About me: A work in progress:

December 18, 2009

Just wanted to share my absolute favorite song of this festive season.  Enjoy it.

LITTLE DRUMMER BOY: BING CROSBY AND DAVID BOWIE

Thank you, Veronica Romm

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Part 17: November 27, 2008 Thanksgiving:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Holidays are extremely bittersweet and I have a much better understanding of why that is now.  Life with all it’s changes and curve balls never ceases to amaze and test ones spirit.  There are so many things to be thankful for and I wish that I was better equipped to be absolutely aware of that, I am not however, at present anyway going to pretend that it’s just another day, or another Thanksgiving.

I can’t in all truthfulness get into the holiday “mode” and pretend all is well.  A crisis of faith perhaps, a harsh reality check, or pessimism has made me less than excited about it all.  Perhaps if I had children I would be able to “fake it” better but I do not and this allows me some room for Scrooge- like thinking.

F*#k it, I don’t feel like putting on a brave face.  I don’t want to smile and exchange pleasantries, while inside my heart aches from the breaks in it.  F*#k it, would be the only words I say today if I could, or maybe no words at all.  Total silence would be so sweet.

Veronica Romm


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Part 16: October 28, 2008
An off the cuff video for the good people who read my stuff.

Vidoe has been removed.  Sorry folks.
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Part 15: October 27, 2008
If you had not noticed I have started blogging once again.  It feels good to be back and I hope my writing remains interesting and original.  You guys, the ones that read this blog, let me know if I am sucking up the place, Ok?  I am still rusty and need all the help I can get.  So If you hate something,  or my blog no longer interests you let me know before you go.  Thank you to everyone for their support and friendship during a very difficult time.  I won’t name names but you know who you are.  You are great people and without your kindness I don’t know how I would have made it through.  All my love to my friends, readers, family, stumblers and everyone on this immense inter-web, you rock.
Veronica Romm
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Part 14: October 2, 2008
For the Jewish people this week is the New Year leading up to Yom Kippur the holiest holiday for our faith.  This time is really proving to be very difficult.  Spencer would be celebrating his birthday on Friday Oct.3.  People say it is hardest around holidays, and they are most certainly correct.  I am truly just trying to keep it together these next few days as I feel so much grief and loss.  On Friday his friends and family will get together to commemorate his birthday.  I am looking forward to and dreading this event, but I will be there.  It is still so raw, and with holidays all I can think of is munching on leftovers and watching some game with Spe.  WTF do I do now?  The worst part is I still cry, as realized on Tues. when we sat for Rosh Hashana dinner.  I made it through about 2 hours but then, I just broke down.  I warned my mother that I wished to leave but I guess she didn’t consider why.  I excused myself and in the ladies room let the tears pour out.  Once I start I simply cannot stop so my mother realized it was time to go.  I could not even say goodbye to my family as I hate having people see me cry.  I fear this will happen on Friday and there is nothing more that I want to do than be able not to cry in the presence of Spencer’s Mother and Sister.  I pray for the strength to pull myself together, and I hope I do not have to leave.  Although the reality is that I can’t be sure of anything right now.  As you may have noticed, I have not written anything new in a while.  I am blocked completely and hope for that to be a temporary condition.  So, on the whole I am a walking mess, trying very hard to keep it together.  Wish me luck.
Veronica Romm
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Part 13: Sept.11 2008
Another entry, another sad day.  I just wanted to write today so I could have this entry to remember how I was feeling.  How am I feeling?  So much loss on this day, and much in my life.  I am struggling with reality and wishing it was a dream.  Days like today make it harder not to feel even more.  I will not belabor this point.  I only want to say Never Forget the tragedies of 9/11 and do something for someone today.  Do something good for someone every day.  Move on, live laugh as much as possible, and always, always remember.  May all who lost their lives and those left behind know how much they are missed.
Veronica Romm
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Part 12:August 25, 2008
It comes as no surprise to me to see I posted a journal entry on July 17, 2008, I didn’t know how that day was going to end and it is odd to see it.  On that day life would change, and I simply had no idea.  It’s great to see I had hope in the Aug 6, post though it is the most meaningless event now.  I thought I was hurt, HA.  I had no idea what pain was in store for me just a few days later.  Some of you read my poetry and know about the loss of a dear friend, Spencer Parris recently (it is the goodbye post and poem on the front page).  I laugh now at the insignificance of the journal entry below, because I even bothered to think about this person, while in honesty they don’t deserve a solitary thought from me.
How immature and stupid something is one day, and the next its like you are in a different world looking through different eyes.  I have had a week to get used to the idea of Spencer being gone, so I am no longer in denial.  I am very angry, and very sad, acceptance is very hard.  I know I am at the beginning of the grieving process, though I am not sure it really ever ends.  Life goes on and one gets accustomed to things.  Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement over the week.  It has meant a lot to me.
Veronica Romm
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Part 11: Aug. 6, 2008
Still very much a work in progress.  The work being me, and the progress… well it is a slow process with no real definitive deadline.  This summer has been a time of healing both literally and figuratively speaking.  It has seen its upsets and its triumphs and I still go on.  Thankfully I am a hopeful person, and this has made things a little bit easier overall in my attitude towards life.  One thing I can’t seem to prevent very well is getting very hurt by people even though I should know better by now.  So quite recently I was  hurt again by another who may or may not have known what they were doing as they inflicted the pain.  I reorganized my blog, moving poems and stories around in an effort to do something.  They are the same stories, some new of course and others you may have already seen here.  Either way, enjoy them, laugh with/at me and know that I am working on this progress all the time.
Note: My blogs will not be moving and will remain as they were, contrary to the previous entry.
Veronica Romm
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Part 10: July 17, 2008
I am moving this blog and sportsgirl to a very cool new spot and I cant wait.  I will give all info when I have them ready.  I am actually not building them, but having it done for me, which is a relief and a blessing.  I am looking forward to the Olympics and the U.S. OPen and hoping to catch a Nadal match along the way.  I am looking for a job and now have narrowed my search to teaching. I am relieved to have figured it out.  Wish me luck.  I hope you all are having interesting summers.
Veronica
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Part 9: July 6, 2008

What a difference a day makes.  If you read my previous posts, there was one particular one about my love of the underdog.  So when I started writing my sports blog I could not believe the upsets that were occurring.  It started with the great Celtics win that shut down the Lakers in a triumphant manner.  It just kept going with Novak Djokovic winning the Australian Tennis Open and with Ana Ivanovic becoming no.1 with her win at the French Tennis Open.  Then Wimbledon rolled around and the most stunning upsets occurred daily with week one seeing Sharapova, and Ivanovic upset by players seeded in the 100’s.  Today was the men’s Wimbledon final and for the first time, after one of the best tennis matches ever to have been played in Wimbledon history, Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in an upset so exciting it will be a part of history.  I watched the entire match which with rain delays (2) lasted close to 7 hours and my heart raced the entire time.  I was awed by the level of play by these two champions and when  Rafael Nadal broke Fed’s serve and was serving for the championship I did not breath.  I could barely watch and I prayed.  Nadal finally achieved his dream of winning the Wimbledon title, against the toughest most beloved tennis champion in history.  It was fantastic.  He cried, Roger cried, I cried it was that emotional.  I am on a high now, believing anything is possible.  I love sports and I always cheer on the underdog.

Veronica

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Part 8  JULY 5 2008

Another installment, another month.  I can ambivalent, about everything it seems.  I am not numb, or mad, or thrilled.  Nor am I sad.  I am lonely.  This comes as a revelation to myself, b/c I am generally a loner and always have my nose in a book or something.  Well, today I can honestly say that I am lonely.  I could do a  number of things in terms of possibly socializing, but even if I go out I will still be lonely.  Sometimes I am loneliest when I am surrounded by many people.  Lonely isn’t about how many people I hang out with, or what I do for entertainment.  It is the reality of being human, and alone that I am speaking of.  Lonely, that’s how I feel today.

Veronica

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Part 7 June 2, 2008

I have neglected this journal since I became sick and was posting updates on the main page.  So here is a final wrap-up of my ordeal.

I had the surgery May 8, 2008 and stayed in the hospital for 4 days on a morphine drip.

I remained on pain killers for a total of 2 months.  If anyone is familiar with opiates, 2 months is quite enough time to become physically addicted.

I certainly needed the meds. as I had quite painful abdominal surgery.

I am now at the tail end of perhaps the worst part of recovery.  Full on, merciless withdrawal.  Anyone who has had to go off opiates whether medically prescribed or self induced knows that this is about as pleasant as  a frontal lobotomy.  The withdrawal symptoms include, aching body, hot/cold flashes, tremors, shakes, sweats, nausea, major irritability and overall feeling of sheer anger.  Lets say I wasn’t the most pleasant of beings in the last few days.  Thankfully I seem to be better today.

My pain in the surgery site in now minimal, but sometimes gets a touch uncomfortable.  I am seeing my doc for my final check up in a week or so, at which point he will clear me for all activities.

I have been unable to wear anything but comfy pants or dresses if i make my way out.  I am now embarking on another unpleasant task.  Finding a new job.  I am open to anything so if you read this and know of a job in the metro NYC area, please let me know.

Thanks, and goodbye for now,

Veronica

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Part 6 April 10, 2008
So I am in my new place, have been for about a week.  Unfortunately the move did not go as smoothly as I might have liked but I am fortunate that my immediate needs were met more than adequately (i.e.)  I was given a new bed, leather recliner coach, and brand new LCD flat-screen tv by my generous and doting parents.  They have always provided all the big and little things I might need, although they loathe each other and each interaction they must have is one that involves so much pain, even though they split over 25 years ago.
I got sick during the move and was basically unable to move.  As I sit here and write this I am not so far from self awareness to know that my illness was a manifestation of my frustration with the move ( I hate moving and have completed 26 individual moves thus far), as well as a manipulation to have many things done for me, because “I just couldn’t deal.”  My mind and body get together and sort of know when to shut down and I see this as an unconscious ploy to shirk responsibility.  I no longer have to be conscious of this fact nor can I really control it, for I was in fact suffering from a fever and in a great deal of pain.  But I don’t trust myself sometimes and know that inside I really did not want to do any of this.  So I got sick, and see it as a regression, a childish response to responsibility and an old tactic I had used during other stressful or unpleasant times.
I NEED TO GROW UP.
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Part 5 March 7, 2008
I am truly blessed to have met so many wonderful people through this blog, stumbleupon and other social media sites. Today is my birthday and the amount of people who took the time to wish me a happy b-day makes me feel like I am in the right place doing what I am meant to do. You all, in different ways encourage, inspire and motivate me and for that I am eternally grateful. This blog and all that has come with it, is so unexpected, rewarding and magical really. I want to thank everyone who takes the time to visit, read and comment. Know too that I am in awe of the writer’s who I have had the pleasure to read and follow. There are a few I want to mention for various reasons, some who were the first to connect with me and others who have become friends and who’s work I read without fail, like the groupie I am. So in no particular order here they are:
There are more I definitely forgot, but you know who you are.
Veronica
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Part 4 Feb. 29 2008

I had to write today because obviously it’s a leap year and it should be a holiday. Please if someone can explain to me why this phenomena occurs (so I don’t have to look it up myself) that would be great. I wanted to briefly address the not so wonderful aspects of technology. Please understand that I love technology and am watching Juno as I write this. Yet there are small glitches, minor avoidable but potentially lethal errors that can occur. I am sure you have experienced at least once the cell phone-dialing-accidentally (and this only happens when are talking about that person, and they hear everything). If you have been privy to this “techkarma” then you know it is a real SOB. With IM moving into it’s evolved state Skype and Meebo, which combine all of your IM’s into one, are very popular. They offer web chat, conferences, comp to comp calling and god knows what else. Well, when you have a phone chat on Skype you do your thing and then obviously hang up. Sometimes one party forgets. Because microphones are used and they pick up much better sound than, lets say a cell phone, the audio quality is rather impressive. So when I realized that there was a conversation going on in my computer, it took me a while to locate the glitch. Now normally I would then simply hang up, but this time I heard my name and well, would you hang up? So I listened and of course heard myself being spoken of in less than ideal expletives. My “friend” was just BSing with his buddy and probably high as a kite, no matter I was outraged. Friend no more, Skype erased, social media banned, unsubscibed to all feeds, defriended from all mutual sites and for good measure deleted reviews. I know it sounds so bitchy and harsh, but it was my only recourse in this world of Web 2.0 social media everything. No fight ensued, no angry IM’s exchanged, just cut off. The irony is since this person never actually read my work, he won’t even see this and know why he has become persona non grata. What I am sure of, is that he won’t care anyway. So the lesson for today is, make sure you hang up prior to bad mouthing, don’t pretend to be someone you are not, and be aware that the relationships you have over the Internet are tenuous at best.
Veronica
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Part 3 Feb. 5 2008
I am feeling nostalgic, rummaging through old photos and letting it all take me back to places in the past. Though, this is not a common practice for me, I indulge when the mood is right. Today is one of those days when I can’t quite get comfortable in my own skin. Tears are ready to flow, but I can’t make them come fast enough. When I really need a good cry I can watch House of Sand and Fog, the last twenty minutes are foolproof, they will make me bawl. Maybe I will just go on Stumbleupon and try to distract myself. Oh the melancholy…
Veronica
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Part 2 Feb.4 2008
Well, the ultimate underdog Giants just won the Superbowl against the cheating sore loser 18-1 season Patriots. I love a good ending, and that win I felt in my heart. Sports do that to me. I am strangely not competitive, rather I cheer for whoever wins. Tennis is one of my favorite sports to watch and with Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal and others, it is better than ever. I try to catch all the matches and as seen in the 2008 Australian open this is the year of the underdog. Both Federer and Nadal lost to a brilliant young Serbian named Joncovic, and I was glad, he deserved it, and Federer had to be dethroned by someone other than Nadal. Anyway even though my favorite players lost I loved the unpredictability. I think it’s a shame more women don’t watch sports. It is a very cathartic practice and it gets the heart racing, especially in the clutch moments of a tight battle.
Veronica
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Part I January 12, 2008
My name is Veronica Romm Ed.M and I am a fledgling writer, blogging for the first time here at wordpress. I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1973 and my family bravely immigrated to the states in 1979. We arrived in Brooklyn, Brighton Beach to be precise, with all the other Russian immigrants hungry for the American Dream. Unfortunately the Cold War was still in full swing and my arrival was met with some rather harsh tormenting and teasing. Good news, it made me a stronger kid and taught me very quickly the ways of the world. Perhaps because of this early experience I am always rooting for the underdog, and am sensitive to injustice in all areas.
General blog content:
POETRY- PROSE-ARTICLES- REVIEWS- FAVORITE CLASSIC WORKS- PHOTOGRAPHY-ETC
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30 Responses to “About Me”


  1. I’d love to add it in my blog, to show to the people that there isn’t only hate in the world.


  2. Nature knew it all, my friend… The Almighty… God…! Still He let it all happen, or did he make it happen?… Was it, so that it could all be questioned some day by some one, and minds are set to think…?

    Mind is meant to be the birth place for so many things altogether; and that is what we writers are recognized for… thoughts crop up, we frame them into words. And this process always continues to persist…

    Answers are a mystery!

  3. Alan Says:

    Its nice to know about you. Good writing is hard to find. Keep it up!

  4. Michael Says:

    Great idea for a poem! You speak your mind and stop some of us for a moment to think about what you are saying is relevant in our lives.
    Poetry should do this and yours does.
    Peace/~~michael


  5. I’m so pleased that you stopped by to introduce yourself; this seems like my kind of place, likewise. *smile*


  6. Hey Veronica,

    I bit of Blogo-synchronicity, but I was just pledging my support to the Kassandra Project by filling out their application. I clicked the “Who is Kassandra” links and saw several of your comments. It is good to know that you appreciate them and your comments solidified my support of their goals. That is all :)

  7. Emon Says:

    Came here via Stumble Upon. Like how you think. Keep the posts coming.

  8. Kevin C. Says:

    Great start! I will return in the future and see more. Welcome to the USA I am glad to have met you! ;-)

  9. MoltenSproket Says:

    Hello Veronica,
    I was directed to your blog by a friend on StumbleUpon. I have so far ( just got his recommendation) only had time to read “Goodbye Leningrad” and your “About Me” chapter.
    Your tale of leaving your homeland truly moved me. Seen through the eyes of a little girl made it even more poignant. I can not imagine how the children in places like Iraq or Dafur are able to cope in our present day world. Your poem “Who Knew” is also very evocative of where we are today.
    You are a wonderful writer, but even better you are a great story teller. I am definitely going to thank my SU friend (a great story teller as well!) for pointing out your blog. Please keep it up. I would love to read the rest of your story!

    –With admiration, Christopher (MoltenSproket)

  10. PEP-MARCBOLAN123 Says:

    HELLO VERONICA
    THAT WAS A WONDERFUL READ AND A EMOTIONAL JOURNEY…WELL DONE, WORDS ARE TO WEAK TO DEFINE HOW GOOD YOUR STORY WAS….GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
    BEST WISHES PEP


  11. Hey Veronica,

    I liked your previous graphic a lot. It reminded me of a vacuum tube amplifier with rainbow bulbs. The new one is ok, but it looks like a Tolkein landscape or something from Lord of the Rings. I dunno if you are going for the New-age mysticism feel, but if it works for you I am cool with it.


  12. Dig, that was really weird. You and Kassandra posted a comment on my site at the exact same time. I knew there was some kinda weird synchronicity between the three of us. Inexplicable really, unless you understand the collective conscious and the minds ability to be reduced to particulate matter and channeled through space and time.

    Dig, I remember CoE. I think they got sued by some kid’s parents for wrongful death. Kinda reminds me of the PMRC hearings in the 80’s when Ozzy, Judas Priest, AC/DC were murdering all the kids. Frank Zappa put them bitches in their place at the hearing.

    I miss Frank. Check out his CNN Crossfire appearance on Youtube. He busts them old right-wing/nutjob/conservative/fascist/free-speech hating bastards up good. As always, thanks for stopping in. You are a true soldier to the hilt.

  13. Randy Brown Says:

    Hi,
    I saw your information on the Ezinearticles.com site. I too am a writer, mostly in the area of mentoring basketball coaches. I spent 18 years as a Division I coach.
    What advice do you have for me to get my work published as a free lance writer…..I really appreciate your time,

    RB

  14. Kevin C. Says:

    Hi,
    I read about your “friend” that you had to get rid of…That sucks and people like that suck! Oh well I like your writing’s here and will keep looking in the future.
    Kevin(kevinfishes on Stumble)

  15. Tim Says:

    Happy Birthday, Veronica!

    I hope you had lots of cake and balloons and silly hats! Most of all I hope you know (and I suspect you do) how special you are to so many of us, your faithful friends and loyal readers. Keep writing, because you are touching lives of which you are not fully aware. Peace.

  16. Kevin C. Says:

    OMG! I almost missed your Birthday! Hope you had a GREAT day! Happy Birthday!

  17. Kermit Says:

    I know who gains the most in the friendship between Veronica and I, and it is me. I have rarely met such a giving and honest person. I am privileged just to have met her, and exceedingly happy that she saw fit to mention me. I should have baked her a cake. ;o)

    Kermit

  18. Jackie Says:

    A journal on your site , pretty cool.


  19. Thanks for the props Veronica. I am also an astrological double fish (3/12). I look forward to your writing as do many others.

  20. Outdoors2 Says:

    You’ve been reading to many: DEA tills the garden for Dad/Sheriffs Dept Splits wood for neighbor Posts. Get yer lazy butt in gear girl !
    ie:Manipulative

    Best wishes with your new place…
    Think of me when you burn Cinnamon…;)

  21. Jaden Says:

    Great site here. Pardon me while I lurk in this corner. ;)

    - Jaden


  22. Hello, I was wondering if you could add my site to your links on the right. I will add yours to mine. I like your blog!

    Thanks!
    tennisticketnews@gmail.com

  23. Daniel Larsson Says:

    Hi, my name is Daniel Larsson, director of musicvideos in Istanbul.
    I’ve been looking for someone to ask about an invitation to ffffound.com
    I would kindly appreciate your help.
    Thank you so much.
    Regards,
    Daniel Larsson.

  24. bc Says:

    I noticed your absence today on you-know-where. Hope everything’s okay with & for you.

    Write sometime if you feel so inclined. Either way, best regards in your pursuits. :)
    Bill

  25. Asi Says:

    this is my friend V


  26. Rock on, Chic! You couldn’t suck at writing if you tried. I live to read your every word.


  27. I was so looking forward to seeing your video but it’s gone. ;-(

  28. Cheri Says:

    hey there – you are not on my facebook anymore – how come?? i cannot find you on the website either – what’s up????


  29. On Part 17: I too struggle with holidays, vacations and the other times when we are “supposed” to be happiest. Our family thanksgiving dinner yesterday was attended by no less than 40 people all relatives and all a million miles from my own reality. There are wonderful places I refuse to go alone again– places I so long to see.

    It appears to be one of the curses of the creative among us– having to suffer what others think good.

    And then there’s the memories… Memories of when I spent holidays with someone I loved, memories of those who have gone and worse yet the memories of the holidays I spent alone,.

    I put on the brave holidaze face, I even wear the Santa suit. I write the funny holidaze poems and stories but truth be told, even today it remains a struggle.

    And no, to answer your concern, neither of us will explode… ;-)

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