Cari's Interview Page

Hi everyone. My name is Cari
I am here to interview members of Angels of the Millennium.

Please scroll down to see my latest interview with one of our newer members, Lisa...known as GotBeans. We owe Lisa a great deal of thanks for bringing so many wonderful new members to us. Thank you so much Lisa for taking the time to let me interview you.

I am please to share with all of our members my second interview with Dee, Strega. Dee is a wonderful and caring person and a wonderful addition to our Angels family.
When did you start collecting beanie babies and what was your first beanie?

I started collecting beanie babies when I noticed that people were lining up outside the Hallmark store where I had just become employed. The first day I worked was through one of those "beanie rushes." I took home a momentum of that experience--Doodle--and that was that. Now I buy mine before they go on the shelf!

Tell us about yourself and your family?

I have a beautiful family--all girls! Yes, some would say that I have stacked my deck with queens (four of them including my sweet new granddaughter). But I know that they are all goddesses. My oldest is Rachel Leah--a sweet, gentle, endearing soul. She's studying law. Then there's my Angela--a witty, conservative, energetic soul. She's studying communications. Then there's Lauren--a warm, wild, wacky soul. She's studying radiology. Then there's my lovely little Hennessy. She's three months old and more of a joy to me than I could have ever dreamed possible. I'd tell you all about the "family" but it's a large Sicilian American group with lots of in-laws and outlaws. I'll just tell you a quick one about my godfather. His name was Fiore Alonzo (fiore means flower in Italian--no one ever called him that and lived to tell the story). And he made the best bathtub Chianti you've ever tasted.
Who is an inspiration in your life? Who makes
you strive to be a better person?

People like all of you are an inspiration in my life. Knowing that caring souls still exist among us makes me feel like all the madness is somehow tolerable.

If you could change on thing in the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the world ...I'd eradicate ignorance. Ignorance is often pitied. Pity is too close to ridicule. All of it leads to hatred.

Do you have a motto or creed that you live by?

I live by the first motto I ever learned...Treat everyone as you would wish to be treated. ( And when that doesn't work, I call Vincenzo and Guido--LOL).

What is your life's occupation?

I really don't have an occupation right now. I'm having a mid-life crisis. That's a career unto itself! I can't seem to find my shadow...I don't think I'll ever really grow up. My parents are still hoping!

Do you have a best friend...if so what effect has he/she had on your life?

My best friend is Beverly. She's the greatest. She's always quick to know when I need a hug or a kick in the pants. She also knows how to jump very quickly...I kick back sometimes. In all seriousness, she's that special kind of person who comes around very rarely in this life. When you're lucky enough to find one like her...you thank God and you keep her close to your heart.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

My fondest memory as a child is that of my Nona in her kitchen cooking and talking, tasting, talking, laughing, talking...And late at night we would say our rosary and our prayers together and then laugh like two little girls on a sleep over. God knows I miss that woman.

What is a pet peeve of yours?

Lately my pet peeve about people is that they seem to want to be my bestest buddy when they think a beanie shipment is coming. That means I only get presents and treats the first week out of every month. I love presents...I want them every day.

If there was one place in the world you could travel, where would it be?

I would travel to Galilee. I would wander the streets of Shiloh and Jerusalem. I would stand in a place where the world's three greatest religions coexist and I would be in awe.

How many beanie babies do you have?

I stopped counting the number of beanie babies I have when it passed 200. I don't want to know exactly how crazy I am.

Who are the most important people in your life?

The most important people in my life are my children. They are my only legacy to this world. (I sure hope I did a good job raising them!)

What is your favorite beanie?

My favorite beanie baby is Halo. One can never have too many angels on their side, can one?

What was the best gift your ever received?

The best gift I was ever given I received just this past summer. God returned to me the life of my oldest child, my Rachel. Nothing material in this world will ever matter to me again.

Do you collect anything else other then beanies?

I collect lots of things...Cherished Teddies and Pretty As A Picture and stamps and rocks...but I usually end up giving them all away. I think that that is half the fun of collecting things. When I see the happiness someone feels when I hand them a little package, it makes me feel good. I like feeling good.

Do you have a favorite website?

My favorite website is Angels of the Millennium. I spend much time here and I send many here as well. This site helps me to believe, to keep my faith. You can never have enough faith.

Do you have a favorite charity or cause you believe in?

My favorite charities center on those that are concerned with the health and welfare of the mentally ill. The human mind, in all it's complexity, is such a fragile entity. Those who walk among us invisibly wounded face such insurmountable odds, and yet they remain. God bless them and hurry them a cure.

Is there any beanie that you don't have but would love to add to your collection?

If I could have any beanie for my collection, I would want Seamore. I always loved that seal but never seemed to get my hands on one. Slippery those seals.

Last but not least...Dee's favorite T.V. show is Law and Order. She wanted to make sure it had equal billing with NYPD.....lol.

I am sure that after reading Dee's interview that you all understand what a truly special person she is.... Thanks again Dee.

My third interview I am proud to announce is with one of our members who has been with us through it all. I am pleased to present Leslie known as Beanyfever. Leslie is very busy and I appreciate the the time that you took out of your day to answer my questions.

If you could create a beanie what would it be and what would you name it?

I would create a Bear who wears camoflauge(to represent our armed forces) and call it, Freedom.

Do you have a favorite charity or cause that you believe in?

I believe in any causes which benefit children. We have been a foster family to children and I feel strongly that you ought to do what you can to help children whether it be by giving them a safe and loving home or by giving them a beanie baby to love.

Is there anyone else in your family that collects beanies?

Yes! My husband and children collect them with me and my twin sister in CA collects now along with her husband...We love "talking Beanies!"

What beanie would you love to have but don't have it yet?

I would like to have Libearty...Maybe a really "loved" one with tags missing! ....lol

When did you start collecting beanie babies and what was your first beanie you ever bought or where given?

I started collecting beanies for my son about 4 years ago. I had no idea what Beanies were and cut the tags off of some quite valuable beanies...Oh well! I started collecting for myself last December when I happened upon my favorite beanie baby...

What is your favorite beanie...how can I forget that one....lol?

HALO!

Tell us about yourself and your family...mom's, dad's, grandchildren, children, husbands...ect.

I have been happily married to my husband, Stan, for 12 years. My son, Shane, is 11. My daughter, Lauren, is 5. We share our home in NH with two Golden Retrievers(Holly & Abby)and a cat, Boris.

Who is an inspiration in your life. Who makes you strive to be a better person...someone you look up to..

My children inspire me daily to be a better person so that I can teach them by example. My daughter is recovering from a traumatic incident and her strength and courage have amazed me and made me realize what the human spirit can overcome with love.

Do you have a motto or a creed that you live by?

Bloom Where You're Planted.

If there was one place in the world you could travel where would it be?

I would love to go to France to see Monets original paintings at the Musee D'Orsay in Paris and travel the French countryside to Giverny where Monet lived and painted.

Do you collect anything else other then beanies?

I collect candles and candle holders. I really like Yankee Candles(I am a transplanted CA girl to New England!). My favorite scents are: Macintosh, Banana Nut Bread, Home Sweet Home & Christmas Eve. Smelling the candles relax me which brings me to another favorite past-time...Reading!

Where is your favorite spot to visit?

My favorite spot in the whole world (besides my favorite chair!)is Half Moon Bay, CA. I love sitting on the rocks there on a foggy day listening to the sounds of the ocean.

Thanks again Leslie for all of your wonderful answers. I am sure that we all feel like we know you better now.

My next interview is with one of our wonderful members Kevin, known as Refreshen. Thanks so much Kevin for the interview. Here we go.....
So Kevin...when did you
start to collect beanies and what was your first beanie you purchased?

I didn't begin to actually collect them until about 1 and 1/2 years ago Late summer of 1998.The first one I bought was Digger the crab (RED and it has disappeared.) for my friends child's 3rd birthday. He is now 5 and 1/2 so that would have been inthe late spring of 1997. We didn't know very much about them at the time I just thought it was a cute little boytoy!It was at a Hallmark in Mass...near my work and they were $5 at that time which I thought was expensive!If I only knew then. Life continues and I didn't think very much of them again until Late August of 1998.I began to think of Christmas and I wanted something very special for my sister-in-law. She was an avid fan of the late Princess Diana (My brother and her even went to England for the wedding!)so I had heard there was a Princess beaniebaby and thought that would be a great gift. I only knew of one store that sold them so I went to it and asked.They laughed at me and said "You'll be very lucky to find that one, "I knew the postmaster collected them as he had beanies all around the postoffice.I asked Him about one and He said He knew someone with one for sale but it would cost me $40! I thought about it and really wanted to give it to her and figured she was worth(My dear sister-in-law who is the glue for my family)it.I did the deal and the next day I was at a Hallmark in Salem N.H. browsing for cards when I noticed they had beanies!Not only that but they had Princess for $6!Of course I bought one and that began the addiction. I will not pay secondary prices for newbies and very rarely do I spend more than $10 on Old ones.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

Oh so many things,but I would have to say it would be to get the world to respect each other regardless of race etc. and always try to do a little something unexpected and nice for the people in your lives you never know when they will be gone!

What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie would have to be The Outsiders with Matt Dillon because it showed how predijism can kill. That was also my favorite book and one of the first I ever read!

What is your favorite beanie and what beanie don't you have that you would love to have?

Same answer,Magic the Dragon.I kick myself because they sold beanies in the pioneer store at Lucent technologies (where I work as a cook in the cafe) and a woman I work with bought one and showed it to me but I didn't collect back then so I didn't buy one! They had to stop selling them because people were lining up and blocking the hall a few years ago!

Do you collect anything else other then beanies?
I collected Superman comic books since I was very young.They taught to love reading and writing. I still have boxes of them upstairs but they stay backstage to beanies now!Thanx to them and my love for reading and writing I've begun a club on Yahoo called abeaniestoryclub where members add to an ongoing story for little prizes like a collectors card or a beanie that I have extras of. It all depends on my mood what I give away.

Well, that concludes my interview with Kevin. Thanks again Kevin.

I am so pleased to share a very wonderful person with you Joanne..known as Jorimor. Joanne and I first met last year when she was my Secret Santa on Beanie Nation. Since then we have been online friends and in touch ever since. Here is my interview.....

When did you start collecting beanie babies and what was your first beanie you ever bought or where given?

I started collecting beanies two years ago when I purchased Iggy, with Rainbow's tag naturally and the addiction began.

Tell us about yourself and your family...mom's, dad's, grandchildren, children, husbands...ect.

I am the mother of three wonderful adult children, a son who is a contractor in North Carolina with a wonderful daughter-in-law and my only grandson... Eric, the most handsome three year old this side of the Mississippi. Then there is my daughter, Maureen a pharmacy supervisor who is the 'dear abby" of her workplace and the center of activity and giving in our home at this point. My youngest son, Mike, a physical therapist, in Texas, is engaged to be married to a wonderful gal from the cornfields of Iowa. My husband and best friend of 33 years is my inspiration and role model. Of course , I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other two "boys." That would be Bruce our devoted thirteen year old labrador retriever and Blue, our blue eyed Australian sheep dog, who watch over us and protect us as well as provide us with that unconditional love that only a dog can offer.
Who is an inspiration in your life. Who makes you strive to be a better person... someone you look up to.

That's an easy one...my husband John..... John was always someone to whom I looked as my partner and role model, but never did I characterize him as my source of inspiration until his major heart attack of four years ago at age 52. He underwent triple bypass and heart valve replacement, which AFTER a heart attack is very dangerous. This was followed by a stroke.... he surpassed all the odds and survived.....fooled them all. He spent eight months in the hospital... had to learn to walk, talk and breathe all over again. That's right , breathe. Today he is retired, needs a tracfheostomy to breathe and a cane to walk. He has never ONCE complained about the hand Fate has dealt him, but today spends thirty hours a week at school volunteering to help other people who could use a boost....

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

I would simply like peace for all mankind. Peace between countries... between neighbors , but most of all love and peace in every family.

Do you have a motto or a creed that you live by?

Yep!! The Golden Rule!!! Would that all of us would treat others in the same manner and with the same respect that we would like to receive...

What is you occupation in life?

I am a principal of an elementary school with six hundred children. It is a brand new school with state of the art technology. I am so fortunate to have been assigned to this school after being in hundred year old buildings for my entire career.

Do you have a best friend...and what effect has he/she had on your life?

At the risk of being corny...my best friend is John, my husband, who treats me like a queen, and gives so very much of himself to others.

What is a pet peeve of yours?

My pet peeve is that group of individuals, who expect society (cities, welfare departments, schools)to assume family responsibilities. I truly believe in assisting those who have met hardship. Heaven knows I have conducted no fewer than fifty beanie raffles for burn victims, leukemia patiens, the homeless etc. I am talking about those lazy individuals who expect schools to feed children breakfast, while mother sleeps til ten AM. I am talking about schools providing daycare after school, while Mother watches the soaps.... I am talking about sending children to school sick, so that parents can go to the mall or to the beauty parlor.... oops I am on the soapbox.....been in school too long, hehheh.

If there was one place in the world you could travel where would it be?

I would probably enjoy going to Las Vegas.... never been west of the Mississippi.

How many beanie babies do you have?

Too many! Perhaps 300 right now, down from 1000 a year ago.... Hubby wanted the use of the living room back...Those Rubbermade containers didn't really add to the decor.. Now the beanies inhabit only the guest room. Needless to say, our human guests are limited.

What is your favorite beanie?

My favorite beanie is Coral..... I like the tie dyed beanies, and he is the best.

What is the best gift that you were ever given?

Easy one...my husband John's life which was almost lost.

That concludes my interview with Joanne. Thanks so much for taking time our of your very, very busy schedule for me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Please read on to hear all about Lisa GotBeans.

Tell us about yourself and your family...mom's, dad's, grandchildren, children, husbands...ect.

I have been married for 13.5 years to a wonderful man. We have 3 beautiful children together. I like to create webpages and make graphics in my spare time. When you have 3 kids spare time isn't easy to come by. LOL My favorite job is being Mom. There is not a tougher or more rewarding job. I love being a Mom!!

Who is an inspiration in your life? Who makes you strive to be a better person...someone you look up to.

My kids... I want to set a good example and teach them manners and how to be kind to others.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

This is an easy question! :o) World peace!!! Why can't we all just get along and not have to fear for our children while they are at school or riding their bikes and playing outside?!

Do you have a motto or a creed that you live by?

~The one thing you can give for free is a smile. It's the one thing that means a lot to everyone that receives it. ~Good things come to good people... eventually!! ~Give that special someone a hug today... don't put it off until tomorrow

What is you occupation in life... It doesn't necessarily have to be a job...it could be anything?

Being MOM!! Domestic Goddess... but I don't tend to be too domestic at times. LOL

What is a pet peeve of yours or something that really bothers you about people?

I don't like 'fake' people, dishonesty, whining, cruelty to animals or people, or people that refuse to help out when needed. I also dislike those that only take joy in receiving and not the great joy that can be felt in giving.

How many beanie babies do you have?

Currently I must have about 80 beanie babies.

What or who is the most important thing in your life?

Simply put...my children are the most important people in my life.

What is your favorite beanie?

Peace Bear is my favorite beanie. I love diversity and each Peace Bear is different just as people are.

What is the best gift that you were ever given?

My three children. Gifts from God - my little angels as I call them!! My boys were born close to my birthday and Christmas too.

Do you collect anything else other then beanies?

I have a collection of Precious Moments that I love. My husband has given me a Precious Moments figurine for either my birthday or Christmas almost every year.

Do you have any favorite websites that you would like to share with everyone?

I have many favorite websites but not enough room to share them all. I will share two of my websites for you. Friend4life, Inc. is my personal homepage. You will laugh, cry, and smile a lot when visiting my pages. http://members.home.net/friend4life/ Planet Beans is a great Beanie baby and Collectors Cards website that I've recently been appointed the new Webmaster of. A great place to keep up to date on anything Beanie or Beanie Card related. http://www.planetbeans.com

Do you have a favorite charity or cause that you believe in?

I believe in many charities but there a few that come to mind. Beanies for Preemies, Jerry's Kids (MDA), and any other charity that helps children in general.

Is there anyone else in your family that collects beanies?

My three children all collect. My Step-Mother has a collection of some of the beanie bears.

What beanie would you love to have but don't have it yet?

Hmmm.. you want me to pick just one?! Germania or Libearty... I couldn't decide on which to pick so I just mentioned them both. To be more practical... I wish I could find a 98 Holiday Teddy. I was VERY pregnant with my littlest angel during the short release and never could get ahold of one. :o)

This concludes my interview with Lisa. Thanks again....

Anyone wishing to be interviewed please email me at....

CARI (Cari) Email: carilynn1@yahoo.com

Interview Archives

Email: angelsofthemillennium_1999@yahoo.com