougar, she was older than Desi, her Husband. Desi invented the 4 cameras on Set. Desi & Lucy used Film to tape their TV show. I read many books about her. She was a True inspiration & pioneer to me, I love Lucy!!

Mick our UK Postman

Mick is a UK postman. Around 14years ago, he took his Holiday (what they call our Vacation) in the USA. For no reason, he came to Long Beach California, maybe The Queen Mary that is docked here might have something to do with it. From his hotel, he took a cab, he ask the cab driver to take him somewhere fun where he could get a cold beer. That cab driver took him on the Famous 2nd Street in Belmont Shore and dropped him off at a Murphy`s Irish Pub. Mick thanked the cab driver and walked upstairs to Murphy`s for a cold pint of beer. That night he met Graham (our England Import) and The LBC Wack Pack. True friendships were born that night. Mick had a grand time.
Ever since Mick`s 1st visit to the Shore on his Holiday, he has returned at the Same time during Summer for the past 14years and counting. He gets a hotel just outside the Shore. He gets up fairly early, puts on his shorts & his walking shoes and starts his long all day walk. He walks to the towards the shore, down 2nd street, through Belmont Shore, to the Peninsula, then along the Ocean, stops at The Pier at the Belmont Brewing Company for a pint, then he walks to the Queen Mary and ends his journey at Murphy`s. Unless it is a Friday night, on a Friday, after Mick`s walk, he will stop at his Hotel room to get dressed up in slacks, button down shirt and dress shoes. I have learned through my English friends that is what Proper 'Bloaks' do on a Friday Night. Friday Night guys get dressed up, that is the Rule.
Mick is true to his routine, he never strays. It was Only 4 years ago he added something to his weekly schedule. He Now comes to our weekly Monday Summer Night Grilling Dinners on the Roof. He shows up after his walk with a bag of Bud Light, his favorite Beer. He laughs, eats and stares at the View. He says it is Paradise and it is good to be home. After a few beers Mick will get down on one knee and propose to a Girl in hopes to get his green card and move here. Mick is joking, but yet, I think he maybe a bit more serious then everyone thinks.
It is always sad when it is time to say goodbye to Mick. It is a grim reminder that Summer is coming to a Close and that it will be another Year before seeing our dear Friend Mick. So Ladies, take a gander at his photo, if you happen to see Mick walk by, say hello and if he gets on one knee, for god sakes, Please say YES, We want Mick Back Home where he belongs!!

Introducing Felix The Cat

As you may remember, my 13 year old Girl Cat, Kaiko died back in January. My husband Roy took it pretty hard, even though he knew Kaikio only 3 years of her 13years.
Blog about it Here: http://romantictorture.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-life-as-krazy-kat-saving-ladyoh-and.html

In June of this year 2011 Roy came to me and said that a co-worker has some kittens that need homes and that maybe we should take a look at them. I was pleasantly surprised. Roy was very distraught over losing Kaiko and would not talk about getting another cat with me, however we both agreed that we should think of getting a Kitten to keep our 3year old Boy Cat Frankie active and company. We do have Bear, my 14year old Female cat, however, she is like owning a pigeon. She does not socialize with anyone, she hides all the time, but she does like getting groomed by Frankie.
I said, Sure, lets go check out the Kittens. When we got there, there was about 6 kittens all playing around. I spotted one in particular, he looked just like Johnny (my 16 year old cat that died in 2007) and he looked just like Frankie when he was little. Yes, i have a type of cats i gravitate to, usually the black and white males or the orange boy tabby cats. In my experience, boy cats are more loving, but girl cats have a charm as well.
There was an instant connection with this kitten. We took him home, named him Felix, due to his look and to my nostalgic fondest to the Cartoon Character Felix the Cat. When we got home, he immediately ran around, exploring and smelling everything. He found our Cockatiel bird Fred fascinating, attempting to stalk it unsuccessfully. When he met Frankie, I was expecting Frankie to be the 1st to hiss at Felix, since it was Frankie`s house 1st, but surprisingly, Felix hissed at Frankie! However that quickly changed, Frankie Now rules the Roost.
Since Felix was covered in Fleas, I put a Flea collar on him and doused him in Flea Powder. All was fine until 2 days later. Felix would not wake up. He would just sleep. He would not even get up to eat, drink water or go pee. I kept him bundled up inside my hoodie close to my heart. The next day I took Felix to the Vet. Felix had a 105 temperature. The Vet took an x-ray of his belly and it had lots of gas in him. Felix was highly allergic to something and it caused an infection. The Vet gave him antibiotic shots and send Felix home with a bunch of medicine for me to give him 2 times a day. As soon as I brought Felix back home I saw an improvement. Each day, Felix got better and Better. We still have no idea what happened to Felix. The Vet said Felix could have been sick before I got him or it could have been something from my house. I hope it was not the flea collar or powder I put on him, but just to be safe, I will not do that again. Felix Loves to climb up on my shoulder and sleep on my neck. Felix Loves to sleep in Bed with me, my Hubby and Frankie! Felix is back to being a Mischievous energetic Little Kitten terrorizing Frankie, just the way I like it!

R.I.P. The Chairman Andy Wallace, you Blessed our Hearts, we Love you & you will be missed our Friend!

My Friend Andy Wallace Died on Saturday May 21st. My Friend Tanya Danielle put into words so well what I am thinking.....here below are photos of the Last time Andy came to visit us & her Moving Tribute Journal Message about our Friend Andy, The Chairman, R.I.P.

In Memory of Chairman Andy (July 20, 1972 - May 21, 2011) Last Saturday I was sitting inside a restaurant as I ate some breakfast and wrote a synopsis for a video that I planned to release in my VOD store within a few days. I chuckled to myself as I scribbled words onto a pad, already anticipating the reaction of Chairman Andy of the WTB when he read them. He had commissioned the filming of a boxing match between Nicole Oring and me and I was attempting to infuse the video description with a bit of humor. The restaurant was beginning to fill up around 10am so I finished my writing, paid my bill, and headed toward the beach. While I was spreading out a towel on the sand I heard my phone ring. Fifteen minutes later I remembered that someone had called me so I checked to see if I had any messages. I was gazing at the ocean when I heard my friend Bob's voice telling me that Chairman Andy had died. The waves rolled onto the shoreline and then rolled back out. I stared at this force of nature as it repeated itself a few more times. The sun beat down on me and I vaguely noticed the sounds of other beachgoers who were enjoying this beautiful California day. For a few long moments I did nothing, felt nothing. Time seemed to stand still even though that sounds a bit corny. Eventually I replayed Bob's message. Then I played it again. After hearing it for the third time I disconnected the line and put the phone back in my bag. I felt surprisingly calm. The ocean rolled, the sun shone, and I planted the soles of my feet on the ground so I could sift the sand between my toes. Over the next few hours my thoughts did not stray far from Andy. The beach is a magical place for me and I felt glad that I was visiting the one locale that always reminds me that we humans are simply a part of a greater plan. I found myself clinging to a small ray of hope that perhaps Andy had not really passed on. Bob would never knowingly relay erroneous information, but maybe he had come across some type of twisted Internet rumor that had no basis in truth. I soaked in the sunshine and decided to wait until I got home to call Bob. After returning to my apartment I dialed his number and discovered that Andy had indeed died on May 21, 2011. Over the past 8 years Andy and I had corresponded via the bulletin board on my website and/or with e-mails on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Now I knew why he had fallen silent for a longer period of time than normal. Like all of Andy's other friends I wonder why Andy had to depart our world so soon. I will miss his pithy insights and his razor-sharp wit. He just cracked me up. We laughed at a lot of the same things. I remember writing about my experience with The Most Miserable Woman in Los Angeles a few months ago. Andy totally understood my sentiments. That woman was 220 lbs. of malice packed onto a 5'2 frame. She was working inside the Cashier's Office of Department 141 at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse when I had shown up there to pay a fine. I felt glad that a plexiglass shield separated me from the vitriol that spewed from her mouth as she lit into me for bringing the wrong paperwork. Funny, she did accept my paperwork at the end of her rant. Turns out that she really had no choice. In fact, she could have simply taken both my documents and my check without commentary and then moved right on to the next person who was waiting in the line that literally went out the door and into the hallway. To me that woman represents the small minority of people who purposely pump hatred into routine, everyday encounters. Kind of like the person who leans full-bore on the horn if it takes you a second to notice that a traffic light has turned green. Kind of like the person who goes into a restaurant and looks for reasons to insult the wait staff. I mention all this because Andy represented the polar opposite of all these tortured souls. He did his best to make everyone happy. Andy was one of the kindest, most generous, thoughtful people that I have ever met. He expressed his warmth to anyone who chose to offer a greeting, have a casual conversation, or write a message to him. Additionally, he had the ability to make me laugh out loud when I was sitting alone inside my living room. I have pages upon pages of posts on my website bulletin board that reveal both his caring nature and his irreverent sense of humor. Over the past few days I have laughed and cried as I reread many of them. Andy's death has compelled me to pore over his words and then reflect more upon his character than I had ever done during his life. In the wake of his passing I feel, as always, very connected to the benign power of the universe, to this nearly unimaginable force that creates the ocean tides, presides over countless births and deaths, and governs our actions. From my perspective Andy seemed to lack hubris. He was a sweet, humble soul - albeit an extremely intelligent, sarcastic one - who just hoped that people would return the kindness that he extended to them. That takes a lot of strength and at times it can be a very hard way to live. I do not know where Andy is right now, but I believe that the universe has ushered him forth to a better place. Andy, I feel the tears in my eyes as I write this. From 2003 - 2011 you and I both experienced the deaths of numerous of our loved ones. We had ample opportunity to discuss our opinions about the so-called "afterlife". I never thought that you would go there so quickly, my friend. Stacy, Hollywood, and I are just in utter shock. Numerous members of my website have expressed both their sorrow and their desire to help me however possible as I come to terms with your passing. Many have commented on the nature of the special bond that you and I shared. Your blithe spirit and benevolent nature have touched so many people. I will make every effort to carry on your legacy of treating others with compassion and respect. You changed my life, Andy, by filling so many of my days with fun, laughter, and the generosity of your spirit. Thank you. You are in my heart and in my soul. Andy, Stacy Burke, Hollywood, and I shot the above photos during Andy's last visit to Los Angeles in November, 2010. XO Tanya

Attention to all Partners of Loved Ones

Attention to all Partners: There is going to be times that your Loved one is going to go through an Emotional Break Down. It has Nothing to do with you.....unless you handle it wrong, then it will have EVERYTHING to do with you!!
1st rule is to take yourself out of it. Do not make it about you. You might want to make an excuse why you are afraid to come to their rescue or afraid to be there for them. STOP THAT. Listen, REALLY Listen to what they are saying. The best thing you can do is to go to them & listen without judgement, advice or anything involving you & how you feel. You can ask them if you can do anything, but do not show your feelings if the answer is not to your liking or what you expected. It is NOT about you & your expectations. You just NEED to be there for them, without judgement. It will be the best thing you can do for them and they will most likely do the same for you when you need it.
I will update this post soon....stay Tuned!

Hawaii Bound Update - HATE Expedia!!

URRrrrGGGggg - Major snag in our Hawaii Trip. Roy bought my Plane Ticket via Expedia. Roy`s work changed his flight - so Roy had to change my Ticket as well. As soon as he did that I had a bad feeling. I have Never had a good experience in Changing Plane Tickets. Expedia told Roy, no Problem, they would refund his money from Old Ticket and only charge New Ticket.
Well - Roy checked his bank and sure enough - Expedia withdrew money from both tickets. Roy is furious. Our Rent Check might Bounce. Not Good. We have both been on phone with Expedia to try to get our money back. We have been on hold all day. I finally got through after one hour on hold - and the lady hung up on me!!!!!
Roy says they are trying to pay him back with a Flight Voucher - they are basically forcing us to Pay for another Plane ticket, in which we will never use and you know that IF we did use it, it would have a Ton of restrictions.
We are soooo pissed off - this will break us, we cannot afford this, we could barely afford this trip as it was........I really do not Ever want to Fly Again......EVER!!!!

UPDATE May 22nd 2011:
Expedia Refunded Roy`s Money - it took a few days & a lot of waiting on hold and convincing that a Plane Voucher was not an option but all ended well, Roy very Relieved!

Hawaii Bound!

Roy and I have been married for a little over 3 years. We have yet to go on a Honeymoon, mainly due to the lack of Funds & lack of time. However, Roy has a New Client in Hawaii and Roy has to Fly out the 1st week of June. Roy decided to take me with him to Hawaii!!! All of Roy`s Travel Expenses are paid for, so all Roy has to do is Pay for my Plane ticket. I think he is using the money we both got back from our income taxes. I have never been to Hawaii before, so I am super Excited!! Roy has been to Hawaii 6 times to all the Islands. Roy has to work while we are there, so I plan on going on all the Tourist Tours. Roy said he might not have to work a full schedule, so the late afternoons & Evenings will be free for the both of us to Enjoy Hawaii. This will be both our Honeymoon and my Birthday Gift since my Birthday is May 27th.
Roy told me that they have a swap meet that is very cool & very cheap! I think I will pack Very Light, bringing Empty Suitcases to hold my stuff that I am going to get in Hawaii.
I am trying to get enough photo shoots booked before so I have some spending cash while I am there. I am also trying to get all my errands & website updates done before I leave. I will have my friend Reg stay at our home to care for our Animals, Plants & House. I will be sure to take lots of Photos and Video while I am in Hawaii. Be sure to check my Twitter Feed for up to the Minute Vacation Updates, Photos & Videos. http://Twitter.com/StacyBurke
I cannot wait to see how tan I am going to get. Roy said he might not be able to get me off the island, he maybe correct! I have a feeling that me & Hawaii are going to get along real Well!!
Aloha!!

Hope you are Never are in the path of Roy`s (Thor`s) Hammer!

May 7th 2011, Roy, our friend Ed & me all went to the Renaissance Fair. I love the Ren Fair. I used to get season tickets and spend all season at the Ren Fair when it used to be held at Devore California. Now the Ren Fair is in Irwindale California. Not as good or as Big as when it was in Devore, however, still very fun!
My Favorite Drink there is an Aboulette, which is Cider (Pear, Raspberry or Pomegranate), Guinness and a Chocolate Port Float on top, so very yummy!! The Food there is the Best. Anything you can ever want. The Shopping there is great as well. Many Unique Gifts that you will never find anywhere else. Very Expensive, however not as much as Disneyland, and much more Worth It! It is All about Food, Beer & Cleavage. I always dress up. I have a Wench Outfit, but I seem to wear my Belly Dance/Gypsy outfit more. If you ever watched the E! Girls Next Door. Bridget & I used to go together every year. One year we took Holly, Kendra & Hef to the Ren Fair & Filmed it on the TV Show. Great time, love the Ren Fair!
When we drove home, we found that our Neighbors were having a party and some random person Parked in our Driveway. Not a Big Deal so much I guess, but it happens to us so much that it has become a Nuisance. Roy had a bit to many Aboulettes at the Ren Fair and got really angry, yelling at the Party people to move their car ASAP from our Driveway.
This did not go down so well with the Party People and they got into my husband`s face. I stepped out of my car and started to come to my husband`s defense. It was pretty heated. A bunch of guys & a Chick I never met before were screaming in my face and ready to fight me & my husband. I yelled back saying 'Look, My husband had a little to much to Drink, you are still in the wrong for Parking in our Driveway, but no matter what, I will defend my Husband so let me take him home or I will hurt you!'
I took my husband inside our house, but he was still very upset. The cops came and talked to the party people and left. I begged my husband`s friends to take my hubby away from our house, since the party was still going on outside and my husband was threatening to go out and prove his point. Roy went to Murphy`s, his favorite hang out. Might not been a good idea for him to keep drinking, but yet it was better than him being home close to the party people. I stayed home to make sure that everything was safe. It was a good idea because after awhile the party people left. Roy was out with his buddies, away from what would make him more angry and when he did finally got home, he just passed out, eventually.
The next day, Roy was still upset, but he was also very hung over. I cooked him a greasy breakfast and stayed home to nurse him back to feeling better. All through the day however, he kept saying he was still upset & it was wrong for people to park in our driveway. I agree with him, but I told him, it is not about who is right at the moment. The thing is how to handle it. He just needs to chill out. Whatever the case, at least people know NEVER PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY AGAIN, or else Thor`s Hammer will come down HARD on whoever Dares question our will - HAZZAH!!
oxox, Stacy

Graham our British Pirate.

Graham is from England. He was once in the Military there. He is Only 50 years old, but his life experiences make him appear to be Older. He has a Strong English Accent. He Loves his Beer, his Hand Rolled Drum Cigarettes and his Daughter that he sees every time he can. He looks like a weathered Pirate and he is as crude as one as well. He comes off very Crass, but for some reason, Graham can get away with it. I think along with the Accent, in which Girls adore, I think people can see through his appearance & verbal lack of etiquette, and know through all that is a heart of gold. He is one of those guys that will come to your rescue no matter how drunk he is or how inconvenienced it may be. No matter how drunk he may be, he will snap out of it and go into action when needed.
I have so many stories about Graham that I will share in time. I always said that we need to install a Camera in his forehead & call it the 'Graham Cam' His stories are so Funny, Odd & brush with Greatness & Death that they are not believable.
His dream is to buy a boat, live & Sail around the world. Great Dream, but we are worried. Graham has never sailed or driven a boat ever in his life! He says he will learn on the way. We are begging him to take classes, but he refuses. He says Evil Vic will teach him. Oh Boy, Evil Vic??? He Drinks more than Graham, which is saying a lot and He is no Sailor either, talk about the Blind leading the Blind!! We joke around with Graham, making up quotes in his Captain Log: Day 24 -just passing 7-11 in Long Beach Harbor, The Natives are restless, Stopping for Beer, tobacco and supplies, Vic almost dead. Day 38: On Island that the natives call Catalina - Claiming it Graham Land. Vic is Dead.
Graham just bought a Boat this week. He says it is getting towed here, should be here by next week. We cannot wait to see it. This adventure to be continued.

....This Just in May. 9th 2011: Graham Just Bought a Boat....Below is the 1st Photo of it of him at Sea in it with our Friend Veronica. He says it needs a lot of work, the engine is shot, but it sails okay for now. Oh boy, it is going to be an Eventful Summer, I can feel it!!