As I was finishing getting ready for work this morning, the dogs started barking in a crazed manner that they usually reserve for our cats. Thinking one of the kitties had had a mental lapse and ventured out of the bedroom, I did a quick headcount of the felines, but all were accounted for. I walked over to turn the tv off, and as soon as it went silent, I then heard a lot of splashing and quacking coming from the backyard. Ah, it sounded like my ducky friends, Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Duck were back (they've been back several times in the past couple of weeks).
I peeked through the blinds, and much to my surprise, they had brought a friend with them. Mrs. Duck had another suitor, fighting with Mr. Duck, for the rights to, um, ahem, have his way with her.
In all honesty, both the males looked just alike to me, so I don't know which one was her regular companion, and which was the new suitor.
I just know that poor Mrs. Duck was swimming around all frantic, like a woman with a "headache", wanting to be left alone. She was the one doing all the quacking. One of the boys had a hold of her neck in his bill and wouldn't let go (it's a wonder she could even quack with someone trying to bite her head off!). This male was trying his best to hold onto her, all the while fighting off male #2. It was quite the scene!!
I stepped onto the deck to take a picture, but the light was so dim, the birds are barely visible in the picture. Though I tried to move about carefully so as not to disturb them, I guess I was enough of an intrusion into their love-making battle that it distracted them. They let go of one another and all three took to the air, headed in the direction of the nearby pond in the next neighborhood.
With all the thrashing they were doing, I was afraid they'd rip a hole in our new pool cover. : (
And they were making so much noise, I wondered if any of the neighbors heard of it. Part of me hoped someone else saw it, as I wanted a witness to what I was witnessing. But another part of me hoped nobody else saw what was going on. **sigh**
So now I'm truly wondering if they'll be back soon, laying eggs and hatching little ducklings.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Scofflaws
As I drive around in this little community of approx. 10,000 people, I can't help but be amazed at the number of automobiles I see that are driving around with expired license plates. What is wrong with these people? And what's more, why aren't the police pulling these people over?
Don't get me wrong, if it's a year where you're only getting a new sticker to put on an existing plate, it's easy to overlook... been there, done that. But that's a long story for another time. But when everyone's actual plates changed starting in September of '05, and here it is nearly March of '07, how is it there are still so many of the "Smiley Faced/Rainbow" plates still on the road? They stick out like a sore thumb compared to the new plates!!
It just makes me crazy!
Don't get me wrong, if it's a year where you're only getting a new sticker to put on an existing plate, it's easy to overlook... been there, done that. But that's a long story for another time. But when everyone's actual plates changed starting in September of '05, and here it is nearly March of '07, how is it there are still so many of the "Smiley Faced/Rainbow" plates still on the road? They stick out like a sore thumb compared to the new plates!!
It just makes me crazy!
Monday, March 26, 2007
What happened to spring?
We seem to have gone from winter, with only a week of spring-time weather, then straight into summertime. Oh my goodness, what happened to spring???
I know the official weather reports claimed it reached 84 degrees +/- in Louisville, but I kid you not, our outdoor thermometer read 92 degrees. If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'!
Our poor dogs... they don't go for such extreme temperatures. They like a nice 45 to 75 degree range. Not too hot, not too cold. They had such a good time playing outside on Saturday, but when I let them out yesterday, they did their business then wanted to come right back inside. And once inside, they either sprawled in front of the fan or wherever they could catch a breeze, or stood panting over their water dish. But once the sun went down and the air cooled off, they resumed their hard play in the back yard.
But as hot as it was yesterday, I simply refuse to close the house up (again) and turn on the air conditioner... it's only March for Pete's sake! I just opened the house up to air-out from being closed up all winter. Let me enjoy the fresh air and lower utility bills for at least a couple of months, puh-leeze!!!
I know the official weather reports claimed it reached 84 degrees +/- in Louisville, but I kid you not, our outdoor thermometer read 92 degrees. If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'!
Our poor dogs... they don't go for such extreme temperatures. They like a nice 45 to 75 degree range. Not too hot, not too cold. They had such a good time playing outside on Saturday, but when I let them out yesterday, they did their business then wanted to come right back inside. And once inside, they either sprawled in front of the fan or wherever they could catch a breeze, or stood panting over their water dish. But once the sun went down and the air cooled off, they resumed their hard play in the back yard.
But as hot as it was yesterday, I simply refuse to close the house up (again) and turn on the air conditioner... it's only March for Pete's sake! I just opened the house up to air-out from being closed up all winter. Let me enjoy the fresh air and lower utility bills for at least a couple of months, puh-leeze!!!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
This is kind of creepy!
Oh my gosh! This is kind of creepy.
I blogged yesterday about the girl that called and woke me up the other night. I assumed she was of high-school age, and while I didn't exactly hear what she had asked me, I thought it had something to do with a homework assignment, just because I thought I heard her mention blackboard.
When I looked up the phone number on the 'net yesterday, I got the girl's address, and the names of everyone else that lived with her.
So this afternoon, I picked up the Oldham Era and flipped to the obituaries, simply because that's part of my job. I was scanning the names in bold-print, just to see how many we had in there that I needed to cut out. Imagine my surprise when I saw my mystery-caller's last name in bold print. As I stated before, it wasn't an overly common name, and it was etched in my memory. My eyes did a double-take at the woman's name that was listed. It wasn't Kristy, but my eyes dropped down to the survivors and sure enough!, there was Kristy's name, along with her husband, who's name I'd also seen on the internet (I'd assumed it was her father's name). Okay, so I guess Kristy is a little older than I thought.
I guess it's a good thing I didn't call that number back and try to speak to her mother.
I blogged yesterday about the girl that called and woke me up the other night. I assumed she was of high-school age, and while I didn't exactly hear what she had asked me, I thought it had something to do with a homework assignment, just because I thought I heard her mention blackboard.
When I looked up the phone number on the 'net yesterday, I got the girl's address, and the names of everyone else that lived with her.
So this afternoon, I picked up the Oldham Era and flipped to the obituaries, simply because that's part of my job. I was scanning the names in bold-print, just to see how many we had in there that I needed to cut out. Imagine my surprise when I saw my mystery-caller's last name in bold print. As I stated before, it wasn't an overly common name, and it was etched in my memory. My eyes did a double-take at the woman's name that was listed. It wasn't Kristy, but my eyes dropped down to the survivors and sure enough!, there was Kristy's name, along with her husband, who's name I'd also seen on the internet (I'd assumed it was her father's name). Okay, so I guess Kristy is a little older than I thought.
I guess it's a good thing I didn't call that number back and try to speak to her mother.
Spell-Check
I know, I know, you're probably tired of reading about my issues with typos. Or is it type-ohs? Oh well, whatever. I'm blogging this time because my friend "called" me on a type-oh I had on a blog from yesterday. I thought she'd lost her mind! I went back and re-read it, even did the spell-check again, but I didn't see anything and spell-check didn't hi-light any mistakes. What could be the problem? I had to ask her directly.
She pointed out that the single word title of that blog was wrong. Oh my!, indeed it was. My apologies!! But in my defense, spell-check doesn't check for errors in the title of the blogs... I wonder why that is?? And I rarely go back and proof the titles, so I'm guilty all around. I have since corrected it though.
Feel free to point out my editing errors. It reminds me I'm human. ;)
She pointed out that the single word title of that blog was wrong. Oh my!, indeed it was. My apologies!! But in my defense, spell-check doesn't check for errors in the title of the blogs... I wonder why that is?? And I rarely go back and proof the titles, so I'm guilty all around. I have since corrected it though.
Feel free to point out my editing errors. It reminds me I'm human. ;)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A rude awakening
Friday night, I was sleeping so soundly, when I was suddenly awoke by the telephone. It was a few minutes shy of 11:30 pm... a little late for phone calls to be traded unless there was some kind of emergency. Who on earth could be calling that late? I glanced at the caller-id which showed a LaGrange phone number, but as it wasn't programmed into my phone, a name didn't show up with it. My eyelids fell back shut as I flipped open the phone and mumbled a "hello?".
The caller on the other end, quickly got on my bad side (as it wasn't an emergency... or because someone was having a baby).
Caller: Hey, I didn't wake you did I?
Me: (very sleepily) Yeah.
Caller: NUH-UH!!!!!
Me: Um, yeah.
Okay, this is the point where I was getting really annoyed. However, my mind was still a sleep-induced fog and I couldn't think straight to save my life. Among my circle of bunco-friends, there is one person imparticular that has a special way of saying "Nuh-Uh". Granted, we all say it from time to time, but her way just puts a lot of emphasis on each syllable and is unique. As soon as I heard the caller say "nuh-uh", my mind started scrambling to put that unique way with the person. I was sure I recognized the caller, but her name was just out of my grasp.
Then the caller proceeds to ask me a question
Caller: blah-blah-blah, blackboard?
Me: Huh, whadja ask me?
Seriously, I didn't understand what she'd asked.
Caller: This is Kristy.
a-ha!... now I put the name with the voice... it sounded like Krista, a neighbor/friend I've known for probably 10 years.
Me: yeah, I know. But what did you just ask me? I didn't understand.
All of a sudden there was silence, and then "click". The caller had hung up on me. Well, now I came fully awake. Thinking maybe the call had just "dropped", I waited a moment for her to call me back. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and tried to think of what it was she'd asked me. I then remembered it was a LaGrange phone number. Hmm, now why would Krista be calling me from LaGrange? She probably wouldn't. Wait a minute, that girl said "Kristy".
Wow!, two people with almost identical first names and that same unique way of uttering that phrase.
GRRRR!!!! Now I was very wide awake and very p.o.'d. How rude!!! That little twit had just hung up on me!!
She obviously realized she'd dialed a wrong number, and hung up on me! Oh my gosh! Is it asking too much for a person to just say, "Oh excuse me, I'm sorry. I dialed the wrong number." or "I'm sorry for having woke you.", or something to that effect? Where are her manners??? I now realized it was most likely a teenage girl I had spoken to, and I think she'd asked me something about a homework assignment.
I contemplated calling the number back and giving her a piece of my mind. But one of two things would've probably happened. #1) She'd have not answered the phone when she saw it was me calling, or #2) She'd have answered and then just hung up on me again. I then considered waiting 'til the husband's alarm went off at 3:30 Saturday morning, calling back and hopefully waking the girl's mother and giving her a piece of my mind. But I didn't. Nothing nice is ever said during a 3:30am phone call. No, I'll wait 'til later on Saturday, and then call her.
Eventually I fell back asleep, and I forgot all about the call until today. But I figure since five days have passed, it's a little too late to make the call and get the same effect. So I'll let it go.
I did look up the number on-line though, to get the family's name that goes with it. You can be certain I'll be keeping a watchful eye out for her or one of her family members to cross pathes with me in this little town.
Fortunately it's not the most common of names, and it's now permanently etched in my memory, along with her phone number. Maybe I can return the favor one day and awaken her with a loud NUH-UH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The caller on the other end, quickly got on my bad side (as it wasn't an emergency... or because someone was having a baby).
Caller: Hey, I didn't wake you did I?
Me: (very sleepily) Yeah.
Caller: NUH-UH!!!!!
Me: Um, yeah.
Okay, this is the point where I was getting really annoyed. However, my mind was still a sleep-induced fog and I couldn't think straight to save my life. Among my circle of bunco-friends, there is one person imparticular that has a special way of saying "Nuh-Uh". Granted, we all say it from time to time, but her way just puts a lot of emphasis on each syllable and is unique. As soon as I heard the caller say "nuh-uh", my mind started scrambling to put that unique way with the person. I was sure I recognized the caller, but her name was just out of my grasp.
Then the caller proceeds to ask me a question
Caller: blah-blah-blah, blackboard?
Me: Huh, whadja ask me?
Seriously, I didn't understand what she'd asked.
Caller: This is Kristy.
a-ha!... now I put the name with the voice... it sounded like Krista, a neighbor/friend I've known for probably 10 years.
Me: yeah, I know. But what did you just ask me? I didn't understand.
All of a sudden there was silence, and then "click". The caller had hung up on me. Well, now I came fully awake. Thinking maybe the call had just "dropped", I waited a moment for her to call me back. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and tried to think of what it was she'd asked me. I then remembered it was a LaGrange phone number. Hmm, now why would Krista be calling me from LaGrange? She probably wouldn't. Wait a minute, that girl said "Kristy".
Wow!, two people with almost identical first names and that same unique way of uttering that phrase.
GRRRR!!!! Now I was very wide awake and very p.o.'d. How rude!!! That little twit had just hung up on me!!
She obviously realized she'd dialed a wrong number, and hung up on me! Oh my gosh! Is it asking too much for a person to just say, "Oh excuse me, I'm sorry. I dialed the wrong number." or "I'm sorry for having woke you.", or something to that effect? Where are her manners??? I now realized it was most likely a teenage girl I had spoken to, and I think she'd asked me something about a homework assignment.
I contemplated calling the number back and giving her a piece of my mind. But one of two things would've probably happened. #1) She'd have not answered the phone when she saw it was me calling, or #2) She'd have answered and then just hung up on me again. I then considered waiting 'til the husband's alarm went off at 3:30 Saturday morning, calling back and hopefully waking the girl's mother and giving her a piece of my mind. But I didn't. Nothing nice is ever said during a 3:30am phone call. No, I'll wait 'til later on Saturday, and then call her.
Eventually I fell back asleep, and I forgot all about the call until today. But I figure since five days have passed, it's a little too late to make the call and get the same effect. So I'll let it go.
I did look up the number on-line though, to get the family's name that goes with it. You can be certain I'll be keeping a watchful eye out for her or one of her family members to cross pathes with me in this little town.
Fortunately it's not the most common of names, and it's now permanently etched in my memory, along with her phone number. Maybe I can return the favor one day and awaken her with a loud NUH-UH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 21st
March 21st, the first full day of spring.
It is has special meaning in our household. It's anniversary marks the beginning of a major change in our lives, and I don't mean springtime.
On Tuesday, March 21, 1995, into this world a litter of three Great Dane puppies was born. We were unaware of their existence. We'd lost our mutt-dog, Bobby, a couple of weeks prior, and didn't think we'd be ready for another dog any time soon, but we were wrong. By mid-April, I wanted another dog so bad I couldn't stand it. For years I'd wanted a Great Dane, and although we went about it the wrong way (I cringe now when I think of the mistakes we made), on April 23, 1995, yes, just a mere 4 weeks and 5 days after the litter was born, we saw the litter and fell in love with a rolly-polly gray pup, covered in black spots, with white feet and chest. We took him home, already hopelessly in love with him. We named him Smokey.
Smokey was our first Dane, but by no means would he be our last. Our love affair with the breed began with him. He has been the high-water mark that we've measured all of our other Danes against. Oh, perhaps not physically, but I dare say he's been the most intelligent of our five, and certainly the gentlest where other dogs and children are concerned.
While we do love all our others that have followed, each being special in their own way, none have yet to measure-up to his high standards.
We miss him dearly, and think of him often. He brought about a lot of changes for us...
I enrolled Smokey in obedience school, where we met his "girlfriend" Juno (a fawn Dane he was hopelessly in love with) and her family. Had I not met Juno's mom, I might not be blogging right now, as it was she who originally suggested it to me, and blogging has proben to be a wonderful outlet for me. Also, had Juno not come and stayed with us from time to time while her family traveled, then I would've probably refused to ever believe that more than one Dane could ever live in our tiny house at one time, thus eventually leading us to get a second Dane (and eventually having three at one time).
Had it not been for Smokey and his extremely gentle disposition, I would probably still not know most of the people in our neighborhood. He was a definate attention-getter and forced this introvert to become somewhat more social. By the time he was two years old, there was hardly anybody in our neighborhood I didn't know, if not by name, then at least by sight.
I could probably go on and on, but you probably get the picture.
So today celebrates what would have been his 12th birthday.
Saturday, March 24th we'll be celebrating our Olivia's 2nd birthday. She just missed being born on Smokey's birthday... and I have to say, she is a very close 2nd to him and the high-water mark he set, so perhaps it's no surpirse they nearly shared a birthday.
It is has special meaning in our household. It's anniversary marks the beginning of a major change in our lives, and I don't mean springtime.
On Tuesday, March 21, 1995, into this world a litter of three Great Dane puppies was born. We were unaware of their existence. We'd lost our mutt-dog, Bobby, a couple of weeks prior, and didn't think we'd be ready for another dog any time soon, but we were wrong. By mid-April, I wanted another dog so bad I couldn't stand it. For years I'd wanted a Great Dane, and although we went about it the wrong way (I cringe now when I think of the mistakes we made), on April 23, 1995, yes, just a mere 4 weeks and 5 days after the litter was born, we saw the litter and fell in love with a rolly-polly gray pup, covered in black spots, with white feet and chest. We took him home, already hopelessly in love with him. We named him Smokey.
Smokey was our first Dane, but by no means would he be our last. Our love affair with the breed began with him. He has been the high-water mark that we've measured all of our other Danes against. Oh, perhaps not physically, but I dare say he's been the most intelligent of our five, and certainly the gentlest where other dogs and children are concerned.
While we do love all our others that have followed, each being special in their own way, none have yet to measure-up to his high standards.
We miss him dearly, and think of him often. He brought about a lot of changes for us...
I enrolled Smokey in obedience school, where we met his "girlfriend" Juno (a fawn Dane he was hopelessly in love with) and her family. Had I not met Juno's mom, I might not be blogging right now, as it was she who originally suggested it to me, and blogging has proben to be a wonderful outlet for me. Also, had Juno not come and stayed with us from time to time while her family traveled, then I would've probably refused to ever believe that more than one Dane could ever live in our tiny house at one time, thus eventually leading us to get a second Dane (and eventually having three at one time).
Had it not been for Smokey and his extremely gentle disposition, I would probably still not know most of the people in our neighborhood. He was a definate attention-getter and forced this introvert to become somewhat more social. By the time he was two years old, there was hardly anybody in our neighborhood I didn't know, if not by name, then at least by sight.
I could probably go on and on, but you probably get the picture.
So today celebrates what would have been his 12th birthday.
Saturday, March 24th we'll be celebrating our Olivia's 2nd birthday. She just missed being born on Smokey's birthday... and I have to say, she is a very close 2nd to him and the high-water mark he set, so perhaps it's no surpirse they nearly shared a birthday.
Steak-ums
I've been on a serious Cheese-Steak sandwich kick lately. I love those things! It simply crushed my little heart when the Philly Connection went out of business at Springhurst. I got excited when the new Penn Station opened up on Chamberlain, but their sandwiches just aren't all that. I can't go to a Louisville Bat's game without getting one of the over-priced sandwiches, they're simply too deeee-lish to pass up.
I used to eat Steak-um sandwiches when I was much younger, but hadn't had any in years. As I was passing through the frozen food aisle at Meijers a couple of weeks ago, the boxes on the shelf called out to me and I was drawn to them. Suddenly, I couldn't wait to get home and drag out the cast-iron skillet, cut up an onion, grill the meat and throw some cheese on top for good measure. It was sooo heavenly! I was wishing I'd purchased a bigger box.
While we were at Walmart this past Monday, the husband and I both searched their frozen food section over, high and low, twice each, but couldn't find the Steak-ums. Hmm, odd. Perhaps they were just sold out. We then buzzed over to Costco, but like so many other things I've tried to purchase at that place, they don't carry Steak-ums either. I'm liking Costco less and less with every visit I make to that place. So I guess I'm headed back to Meijer for a LARGE box of Steak-ums this time.
Cheese-steak heaven!!!!!!!!!!
I used to eat Steak-um sandwiches when I was much younger, but hadn't had any in years. As I was passing through the frozen food aisle at Meijers a couple of weeks ago, the boxes on the shelf called out to me and I was drawn to them. Suddenly, I couldn't wait to get home and drag out the cast-iron skillet, cut up an onion, grill the meat and throw some cheese on top for good measure. It was sooo heavenly! I was wishing I'd purchased a bigger box.
While we were at Walmart this past Monday, the husband and I both searched their frozen food section over, high and low, twice each, but couldn't find the Steak-ums. Hmm, odd. Perhaps they were just sold out. We then buzzed over to Costco, but like so many other things I've tried to purchase at that place, they don't carry Steak-ums either. I'm liking Costco less and less with every visit I make to that place. So I guess I'm headed back to Meijer for a LARGE box of Steak-ums this time.
Cheese-steak heaven!!!!!!!!!!
Vindication!
This is an update to last weeks blog regarding my troubles with National City Bank. When I left there on Wednesday, teller-Ashley had told me it would take a couple of days to get an answer from the research request she had to submit.
To me, "a couple" means 2. Okay, she needed a couple of days... I should know something by Friday afternoon. However, I was feeling somewhat generous (nice of me, eh?), so I actually had some patience and waited until Tuesday afternoon to stomp bank into N.C.B. I approached teller-Ashley, paperwork in hand, and asked if she'd heard anything about the research request.
Ashley: Oh, yeah, I called them today to find out.
Me: And?...... (why the heck couldn't she call me, like she said she would, when she "found out", instead of making me hunt her down?)
Ashley: They said you should have your refund check by the end of this week.
Ha!!! I knew they were screwing me! At this point, I'm just glad to be getting the money back... I'm sure I could push the issue and get interest, but is it really worth it at this point? Just gimme my money!
To me, "a couple" means 2. Okay, she needed a couple of days... I should know something by Friday afternoon. However, I was feeling somewhat generous (nice of me, eh?), so I actually had some patience and waited until Tuesday afternoon to stomp bank into N.C.B. I approached teller-Ashley, paperwork in hand, and asked if she'd heard anything about the research request.
Ashley: Oh, yeah, I called them today to find out.
Me: And?...... (why the heck couldn't she call me, like she said she would, when she "found out", instead of making me hunt her down?)
Ashley: They said you should have your refund check by the end of this week.
Ha!!! I knew they were screwing me! At this point, I'm just glad to be getting the money back... I'm sure I could push the issue and get interest, but is it really worth it at this point? Just gimme my money!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I'm Crying Fowel, err, foul!
Last night was grocery night. John's on one of his health-kicks again (much like me, he goes through at least one or two a year), so this means buying a lot of "health" food. I use the term loosely, as it's only somewhat healthier than what he (we) were consuming before, but not truly health-food in the politically correct sense.
After arriving at the store, my first stop was at the milk cooler. I always by skim milk, but I don't have a brand preference. I buy whichever jug has the furthest expiration date from today's date. If that brand is a few pennies more, that's fine with me. If they all have the same date, then I'll go with whichever is cheapest. Usually this is the store brand, but not always. Last night, the Deans brand had a better date on it, so I picked up their milk and deposited it in my cart. On to the deli counter...
Once there, they were sold-out of our favorite cheese *grumble, grumble*. I then ordered a pound of roasted turkey with sun-dried tomatoes. This isn't something I've ever purchased before, but the husband wanted something healthier and as he'd sampled it once before and liked it, this was his choice. Oh barf!, this stuff stinks to high-heavens!!!
From the time the deli-worker handed over the bag (sealed bag mind you!), the smell of this stuff kept drifting up from the cart and assaulting me. All the way through the store and through the check-out lane, it was grossing me out. The only thing that took my mind off the offending fowel was my milk. When it was rang-up, it came up as $4.18/gallon. In the words of Frank Barone (sp?)... "Holy Crap!!" I don't think so!! I had the cashier take it off our order. I'll do without milk before paying that price. What is this world coming to?
Once we were in the car on our way home, the smelly turkey filled the car. At home, groceries put away, I could still notice a lingering aroma in the kitchen.
This morning, I opened the fridge and WOW!, the fridge reeks of this turkey. Unfortunately, the whole house now smells like this stuff as well.
It isn't a rotten meat kind of smell, it's just an over-powering smell of whatever seasoning this stuff is cooked in. I fear all the fruits & veggies we bought last night and were stored in the fridge with it will begin to taste a little funky also. I'm glad I didn't buy as much as what I'd normally buy to get him through the week, as I feared he wouldn't like it and it would go to waste. Of course if he does, I can really pile it on his sandwiches and use it up faster.
Yeah, I think in the future we'll stick with the mesquite turkey. It tastes good and doesn't smell foul.
After arriving at the store, my first stop was at the milk cooler. I always by skim milk, but I don't have a brand preference. I buy whichever jug has the furthest expiration date from today's date. If that brand is a few pennies more, that's fine with me. If they all have the same date, then I'll go with whichever is cheapest. Usually this is the store brand, but not always. Last night, the Deans brand had a better date on it, so I picked up their milk and deposited it in my cart. On to the deli counter...
Once there, they were sold-out of our favorite cheese *grumble, grumble*. I then ordered a pound of roasted turkey with sun-dried tomatoes. This isn't something I've ever purchased before, but the husband wanted something healthier and as he'd sampled it once before and liked it, this was his choice. Oh barf!, this stuff stinks to high-heavens!!!
From the time the deli-worker handed over the bag (sealed bag mind you!), the smell of this stuff kept drifting up from the cart and assaulting me. All the way through the store and through the check-out lane, it was grossing me out. The only thing that took my mind off the offending fowel was my milk. When it was rang-up, it came up as $4.18/gallon. In the words of Frank Barone (sp?)... "Holy Crap!!" I don't think so!! I had the cashier take it off our order. I'll do without milk before paying that price. What is this world coming to?
Once we were in the car on our way home, the smelly turkey filled the car. At home, groceries put away, I could still notice a lingering aroma in the kitchen.
This morning, I opened the fridge and WOW!, the fridge reeks of this turkey. Unfortunately, the whole house now smells like this stuff as well.
It isn't a rotten meat kind of smell, it's just an over-powering smell of whatever seasoning this stuff is cooked in. I fear all the fruits & veggies we bought last night and were stored in the fridge with it will begin to taste a little funky also. I'm glad I didn't buy as much as what I'd normally buy to get him through the week, as I feared he wouldn't like it and it would go to waste. Of course if he does, I can really pile it on his sandwiches and use it up faster.
Yeah, I think in the future we'll stick with the mesquite turkey. It tastes good and doesn't smell foul.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Appalled!
I witnessed something Friday evening, twice!, and both times, I was just appalled and mortified.
Should I have been? Well, I'm not sure... but I was. Maybe I'm just out of touch with what is/isn't appropriate behavior these days, so perhaps some of you kind folk can set me straight.
The husband and I went to Fazoli's for dinner (got to love a place that feeds two adults for under $10). The restaurant was packed, no exaggeration, people were lined up out the door. I don't know if it was a lot of people dining there for Lent, that had tired of fish, or what, but it was crazy! They kept running out of spaghetti and marinara sauce, and people had to wait for 20 minutes or more at a time for their food, where as normally, you get it in less than 5.
Anyway, some people sat down in the booth behind me which were, if not directly from another country, were immediate descendants of those who were. So the employee (who's not the brightest crayon in the box) that walks around the room giving everyone more breadsticks, walks up to their table and asks, "Are you from India or Pakistan?"
I wasn't even a part of the conversation, and I wanted to crawl under my table!! I thought, "how rude!!!!" I hope these people don't think all Americans are like that.
A few minutes later, a woman and her two daughters came in and sat down in the booth behind John. The two little girls did have features much like those from India, their mother, who was quite pretty, I wasn't so sure about. She could've gone either way. So the employee then walks up to their table and asks them the same thing, "are you from India or Pakistan?"
Again, I was horrified!
The woman just looked at him as if not understanding the question, and he says, "Indian? You know, from Asia."
She just shook her head and said, "Russia".
Didn't see that one coming!
When her husband walked into the room a few minutes later, there was no doubt in my mind what she had said was true. He definitely looked Russian.
Okay, so I ask you kind folks, is it acceptable to ask perfect strangers what country they are from in such a manner?
Should I have been? Well, I'm not sure... but I was. Maybe I'm just out of touch with what is/isn't appropriate behavior these days, so perhaps some of you kind folk can set me straight.
The husband and I went to Fazoli's for dinner (got to love a place that feeds two adults for under $10). The restaurant was packed, no exaggeration, people were lined up out the door. I don't know if it was a lot of people dining there for Lent, that had tired of fish, or what, but it was crazy! They kept running out of spaghetti and marinara sauce, and people had to wait for 20 minutes or more at a time for their food, where as normally, you get it in less than 5.
Anyway, some people sat down in the booth behind me which were, if not directly from another country, were immediate descendants of those who were. So the employee (who's not the brightest crayon in the box) that walks around the room giving everyone more breadsticks, walks up to their table and asks, "Are you from India or Pakistan?"
I wasn't even a part of the conversation, and I wanted to crawl under my table!! I thought, "how rude!!!!" I hope these people don't think all Americans are like that.
A few minutes later, a woman and her two daughters came in and sat down in the booth behind John. The two little girls did have features much like those from India, their mother, who was quite pretty, I wasn't so sure about. She could've gone either way. So the employee then walks up to their table and asks them the same thing, "are you from India or Pakistan?"
Again, I was horrified!
The woman just looked at him as if not understanding the question, and he says, "Indian? You know, from Asia."
She just shook her head and said, "Russia".
Didn't see that one coming!
When her husband walked into the room a few minutes later, there was no doubt in my mind what she had said was true. He definitely looked Russian.
Okay, so I ask you kind folks, is it acceptable to ask perfect strangers what country they are from in such a manner?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Laundry thief
I just love this little girl sooooo much!... even when she is stealing the dirty laundry and/or trying to look innocent even though I know she's guilty!
Mr. & Mrs. Mallard
These are my "new friends" that I mentioned stopped in for a visit last Saturday. Aren't they cute?? We've since drained quite a bit of the water that had accumulated from the top of the pool-cover, so I don't know if they'll be coming back any time soon. Although, I have seen them (or another pair like them) out there before in summer, once the cover is off...
St. Baldricks
Greetings All!!
I've made a big decision today. I want to do something that will make a difference (hopefully) in someones life. It's a little late for me to do it for this year, as I wouldn't be able to get sponsors together on such short notice (as the event is today), but I'm going to start working towards next year right now!
I first heard of St. Baldricks a couple of years ago, and it tweeked my curiousity, but of course, I never hear about it it seems until the day it's happening. This time though, I'm marking my calender for next year, a couple of months in advance so I won't forget and I'll be able to participate.
Yes, you're reading me correctly. This time next year, I'll be getting my head shaved. I've threatened to do so for a long time, as my hair drives me crazy! But this seems like an even better reason to do so. It is after all, only hair, and it will grow back.
If you've never heard of the event, or are yourself interested in getting involved (either as a shavee or a barber or in some other way), visit this website: http://www.stbaldricks.org/ and learn how you can help fight childhood cancer.
So I'm putting you all on notice that I'm going to need sponsors for next years St. Baldricks event. Start saving your pennies or whatever you can afford (every little bit helps!!), because I'll be hitting all of you up for sponsorship!
Besides the benefit of raising money for a worthy cause, I'm thinking of all the other added benefits... I could probably sleep an extra 20 minutes in the mornings, as I wouldn't have to wet, shampoo, rinse, dry & style my hair (it exhausts me just thinking about it!). I'd save money on shampoo, gel and hair spray. And, I'd be able to wear a hat without getting hat-head.
I could actually lay down and take a nap without messing up my hair. Same goes for riding in a convertible. The benefits are endless!!
I need for the difference of before/after to be somewhat dramatic, so I considered letting my hair grow out and not cutting it until the big event, but honestly, I know I couldn't survive the summer and pool-season without my short-short hair. So I think I'll wait 'til next September for a final haircut. That will give me a 6-month growth to get rid of. Considering how thick my hair is and fast it seems to grow, that should be plenty!
Just sign me,
Future Chrome-dome
I've made a big decision today. I want to do something that will make a difference (hopefully) in someones life. It's a little late for me to do it for this year, as I wouldn't be able to get sponsors together on such short notice (as the event is today), but I'm going to start working towards next year right now!
I first heard of St. Baldricks a couple of years ago, and it tweeked my curiousity, but of course, I never hear about it it seems until the day it's happening. This time though, I'm marking my calender for next year, a couple of months in advance so I won't forget and I'll be able to participate.
Yes, you're reading me correctly. This time next year, I'll be getting my head shaved. I've threatened to do so for a long time, as my hair drives me crazy! But this seems like an even better reason to do so. It is after all, only hair, and it will grow back.
If you've never heard of the event, or are yourself interested in getting involved (either as a shavee or a barber or in some other way), visit this website: http://www.stbaldricks.org/ and learn how you can help fight childhood cancer.
So I'm putting you all on notice that I'm going to need sponsors for next years St. Baldricks event. Start saving your pennies or whatever you can afford (every little bit helps!!), because I'll be hitting all of you up for sponsorship!
Besides the benefit of raising money for a worthy cause, I'm thinking of all the other added benefits... I could probably sleep an extra 20 minutes in the mornings, as I wouldn't have to wet, shampoo, rinse, dry & style my hair (it exhausts me just thinking about it!). I'd save money on shampoo, gel and hair spray. And, I'd be able to wear a hat without getting hat-head.
I could actually lay down and take a nap without messing up my hair. Same goes for riding in a convertible. The benefits are endless!!
I need for the difference of before/after to be somewhat dramatic, so I considered letting my hair grow out and not cutting it until the big event, but honestly, I know I couldn't survive the summer and pool-season without my short-short hair. So I think I'll wait 'til next September for a final haircut. That will give me a 6-month growth to get rid of. Considering how thick my hair is and fast it seems to grow, that should be plenty!
Just sign me,
Future Chrome-dome
Thursday, March 15, 2007
National City update
I made it to the bank yesterday, only to discover they are actually open until 6pm during the week. Darn!, had I known that, I could've gone there the day before. Oh well...
Anyway, I went in and spoke to the same teller that I'd dealt with on Monday. I refreshed her memory on the situation, then presented her with the new bill I'd received for $400.
Teller: oh well, your payment hasn't had time to clear yet, so you can probably disregard that.
Me: but this says "final payment" on it, just like the stub I showed you Monday. So do I owe you money?, or do you owe me money?
Teller, confused look on her face: Um, let me go ask the manager.
Of course!
Finally she comes back, points out a paragraph higher up on the page that states I have a $700 balance on the account. Okay, if that's the case, then why is it saying on the payment stub that I only owe $400?
Teller: Well, if you add the two amounts together, that's what you paid me on Monday.
Me: No it isn't.
Teller has to add the 400 and 700 up on a calculator and look at the amount I'd paid to realize there's a $100 difference.
Teller: Oh. Well, I don't know. Oh, I know what it is, all this is late fees you owe.
Me: Uh, no it isn't. If I had any late fees incurred, then I paid them as they were incurred. There's no way in hell I incurred $1100 in late fees.
Finally she gets on the phone and calls the corporate office, and proceeds to doodle on a piece of scrap paper. In the middle of her doodling she writes "research request". Finally she hangs up...
Teller: Um, I'm going to have to submit a research request on this. They said that most likely we'll owe you $700+ back.
Me, to myself: Do ya THINK so??????
Me: So how long will that take?
Teller: Well, it's kind of late today, so within a day or so I should know something.
Me: So do I just need to come back by here at the end of the week?
Teller: Oh no, I'll call you.
Then there was silence as she just looked at me.
Me: Okay, would you like to take down my phone number?
Teller: Oh, okay, what is it?
I gave it to her, then she just sits and looks at me again, like she's waiting for me to say "thank you" and "good bye".
Me: Would you like to make copies of these papers so you have the account number, names and amounts in question?
Teller: Oh, yeah, I guess so. Most likely when I call you, I'll just be telling you the amount of the refund, and when they mailed it.
Yeah, right! I am so rolling my eyes now.
I can't wait to hear what the news will be come tomorrow afternoon.
Anyway, I went in and spoke to the same teller that I'd dealt with on Monday. I refreshed her memory on the situation, then presented her with the new bill I'd received for $400.
Teller: oh well, your payment hasn't had time to clear yet, so you can probably disregard that.
Me: but this says "final payment" on it, just like the stub I showed you Monday. So do I owe you money?, or do you owe me money?
Teller, confused look on her face: Um, let me go ask the manager.
Of course!
Finally she comes back, points out a paragraph higher up on the page that states I have a $700 balance on the account. Okay, if that's the case, then why is it saying on the payment stub that I only owe $400?
Teller: Well, if you add the two amounts together, that's what you paid me on Monday.
Me: No it isn't.
Teller has to add the 400 and 700 up on a calculator and look at the amount I'd paid to realize there's a $100 difference.
Teller: Oh. Well, I don't know. Oh, I know what it is, all this is late fees you owe.
Me: Uh, no it isn't. If I had any late fees incurred, then I paid them as they were incurred. There's no way in hell I incurred $1100 in late fees.
Finally she gets on the phone and calls the corporate office, and proceeds to doodle on a piece of scrap paper. In the middle of her doodling she writes "research request". Finally she hangs up...
Teller: Um, I'm going to have to submit a research request on this. They said that most likely we'll owe you $700+ back.
Me, to myself: Do ya THINK so??????
Me: So how long will that take?
Teller: Well, it's kind of late today, so within a day or so I should know something.
Me: So do I just need to come back by here at the end of the week?
Teller: Oh no, I'll call you.
Then there was silence as she just looked at me.
Me: Okay, would you like to take down my phone number?
Teller: Oh, okay, what is it?
I gave it to her, then she just sits and looks at me again, like she's waiting for me to say "thank you" and "good bye".
Me: Would you like to make copies of these papers so you have the account number, names and amounts in question?
Teller: Oh, yeah, I guess so. Most likely when I call you, I'll just be telling you the amount of the refund, and when they mailed it.
Yeah, right! I am so rolling my eyes now.
I can't wait to hear what the news will be come tomorrow afternoon.
Personal dictionary
Unless I'm in a big hurry, I usually make some kind of effort to proof-read what I've written, and/or use spell-check. Of course, some words may be spelled correctly, but they just happen to be the wrong word (or derivative of) for the sentence, therefore spell-check won't pick it up.
I've come to the conclusion that I need to make a list of words that give me spelling-fits the most often and post them on the front of my monitor. I could perhaps then save myself some stress and time trying to figure them out and perhaps one day, after seeing them posted there long enough, their correct spelling may actually sink in.
Until then, on occassion I'll most definately, mispell, these words over and over. *** yes, I know (thanks to my spell-check) that that sentence should read: .... on occasion I'll most definitely, misspell, these words...
These are of course, just a few of the words I have continued trouble with, but I'm working on it.
On a slightly different note. I was somewhat horrified to read an email that someone very high-up in the company sent me this morning, suggesting a sick co-worker go see a docter.
Docter??
How did he reach the level of management he has with that kind of spelling skill? Oh, never mind, that's what secretaries are for.
I've come to the conclusion that I need to make a list of words that give me spelling-fits the most often and post them on the front of my monitor. I could perhaps then save myself some stress and time trying to figure them out and perhaps one day, after seeing them posted there long enough, their correct spelling may actually sink in.
Until then, on occassion I'll most definately, mispell, these words over and over. *** yes, I know (thanks to my spell-check) that that sentence should read: .... on occasion I'll most definitely, misspell, these words...
These are of course, just a few of the words I have continued trouble with, but I'm working on it.
On a slightly different note. I was somewhat horrified to read an email that someone very high-up in the company sent me this morning, suggesting a sick co-worker go see a docter.
Docter??
How did he reach the level of management he has with that kind of spelling skill? Oh, never mind, that's what secretaries are for.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Midnight panic
My dear friend/neighbor "J" is expecting her first child in just over six weeks. While we certainly don't expect the baby to come early, sometimes children and Mother Nature have other ideas, and they can do the unexpected.
After bunco last night, we'd returned home and both were standing out front of our houses while our k-9 children did their business and visited with one another. "J"'s husband was out of town last night, so she informed me that she was putting me on alert in the event she went into labor.
That's fine, I sleep with my phone less than two feet from my head. I expect a call when the big moment comes, whether her husband is in town or not.
We went our separate ways, and I eventually settled down to go to sleep for the night.
I use my cell phone as so many things besides making/receiving phone calls. It's my alarm clock, my appointment reminder, and my datebook, all in one. Among many other things I have birthdays stored in the datebook of those near and dear to me. An alarm goes off when the day arrives of "said" person's birthday. Unfortunately though, it goes off at midnight, exactly when it becomes the new day.
Well, as fate would have it, today is "J"'s birthday.
So there I was, sound asleep when my phone started ringing. When I first woke up I thought it was the alarm sounding for John to get up. **Groan**, I felt like I'd just gone to sleep. It couldn't be 2:30am already, could it?
My heavy eyelids lifted just enough to look at the display screen, and all I picked out was "J"'s name. Still not awake enough to read the message, my heart began to beat super-fast and I jumped from the chair (yes, I'm back to sleeping in the recliner). Oh no!, she was in labor!!!!! I ran towards the hallway, still not having "answered" the phone, when I finally stopped to look at it, and saw that it wasn't "J" calling me, but was instead a reminder that today was "J"'s birthday.
Mixed feelings of "well crap" and "Whew!" washed over me, as I stumbled back to the recliner.
After bunco last night, we'd returned home and both were standing out front of our houses while our k-9 children did their business and visited with one another. "J"'s husband was out of town last night, so she informed me that she was putting me on alert in the event she went into labor.
That's fine, I sleep with my phone less than two feet from my head. I expect a call when the big moment comes, whether her husband is in town or not.
We went our separate ways, and I eventually settled down to go to sleep for the night.
I use my cell phone as so many things besides making/receiving phone calls. It's my alarm clock, my appointment reminder, and my datebook, all in one. Among many other things I have birthdays stored in the datebook of those near and dear to me. An alarm goes off when the day arrives of "said" person's birthday. Unfortunately though, it goes off at midnight, exactly when it becomes the new day.
Well, as fate would have it, today is "J"'s birthday.
So there I was, sound asleep when my phone started ringing. When I first woke up I thought it was the alarm sounding for John to get up. **Groan**, I felt like I'd just gone to sleep. It couldn't be 2:30am already, could it?
My heavy eyelids lifted just enough to look at the display screen, and all I picked out was "J"'s name. Still not awake enough to read the message, my heart began to beat super-fast and I jumped from the chair (yes, I'm back to sleeping in the recliner). Oh no!, she was in labor!!!!! I ran towards the hallway, still not having "answered" the phone, when I finally stopped to look at it, and saw that it wasn't "J" calling me, but was instead a reminder that today was "J"'s birthday.
Mixed feelings of "well crap" and "Whew!" washed over me, as I stumbled back to the recliner.
Financial institutions
I am apparently living under some kind of dark cloud when it comes to dealing with banking institutions and insurance companies. You heard yesterday the drama with our auto insurance. And of course going back a few months, there was the drama with the bank that lost the large check I wrote and hand-delivered to them that was to pay off the lease on my Mazda.
So here yet is another chapter in the on-going saga of my issues with these institutions...
Monday afternoon, before arriving home to discover the insurance issue, I stopped at National City to pay off a loan. I walked up to the counter, handed the girl the most recent bill I'd received and asked her if the $12oo+ was the correct amount to see it paid in full, before I wrote out the check. I was thinking that my last payment might've crossed in the mail with this invoice, but wasn't sure, thus my reasons for double-checking.
She looked it up on the computer, got a puzzled look on her face, said it was showing a slightly lower amount, but wanted to go ask her manager just to make sure. The clerk disappearred for a few minutes, then came back and said that the $1200 was the correct amount, so I wrote her a check, feeling that I was paying this loan off, in full.
Yesterday afternoon, I arrived home from work and was looking through the mail and there was an envelope from National City. I opened it, and there was a bill stating that I owed $400+ dollars as my final payment.
WHAT????
ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!
I looked at the clock, but unfortunately it was already after 5pm, so I knew they were already closed. Grrr, now I'd have to wait another day to resolve this. And you can be darned sure I want to go back to the same branch, and the same clerk, so I can approach with a forced smile, and through gritted teeth say, "what the hell?"!!!!!
Do I owe you another $400+?
Or does your bank owe me an $800+ refund????
I'm seriously hoping it's the latter!!
Either way, I'm feeling as if I've been somewhat f*cked over by yet another bank.
I've come to the conclusion that I must not be living right. I don't understand. Seriously, I try to obey the rules and do what's right. Why do I keep getting shafted?
The rich just keep getting richer, and the poor just keep getting poorer. Ain't it the darned truth?
So here yet is another chapter in the on-going saga of my issues with these institutions...
Monday afternoon, before arriving home to discover the insurance issue, I stopped at National City to pay off a loan. I walked up to the counter, handed the girl the most recent bill I'd received and asked her if the $12oo+ was the correct amount to see it paid in full, before I wrote out the check. I was thinking that my last payment might've crossed in the mail with this invoice, but wasn't sure, thus my reasons for double-checking.
She looked it up on the computer, got a puzzled look on her face, said it was showing a slightly lower amount, but wanted to go ask her manager just to make sure. The clerk disappearred for a few minutes, then came back and said that the $1200 was the correct amount, so I wrote her a check, feeling that I was paying this loan off, in full.
Yesterday afternoon, I arrived home from work and was looking through the mail and there was an envelope from National City. I opened it, and there was a bill stating that I owed $400+ dollars as my final payment.
WHAT????
ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!
I looked at the clock, but unfortunately it was already after 5pm, so I knew they were already closed. Grrr, now I'd have to wait another day to resolve this. And you can be darned sure I want to go back to the same branch, and the same clerk, so I can approach with a forced smile, and through gritted teeth say, "what the hell?"!!!!!
Do I owe you another $400+?
Or does your bank owe me an $800+ refund????
I'm seriously hoping it's the latter!!
Either way, I'm feeling as if I've been somewhat f*cked over by yet another bank.
I've come to the conclusion that I must not be living right. I don't understand. Seriously, I try to obey the rules and do what's right. Why do I keep getting shafted?
The rich just keep getting richer, and the poor just keep getting poorer. Ain't it the darned truth?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Scary stuff
Have you ever received a bit of news that scared you so bad, your bowels literally turned to liquid and you just got completely sick??? Sorry, don't mean to be so graphic, but I just had to give you an idea of how I felt yesterday when I opened the mail. But allow me to back up a few weeks if I may.
Early in February, we received a letter from the bank that carries the loan on our rv, asking for a copy of our auto insurance showing proof the rv was covered, as there was some kind of problem with our existing policy. Thinking they'd just made some kind of clerical error, I didn't sweat it, but planned to send in a copy of the insurance renewal when I sent in our payment at the end of Feb. About 10 days later, I got another letter, asking for the same thing, but it also said if they didn't receive the info asap, they were going to take out an insurance policy and tack the premiums onto our monthly loan payment. Okay, good grief, if they're in that much of a hurry... I went on and made a copy of the most current renewal I had (from back in the fall), hi-lited the info on the camper and that lender, and mailed it into them.
Yesterday, I got a letter from that bank, thanking me for sending them the info. However, after checking with out insurance company, they'd been informed that our coverage had been cancelled. Grrr!, okay, obviously some kind of mistake is going on here.
I called my insurance company, Metropolitan. Went through the whole automated system, entered my policy number, and was promptly told my auto insurance had been cancelled. What!?!?!?!? Something is not right here. I pushed a few more buttons 'til I finally got to speak to an English-speaking-American person. He informed that our auto insurance had been cancelled back in December. DECEMBER!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! You mean we've been driving around for three months without auto insurance??? *** this is where my bowels really went liquid and I got incredibly nauseated***
Okay, so how could this be? He tells me for non-payment. I looked back through my check register and read off the payments I'd sent in. Well, apparently those weren't enough payments, and he claimed they'd sent out two cancellation notices. Um, no, I don't think so! I didn't receive two notices, I didn't even receive one notice. If I had, I'd have rectified the situation post-haste!!
Fine, whatever, what do I have to do to get it re-instated? Well, since it had been lapsed for more than 40 days, they couldn't renew it. I'd have to take out a new policy, just as if I was a new customer, so he switched me to a sales office. The next jerk quotes me a figure of approx. $3500/year for the three vehicles. Gulp!! Now I was on the verge of tears. This was like a grand more than what we'd been paying. I was truly feeling sick. And the down payment he wanted was outrageous. I finally told him I couldn't pay that amount and he said, "well, we appreciate your business." Hmph!, after having ALL of our policies (life, home, autos) with them for over 15 years, you'd think they'd "appreciate" it a little more than that. I hung up on him, sat and cried for a while, then grabbed the yellow pages. My mind was a blank and as many insurance companies as there are out there, the only one I could think of was State Farm. I looked up their number, took a deep breath to quiet the sobs, and called.
Oh my gawd!! They were even worse than Metropolitan! That witch refused to insure us because we'd been driving around without auto insurance for the last three months. I said, "but it's not like it was intentional!!" She didnt' care. It wasn't her policy, it was company policy. So I got no help there.
Somebody explain to me please why that would be a policy? They'll insure me if I already have insurance, but if I don't, they won't? That makes no sense! If I already had insurance, I wouldn't need them. Now that I need them, they won't help. And their slogan is, "And like a good neighbor, State Farm is there"? Doesn't sound like much of a good neighbor to me!
I hit the yellow pages again and made another call. The next company didn't snub me. They took down my info and said they'd call me back shortly with a quote. As I was now terrified of driving anywhere, for any reason, I made the decision to walk to physical therapy. Thank goodness it was a nice day for the 2+ mile round trip. I grounded John also, putting my foot down and not allowing him to make any fire-runs until things were resolved.
Once the new company called me back, I heard some good news... it was about darned time.
Not only would they insure me, but my yearly rate is like $1800 less than what Metropolitan wanted to charge me to take out a new policy. $1800!, can you believe that?!?!?
I met the woman at her office in St. Matthews at 7:30 this morning, driving with such great care as you can't imagine, feeling nauseated the whole way there, constantly thinking to myself, "what if?, what if?".
I'm delighted to report that we're now again insured and legal!, and on the plus side, when my policy comes up for renewal again in 6 months, it will be reviewed, and my rates will most likely go down even more because right now we're paying a "penalty" of sorts for being un-insured drivers. Hmph!
Well, I'm trying to be positive that a bad situation is indeed turning out to be a good one. I just never in my wildest dreams could imagine that there was such a difference in rates between insurance companies. I thought with all the discounts we got from Metlife for having multiple policies, we were doing good. Guess not.
Oh, and when our auto insurance comes up for renewal, in six months, I'll be talking to them about possibly changing our homeowners also. Ha!, take that Metlife!!
Early in February, we received a letter from the bank that carries the loan on our rv, asking for a copy of our auto insurance showing proof the rv was covered, as there was some kind of problem with our existing policy. Thinking they'd just made some kind of clerical error, I didn't sweat it, but planned to send in a copy of the insurance renewal when I sent in our payment at the end of Feb. About 10 days later, I got another letter, asking for the same thing, but it also said if they didn't receive the info asap, they were going to take out an insurance policy and tack the premiums onto our monthly loan payment. Okay, good grief, if they're in that much of a hurry... I went on and made a copy of the most current renewal I had (from back in the fall), hi-lited the info on the camper and that lender, and mailed it into them.
Yesterday, I got a letter from that bank, thanking me for sending them the info. However, after checking with out insurance company, they'd been informed that our coverage had been cancelled. Grrr!, okay, obviously some kind of mistake is going on here.
I called my insurance company, Metropolitan. Went through the whole automated system, entered my policy number, and was promptly told my auto insurance had been cancelled. What!?!?!?!? Something is not right here. I pushed a few more buttons 'til I finally got to speak to an English-speaking-American person. He informed that our auto insurance had been cancelled back in December. DECEMBER!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! You mean we've been driving around for three months without auto insurance??? *** this is where my bowels really went liquid and I got incredibly nauseated***
Okay, so how could this be? He tells me for non-payment. I looked back through my check register and read off the payments I'd sent in. Well, apparently those weren't enough payments, and he claimed they'd sent out two cancellation notices. Um, no, I don't think so! I didn't receive two notices, I didn't even receive one notice. If I had, I'd have rectified the situation post-haste!!
Fine, whatever, what do I have to do to get it re-instated? Well, since it had been lapsed for more than 40 days, they couldn't renew it. I'd have to take out a new policy, just as if I was a new customer, so he switched me to a sales office. The next jerk quotes me a figure of approx. $3500/year for the three vehicles. Gulp!! Now I was on the verge of tears. This was like a grand more than what we'd been paying. I was truly feeling sick. And the down payment he wanted was outrageous. I finally told him I couldn't pay that amount and he said, "well, we appreciate your business." Hmph!, after having ALL of our policies (life, home, autos) with them for over 15 years, you'd think they'd "appreciate" it a little more than that. I hung up on him, sat and cried for a while, then grabbed the yellow pages. My mind was a blank and as many insurance companies as there are out there, the only one I could think of was State Farm. I looked up their number, took a deep breath to quiet the sobs, and called.
Oh my gawd!! They were even worse than Metropolitan! That witch refused to insure us because we'd been driving around without auto insurance for the last three months. I said, "but it's not like it was intentional!!" She didnt' care. It wasn't her policy, it was company policy. So I got no help there.
Somebody explain to me please why that would be a policy? They'll insure me if I already have insurance, but if I don't, they won't? That makes no sense! If I already had insurance, I wouldn't need them. Now that I need them, they won't help. And their slogan is, "And like a good neighbor, State Farm is there"? Doesn't sound like much of a good neighbor to me!
I hit the yellow pages again and made another call. The next company didn't snub me. They took down my info and said they'd call me back shortly with a quote. As I was now terrified of driving anywhere, for any reason, I made the decision to walk to physical therapy. Thank goodness it was a nice day for the 2+ mile round trip. I grounded John also, putting my foot down and not allowing him to make any fire-runs until things were resolved.
Once the new company called me back, I heard some good news... it was about darned time.
Not only would they insure me, but my yearly rate is like $1800 less than what Metropolitan wanted to charge me to take out a new policy. $1800!, can you believe that?!?!?
I met the woman at her office in St. Matthews at 7:30 this morning, driving with such great care as you can't imagine, feeling nauseated the whole way there, constantly thinking to myself, "what if?, what if?".
I'm delighted to report that we're now again insured and legal!, and on the plus side, when my policy comes up for renewal again in 6 months, it will be reviewed, and my rates will most likely go down even more because right now we're paying a "penalty" of sorts for being un-insured drivers. Hmph!
Well, I'm trying to be positive that a bad situation is indeed turning out to be a good one. I just never in my wildest dreams could imagine that there was such a difference in rates between insurance companies. I thought with all the discounts we got from Metlife for having multiple policies, we were doing good. Guess not.
Oh, and when our auto insurance comes up for renewal, in six months, I'll be talking to them about possibly changing our homeowners also. Ha!, take that Metlife!!
Weekend in review...
Whew!, it's been a full weekend. And a full week thus far too.
Two deaths have occurred, two new friends entered my life, I did something totally out of character for moi, and other miscellaneous things.
I wish I'd remembered to bring my camera with this me this morning, so I could download the pictures I took of my new "friends". Actually, I'm not real sure how "new" they are. Every year, at least once a year, we get some unexpected visitors that stop for a swim in our swimming pool. It doesn't seem to bother them that it's not actually open for business yet. There is more than enough water on top of the pool-cover to accommodate them. Yes, it's the return of Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Ducks. I often wonder if it's the same pair each year. They've actually been to visit twice this week... 9am on Saturday morning they were out there paddling around and I was feeding them bread/cracker crumbs. Then again yesterday afternoon when I arrived home, they were out there, both had their heads tucked down, snoozing in the warm sun. I wanted to let the dogs out to run and play, but kept them in instead, for fear they'd go after the ducks. I keep wondering if I'll someday look out and see a half dozen little ducklings paddling along behind their parents.
Speaking of the warm weather, which I'm LOVING!, the warm temperatures at night brought the moths out of hiding to gather around our porch lights. Mrs. Peter Wolfspider was unusually active in her jar on Friday, but seemed a bit sluggish Saturday morning. I caught two moths and placed them in her jar to dine upon, but she never touched either one. It is with great sorrow that I report this: On Sunday morning when I went to check on her, she was curled up, totally lifeless. I nudged her with a stick, but she remained still. I flipped her onto her back, but again, she remained that way. Poor Mrs. Peter Wolfspider. : ( May I get a moment of silence for her please???
It's been a long battle of the strong-willed, but my Festivus Tree finally came down this weekend. Not because of any letter(s) or complaints we received from the homeowners association, but because the branches were really rusty. Everytime I touched the tree, a cloud of rust particles would float up, and too, there was a big rusty stain on the patio where it had dripped down. Also, in all honesty, I was getting kind of tired of redecorating it all the time. I'm glad to have reclaimed the space on my front porch. Of course, that doesn't mean that next Christmas, I won't buy another tree and do it all over again. Only time will tell. I'm sure many of the neighbors and the board members are breathing a sigh of relief. But honestly, it looks so bare and naked on my porch now. And I can't help but wonder how many people are going to "get lost" now that they don't have that landmark to look for when going to a friends house.
May I get another moment of silence for the passing of my Festivus Tree??
I'm not much of a conversationalist or any form of interaction where strangers are concerned. So this next story continues to boggle my mind that I did this. The husband & I met his father and sister for brunch Sunday afternoon. Afterwards, we exited the restaurant and were standing out front hugging one another and saying our good-byes. As we were finishing up our hugs, this man, a total stranger mind you, walks out of the restaurant and says, "me next". Of course he was joking, and started to walk on past us, but I called his bluff, grabbed him and hugged him, and he hugged me back. As John & I were walking to our car, I said, "that poor man, his wife was probably already in the car waiting on him and is slapping his face right now demanding to know who that woman was that was hugging him."
I had a follow-up appt. with the pain mgt. doctor yesterday. Everything still seems to be going well. I don't go back for another two months, unless something happens between now and then. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Two deaths have occurred, two new friends entered my life, I did something totally out of character for moi, and other miscellaneous things.
I wish I'd remembered to bring my camera with this me this morning, so I could download the pictures I took of my new "friends". Actually, I'm not real sure how "new" they are. Every year, at least once a year, we get some unexpected visitors that stop for a swim in our swimming pool. It doesn't seem to bother them that it's not actually open for business yet. There is more than enough water on top of the pool-cover to accommodate them. Yes, it's the return of Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Ducks. I often wonder if it's the same pair each year. They've actually been to visit twice this week... 9am on Saturday morning they were out there paddling around and I was feeding them bread/cracker crumbs. Then again yesterday afternoon when I arrived home, they were out there, both had their heads tucked down, snoozing in the warm sun. I wanted to let the dogs out to run and play, but kept them in instead, for fear they'd go after the ducks. I keep wondering if I'll someday look out and see a half dozen little ducklings paddling along behind their parents.
Speaking of the warm weather, which I'm LOVING!, the warm temperatures at night brought the moths out of hiding to gather around our porch lights. Mrs. Peter Wolfspider was unusually active in her jar on Friday, but seemed a bit sluggish Saturday morning. I caught two moths and placed them in her jar to dine upon, but she never touched either one. It is with great sorrow that I report this: On Sunday morning when I went to check on her, she was curled up, totally lifeless. I nudged her with a stick, but she remained still. I flipped her onto her back, but again, she remained that way. Poor Mrs. Peter Wolfspider. : ( May I get a moment of silence for her please???
It's been a long battle of the strong-willed, but my Festivus Tree finally came down this weekend. Not because of any letter(s) or complaints we received from the homeowners association, but because the branches were really rusty. Everytime I touched the tree, a cloud of rust particles would float up, and too, there was a big rusty stain on the patio where it had dripped down. Also, in all honesty, I was getting kind of tired of redecorating it all the time. I'm glad to have reclaimed the space on my front porch. Of course, that doesn't mean that next Christmas, I won't buy another tree and do it all over again. Only time will tell. I'm sure many of the neighbors and the board members are breathing a sigh of relief. But honestly, it looks so bare and naked on my porch now. And I can't help but wonder how many people are going to "get lost" now that they don't have that landmark to look for when going to a friends house.
May I get another moment of silence for the passing of my Festivus Tree??
I'm not much of a conversationalist or any form of interaction where strangers are concerned. So this next story continues to boggle my mind that I did this. The husband & I met his father and sister for brunch Sunday afternoon. Afterwards, we exited the restaurant and were standing out front hugging one another and saying our good-byes. As we were finishing up our hugs, this man, a total stranger mind you, walks out of the restaurant and says, "me next". Of course he was joking, and started to walk on past us, but I called his bluff, grabbed him and hugged him, and he hugged me back. As John & I were walking to our car, I said, "that poor man, his wife was probably already in the car waiting on him and is slapping his face right now demanding to know who that woman was that was hugging him."
I had a follow-up appt. with the pain mgt. doctor yesterday. Everything still seems to be going well. I don't go back for another two months, unless something happens between now and then. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Friday, March 09, 2007
This & that
Here I sit,
My back is aching,
I try to smile,
But I'm only faking.
-------------------
Q: How many days do I have left 'til I've got some vacation time coming?
A: Too many!
-------------------
I've been having a lot of very strange dreams lately, and I'll be darned if I can make heads or tails out of their meaning.
I'd like to invent a machine that would record our dreams/nightmares much like a video camera or rather, a vcr would, so we could go back and watch our dreams again, and try to make sense out of them, because the little snippets that I do remember, whether it's as soon as I wake up, or much later in the day, just don't make sense by themselves. If nothing else, I'd like to be able to take those "recordings" to an analyst/therapist, and have them try to make sense out of it all.
--------------------
Depending on Mother Nature of course, I'm figuring roughly 10 weeks 'til pool season.... that's if we have a really warm spring. If not, then tack on a couple of more weeks. I wonder what crisis we'll be faced with this year when we remove the cover?? Seems something is always broke, has to fixed or replaced. Grrr! If I had known then what I know now about being a pool-owner, I'd never have gotten the darned thing. However, when it's up and running smoothly, it sure is a nice luxury to have. ahhhhhh
-----------------
Still need to get those taxes done. Seems we put it off longer and longer every year.
Ho-hum. : (
My back is aching,
I try to smile,
But I'm only faking.
-------------------
Q: How many days do I have left 'til I've got some vacation time coming?
A: Too many!
-------------------
I've been having a lot of very strange dreams lately, and I'll be darned if I can make heads or tails out of their meaning.
I'd like to invent a machine that would record our dreams/nightmares much like a video camera or rather, a vcr would, so we could go back and watch our dreams again, and try to make sense out of them, because the little snippets that I do remember, whether it's as soon as I wake up, or much later in the day, just don't make sense by themselves. If nothing else, I'd like to be able to take those "recordings" to an analyst/therapist, and have them try to make sense out of it all.
--------------------
Depending on Mother Nature of course, I'm figuring roughly 10 weeks 'til pool season.... that's if we have a really warm spring. If not, then tack on a couple of more weeks. I wonder what crisis we'll be faced with this year when we remove the cover?? Seems something is always broke, has to fixed or replaced. Grrr! If I had known then what I know now about being a pool-owner, I'd never have gotten the darned thing. However, when it's up and running smoothly, it sure is a nice luxury to have. ahhhhhh
-----------------
Still need to get those taxes done. Seems we put it off longer and longer every year.
Ho-hum. : (
Do you hear what I hear?
Isn't it odd how we hear we want to hear, or interpret them to mean what we want, instead of hearing what was really said or instead of just taking things at face value or whatever?
A couple of examples...
#1) Wednesday, I had just arrived at p.t. and was filling out some paperwork at the counter, and a man was standing about three feet to my left doing the same. He asked a question out loud as to the date.
Now, there were two office workers standing across from us on the other side of the counter. One of the girls, Shelly, and myself, heard the man to say "Today is the 7th, right?", and both answered, "Uh-huh."
The other girl, Terri, just laughed and said, "He just asked if it today was the 7th or 8th, and you both said, 'uh-huh'." Shelly & I just looked at each other, then at her as if she'd lost her mind, then at the man, who then confirmed that he'd asked, "7th or 8th?".
Makes you wonder how both of us misunderstood him to say the same thing!
Okay, that was an example of accidental misunderstanding.
Example #2) A nurse calls from the hospital to inform us that a man has passed away and they need for us to come remove him. I took down some information, and before hanging up, the nurse asked how long it would be before somebody arrived to take him away. I told her I couldn't give her a time, but that it would be a minimum of 45 minutes, as our mortuary service is located in downtown Louisville and it would take them that long to get there, but that was only if they didn't have other calls (removals) ahead of this one.
Now, after a lengthy explanation like that, you would think she'd understand that a time couldn't be given. But no, she proceeds to tell the family that we (our removal people) would be there within 45 minutes.
So there you have it, a case of somebody hearing what they wanted to hear, and not what was being said.
I could give other examples, but you get the idea.
People, whether deliberately/intentional or by accident, tend to hear just about anything but what is actually being said.
A couple of examples...
#1) Wednesday, I had just arrived at p.t. and was filling out some paperwork at the counter, and a man was standing about three feet to my left doing the same. He asked a question out loud as to the date.
Now, there were two office workers standing across from us on the other side of the counter. One of the girls, Shelly, and myself, heard the man to say "Today is the 7th, right?", and both answered, "Uh-huh."
The other girl, Terri, just laughed and said, "He just asked if it today was the 7th or 8th, and you both said, 'uh-huh'." Shelly & I just looked at each other, then at her as if she'd lost her mind, then at the man, who then confirmed that he'd asked, "7th or 8th?".
Makes you wonder how both of us misunderstood him to say the same thing!
Okay, that was an example of accidental misunderstanding.
Example #2) A nurse calls from the hospital to inform us that a man has passed away and they need for us to come remove him. I took down some information, and before hanging up, the nurse asked how long it would be before somebody arrived to take him away. I told her I couldn't give her a time, but that it would be a minimum of 45 minutes, as our mortuary service is located in downtown Louisville and it would take them that long to get there, but that was only if they didn't have other calls (removals) ahead of this one.
Now, after a lengthy explanation like that, you would think she'd understand that a time couldn't be given. But no, she proceeds to tell the family that we (our removal people) would be there within 45 minutes.
So there you have it, a case of somebody hearing what they wanted to hear, and not what was being said.
I could give other examples, but you get the idea.
People, whether deliberately/intentional or by accident, tend to hear just about anything but what is actually being said.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Happy thoughts
Happy Thoughts!
Happy Thoughts!
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Do away with the stress,
And do my level best.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Don't let others get me down,
And try to keep from wearing a frown.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
When others seem to make me mad,
I'll try to ignore and just be glad.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
If others words bring me tears,
Then I can hug myself for I'm always here.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Be gone cruel world and take your harsh words!
There are those among us that just want to be turds.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Happy Thoughts!
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Do away with the stress,
And do my level best.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Don't let others get me down,
And try to keep from wearing a frown.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
When others seem to make me mad,
I'll try to ignore and just be glad.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
If others words bring me tears,
Then I can hug myself for I'm always here.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
Be gone cruel world and take your harsh words!
There are those among us that just want to be turds.
I'm trying very hard to have happy thoughts.
It's infectious...
If you're not a dog lover, you probably won't appreciate this blog.
Do you think dogs are capable of smiling?
I do. Seriously... and I don't just mean to imply that they are happy because they are wagging their tail &/or their tongue is hanging out, although that is a part of it.
At one time or another, I think I've seen all my dogs smile. Some dogs it's on rare occasions or just a fleeting grin, but I have one happy little girl that seems to always have a big smile on her face.
My Olivia has a perpetual smile on her face. She's such a happy little girl. She even seems to smile in her sleep.
One of her most favorite things is to sit-up in the "beg" position while balancing herself by putting her paws on your leg. Her tail then starts sweeping the floor at a furious pace, she tilts her head up to look at you and the corner of her lips are curved up in such a cute smile.
John happened to be off work today, and was standing in the kitchen while I ate my cereal, when Olivia assumed "the position" with John. I watched him love on her and her tail just kept sweeping faster and faster and her smile grew bigger and bigger.
I commented to my husband that for a dog that wasn't supposed to have any quality of life, she certainly seems content with the quality she has. And if nothing else, she has certainly improved the quality of our lives.
Her smile was infectious and watching her smile made me smile and my day started off quite nicely.
Of course, then I arrived at work and things quickly went to pot, but once I'd muddled through a bad situation, I remembered Olivia's smile and my day got all better once again.
Do you think dogs are capable of smiling?
I do. Seriously... and I don't just mean to imply that they are happy because they are wagging their tail &/or their tongue is hanging out, although that is a part of it.
At one time or another, I think I've seen all my dogs smile. Some dogs it's on rare occasions or just a fleeting grin, but I have one happy little girl that seems to always have a big smile on her face.
My Olivia has a perpetual smile on her face. She's such a happy little girl. She even seems to smile in her sleep.
One of her most favorite things is to sit-up in the "beg" position while balancing herself by putting her paws on your leg. Her tail then starts sweeping the floor at a furious pace, she tilts her head up to look at you and the corner of her lips are curved up in such a cute smile.
John happened to be off work today, and was standing in the kitchen while I ate my cereal, when Olivia assumed "the position" with John. I watched him love on her and her tail just kept sweeping faster and faster and her smile grew bigger and bigger.
I commented to my husband that for a dog that wasn't supposed to have any quality of life, she certainly seems content with the quality she has. And if nothing else, she has certainly improved the quality of our lives.
Her smile was infectious and watching her smile made me smile and my day started off quite nicely.
Of course, then I arrived at work and things quickly went to pot, but once I'd muddled through a bad situation, I remembered Olivia's smile and my day got all better once again.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Murder & Mayhem @ the Wally-World
There should be some kind of law on the books that cashiers are not allowed to open their mouths to speak to the customer with the exception of saying "Hello", "Paper or Plastic?", "Do you have any coupons today?", "Credit or debit?", and "Thank you, have a nice day."
It's not a difficult job to do, but it is a thankless one. There's a lot of monotony involved.
I've been a cashier, so I have every right to dog-up "these people". However, back in my cashier days, I rarely felt the need to engage these perfect strangers in in-depth conversations. It's much safer to keep your trap shut, then to risk offending.
Example #1: several years ago, I was in a Kroger store going through the check-out line, when the cashier asked me, "when are you due?"... meaning I looked pregnant. I wasn't pregnant. And I was a heck of a lot slimmer than I am now.
Example #2: Last night the husband and I were checking out at the local Wal-mart. Among our purchases was a package of baby-wipes. I keep these items on hand at our home for our personal use, but it's really not anybodys business why we're buying them. As the young cashier was scanning our items, she chirps up and asks, "Do you have grandchildren at home?"
What did she just ask?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I basically just stood there and stared at her, trying to comprehend what I had just been asked. The husband starts rambling on that the neighbor is expecting a baby in a few weeks, and if her baby ever comes over, we'll be ready. Bah! Don't make up excuses to this twit! The husband could see I was getting more agitated by the moment and my jaw was dropping further and further down my chest and my brow was furrowing as my scowl deepened, so he quickly loaded the groceries and whisked me away from the unsuspecting cashier.
As he was dragging me from the store I started to regain my voice and I started getting beligerant, "What did she just ask us? How old does she think we (I) look? Just because she was probably a mother at 16, and her mother a mother at 16, and her grandmother a mother at 16, doesn't mean everyone is a grandmother by the age of 40! Perhaps when I go for my walk later with the girls, I should take my walker with me to help prevent me from falling." Grrrr
Just how old do I really look??
Okay, I admit, perhaps I am old enough to be a grandmother. After all, I do have 3 or 4 classmates that are grandparents... but still!
Cashier Sonia is lucky I didn't wring her freaking neck last night. Like I said, there should be a law prohibiting these people from speaking unless spoken to.
It's not a difficult job to do, but it is a thankless one. There's a lot of monotony involved.
I've been a cashier, so I have every right to dog-up "these people". However, back in my cashier days, I rarely felt the need to engage these perfect strangers in in-depth conversations. It's much safer to keep your trap shut, then to risk offending.
Example #1: several years ago, I was in a Kroger store going through the check-out line, when the cashier asked me, "when are you due?"... meaning I looked pregnant. I wasn't pregnant. And I was a heck of a lot slimmer than I am now.
Example #2: Last night the husband and I were checking out at the local Wal-mart. Among our purchases was a package of baby-wipes. I keep these items on hand at our home for our personal use, but it's really not anybodys business why we're buying them. As the young cashier was scanning our items, she chirps up and asks, "Do you have grandchildren at home?"
What did she just ask?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I basically just stood there and stared at her, trying to comprehend what I had just been asked. The husband starts rambling on that the neighbor is expecting a baby in a few weeks, and if her baby ever comes over, we'll be ready. Bah! Don't make up excuses to this twit! The husband could see I was getting more agitated by the moment and my jaw was dropping further and further down my chest and my brow was furrowing as my scowl deepened, so he quickly loaded the groceries and whisked me away from the unsuspecting cashier.
As he was dragging me from the store I started to regain my voice and I started getting beligerant, "What did she just ask us? How old does she think we (I) look? Just because she was probably a mother at 16, and her mother a mother at 16, and her grandmother a mother at 16, doesn't mean everyone is a grandmother by the age of 40! Perhaps when I go for my walk later with the girls, I should take my walker with me to help prevent me from falling." Grrrr
Just how old do I really look??
Okay, I admit, perhaps I am old enough to be a grandmother. After all, I do have 3 or 4 classmates that are grandparents... but still!
Cashier Sonia is lucky I didn't wring her freaking neck last night. Like I said, there should be a law prohibiting these people from speaking unless spoken to.
Monday, March 05, 2007
I've been robbed!
**pout** I've been robbed!
When I went to p.t. on Friday evening for my session on the decompression table, the doctor had the tech raise me up to the next level. I didn't notice a big difference at the time, but the next morning, ouch!, my hip was hurting a bit. It didn't alarm me, as this was the same reaction I'd had last time they raised the level. But by Saturday evening, my lower back was hurting, and by Sunday morning, the left side of my mid-back was aching something awful.
Granted, I wasn't in agony... been there, done that... but it was still bothering me quite a bit. It was enough that I wanted to take some of my "good" pills, also knows as "happy" pills, despite the fact that they'd make me loopy as all get-out. I didn't care.
But suddenly, I did care. I could't find my bottle of pills. And it was a very full bottle. They weren't in the cabinet where we keep all our medicines, now were they sitting on the countertop where a few things sit that we take more frequently. They weren't in my purse, nor in my gym-bag or my sewing bag that I tote around. They weren't in my car, nor were they in any of the other places I looked, even though I knew they wouldn't be there. I now hoped like crazy they were in my desk at work. When I arrived this morning, they weren't. I've been robbed!!
I took some other meds, which did nothing for me. But that's the least of my worries.
Now I'm concerned that somebody else has gotten ahold of my medicine and is using it for their own "enjoyment". Not only does it bother me that somebody else could be taking them, but now I worry about what kind of trouble I could get into for somebody else possessing my meds if they are caught with them.
I can't imagine where they could be! I'm hoping against hope that I just misplaced them and they're at home and will turn up. But if it's a case of someone taking them from me, I can't begin to imagine who, or better yet, why someone would do that to me????
When I went to p.t. on Friday evening for my session on the decompression table, the doctor had the tech raise me up to the next level. I didn't notice a big difference at the time, but the next morning, ouch!, my hip was hurting a bit. It didn't alarm me, as this was the same reaction I'd had last time they raised the level. But by Saturday evening, my lower back was hurting, and by Sunday morning, the left side of my mid-back was aching something awful.
Granted, I wasn't in agony... been there, done that... but it was still bothering me quite a bit. It was enough that I wanted to take some of my "good" pills, also knows as "happy" pills, despite the fact that they'd make me loopy as all get-out. I didn't care.
But suddenly, I did care. I could't find my bottle of pills. And it was a very full bottle. They weren't in the cabinet where we keep all our medicines, now were they sitting on the countertop where a few things sit that we take more frequently. They weren't in my purse, nor in my gym-bag or my sewing bag that I tote around. They weren't in my car, nor were they in any of the other places I looked, even though I knew they wouldn't be there. I now hoped like crazy they were in my desk at work. When I arrived this morning, they weren't. I've been robbed!!
I took some other meds, which did nothing for me. But that's the least of my worries.
Now I'm concerned that somebody else has gotten ahold of my medicine and is using it for their own "enjoyment". Not only does it bother me that somebody else could be taking them, but now I worry about what kind of trouble I could get into for somebody else possessing my meds if they are caught with them.
I can't imagine where they could be! I'm hoping against hope that I just misplaced them and they're at home and will turn up. But if it's a case of someone taking them from me, I can't begin to imagine who, or better yet, why someone would do that to me????
Friday, March 02, 2007
Bloody friday
I always thought Fridays were supposed to be "good" days, and Mondays the "bad" days?
This Friday has been anything but good.
#1) I knicked the "corner" of my knee while shaving this morning. The wound was small, but still hurt like heck.
#2) After arriving at work, I was cutting the box-tops-for-education thingys from all the Kleenex boxes, when the scissors slipped and sliced open the backside of my left ring finger. Ouch!
#3) Not long after that, I somehow managed to rip my left pinky-fingernail back to the quick, ouch again!!
#4) I bumped my knee (yes, same one I knicked while shaving) on my desk, not hard, but in the exact spot where the small scab had formed. I rubbed my knee where I'd bumped it, and in doing so, rubbed the scab that had formed and dried into my nylons off, now causing that small cut to really hurt. And of course this opened the wound back up and now it's once again scabbed over, including the hose. So I know when I go to take them off this evening, it's going to rip the scab off again.
Grrr!
Is it Monday yet???
This Friday has been anything but good.
#1) I knicked the "corner" of my knee while shaving this morning. The wound was small, but still hurt like heck.
#2) After arriving at work, I was cutting the box-tops-for-education thingys from all the Kleenex boxes, when the scissors slipped and sliced open the backside of my left ring finger. Ouch!
#3) Not long after that, I somehow managed to rip my left pinky-fingernail back to the quick, ouch again!!
#4) I bumped my knee (yes, same one I knicked while shaving) on my desk, not hard, but in the exact spot where the small scab had formed. I rubbed my knee where I'd bumped it, and in doing so, rubbed the scab that had formed and dried into my nylons off, now causing that small cut to really hurt. And of course this opened the wound back up and now it's once again scabbed over, including the hose. So I know when I go to take them off this evening, it's going to rip the scab off again.
Grrr!
Is it Monday yet???
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