I hope this link works. I've fudged around with it quite a bit. Try it, and if for some reason it doesn't work, let me know. I'll fix it.
The help boards.
You'll have to sign up, but it's free. If we find that this is a giant pain, we'll try another avenue, but I think it'll work for what we need.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Lots of thoughts
Random? Yes, I can deliver random.
I am sick to death of the water issue, but extremely angered by the towns cover-up. My husband was down right LIED to on Sunday, resulting in 6 hours without water with NO preparation. I'm now emailing news stations. I doubt that anything will come of it since we're so far out of KC, but it makes me feel better to gripe.
So AOL journals are closing down. Big deal. I know that many of you are hooked on AOHELL, but life exists beyond here, I promise. I threatened to leave one time, and many of you said that you'd miss me, but wouldn't visit me elsewhere. Now there is no choice. So what do we do?
I have a couple of ideas. (1) I can open a message board for all of us to post our new links to. In that message board, we could encourage each other and offer help to those who struggle to deal with a new format. (2) I can offer another journal as a place to post links, and we can all bookmark the new ones from there.
I think the first idea is the best. There is a free service for message boards, and sign up is free. If ya'll are willing, I'm sure Mom would help me manage it, and we'd all count on each other to answer questions as they come in. It's easy. Trust me.
Finally, if you feel that there is NO way you'll ever blog again, then you've made your choice. In the words of a Rush song "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!"
Please, let me know. I could have the message boards up and running by tomorrow evening. It's not hard, and I'm not scared. Let's move on, and encourage each other.
If you've ever, or NEVER commented before, sound off on this one, OK?
I am sick to death of the water issue, but extremely angered by the towns cover-up. My husband was down right LIED to on Sunday, resulting in 6 hours without water with NO preparation. I'm now emailing news stations. I doubt that anything will come of it since we're so far out of KC, but it makes me feel better to gripe.
So AOL journals are closing down. Big deal. I know that many of you are hooked on AOHELL, but life exists beyond here, I promise. I threatened to leave one time, and many of you said that you'd miss me, but wouldn't visit me elsewhere. Now there is no choice. So what do we do?
I have a couple of ideas. (1) I can open a message board for all of us to post our new links to. In that message board, we could encourage each other and offer help to those who struggle to deal with a new format. (2) I can offer another journal as a place to post links, and we can all bookmark the new ones from there.
I think the first idea is the best. There is a free service for message boards, and sign up is free. If ya'll are willing, I'm sure Mom would help me manage it, and we'd all count on each other to answer questions as they come in. It's easy. Trust me.
Finally, if you feel that there is NO way you'll ever blog again, then you've made your choice. In the words of a Rush song "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!"
Please, let me know. I could have the message boards up and running by tomorrow evening. It's not hard, and I'm not scared. Let's move on, and encourage each other.
If you've ever, or NEVER commented before, sound off on this one, OK?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The end of a great weekend.
What an awesome weekend. I am so blessed.
I had to work yesterday, teaching web classes, but they were the most successful classes that we've ever done.
I got to chill out in the evening, watching TV and visiting with family.
We gathered back at Mom and Dad's again today, and enjoyed good food, and I got to watch the race on Mom's big screen in HD!
On commercials, I flipped back and forth and saw the Chiefs FINALLY win! Over the BRONCOS! YeeeHawww
Tonight, it's season premiere time for all of my Sunday shows.
Yup. I've got it pretty good...boil order and all.
I had to work yesterday, teaching web classes, but they were the most successful classes that we've ever done.
I got to chill out in the evening, watching TV and visiting with family.
We gathered back at Mom and Dad's again today, and enjoyed good food, and I got to watch the race on Mom's big screen in HD!
On commercials, I flipped back and forth and saw the Chiefs FINALLY win! Over the BRONCOS! YeeeHawww
Tonight, it's season premiere time for all of my Sunday shows.
Yup. I've got it pretty good...boil order and all.
Ready for Sunday
It's going to be an awesome day! We will have a gathering for Aunt Rena's birthday, including lots of good food. I'm in charge of the chili. We're going to have football party type food. Mom's making her hot hamburger dip.
The NASCAR race is in Kansas City, and even though I can't go, it's neat to know that they're here. Heck, I passed Dale Jr.'s trailer on the way to work the other day. That made me feel pretty darn fast. HA!
My BFF Tammy called yesterday morning to invite me to the Nationwide race. They had an extra ticket! Did I go? Nope. I was at work, teaching web classes. *sigh* That would have been awesome. Maybe next year.
OK, time to shower and get ready for the day. I hope yours is a good one.
The NASCAR race is in Kansas City, and even though I can't go, it's neat to know that they're here. Heck, I passed Dale Jr.'s trailer on the way to work the other day. That made me feel pretty darn fast. HA!
My BFF Tammy called yesterday morning to invite me to the Nationwide race. They had an extra ticket! Did I go? Nope. I was at work, teaching web classes. *sigh* That would have been awesome. Maybe next year.
OK, time to shower and get ready for the day. I hope yours is a good one.
Friday, September 26, 2008
My famous house
Well, we made the news. Here is one video, which shows the wrong water tower. I guess any story is a good story to these folks.
http://www.kctv5.com/video/17563456/index.html
This one shows the right water tower, and at the beginning, the house and yard in the background is MY house! This video was down for a bit, but they've assured me it will be fixed shortly.
http://www.kmbc.com/video/17568474/index.html
http://www.kctv5.com/video/17563456/index.html
This one shows the right water tower, and at the beginning, the house and yard in the background is MY house! This video was down for a bit, but they've assured me it will be fixed shortly.
http://www.kmbc.com/video/17568474/index.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Bad news/good news
Bad news: They've extended the boil "advisory" through tomorrow. Ugh. They must be finding something, or they wouldn't keep extending it, right? That was my first thought. Stay with me until the end for the "what happened" portion.
Good news: I stopped by Mom's (she was home for a bit today) and got her 7 gallon water jug, and filled it with precious well water from their house! WoooHooo! No boiling tonight unless I want to do dishes! (I don't.)
This water jug is my new best friend. I heart this water jug. I guess you can tell that from the pictures.
I'm home safely, with my ego in good shape. I kicked BUTT today! I started to let little stuff bother me, but then I realized that it would only be a bad day if I allowed it to be. Therefore, I buckled down and kept my nose in my work, and I kicked BUTT!
Now, for what happened. This is a part of a story in a local newspaper. Scroll to the fourth story. This will NOT be accurate after next Thursday. The link will be the same, the stories different. They don't tell the whole thing here, or nobody would buy the paper.
Now, do you understand why I'm so grossed out????
Scream with me, "EEEEEWWWWWWWWW!
UPDATE!
New info, as of this evening, on a local news channel:
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued a boil water order for Wellington, Missouri after the water may have been tampered with.
Department officials declared the boil order after a security breech and tampering incident at the elevated storage tank on Lydia Street in Lafayette County.
The initial tests conducted at the tank turned up positive for total coliform bacteria. So, the department is elevating an advisory it issued on September 22 to a boil order.
Vandalism and tampering with a water supply is a federal offense. Any information regarding the tampering incident should be reported to Loa law enforcement. Any suspicious activities seen around public water supply facilities should be report to local law enforcement and public water supply staff immediately.
The order will remain in effect until water samples indicate that chemical and bacteria contamination is no longer there.
Scream again? EEEEEWWWWWWW!
Good news: I stopped by Mom's (she was home for a bit today) and got her 7 gallon water jug, and filled it with precious well water from their house! WoooHooo! No boiling tonight unless I want to do dishes! (I don't.)
This water jug is my new best friend. I heart this water jug. I guess you can tell that from the pictures.
I'm home safely, with my ego in good shape. I kicked BUTT today! I started to let little stuff bother me, but then I realized that it would only be a bad day if I allowed it to be. Therefore, I buckled down and kept my nose in my work, and I kicked BUTT!
Now, for what happened. This is a part of a story in a local newspaper. Scroll to the fourth story. This will NOT be accurate after next Thursday. The link will be the same, the stories different. They don't tell the whole thing here, or nobody would buy the paper.
Now, do you understand why I'm so grossed out????
Scream with me, "EEEEEWWWWWWWWW!
UPDATE!
New info, as of this evening, on a local news channel:
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued a boil water order for Wellington, Missouri after the water may have been tampered with.
Department officials declared the boil order after a security breech and tampering incident at the elevated storage tank on Lydia Street in Lafayette County.
The initial tests conducted at the tank turned up positive for total coliform bacteria. So, the department is elevating an advisory it issued on September 22 to a boil order.
Vandalism and tampering with a water supply is a federal offense. Any information regarding the tampering incident should be reported to Loa law enforcement. Any suspicious activities seen around public water supply facilities should be report to local law enforcement and public water supply staff immediately.
The order will remain in effect until water samples indicate that chemical and bacteria contamination is no longer there.
Scream again? EEEEEWWWWWWW!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Do not bend, fold, or mutilate
What a crappy day. I caused two remakes at work. Sure, it's two in over 6 months, but it's two that I had to fix today. I had a coworker second-guess me, which makes me think that folks expect me to fail. I had another coworker start another conversation with, "Hey, just so you know, you're not the ONLY one to screw up errors." (I fix software errors daily.) And she ended the same conversation with, "I just wanted to make you feel better." Thanks.
I have had self-doubt all day, and been on the verge of tears most of the day. Some of it is the insensitivity of others: Most of it is my own mistakes, biting me in the butt. My customers are SO understanding, and my employers trust that I'm the right person for this job. However, I can't STAND to mess up. E.V.E.R.
Then, came the text message. "The boil advisory has been extended through Thursday." (emphasis mine) Awesome. If Mom was home, I would have borrowed their 5-gallon water jug, and filled it at their house, from their well. She's at the hospital, though. With my Aunt who just had surgery.
Speaking of worrying about ill relatives, I was out in production today, asking a question, when my cell phone rang. I usually look to see who's calling, then put it back and wait for lunch to return the call. I looked down and saw, "Dad." CRAP! WHAT'S WRONG?
I answered, and he said, "Hi Sis. Can you take Sadie out to potty after work?" LOL Sure dad. I'll be happy to. I'm even happier that nothing is wrong. *sigh* I think I need to calm down.
I had a good cry on the way home, and now I'm in my bubble. Don't you DARE mess with me in my bubble! I can handle life here. Water "advisories" and all.
I have had self-doubt all day, and been on the verge of tears most of the day. Some of it is the insensitivity of others: Most of it is my own mistakes, biting me in the butt. My customers are SO understanding, and my employers trust that I'm the right person for this job. However, I can't STAND to mess up. E.V.E.R.
Then, came the text message. "The boil advisory has been extended through Thursday." (emphasis mine) Awesome. If Mom was home, I would have borrowed their 5-gallon water jug, and filled it at their house, from their well. She's at the hospital, though. With my Aunt who just had surgery.
Speaking of worrying about ill relatives, I was out in production today, asking a question, when my cell phone rang. I usually look to see who's calling, then put it back and wait for lunch to return the call. I looked down and saw, "Dad." CRAP! WHAT'S WRONG?
I answered, and he said, "Hi Sis. Can you take Sadie out to potty after work?" LOL Sure dad. I'll be happy to. I'm even happier that nothing is wrong. *sigh* I think I need to calm down.
I had a good cry on the way home, and now I'm in my bubble. Don't you DARE mess with me in my bubble! I can handle life here. Water "advisories" and all.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The boil order...some of the details
OK, I can't tell you what I've heard, because it hasn't come out completely yet. Come to your own conclusions.
Every small town (almost every town) has someone climb the water tower at some point. It's a given, and it's almost expected. You just hope that it's not your kids, and you hope that whomever does it doesn't fall to their death. Someone climbed our water tower recently. I'm not sure when. (That makes it worse.)
Someone, according to the minimal news blurb, "tampered" with the water tower. As a "precaution," we are under a boil order. The Department of Natural Resources will test the water, and then let us know. I HOPE they let us know.
Here are the facts: Someone climbed the water tower. They then removed the bolts that hold on the access cover. They then removed the access cover. Those are the only FACTS that I know. What I've heard is scary, but it's not been confirmed yet, so I'll wait and see how it plays out.
The police and water department left the area by 5:30 yesterday. If I hadn't called around to our neighborhood "source," I wouldn't have known about the boil order. The school sent a text message, but it was after 6:30. Nothing on the news. Nothing anywhere.
I finally called the few people for whom I have phone numbers around town, and walked to a couple of neighbor's homes to let them know. They had no idea. There are many elderly in this town, who do NOT get texts from the school. This morning, it was on ONE local news station. That's it.
How many people are still drinking this water? How long will I have to wonder if 5 minutes of boiling is enough? (the DNR says 3, so I'm going for 5.) How long was the water "compromised" before we stopped drinking it.
*shudder*
More later.
Every small town (almost every town) has someone climb the water tower at some point. It's a given, and it's almost expected. You just hope that it's not your kids, and you hope that whomever does it doesn't fall to their death. Someone climbed our water tower recently. I'm not sure when. (That makes it worse.)
Someone, according to the minimal news blurb, "tampered" with the water tower. As a "precaution," we are under a boil order. The Department of Natural Resources will test the water, and then let us know. I HOPE they let us know.
Here are the facts: Someone climbed the water tower. They then removed the bolts that hold on the access cover. They then removed the access cover. Those are the only FACTS that I know. What I've heard is scary, but it's not been confirmed yet, so I'll wait and see how it plays out.
The police and water department left the area by 5:30 yesterday. If I hadn't called around to our neighborhood "source," I wouldn't have known about the boil order. The school sent a text message, but it was after 6:30. Nothing on the news. Nothing anywhere.
I finally called the few people for whom I have phone numbers around town, and walked to a couple of neighbor's homes to let them know. They had no idea. There are many elderly in this town, who do NOT get texts from the school. This morning, it was on ONE local news station. That's it.
How many people are still drinking this water? How long will I have to wonder if 5 minutes of boiling is enough? (the DNR says 3, so I'm going for 5.) How long was the water "compromised" before we stopped drinking it.
*shudder*
More later.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Oh joy
We're under a boil order. *sigh*
I heard what happened in our water tower, but I'll wait until I see it published before I say so.
Ick.
I heard what happened in our water tower, but I'll wait until I see it published before I say so.
Ick.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Relaxin'
This may have been the most relaxing Saturday I've had in a long time. Other than a WalMart run, I have been quite useless. I like this.
Our friends, Brian and Heather, came up to spend the weekend. They go to the Renaissance Festival each fall, and stay here at night, so they don't have to drive up from Carthage, attend the festival, and drive back home. We had a good time visiting last night.
When they head back here this evening, they'll call to let us know that they're on the way, and we'll have a cookout. It's been a beautiful day, actually a beautiful week, and I'm loving it. I better go get the baked beans ready, so I can pop them in the oven when it's time.
Our friends, Brian and Heather, came up to spend the weekend. They go to the Renaissance Festival each fall, and stay here at night, so they don't have to drive up from Carthage, attend the festival, and drive back home. We had a good time visiting last night.
When they head back here this evening, they'll call to let us know that they're on the way, and we'll have a cookout. It's been a beautiful day, actually a beautiful week, and I'm loving it. I better go get the baked beans ready, so I can pop them in the oven when it's time.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A phone conversation-this morning
Here is a glimpse into a typical morning around here: By the way, the girls only walk 4 blocks to school.
Me: Hello?
Monica: Hey, Mom?
Me: Yeah?
Monica: We can't walk to school without gagging!
Me: What's wrong?
Monica: I smell dog poop, and the neighbor's horse pooped in the road and there are dead frogs EVERYWHERE!
Me: Hold your nose, and keep walking.
Monica: Mom, it's real bad!
Me: I know, but you can't just stay home because it smells bad outside, right?
Monica: I know, Mom, but it's nasty.
Me: OK, call me when you get to school.
Monica: OK.
Five minutes later:
Me: Hello?
Monica: Hi, Mom. We're at school.
Me: Good, you made it!
Monica: Yeah, but it was gross.
Me: Gross?
Monica: Yeah, there are intestines everywhere!
Me: I'm sorry about the dead frogs.
Monica: You don't have to be sorry. You didn't run over them...or DID you?
Me: Have a good day, honey. I love you.
Monica: I love you, too, Mom.
This is a typical morning. Yes, this is my family, and this is my life. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Me: Hello?
Monica: Hey, Mom?
Me: Yeah?
Monica: We can't walk to school without gagging!
Me: What's wrong?
Monica: I smell dog poop, and the neighbor's horse pooped in the road and there are dead frogs EVERYWHERE!
Me: Hold your nose, and keep walking.
Monica: Mom, it's real bad!
Me: I know, but you can't just stay home because it smells bad outside, right?
Monica: I know, Mom, but it's nasty.
Me: OK, call me when you get to school.
Monica: OK.
Five minutes later:
Me: Hello?
Monica: Hi, Mom. We're at school.
Me: Good, you made it!
Monica: Yeah, but it was gross.
Me: Gross?
Monica: Yeah, there are intestines everywhere!
Me: I'm sorry about the dead frogs.
Monica: You don't have to be sorry. You didn't run over them...or DID you?
Me: Have a good day, honey. I love you.
Monica: I love you, too, Mom.
This is a typical morning. Yes, this is my family, and this is my life. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
New Hampshire, in a nutshell
I'm glad to be home. More than you could know. I am going to save this, however, before I lose all of those images.
Ready to head home
Still no Internet in the room. The entire hotel is without Internet. *sigh* What that means is, I have to use the Sprint Internet card from work. That only works on my Mac side, so if I boot in Windows, no Internet. To load pictures, I have to be on Windows. Headache? Me too. It's messy.
Anywho, we're leaving this morning for a 12:55 flight. I'll be home in time for the finale of Big Brother with my family. Pictures from there!
Rachel
Anywho, we're leaving this morning for a 12:55 flight. I'll be home in time for the finale of Big Brother with my family. Pictures from there!
Rachel
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Day 2
There are pictures. I took pictures. I have those pictures on my camera.
However, due to some Internet connection issues, they won't be posted tonight. After dealing with the tech guy (from India) for a while, he instructed me to call the front desk and let them know that I needed a new modem. They informed ME that those guys were gone until 7 tomorrow.
After admitting defeat and climbing into bed, I remembered that we had the wireless card from work. DUH! Now I'm online, and too damn tired to upload pictures.
Here are some false advertising and complaint points from the Radisson, Nashua:
1. The beds here are NOT sleep number, although all literature swears that they are. The front desk said that they haven't all be changed over yet. Whatever.
2. The Internet, although free, is NOT wireless. Wireless is available only in the lobby. Tonight, the Ethernet connection isn't even working.
3. A trash bag full of dirty towels sat outside of our room for 3-4 hours this afternoon. Tasty.
4. This is a scary part of town. Every time we go somewhere after dark, and get out of the car, I feel that I'm going to be shot.
OK, it's not a horrible place, but there are issues. I'm just sayin'.
However, due to some Internet connection issues, they won't be posted tonight. After dealing with the tech guy (from India) for a while, he instructed me to call the front desk and let them know that I needed a new modem. They informed ME that those guys were gone until 7 tomorrow.
After admitting defeat and climbing into bed, I remembered that we had the wireless card from work. DUH! Now I'm online, and too damn tired to upload pictures.
Here are some false advertising and complaint points from the Radisson, Nashua:
1. The beds here are NOT sleep number, although all literature swears that they are. The front desk said that they haven't all be changed over yet. Whatever.
2. The Internet, although free, is NOT wireless. Wireless is available only in the lobby. Tonight, the Ethernet connection isn't even working.
3. A trash bag full of dirty towels sat outside of our room for 3-4 hours this afternoon. Tasty.
4. This is a scary part of town. Every time we go somewhere after dark, and get out of the car, I feel that I'm going to be shot.
OK, it's not a horrible place, but there are issues. I'm just sayin'.
From New Hampshire
We got to Nashua yesterday around 2, checked in, and got to our room to find that there was a king bed. I like Michelle and all, but not like THAT! We came back down to the desk to straighten it out, and got a room on the first floor. I'll go into the issues of this room another time, but it is a nice hotel over all.
After checking in, we worked our butts off, setting up that booth. It is, by far, the most difficult booth to erect. Our third teammate showed up as we were having dinner (they kicked us out of the trade show area for 90 minutes or so) and she helped us finish up.
When we were done, Michelle and I found a Target to buy a few things that we needed for the booth, and I bought a pair of black shoes, since mine are tucked safely away at home. *sigh* I always forget something. By the time we got back, we were pretty beat, so we relaxed a bit, and went to sleep around midnight.
This morning, it's raining here. That's probably our fault. We brought it with us. I'm a little cranky that the NASCAR race is so nearby, in Louden, and I can't go. I'll get over it, though. Who wants to fight those crowds in the rain? Not I.
OK, time to get dressed and get to breakfast. In two hours, we'll put the finishing touches on the booth, then we'll be busy in the trade show for 6 hours. Tonight? Pictures. Definitely. You've been warned.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Stuff 'N Stuff
Brett came out to grab the girls and take them to the Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest for an hour or so. I am packing to grab a red-eye to New Hampshire. Kevin is watching movies on his computer. *sigh* Crazy stuff.
There are tornadoes going on, but they are going North of us, so I'll enjoy the thunder and keep packing, until the news tells me to do otherwise.
History channel showed the "102 minutes that changed America" last night, and I cried. I even cried again, thinking about it this morning. If it's on again, I suggest you watch. I'm just sayin'.
Have a great weekend!
There are tornadoes going on, but they are going North of us, so I'll enjoy the thunder and keep packing, until the news tells me to do otherwise.
History channel showed the "102 minutes that changed America" last night, and I cried. I even cried again, thinking about it this morning. If it's on again, I suggest you watch. I'm just sayin'.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
See you Friday
Friends, I won't be on here tomorrow. I know, my posts aren't daily, but I want to make a point here.
Tomorrow is 9-11. My kids get to do the freedom walk tomorrow, and are to wear red, white and blue. Kevin's uniform is red, white and blue. I will wear my American flag shirt.
Why? What does this accomplish? Does it save the world? No. BUT...
My brother went to war to defend my rights. My BFF's son lost his hand to defend my rights. Folks are fighting, AS WE SPEAK to defend my rights. I will show my respect tomorrow.
Respect for those who have died, respect for those fighting now, and respect for my country. Yeah, this country has a lot of problems, but I wouldn't live anywhere else. My family will be offline tomorrow, just to pause for those who sacrifice, and have sacrificed.
I'll see you on Friday.
Tomorrow is 9-11. My kids get to do the freedom walk tomorrow, and are to wear red, white and blue. Kevin's uniform is red, white and blue. I will wear my American flag shirt.
Why? What does this accomplish? Does it save the world? No. BUT...
My brother went to war to defend my rights. My BFF's son lost his hand to defend my rights. Folks are fighting, AS WE SPEAK to defend my rights. I will show my respect tomorrow.
Respect for those who have died, respect for those fighting now, and respect for my country. Yeah, this country has a lot of problems, but I wouldn't live anywhere else. My family will be offline tomorrow, just to pause for those who sacrifice, and have sacrificed.
I'll see you on Friday.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
New Stuff!
It's so exciting to get new stuff! Aunt Charlene was here, and they were moving stuff out of their farmhouse, to take to St. Louis (long story.) They don't have room for everything, so a lot of family members are making out big!
My grandma used to sell Avon, and she collected the Cape Cod dishes for me. I have a full set, still in the boxes, because I've never owned a china cabinet. Guess what? Yup, I'm set now.
With that in the dining room, the dining room had to relocate. When you're cooking, it gets pretty hot there, next to the kitchen, anyway, and now there wasn't enough space for the table/chairs.
Kevin's suggestion was to take the North half of the "computer room" and turn it into a dining area. Confused yet? The aquarium will need to come out of there, but that's OK, I want it in the living room, anyway.
The coolest thing, though, is the desk. Pat had a beautiful, custom made desk. Solid Oak, 6' wide and 6' tall. It is awesome. It will hold Kevin's computer, and the desk that he currently uses will go to his Mom.
My computer will stay on the desk it's on, but probably move to the South wall. I like to have them close to each other, for the wires, modems and such. That end of the room still needs some thought.
The North end of the "computer room" will now be a dining area. It's nice and bright in there, and that room is all windows on three sides. It's farther from the kitchen, but not too far, really. It's just across the old dining area.
Wow, I'm confusing things more. Just check out the pictures. Maybe that will help. Maybe not. Good Luck.
My grandma used to sell Avon, and she collected the Cape Cod dishes for me. I have a full set, still in the boxes, because I've never owned a china cabinet. Guess what? Yup, I'm set now.
With that in the dining room, the dining room had to relocate. When you're cooking, it gets pretty hot there, next to the kitchen, anyway, and now there wasn't enough space for the table/chairs.
Kevin's suggestion was to take the North half of the "computer room" and turn it into a dining area. Confused yet? The aquarium will need to come out of there, but that's OK, I want it in the living room, anyway.
The coolest thing, though, is the desk. Pat had a beautiful, custom made desk. Solid Oak, 6' wide and 6' tall. It is awesome. It will hold Kevin's computer, and the desk that he currently uses will go to his Mom.
My computer will stay on the desk it's on, but probably move to the South wall. I like to have them close to each other, for the wires, modems and such. That end of the room still needs some thought.
The North end of the "computer room" will now be a dining area. It's nice and bright in there, and that room is all windows on three sides. It's farther from the kitchen, but not too far, really. It's just across the old dining area.
Wow, I'm confusing things more. Just check out the pictures. Maybe that will help. Maybe not. Good Luck.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Cleanin' and Chillin'
I'm cleaning house in short bursts, and chillin' out between those bursts. The girls are working on their rooms, and it's scary down there, so I'm avoiding the basement right now.
The new hot water heater rocks my world. I'm just sayin'. Remember that other expense we had this weekend? The propane folks were supposed to come and put some propane in the tank, and we were to leave a check in the lid of the tank. Kevin went out to check last night, and the check is there, the propane is not.
Just. Groovy.
I'm glad it's not winter! We'll be able to make it until Monday, but it's frustrating that they didn't do what they agreed to do. Oh well.
Tonight, my employer is giving us a Customer Service Appreciation steak dinner. The funny part is, we've been trying to do this since January! Our spouses are invited, but not families, so the girls will be left out, but they aren't huge fans of steak, anyway. Plus, they'd be bored with the speeches. Natalie wants to go to hang with Grandpa, Monica is undecided.
OK, time for another wave of cleaning. As I look around my bedroom, I see a good place to start next. LOL
Have a wonderful weekend!
The new hot water heater rocks my world. I'm just sayin'. Remember that other expense we had this weekend? The propane folks were supposed to come and put some propane in the tank, and we were to leave a check in the lid of the tank. Kevin went out to check last night, and the check is there, the propane is not.
Just. Groovy.
I'm glad it's not winter! We'll be able to make it until Monday, but it's frustrating that they didn't do what they agreed to do. Oh well.
Tonight, my employer is giving us a Customer Service Appreciation steak dinner. The funny part is, we've been trying to do this since January! Our spouses are invited, but not families, so the girls will be left out, but they aren't huge fans of steak, anyway. Plus, they'd be bored with the speeches. Natalie wants to go to hang with Grandpa, Monica is undecided.
OK, time for another wave of cleaning. As I look around my bedroom, I see a good place to start next. LOL
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A PSA
This is a Public Service Announcement. If you know about this, then help spread the word. If not, you're welcome in advance.
Today, I had the chance to introduce one of Monica's teachers to Open Office. If you don't have Microsoft Office, and find yourself in need of Word, Excel, or other Office tools, please go check out Open Office.
Open Office is a free software that allows you to open and edit Office documents, as well as create and save documents in formats that are readable by Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office is NOT a free software bundle, but Open Office is.
What do I get out of saying this? Nothing but the satisfaction of knowing that maybe, JUST maybe, I can save someone some grief. It's not the same software, but with some playing around, you can find out how to do anything that can be done with the paid version.
Homework just got a lot cheaper.
It's late. Time to climb down off my soapbox.
You're welcome.
Today, I had the chance to introduce one of Monica's teachers to Open Office. If you don't have Microsoft Office, and find yourself in need of Word, Excel, or other Office tools, please go check out Open Office.
Open Office is a free software that allows you to open and edit Office documents, as well as create and save documents in formats that are readable by Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office is NOT a free software bundle, but Open Office is.
What do I get out of saying this? Nothing but the satisfaction of knowing that maybe, JUST maybe, I can save someone some grief. It's not the same software, but with some playing around, you can find out how to do anything that can be done with the paid version.
Homework just got a lot cheaper.
It's late. Time to climb down off my soapbox.
You're welcome.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Time for a camera dump
Once in a while, I realize that I have a month's worth of images on my camera, and that I haven't posted any here for a long time. Then, I do a camera dump. From the dump, I pick some worthy of sharing, copy all to my external drive, then format the camera card to start over. Today was the day. That's why the pictures are so random.
The poor, leaky, rusty hot water heater finally bit the big one. Dad came over to try to get it lit and deemed it completely unsafe. We are beyond broke this week, and have to buy propane on Friday, so this was quite depressing, until Dad offered to loan us the $$ to get a new one.
God bless helpful parents. Helpful and knowledgeable. Dad helped Kevin wire the basement so that we were able to buy an electric one (half the price) which will cut down on propane usage, as well. Sure, electric will go up a bit, but that propane bites us a couple times a year, so each appliance that we get off it is a positive step forward.
I have really enjoyed the long break from work. We have relaxed, grilled out, completed a couple of projects, and just generally enjoyed the time. Tomorrow, it's back to work, but I can go back knowing that laundry is done, and my basement no longer has a river running through it.
OK, I'm out. Have a great evening!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Vacation is about to end...
So, I have had time to enjoy 4 days off, and I have one day to go. Gustav is a wussy. I'm just sayin'.
The cats will soon find a new home, whether they want to or not. We're done dealing with it, and the girls aren't holding up their end of the bargain, anyway. So, although I'll miss them, the cats will be gone. Anyone want a couple of beautiful, loving cats? Front declawed and "fixed?" Anyone? No? I thought not. Cats are a dime a dozen, but this will make me sad.
Anyway, if we unload the cats, the next step is to get Hawkeye flea-free, or get rid of him, too. My plan is to have him live at Mom's for a month or so. We'll still buy his food and stuff, but he loves it there, and they love him, and it would give us time to de-flea the place. We will NEVER get rid of him. He's a huge part of this family.
Seriously. This is where we are right now. I can't live like this, and I will NOT live with bugs. Roaches, fleas or any other bug. It is NOT OK to live here, so they must go.
I still don't know exactly what we'll do, but I'm pretty sure that we have it planned out. Now, I just don't want my girls to hate me, or my parents to resent me. That's all. I hope that's not too big of a quest.
I have to go to sleep now. I'm sad and tired and suffering from mixed feelings. I think it will be best when I go back to work. LOL
The cats will soon find a new home, whether they want to or not. We're done dealing with it, and the girls aren't holding up their end of the bargain, anyway. So, although I'll miss them, the cats will be gone. Anyone want a couple of beautiful, loving cats? Front declawed and "fixed?" Anyone? No? I thought not. Cats are a dime a dozen, but this will make me sad.
Anyway, if we unload the cats, the next step is to get Hawkeye flea-free, or get rid of him, too. My plan is to have him live at Mom's for a month or so. We'll still buy his food and stuff, but he loves it there, and they love him, and it would give us time to de-flea the place. We will NEVER get rid of him. He's a huge part of this family.
Seriously. This is where we are right now. I can't live like this, and I will NOT live with bugs. Roaches, fleas or any other bug. It is NOT OK to live here, so they must go.
I still don't know exactly what we'll do, but I'm pretty sure that we have it planned out. Now, I just don't want my girls to hate me, or my parents to resent me. That's all. I hope that's not too big of a quest.
I have to go to sleep now. I'm sad and tired and suffering from mixed feelings. I think it will be best when I go back to work. LOL
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Happy Sunday (Day 2 of 5)
After a lazy morning involving breakfast in bed (thanks honey!) Kevin and I head to the store. It was time to bomb the house and dip the pets again. *sigh* We had them pretty much gone, and skipped one week. That's what we get!
Because Sadie has been at my house, we dipped her as well. She was NOT impressed. In fact, she told me that she hates me. She's forgiven me now, though, and she's sleeping peacefully in her own house.
Actually, we're all at Mom's while the bombs do their thing. Kevin realized how dark her guest room is, so he's napping. Brett is watching TV with me, Monica is on Mom's computer, and Natalie is playing with neighbor kids.
Yup, this long weekend is working out to be quite nice. Quite nice indeed.
Because Sadie has been at my house, we dipped her as well. She was NOT impressed. In fact, she told me that she hates me. She's forgiven me now, though, and she's sleeping peacefully in her own house.
Actually, we're all at Mom's while the bombs do their thing. Kevin realized how dark her guest room is, so he's napping. Brett is watching TV with me, Monica is on Mom's computer, and Natalie is playing with neighbor kids.
Yup, this long weekend is working out to be quite nice. Quite nice indeed.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Happy Saturday (Day 1 of 5)
This is my last vacation until January, so I'm enjoying and savoring every second of it. I slept late this morning, then I stretched out on the bed, watching TV and playing online until 2 or so. Finally, I headed to Mom's to watch the NASCAR race.
Upon arrival, it was too early for pre-race stuff, so Natalie and I watched some Cheech and Chong, followed by 30 minutes or so of Beverly Hills Cop. Yup, good TV indeed. When I switched to SPEED for NASCAR coverage, I realized that I'd made a major error. The Sprint cup race is tomorrow. *sigh*
Tonight is a race, all right. It's the Nationwide race, and it doesn't start until 9 or so. Umm, nope. I came back home. I can't stay up that late. Plus, let's faced it, the hot tub isn't wired yet. ROFL
I have Sadie with me, since my parents are in St. Louis, and she's enjoying finding her place with the cats. Let's just say they aren't fond of her.
OK, now we're watching COPS and enjoying the beautiful weather. It's late August, and we aren't running the a/c. Coolness. I hope that the next 4 days bring as much relaxation as the first one. I loves me some long weekend.
Upon arrival, it was too early for pre-race stuff, so Natalie and I watched some Cheech and Chong, followed by 30 minutes or so of Beverly Hills Cop. Yup, good TV indeed. When I switched to SPEED for NASCAR coverage, I realized that I'd made a major error. The Sprint cup race is tomorrow. *sigh*
Tonight is a race, all right. It's the Nationwide race, and it doesn't start until 9 or so. Umm, nope. I came back home. I can't stay up that late. Plus, let's faced it, the hot tub isn't wired yet. ROFL
I have Sadie with me, since my parents are in St. Louis, and she's enjoying finding her place with the cats. Let's just say they aren't fond of her.
OK, now we're watching COPS and enjoying the beautiful weather. It's late August, and we aren't running the a/c. Coolness. I hope that the next 4 days bring as much relaxation as the first one. I loves me some long weekend.
Friday, August 29, 2008
11 Years Ago, Today
My youngest, dearest, darlingest (is that a word?) daughter is 11 today. Let's look back at 11 years ago.
I was only induced because I cried. The Dr. told us that he'd induce me on Monday, and we drove home, with me miserable. I hate being pregnant, and this was WAY too long to deal with it. I couldn't breath, couldn't walk, and couldn't speak coherently. Yeah, it sucked.
Kevin called Dr. and said, essentially, "Yeah Dude, she's crying, can we do this now?" Dr. agreed to induce the next day, which was a Friday. I cried more. Happy? No. I was just that emotional.
They induced, I had the largest child of my life. (10.3) I dozed off and on, not sure what was real and what was not. At one point, Kevin (who had to go home to the other children after Nattie was born) called me at the hospital and asked how I was. I told him that I had dreamed about Lady Di dying in a car wreck. He informed me that it wasn't a dream, it was on the news.
Wow, that was weird. I went back to sleep, though. I know, that was a big story, but I was TIRED!
Anywho, this is the child who had me at home more than any other. This is the one who has always been attached to me at the hip. Yeah, she still is. Yeah, I'm OK with it. She's my chicky. She's always here, making me laugh.
She's the one. She still needs me. She still loves me. She thinks I'm the shit. I've been told that this is a good thing.
I love you, Natalie. You're the shit, too. I've been told that this is a good thing.
I was only induced because I cried. The Dr. told us that he'd induce me on Monday, and we drove home, with me miserable. I hate being pregnant, and this was WAY too long to deal with it. I couldn't breath, couldn't walk, and couldn't speak coherently. Yeah, it sucked.
Kevin called Dr. and said, essentially, "Yeah Dude, she's crying, can we do this now?" Dr. agreed to induce the next day, which was a Friday. I cried more. Happy? No. I was just that emotional.
They induced, I had the largest child of my life. (10.3) I dozed off and on, not sure what was real and what was not. At one point, Kevin (who had to go home to the other children after Nattie was born) called me at the hospital and asked how I was. I told him that I had dreamed about Lady Di dying in a car wreck. He informed me that it wasn't a dream, it was on the news.
Wow, that was weird. I went back to sleep, though. I know, that was a big story, but I was TIRED!
Anywho, this is the child who had me at home more than any other. This is the one who has always been attached to me at the hip. Yeah, she still is. Yeah, I'm OK with it. She's my chicky. She's always here, making me laugh.
She's the one. She still needs me. She still loves me. She thinks I'm the shit. I've been told that this is a good thing.
I love you, Natalie. You're the shit, too. I've been told that this is a good thing.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Lights Out!
So, tomorrow is the birthday of my youngest child. The fruit of my loins (that phrase grosses me out for some reason. Please, don't think about my loins, OK?) the zig to my zag. She'll be 11. We got her a bike, she loves it. She can't ride it.
I drove home in off-and-on torrential rain, but it wasn't bad when I got here. We gave her the bike, and it started pouring, so she couldn't try it out. OK, we'll deal with it. Then, around 6:30, we lost power.
When this happens, it's never long-lived. Usually 5-10 minutes. Not tonight, my friend. It lasted almost 3 hours! ACK! WHAT DO PEOPLE DO? Friends (via text messages) suggested "relations" with my husband, but there are kids wandering, so that's out. Candles gave enough light to move around, but not enough to do any game playing or cards. Sheesh, how boring.
My battery operated shower radio let me listen to the Chiefs game (which pre-empted my Big Brother tonight anyway) so there was something, but it was so weird around here.
Anyway, the lights are back on, sattellite is intermittent, thunder is booming, and here I sit with no beer. What's up with that? Oh goodie, and it just started pouring again. Damn sattellite. What good is transponder 7, anyway? (if you have never had sattellite, that will mean nothing to you.)
Yup, lights are blinking, if I don't hit "save" now, I'll lose it all!
I drove home in off-and-on torrential rain, but it wasn't bad when I got here. We gave her the bike, and it started pouring, so she couldn't try it out. OK, we'll deal with it. Then, around 6:30, we lost power.
When this happens, it's never long-lived. Usually 5-10 minutes. Not tonight, my friend. It lasted almost 3 hours! ACK! WHAT DO PEOPLE DO? Friends (via text messages) suggested "relations" with my husband, but there are kids wandering, so that's out. Candles gave enough light to move around, but not enough to do any game playing or cards. Sheesh, how boring.
My battery operated shower radio let me listen to the Chiefs game (which pre-empted my Big Brother tonight anyway) so there was something, but it was so weird around here.
Anyway, the lights are back on, sattellite is intermittent, thunder is booming, and here I sit with no beer. What's up with that? Oh goodie, and it just started pouring again. Damn sattellite. What good is transponder 7, anyway? (if you have never had sattellite, that will mean nothing to you.)
Yup, lights are blinking, if I don't hit "save" now, I'll lose it all!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Cheap Pizza
Aldi has a pizza kit that is very reasonable, and VERY good. It's like the old ones! How do you spell Chef Boy R Dee? Anyway, it tastes like those. I added a bit of sausage and some mozzarella, and it was fabulous. I love it when something cheap turns out to taste so good.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Nonsense. Don't bother.
OK, stop reading. It's simply not worth it. I'll post something interesting in another 4 years or so. Maybe.
I made the trip to the SE corner of my fine state today. The trip was good/bad. I accomplished a few things that I planned to do, but many things unfolded that still need to be done. That means a TON of follow-up. Wow! That's a tall order for this time of year.
SIL of the owner is a pretty darn good pilot. We took off and landed safely both times. Also, he seems to take it so seriously. That's a good thing. Owner wouldn't let him take me if he wasn't safe, but I still wondered what it would be like. It was smooth and golden.
Flying opens up opportunities for conversations that wouldn't happen otherwise. The problem is frequent interruptions. Yeah, Dave and I need to continue this conversation later. For sure.
Anyway, I'm home, I'm safe, and I'm content. On Wednesday, I have another trip, but on a bigger plane, with another pilot. It'll be fine, but girl clothes TWO days in ONE week? ICK.
OK, I'm out. I'm exhausted, and I need to go to bed. Ciao, my friends!
I made the trip to the SE corner of my fine state today. The trip was good/bad. I accomplished a few things that I planned to do, but many things unfolded that still need to be done. That means a TON of follow-up. Wow! That's a tall order for this time of year.
SIL of the owner is a pretty darn good pilot. We took off and landed safely both times. Also, he seems to take it so seriously. That's a good thing. Owner wouldn't let him take me if he wasn't safe, but I still wondered what it would be like. It was smooth and golden.
Flying opens up opportunities for conversations that wouldn't happen otherwise. The problem is frequent interruptions. Yeah, Dave and I need to continue this conversation later. For sure.
Anyway, I'm home, I'm safe, and I'm content. On Wednesday, I have another trip, but on a bigger plane, with another pilot. It'll be fine, but girl clothes TWO days in ONE week? ICK.
OK, I'm out. I'm exhausted, and I need to go to bed. Ciao, my friends!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday
I know that I haven't posted since Wednesday. I hate it when people don't post for days and days. Especially those that I enjoy reading a LOT. It's just been, well, it's been nutty around here.
Kevin is in Carthage, visiting his mom. Monica spent the night at a friend's house, and may never come back. Yeah, she'll come back, but friend's mom took them to the mall, and she's staying again tonight, so who knows? Natalie is at Aunt Rena's/Mom and Dad's. She loves it out there. I swear, she LOVES spending time with my aunt. That's cool, but here I am, alone.
Actually, I like being alone, in small doses. I get bored within a couple of hours, and I'll go get Natalie soon. I am a social person, and I'm not good at being alone. People like Kevin and my Mom? Yeah, they could be alone for days and be just fine. Not me, thankyouverymuch. I needs me some peoples.
Tomorrow afternoon, I will fly to St. Genevieve, MO, spend the night in a hotel and spend Monday helping a client. Tuesday, I'm back in the lab. Wednesday, I'll fly to Boliver, MO to meet a new client. Thursday and Friday I'll be in the lab. After that? 5 DAY WEEKEND!!!!!! That's the end of vacation until next year. *sigh* Time for busy season and some LONG days.
In mid September, I will go to New Hampshire for a convention. Not only is this a new one for my company, this is one that we didn't know about until last week. I will be traveling with my bwf Michelle, to an area of the country that I've never seen. I'm excited. New England? Cool!
Tonight is the first of 3 NASCAR races that I can't watch on TV, due to my reduced channels. It's worth it, though. (Even though my Missouri boy Carl took the pole!) The $$ saved is money on another bill, right? After these 3 races, NASCAR will be on ABC, and I'll be able to watch again.
OK, I gotta run. I need to go find my dearest, youngest daughter. I need some company around here. It's eerily quiet. ICK.
Tomorrow night, I will post from the SE corner of my fine state. With all of the typical hotel nonsense. Sorry in advance.
Kevin is in Carthage, visiting his mom. Monica spent the night at a friend's house, and may never come back. Yeah, she'll come back, but friend's mom took them to the mall, and she's staying again tonight, so who knows? Natalie is at Aunt Rena's/Mom and Dad's. She loves it out there. I swear, she LOVES spending time with my aunt. That's cool, but here I am, alone.
Actually, I like being alone, in small doses. I get bored within a couple of hours, and I'll go get Natalie soon. I am a social person, and I'm not good at being alone. People like Kevin and my Mom? Yeah, they could be alone for days and be just fine. Not me, thankyouverymuch. I needs me some peoples.
Tomorrow afternoon, I will fly to St. Genevieve, MO, spend the night in a hotel and spend Monday helping a client. Tuesday, I'm back in the lab. Wednesday, I'll fly to Boliver, MO to meet a new client. Thursday and Friday I'll be in the lab. After that? 5 DAY WEEKEND!!!!!! That's the end of vacation until next year. *sigh* Time for busy season and some LONG days.
In mid September, I will go to New Hampshire for a convention. Not only is this a new one for my company, this is one that we didn't know about until last week. I will be traveling with my bwf Michelle, to an area of the country that I've never seen. I'm excited. New England? Cool!
Tonight is the first of 3 NASCAR races that I can't watch on TV, due to my reduced channels. It's worth it, though. (Even though my Missouri boy Carl took the pole!) The $$ saved is money on another bill, right? After these 3 races, NASCAR will be on ABC, and I'll be able to watch again.
OK, I gotta run. I need to go find my dearest, youngest daughter. I need some company around here. It's eerily quiet. ICK.
Tomorrow night, I will post from the SE corner of my fine state. With all of the typical hotel nonsense. Sorry in advance.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
6 Hours
I got 6 hours of sleep last night. Still probably not enough, but better than it has been lately. At 8:00, I was sitting on the couch, barely keeping my eyes open while watching Big Brother. Still, when I went to bed, it took quite a while to get to sleep. I'm not used to that.
I do feel better this morning, though, so I guess 6 hours is enough.
The girls had many stories about their first day of school. Natalie announced that it is going to be "the BEST YEAR EVER!" and Monica is loving the Jr. High life. She is so good at opening her locker that she found herself helping others with theirs. They were both absolutely giddy.
This is day three of the ride share. Because I think we can finish the week without starting my car (I thought I had a short business trip, but not until next week,) We will save about $52 on fuel, $42.00 on smokes, and probably close to $20 on Diet Coke. I keep telling myself this much to make it worth getting up at 4 in the morning.
If I were to truly figure the savings, I would find the difference in mileage, since we're driving the truck instead of my car, but it's only 4-6 mpg difference, and the a/c and working windows is worth it!
OK, I'll quit blogging about this every day. Maybe I'll do a once-per-week entry about how we're doing. For the daily stuff, I'll stick to braille room numbers and kid stories.
I do feel better this morning, though, so I guess 6 hours is enough.
The girls had many stories about their first day of school. Natalie announced that it is going to be "the BEST YEAR EVER!" and Monica is loving the Jr. High life. She is so good at opening her locker that she found herself helping others with theirs. They were both absolutely giddy.
This is day three of the ride share. Because I think we can finish the week without starting my car (I thought I had a short business trip, but not until next week,) We will save about $52 on fuel, $42.00 on smokes, and probably close to $20 on Diet Coke. I keep telling myself this much to make it worth getting up at 4 in the morning.
If I were to truly figure the savings, I would find the difference in mileage, since we're driving the truck instead of my car, but it's only 4-6 mpg difference, and the a/c and working windows is worth it!
OK, I'll quit blogging about this every day. Maybe I'll do a once-per-week entry about how we're doing. For the daily stuff, I'll stick to braille room numbers and kid stories.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dealing with changes, and the first day of school
So far, so good. I am keeping myself motivated by telling myself what we're saving. By ride sharing, not smoking, and not buying soda, we saved about $20 yesterday alone. That's incentive enough to keep up the good work. Not smoking really didn't bother me much yesterday, and one of my work friends is going to quit, too, because I did.
I can't sleep. I've gotten 4-5 hours each of the past 2 nights, but I'm not worried about it. I am having to adjust my schedule back, going to bed earlier, and my body is adjusting to the lack of smokes, and I think I drank tea too late. I'll straighten out; I'm not worried about it.
The girls start school today! They are both so excited. I remember that feeling. Monica practiced opening her locker last night, and she's a pro at it. Natalie dropped off her supplies and met her teacher, but we already know her. Monica had her in fifth grade, and she's wonderful.
OK, that's it for now. Here's to a good day!
I can't sleep. I've gotten 4-5 hours each of the past 2 nights, but I'm not worried about it. I am having to adjust my schedule back, going to bed earlier, and my body is adjusting to the lack of smokes, and I think I drank tea too late. I'll straighten out; I'm not worried about it.
The girls start school today! They are both so excited. I remember that feeling. Monica practiced opening her locker last night, and she's a pro at it. Natalie dropped off her supplies and met her teacher, but we already know her. Monica had her in fifth grade, and she's wonderful.
OK, that's it for now. Here's to a good day!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Family visits and budget cuts
Kevin's Mom came up this weekend, and brought along his sister and her family. Brett came over, too, and even Mom, Dad, and Aunt Rena joined us Saturday night for dinner and part of the Chiefs game. We had a great time. The Chiefs blew it, though.
Kevin and I have had our heads in the sand for a long time, concerning our finances. We're hurting more all the time, with rising costs of EVERYTHING. We had a long talk on Friday night, and decided to grow the hell up.
Today, I called to cancel Dish Network. They tried to talk me into staying, as I expected, but I wasn't budging. Even the lowest they offer (40 channels, including locals) is $29.99 a month. Finally, he saw how adamant I was, and offered a $20 per month discount for 10 months. I caved.
Heck, for $9.99 a month, to still get locals and a couple other good channels is worth it to me. Kevin won out, since we still get Discovery, History, AMC and the ones like that. Those are his favorites. I will miss my NASCAR stuff on Speed and ESPN, but much of the season is on network channels and TNT, so I'll get most of the season's races, if not the pre-race.
For now, we're keeping our hi-speed Internet. It's really not too bad (we're on the lowest speed offered for local hi speed.) We'll determine later if we're axing that or not.
We're quitting soda and cigarettes. Those are biggies for both cost and cravings for both of us. I'm quitting beer, he's quitting eating out for lunch. I never eat out for lunch, he never drinks beer, so we're both making cuts to fix this mess.
Also, we're going to carpool. That will get me to work 2 hours early, or 1 1/2 hours earlier than usual. I'll take a book to read. Kevin will be stuck waiting for me in the evening, but only for 30 minutes to an hour.
We're also back to shopping at Aldi. Not only are most items cheaper there, but the store isn't set up to entice you into buying things that you don't need. Used to, they weren't open on Sunday, when we often shop. Now, they are.
Yup, big changes. It's about time.
Kevin and I have had our heads in the sand for a long time, concerning our finances. We're hurting more all the time, with rising costs of EVERYTHING. We had a long talk on Friday night, and decided to grow the hell up.
Today, I called to cancel Dish Network. They tried to talk me into staying, as I expected, but I wasn't budging. Even the lowest they offer (40 channels, including locals) is $29.99 a month. Finally, he saw how adamant I was, and offered a $20 per month discount for 10 months. I caved.
Heck, for $9.99 a month, to still get locals and a couple other good channels is worth it to me. Kevin won out, since we still get Discovery, History, AMC and the ones like that. Those are his favorites. I will miss my NASCAR stuff on Speed and ESPN, but much of the season is on network channels and TNT, so I'll get most of the season's races, if not the pre-race.
For now, we're keeping our hi-speed Internet. It's really not too bad (we're on the lowest speed offered for local hi speed.) We'll determine later if we're axing that or not.
We're quitting soda and cigarettes. Those are biggies for both cost and cravings for both of us. I'm quitting beer, he's quitting eating out for lunch. I never eat out for lunch, he never drinks beer, so we're both making cuts to fix this mess.
Also, we're going to carpool. That will get me to work 2 hours early, or 1 1/2 hours earlier than usual. I'll take a book to read. Kevin will be stuck waiting for me in the evening, but only for 30 minutes to an hour.
We're also back to shopping at Aldi. Not only are most items cheaper there, but the store isn't set up to entice you into buying things that you don't need. Used to, they weren't open on Sunday, when we often shop. Now, they are.
Yup, big changes. It's about time.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
America's Best?
My family is made up of mostly blind people. Kevin and I have contacts, with cheap glasses for a backup. Monica has contacts with astigmatism, so they're more expensive, and she has 2 pair of glasses. Natalie, so far, isn't blind, but her genes don't offer much hope.
Because of the massive amount of needed eye care, we go to America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. The value is awesome, and we've never had a problem with our eye care. However...
However, they are busy, busy, busy! The lady on the front counter has to wait on every customer that comes in the door, answer the phones (which ring non-stop) and guide folks on certain decisions. When I stop for contacts, I expect to wait 10 minutes or so for my turn. It's the price I pay for saving money, I guess.
Tonight, the person in front of me was Hispanic, and spoke no English. Her son was her interpreter. I felt bad for him. He was under so much pressure. His mom didn't understand why one eye demanded a more expensive contact lens (astigmatism) and the lady tried to explain it, and he tried to interpret. This went on for some time.
Finally, they were done. 25 minutes later! I didn't gripe. Heck, as a customer service rep, I can't gripe about someone who is trying to do customer service, and having problems. I just chilled out and waited.
I can't get over how bad I feel for this adolescent interpreter, though. He's just trying to live his life, and live in a world where he is the voice of his family, in an English speaking world. Poor guy. He did a good job, though.
And I have my contacts.
Because of the massive amount of needed eye care, we go to America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. The value is awesome, and we've never had a problem with our eye care. However...
However, they are busy, busy, busy! The lady on the front counter has to wait on every customer that comes in the door, answer the phones (which ring non-stop) and guide folks on certain decisions. When I stop for contacts, I expect to wait 10 minutes or so for my turn. It's the price I pay for saving money, I guess.
Tonight, the person in front of me was Hispanic, and spoke no English. Her son was her interpreter. I felt bad for him. He was under so much pressure. His mom didn't understand why one eye demanded a more expensive contact lens (astigmatism) and the lady tried to explain it, and he tried to interpret. This went on for some time.
Finally, they were done. 25 minutes later! I didn't gripe. Heck, as a customer service rep, I can't gripe about someone who is trying to do customer service, and having problems. I just chilled out and waited.
I can't get over how bad I feel for this adolescent interpreter, though. He's just trying to live his life, and live in a world where he is the voice of his family, in an English speaking world. Poor guy. He did a good job, though.
And I have my contacts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Access forbidden?
I tried to go to tinylittledivision.com and got the following message:
You don't have permission to access / on this server.
Huh? I must go cry myself to sleep now.
Well, after I play on Mobsters for a bit. I will be able to afford that shipyard in about 30 minutes, and then I can partake in maritime trafficking. That will make a LOT of money for my bank.
But then, I'm crying myself to sleep.
Well, maybe after Super Nanny.
Oh yeah, and my legs are much better. I have one muscle left that hurts pretty bad in my left leg, but I can walk almost normal. Slowly, but almost normal.
You don't have permission to access / on this server.
Huh? I must go cry myself to sleep now.
Well, after I play on Mobsters for a bit. I will be able to afford that shipyard in about 30 minutes, and then I can partake in maritime trafficking. That will make a LOT of money for my bank.
But then, I'm crying myself to sleep.
Well, maybe after Super Nanny.
Oh yeah, and my legs are much better. I have one muscle left that hurts pretty bad in my left leg, but I can walk almost normal. Slowly, but almost normal.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Dang AOL
OK, AOL ate my entry. Here is the short version, and I'll post the full version tomorrow, if I'm done being ticked at AOL:
I can walk without crutches. The bruising is starting to show up now. Left foot looks oddly dark...purplish pink. New problems include aching hips/shins/calves, due to walking funny.
Work folks laughed as much as ya'll, which was my goal. Nothing is broken, or I wouldn't be healing this quickly. I love to make people laugh, and I hope you're cursed with picturing me "sticking the landing" each time you watch the Olympics!
OK, time to hit "save" and hope it saves. If not, I swear I will....never mind. If it doesn't save, you'll never know. LOL
I can walk without crutches. The bruising is starting to show up now. Left foot looks oddly dark...purplish pink. New problems include aching hips/shins/calves, due to walking funny.
Work folks laughed as much as ya'll, which was my goal. Nothing is broken, or I wouldn't be healing this quickly. I love to make people laugh, and I hope you're cursed with picturing me "sticking the landing" each time you watch the Olympics!
OK, time to hit "save" and hope it saves. If not, I swear I will....never mind. If it doesn't save, you'll never know. LOL
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My dumbest move ever. Definitely.
You know those times that you do something stupid, and you think, "That may be one of the stupidest things I've ever done." Usually, if you thought really hard though, you'd realize that this one incident is NOT the dumbest thing you've ever done. I've done a lot of stupid things.
Last night, though, I achieved the "Stupidest Moment of my Life." To fully get the idea, I'll have to tell HOW I did it, so bear with me. It'll make it worth it when you get the huge laugh at me at the end.
The girls and I were hanging out in my room, watching the Olympics. This isn't something that I always do, but I try to show them history making things when possible, so I was opening their eyes to some gymnastic events and swimming events that they've never seen before.
After some little Chinese guy did an awesome job on the rings, he had an amazing dismount and I said, "Too bad he didn't stick the landing." The girls asked what I meant, so I explained it the best I could.
Later, I was on the back porch, smoking a cigarette, and the Monica ran from the living room, past the dining room and jumped out the door to the back porch. It is two steps down to a cement floor. She tried to "stick the landing" and throw her hands into the air, but she didn't quite make it happen.
Then Natalie tried to no avail. I was laughing at them and teasing them. They just couldn't land smoothly without a hop or step. They made three or four attempts each, and I said, "dang, girls, even I could do this!" *sigh*
Someone who is overweight, out of shape, and clumsy should never, I repeat NEVERattempt this seemingly easy task. I landed, and although my bare feet slid about 2 inches, they did NOT leave the floor, so I swear, I stuck the landing. And, my heels were sore the rest of the night.
I woke up this morning, swung my legs over the side of the bed, and tried to stand up. It took 10 minutes to go the 10 feet from my bedroom to the bathroom, and I was crying when I got there. I don't remember ever being in this much pain in my life. I have severely bruised my heels...plural...BOTH feet! The left is far worse, but both are miserable.
Kevin gave me an anti-inflammatory and retrieved the crutches from the shed. With them, I can walk...sort of. They all just went to get some lunch, and I can't go because I'm not mobile right now. They wanted to help and make it possible for me to go, but I knew it would be a pain in the butt, so here I sit...feeling stupid.
I have NO earthly idea how I'm going to get to work tomorrow, and make it from the parking lot to my desk, but I guess I may have to use the crutches. I really don't want to. I guess, however, if I'm willing to share this with you and let you get a laugh at my stupidity, I should offer the same opportunity to my coworkers, right? LOL
OK, I'm going to elevate my feet and watch some NASCAR, now. I hope I can walk again some day.
Stupid Olympics!
Last night, though, I achieved the "Stupidest Moment of my Life." To fully get the idea, I'll have to tell HOW I did it, so bear with me. It'll make it worth it when you get the huge laugh at me at the end.
The girls and I were hanging out in my room, watching the Olympics. This isn't something that I always do, but I try to show them history making things when possible, so I was opening their eyes to some gymnastic events and swimming events that they've never seen before.
After some little Chinese guy did an awesome job on the rings, he had an amazing dismount and I said, "Too bad he didn't stick the landing." The girls asked what I meant, so I explained it the best I could.
Later, I was on the back porch, smoking a cigarette, and the Monica ran from the living room, past the dining room and jumped out the door to the back porch. It is two steps down to a cement floor. She tried to "stick the landing" and throw her hands into the air, but she didn't quite make it happen.
Then Natalie tried to no avail. I was laughing at them and teasing them. They just couldn't land smoothly without a hop or step. They made three or four attempts each, and I said, "dang, girls, even I could do this!" *sigh*
Someone who is overweight, out of shape, and clumsy should never, I repeat NEVERattempt this seemingly easy task. I landed, and although my bare feet slid about 2 inches, they did NOT leave the floor, so I swear, I stuck the landing. And, my heels were sore the rest of the night.
I woke up this morning, swung my legs over the side of the bed, and tried to stand up. It took 10 minutes to go the 10 feet from my bedroom to the bathroom, and I was crying when I got there. I don't remember ever being in this much pain in my life. I have severely bruised my heels...plural...BOTH feet! The left is far worse, but both are miserable.
Kevin gave me an anti-inflammatory and retrieved the crutches from the shed. With them, I can walk...sort of. They all just went to get some lunch, and I can't go because I'm not mobile right now. They wanted to help and make it possible for me to go, but I knew it would be a pain in the butt, so here I sit...feeling stupid.
I have NO earthly idea how I'm going to get to work tomorrow, and make it from the parking lot to my desk, but I guess I may have to use the crutches. I really don't want to. I guess, however, if I'm willing to share this with you and let you get a laugh at my stupidity, I should offer the same opportunity to my coworkers, right? LOL
OK, I'm going to elevate my feet and watch some NASCAR, now. I hope I can walk again some day.
Stupid Olympics!
Friday, August 8, 2008
sunrise
So, I was driving to work yesterday. If you remember, I had a horrible Wednesday, troubleshooting software and all, and knew that I had to go in early on Thursday in order to make up for all of the other duties that I missed. I was grumpy about that.
Seriously, I was thinking things along the lines of, "It is NOT fair for me to have to go in early, to make up for doing EXTRA work? This sucks. I do NOT like this. It's not right. Someone should decide to...."
Then God said, "Yo, stupid, look left!" OK, he may not have used those words, but I looked over, and saw this:
I pulled over into a little fishing lake in Oak Grove, and took several shots. Then, I started feeling guilty about griping.
Life ain't always so bad.
Seriously, I was thinking things along the lines of, "It is NOT fair for me to have to go in early, to make up for doing EXTRA work? This sucks. I do NOT like this. It's not right. Someone should decide to...."
Then God said, "Yo, stupid, look left!" OK, he may not have used those words, but I looked over, and saw this:
I pulled over into a little fishing lake in Oak Grove, and took several shots. Then, I started feeling guilty about griping.
Life ain't always so bad.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Happy happy joy joy!
It worked!!!!!
I AM that good!
I can sleep tonight!
OK, calm down and breathe....Three cameras have been downloaded, and all of the data synced perfectly! The customer called my cell to tell me! I almost cried. I called boss-man immediately and told him, and he's pleased. He's pleased both with the situation, and my work. *sigh*
OK, I'm watching the Chiefs play (preempting Big Brother) some pre-season football, and they just scored the first touchdown of the game. Gotta Go!
But I Gotta Go HAPPY!
P.S. I told you I was good!
I AM that good!
I can sleep tonight!
OK, calm down and breathe....Three cameras have been downloaded, and all of the data synced perfectly! The customer called my cell to tell me! I almost cried. I called boss-man immediately and told him, and he's pleased. He's pleased both with the situation, and my work. *sigh*
OK, I'm watching the Chiefs play (preempting Big Brother) some pre-season football, and they just scored the first touchdown of the game. Gotta Go!
But I Gotta Go HAPPY!
P.S. I told you I was good!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Problem solved...I hope.
Well, I worked at ONE thing all day. At almost 4:00, the problem was solved. I won't tell you the crap that I had to go through to get help with this. That left me fuming, but I'm just glad it was finally solved.
The customer ran multiple tests through, and they worked wonderfully. Still though, there is the shoot tomorrow morning. This is a BIG school shoot. I can't wait to get the call tomorrow telling me that it worked. I'm just sitting in the edge of my seat waiting. *sigh* I hope I sleep better tonight than I did last night, but I doubt it.
The customer ran multiple tests through, and they worked wonderfully. Still though, there is the shoot tomorrow morning. This is a BIG school shoot. I can't wait to get the call tomorrow telling me that it worked. I'm just sitting in the edge of my seat waiting. *sigh* I hope I sleep better tonight than I did last night, but I doubt it.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
my job
I am good at what I do. I am *damn* good at what I do. I can fix your problem, no matter what it is, if you're my customer. There are some downfalls to this, however. Some huge downfalls.
I tend to check my work email from home. 9 times out of 10, the answer can wait until morning, when I get to work. Tonight, however, I saw a very panicky email from a very big customer. They have a huge shoot in a bit over 24 hours, and the software isn't working as expected.
I thought for a bit, and then I decided to call him. Yeah, Big Brother was getting ready to start, and my kids needed attention, but I called a customer. I found out what he was dealing with, then started to look for back up.
Nothing. I got no answers. I called 5 people, and only 1 answered the phone. He let me know that I was correct in my questions, and that I needed to dig deeper. Great. This isn't an answer, this is confirming that I did all possible, but it isn't fixed.
Fast forward an hour and three phone calls, and head honcho of the software called me back. He had further ideas, which I'll try tomorrow. Although I do NOT connect on a personal level with this guy (was that diplomatic enough?) he did great tonight. He offered help and support and may have solved even more issues that were NOT a part of the planned conversation. Thanks, dude.
Anyway, I wish I couldn't give a shit about my job, like most of the people that I work with. I wish that I could come home and play on Mobsters without worrying myself sick about how this shoot will go in Illinois on Thursday. I wish I didn't care.
Mom? do wishes come true? LOL I know. They do. You wrote a song to prove it. Post the lyrics for me? I really don't want to be a "don't give a shit" person. I just want others to care like I do. My job would be simpler then. I also want to fly to Illinois and help with this shoot, so I can show them that it works.
OK, done venting. Thanks for reading. I'll let you know how it comes out. I'm worried, but it will be fine. I can do this. I can fix this. I am JUST that good!
I tend to check my work email from home. 9 times out of 10, the answer can wait until morning, when I get to work. Tonight, however, I saw a very panicky email from a very big customer. They have a huge shoot in a bit over 24 hours, and the software isn't working as expected.
I thought for a bit, and then I decided to call him. Yeah, Big Brother was getting ready to start, and my kids needed attention, but I called a customer. I found out what he was dealing with, then started to look for back up.
Nothing. I got no answers. I called 5 people, and only 1 answered the phone. He let me know that I was correct in my questions, and that I needed to dig deeper. Great. This isn't an answer, this is confirming that I did all possible, but it isn't fixed.
Fast forward an hour and three phone calls, and head honcho of the software called me back. He had further ideas, which I'll try tomorrow. Although I do NOT connect on a personal level with this guy (was that diplomatic enough?) he did great tonight. He offered help and support and may have solved even more issues that were NOT a part of the planned conversation. Thanks, dude.
Anyway, I wish I couldn't give a shit about my job, like most of the people that I work with. I wish that I could come home and play on Mobsters without worrying myself sick about how this shoot will go in Illinois on Thursday. I wish I didn't care.
Mom? do wishes come true? LOL I know. They do. You wrote a song to prove it. Post the lyrics for me? I really don't want to be a "don't give a shit" person. I just want others to care like I do. My job would be simpler then. I also want to fly to Illinois and help with this shoot, so I can show them that it works.
OK, done venting. Thanks for reading. I'll let you know how it comes out. I'm worried, but it will be fine. I can do this. I can fix this. I am JUST that good!
I whacked a guy!
WaaaHoooo! I whacked a guy!
Yup, I am definitely hooked on the Mobsters app on myspace. I have a lot of mob members, almost $3 million in the bank, and I finally whacked someone. Now, I spend my breaks and lunches trying to convince my coworkers to join my mob. Yeah. I have a problem.
If you would like to join my mob, let me know. You just need to be one of my "friends" on myspace, and I can add you. Seriously, though, if you don't like the idea of becoming addicted to crime, you may want to pass this opportunity up.
I'm just sayin'.
*a flea update:
Tonight, I cannot find a single live flea, even when I pin down a pet and go searching in the personal region. so far, so good.
Yup, I am definitely hooked on the Mobsters app on myspace. I have a lot of mob members, almost $3 million in the bank, and I finally whacked someone. Now, I spend my breaks and lunches trying to convince my coworkers to join my mob. Yeah. I have a problem.
If you would like to join my mob, let me know. You just need to be one of my "friends" on myspace, and I can add you. Seriously, though, if you don't like the idea of becoming addicted to crime, you may want to pass this opportunity up.
I'm just sayin'.
*a flea update:
Tonight, I cannot find a single live flea, even when I pin down a pet and go searching in the personal region. so far, so good.
Monday, August 4, 2008
I have fleas!
OK, dangit. I'm getting ticked. Hawkeye got fleas at Mom and Dad's one weekend. I don't mean that Mom has fleas. I mean, when we're here, Hawkeye accepts his duty of humping every neighbor dog that he can get close to. The neighbors here have some nasty dogs. I'm just sayin'.
So, he brings fleas home. Then the cats got fleas before we realized that he had them. So, we dipped them all. That fixed it. I felt pretty cocky. Until...
Hawkeye humped another dog a few weeks ago. Great. More fleas. Once again, I didn't know until the cats got them. I'm not one to get flea bites easily, and I have three bites on my ankles. crap!
We bombed the house, and couldn't find the dip. WalHell was out of the dip. 4 days later, we found the dip, and dipped all three. Then WalHell was out of the bombs. Jeez!
Now, we have it under control (I hope.) They were all dipped last week. Tonight, they're away from the house, and the bombs are spraying all over my house. Me and the girls are hanging out at mom's for two hours, and Kevin is mowing. At 8, we'll head home, dip the cats and the dog, and start the "Great Clean Up."
Sheesh. Happy Birthday, Kevin. You're 42, and you get to mow the yard, followed by the "Great Clean Up." Good for you, babe. I love you.
So, he brings fleas home. Then the cats got fleas before we realized that he had them. So, we dipped them all. That fixed it. I felt pretty cocky. Until...
Hawkeye humped another dog a few weeks ago. Great. More fleas. Once again, I didn't know until the cats got them. I'm not one to get flea bites easily, and I have three bites on my ankles. crap!
We bombed the house, and couldn't find the dip. WalHell was out of the dip. 4 days later, we found the dip, and dipped all three. Then WalHell was out of the bombs. Jeez!
Now, we have it under control (I hope.) They were all dipped last week. Tonight, they're away from the house, and the bombs are spraying all over my house. Me and the girls are hanging out at mom's for two hours, and Kevin is mowing. At 8, we'll head home, dip the cats and the dog, and start the "Great Clean Up."
Sheesh. Happy Birthday, Kevin. You're 42, and you get to mow the yard, followed by the "Great Clean Up." Good for you, babe. I love you.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Yesterday
OK, here's the deal. We were doing the taxi to the runway thing, and the pilot was writing down the necessary numbers. As the little plane ahead of us left, we got into position. The pilot told me to grab hold of the (steering wheel?) thing. I did. I thought he wanted me to feel what he was doing.
As we turned onto the runway and gained speed, he said, "You'd better pull back on that, or we'll never get off the ground!" I looked at him like he was crazy (he probably was) and said, "Really???" He was serious. I started pulling back, and we left the ground! I got us up to about 1500 before he took over, due to clouds.
The pilot and I *love* clouds, so he did some cool stuff, dodging in and out, around, over, and under them. It was like a roller coaster. It was awesome! When we got close to home, he asked if I wanted to fly low over my house. Of course I did! He warned that it would get hot, and it did!
We flew over my tiny town, and I got to fly for another 10 minutes or so. I got to maneuver different directions and keep the elevation steady (I had to be reminded to quit going "up." It was SO frigging fun! When we landed, we were both soaked in sweat, from flying so low, but it was SO worth it!
It was so fun, that I would buy a plane if I were rich. I would take the lessons and figure it out and do it. This is the biggest rush EVER! Honey? Kevin? Dear husband? Can I please have an airplane?
As we turned onto the runway and gained speed, he said, "You'd better pull back on that, or we'll never get off the ground!" I looked at him like he was crazy (he probably was) and said, "Really???" He was serious. I started pulling back, and we left the ground! I got us up to about 1500 before he took over, due to clouds.
The pilot and I *love* clouds, so he did some cool stuff, dodging in and out, around, over, and under them. It was like a roller coaster. It was awesome! When we got close to home, he asked if I wanted to fly low over my house. Of course I did! He warned that it would get hot, and it did!
We flew over my tiny town, and I got to fly for another 10 minutes or so. I got to maneuver different directions and keep the elevation steady (I had to be reminded to quit going "up." It was SO frigging fun! When we landed, we were both soaked in sweat, from flying so low, but it was SO worth it!
It was so fun, that I would buy a plane if I were rich. I would take the lessons and figure it out and do it. This is the biggest rush EVER! Honey? Kevin? Dear husband? Can I please have an airplane?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Home again!
I'm home, I'm safe, I have pictures, and I got to fly the plane.
Life is good.
Seriously, I flew the plane. During TAKEOFF! More later.
Life is good.
Life is good.
Seriously, I flew the plane. During TAKEOFF! More later.
Life is good.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My trip to Illinois, day 1
Here are the pictures from Day 1. It was awesome to fly around, above, and below the storms. I had a ball. The customer visit went well, and with the follow-up that I have planned, there is more business to be had there.
Tonight, I got to the hotel and checked in around 5. After that, I went for dinner, then back. Yeah, I had a soak. It's not MY fault that the only room was an executive suite! I have to take advantage, or my employer is paying for this in vain...right? LOL
See ya later, after the carpet/braille pictures are done.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dancing in the rain
We had a great day. We took a Bday gift to a coworker, visited the mall (I did NOT die from going to Hot Topic) and ate a picnic lunch with Kevin and Brett. It was a great day. Tonight, it started raining, and we lost the damn dish signal at the end of my favorite show. I started to get ticked, then I heard the girls asking to go outside and see if it's raining.
The logical mother in me started to say that there was NO way I would let them outside in this nonsense. Then, I thought again. They need to know that rain is a blessing, and that without it, life would end. I said "yes" and went out with them.
We danced in the rain. We laughed in the rain. We sang and played and made fools of ourselves in the rain. We were so soaked that we needed towels when we came back inside. Yeah, we had fun.
Now, I need to go to bed. I am mostly packed, and I have to leave no later than 6 in the morning. Our flight is to leave at 7. However, I am not going to bed right now. I'm going to put on another pair of pants and go dance in the rain ONE more time. This may have been the best day ever!
The logical mother in me started to say that there was NO way I would let them outside in this nonsense. Then, I thought again. They need to know that rain is a blessing, and that without it, life would end. I said "yes" and went out with them.
We danced in the rain. We laughed in the rain. We sang and played and made fools of ourselves in the rain. We were so soaked that we needed towels when we came back inside. Yeah, we had fun.
Now, I need to go to bed. I am mostly packed, and I have to leave no later than 6 in the morning. Our flight is to leave at 7. However, I am not going to bed right now. I'm going to put on another pair of pants and go dance in the rain ONE more time. This may have been the best day ever!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Another entry? WHAT?
I know, I know. If I post more than one entry in 24 hours, folks lose interest and think I'm nuts. Well, I am.
I'm just sitting here thinking, and I use this medium to unload. Feel free to ignore this post. Seriously.
I'm sick of Kevin hurting. He hurts all of the time. He hurts when he wakes up, works his butt off all day, while hurting, and then comes home to help around here, hurting until he falls asleep...usually pretty early.
He used to wrestle around with the boys, when they were younger. He used to hoist the girls up to hug them. He used to love playing golf. He used to crave nothing more than a couple of games at the bowling alley. These are just a few of the things that he'll never do again.
I have to nag him to get him to do most things. That sounds like a complaint about my husband, but it's not. He just hurts. I whine and complain about something like getting his car from Dad's house, so Dad can quit mowing around it, and he says we will. Then I have to remind him. Then, I have to secure help from Dad and tell him that we're doing it now. Then he does it, and comes home to collapse.
It's depressing as hell, to tell the truth. This is a workplace injury, so he had to give a deposition last week. She kept asking what he couldn't do any more. He'd give an answer, and she'd say, "Is that all?" How the HELL is someone supposed to name EVERYTHING that can never be done again? It's impossible.
Anyway, here I am. The girls are in bed. Kevin is in bed. I'm just sitting and thinking, when *I* should be in bed. I'm not. I'm worried. What happens when he can't do it anymore? When he cannot work? What happens to my house? I know, I won't lose my house. He'll work as long as he can drag himself there. I just wish it didn't hurt him so badly to do so.
And, so what if I lose my house? There is no debtors prison these days. We'll move on, right? Hell, I don't want to think that way. I won't lose my house. We'll be fine. I love him, and I want the stupid pain management place to find a solution. We're paying that office out of pocket, because the injury doctors have all released him. "Go free and hurt!" That's their motto.
OK, that was depressing. I just had to get if off my chest.
I'm just sitting here thinking, and I use this medium to unload. Feel free to ignore this post. Seriously.
I'm sick of Kevin hurting. He hurts all of the time. He hurts when he wakes up, works his butt off all day, while hurting, and then comes home to help around here, hurting until he falls asleep...usually pretty early.
He used to wrestle around with the boys, when they were younger. He used to hoist the girls up to hug them. He used to love playing golf. He used to crave nothing more than a couple of games at the bowling alley. These are just a few of the things that he'll never do again.
I have to nag him to get him to do most things. That sounds like a complaint about my husband, but it's not. He just hurts. I whine and complain about something like getting his car from Dad's house, so Dad can quit mowing around it, and he says we will. Then I have to remind him. Then, I have to secure help from Dad and tell him that we're doing it now. Then he does it, and comes home to collapse.
It's depressing as hell, to tell the truth. This is a workplace injury, so he had to give a deposition last week. She kept asking what he couldn't do any more. He'd give an answer, and she'd say, "Is that all?" How the HELL is someone supposed to name EVERYTHING that can never be done again? It's impossible.
Anyway, here I am. The girls are in bed. Kevin is in bed. I'm just sitting and thinking, when *I* should be in bed. I'm not. I'm worried. What happens when he can't do it anymore? When he cannot work? What happens to my house? I know, I won't lose my house. He'll work as long as he can drag himself there. I just wish it didn't hurt him so badly to do so.
And, so what if I lose my house? There is no debtors prison these days. We'll move on, right? Hell, I don't want to think that way. I won't lose my house. We'll be fine. I love him, and I want the stupid pain management place to find a solution. We're paying that office out of pocket, because the injury doctors have all released him. "Go free and hurt!" That's their motto.
OK, that was depressing. I just had to get if off my chest.
Vacation Day Tomorrow!
I have to travel to Illinois on Wednesday and Thursday, so I took a vacation day for Tuesday, to hang with the girls. They REALLY want to go to the mall (yuck, but OK) so if they wake up early enough, we'll do it. We'll also surprise Kevin with a picnic lunch at his work.
Kevin wants to prove to his coworkers that he had extremely long hair once-upon-a-time, so the girls are going through the infamous "picture box." I really need to buy some albums. *sigh* However, they're having a BALL going through it. I know that I enjoy it, but I never realized what a good time they'd have.
OK, I'm gone for now. Seriously, though, if you have a myspace, look for fierro6 and add me. I'm looking to boost my friend count. Also, I need more mobsters! If you want to add me to myspace, but do NOT want to be in my mob, just say so. I promise not to invite you if it is unsolicited. Silence gives consent. I'm just sayin'...
Kevin wants to prove to his coworkers that he had extremely long hair once-upon-a-time, so the girls are going through the infamous "picture box." I really need to buy some albums. *sigh* However, they're having a BALL going through it. I know that I enjoy it, but I never realized what a good time they'd have.
OK, I'm gone for now. Seriously, though, if you have a myspace, look for fierro6 and add me. I'm looking to boost my friend count. Also, I need more mobsters! If you want to add me to myspace, but do NOT want to be in my mob, just say so. I promise not to invite you if it is unsolicited. Silence gives consent. I'm just sayin'...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Left over pictures
We accomplished a lot today! We hauled off some junk, including the broken soda fridge from the back porch. We actually hauled off about 2 truck-beds full of crap. The girls cleaned their rooms, we got Kevin's old Impala home from Dad's, and I even had time to watch most of the race (in which my boy Carl took second!)
Tonight, Kevin's watching TV in the bedroom, and I'm watching Big Brother in the living room, while the girls play with their newest fascination. Yes, I let them get a facebook account. We'll see how it goes. One wrong move, and they're off the computers completely. So far, they're having a ball interacting with distant aunts and cousins.
The above pictures are just random shots from the previous week. Enjoy!
Tonight, Kevin's watching TV in the bedroom, and I'm watching Big Brother in the living room, while the girls play with their newest fascination. Yes, I let them get a facebook account. We'll see how it goes. One wrong move, and they're off the computers completely. So far, they're having a ball interacting with distant aunts and cousins.
The above pictures are just random shots from the previous week. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday night
What a day! The drama is settling down a bit, so we're breathing a bit easier.
I woke up early (barely, thanks for helping, Kevin.) and headed to work. I was there for less than an hour (ticked me off, since I logged 2 hours on the road! What a waste.
When I got home, we joined Mom and Dad and headed to North KC to visit my Aunt Maxine. We visited with my cousin and his wife, and their granddaughter. It was fun, and we had some awesome food.
After coming home, Monica was begging me to take her to Deals. Have you been there? It's a $1 store (although a few things are more, nothing is over $5 and 99% is $1) and it's my favorite of all the $1 stores around. Kevin gave the girls some spending money, so I took them to blow it.
After that, we went to the evil Blue Springs WalMart for groceries. Wow, we were out of EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, this poorly managed place was out of some of the things that we needed. We all three had some laughs and enjoyed our time for a while, but we were more than ready to leave and write off the human race before we escaped.
Tonight, it's relax and veg out night. I like relax and veg out nights. There are four of us in this house. Two of us are watching TV and three of us are on the computer. Yeah, I may or may not be guilty of doing both at once. LOL
Tomorrow, I will have some pictures to share. I've been working long hours and dealing with some drama, but life 'n stuff is still going on, 'n stuff. I have a great picture of a tug boat from the river bottoms, a picture of my poor Hawkeye, now that Kevin shaved him *sigh* and some other random crap.
Have a wonderful night! If you don't know how to relax and veg out properly, come on over. You can sit on the bed with me, watching TV (because Kevin is watching mixed martial arts fighting...YUCK) and have some of my peach iced tea. We'll watch a sappy 80's moving and play mobsters online!
I woke up early (barely, thanks for helping, Kevin.) and headed to work. I was there for less than an hour (ticked me off, since I logged 2 hours on the road! What a waste.
When I got home, we joined Mom and Dad and headed to North KC to visit my Aunt Maxine. We visited with my cousin and his wife, and their granddaughter. It was fun, and we had some awesome food.
After coming home, Monica was begging me to take her to Deals. Have you been there? It's a $1 store (although a few things are more, nothing is over $5 and 99% is $1) and it's my favorite of all the $1 stores around. Kevin gave the girls some spending money, so I took them to blow it.
After that, we went to the evil Blue Springs WalMart for groceries. Wow, we were out of EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, this poorly managed place was out of some of the things that we needed. We all three had some laughs and enjoyed our time for a while, but we were more than ready to leave and write off the human race before we escaped.
Tonight, it's relax and veg out night. I like relax and veg out nights. There are four of us in this house. Two of us are watching TV and three of us are on the computer. Yeah, I may or may not be guilty of doing both at once. LOL
Tomorrow, I will have some pictures to share. I've been working long hours and dealing with some drama, but life 'n stuff is still going on, 'n stuff. I have a great picture of a tug boat from the river bottoms, a picture of my poor Hawkeye, now that Kevin shaved him *sigh* and some other random crap.
Have a wonderful night! If you don't know how to relax and veg out properly, come on over. You can sit on the bed with me, watching TV (because Kevin is watching mixed martial arts fighting...YUCK) and have some of my peach iced tea. We'll watch a sappy 80's moving and play mobsters online!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Drama
So much drama, so little time.
I don't know what to do with the drama going on around here, so I'll just go fight someone on Mobsters, and get over it.
I've been on the phone most of the night (I'm on the phone for a living, so this is NOT my favorite evening activity) and I'm tired. I'm feeling VERY old and VERY tired. Too much drama.
Please, someone save me. If I liked baths, I'd ask for Calgon. I'd rather have about 12 beers and go to sleep, only to wake up tomorrow with all of this gone (other than the hangover.) It's not going to happen, and I'm not drinking beer, and it's not going away. OK, that was a redundant sentence. Anyway, time for life, right?
This entry is going nowhere. See ya tomorrow.
I don't know what to do with the drama going on around here, so I'll just go fight someone on Mobsters, and get over it.
I've been on the phone most of the night (I'm on the phone for a living, so this is NOT my favorite evening activity) and I'm tired. I'm feeling VERY old and VERY tired. Too much drama.
Please, someone save me. If I liked baths, I'd ask for Calgon. I'd rather have about 12 beers and go to sleep, only to wake up tomorrow with all of this gone (other than the hangover.) It's not going to happen, and I'm not drinking beer, and it's not going away. OK, that was a redundant sentence. Anyway, time for life, right?
This entry is going nowhere. See ya tomorrow.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm a mobster
I am on facebook and myspace (drop me an email or search for fierro6 on either if you want to be friends) and I hate the apps. I mean, there are a couple that I find fun, but mostly, they get a bunch of nonsense sent to you. I typically avoid them.
However...
I am completely hooked on Mobsters on myspace. It is crazy fun. I'm knocking over convenience stores, fighting people, and paying doctors laundered money to heal me. What has happened to me?
I guess I should be glad that I only have time for this crap on Sundays.
Got a myspace? Wanna join my mob?
I'm just sayin...
However...
I am completely hooked on Mobsters on myspace. It is crazy fun. I'm knocking over convenience stores, fighting people, and paying doctors laundered money to heal me. What has happened to me?
I guess I should be glad that I only have time for this crap on Sundays.
Got a myspace? Wanna join my mob?
I'm just sayin...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
So....
So. Here I am. The girls are in bed. Kevin has been asleep for quite some time.
I get aggravated. Things bother me that probably shouldn't. TV ticks me off. The dog ticks me off. The cats REALLY tick me off.
Why am I awake? I think it would be best if I went to bed and started over tomorrow. I'm a bit too ticked to stay awake. Yeah, I should go.
Good Night.
Grrrrr.
I get aggravated. Things bother me that probably shouldn't. TV ticks me off. The dog ticks me off. The cats REALLY tick me off.
Why am I awake? I think it would be best if I went to bed and started over tomorrow. I'm a bit too ticked to stay awake. Yeah, I should go.
Good Night.
Grrrrr.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Weird commuters
Rusrhi asked whether the whiners I talked about yesterday were customers or coworkers. I was complaining about coworkers. After all, I get PAID to listen to customers whine! LOL
I followed some weird commuters today. First was the igloo man. I don't know what he was hauling, but as I passed, I noticed that they appeared to be plastic, and hollow. I have NO earthly idea what they were, but they looked like the makings of a giant igloo:
Later, I was stuck behind a tractor hauling 2 big hay bales. I wanted a good shot from behind, since the driver was hanging off the side of the tractor to see around the front bale, but my batteries were complaining, and I had to change them. What I got was them turning into their drive:
City folks don't get to see things like that, do they?
I followed some weird commuters today. First was the igloo man. I don't know what he was hauling, but as I passed, I noticed that they appeared to be plastic, and hollow. I have NO earthly idea what they were, but they looked like the makings of a giant igloo:
Later, I was stuck behind a tractor hauling 2 big hay bales. I wanted a good shot from behind, since the driver was hanging off the side of the tractor to see around the front bale, but my batteries were complaining, and I had to change them. What I got was them turning into their drive:
City folks don't get to see things like that, do they?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Holy Crap.
For six years, I worked in a day care center. Two of those were as an assistant director. I've taught 2-year-olds through school-age kids. I've done everything from developing my own curriculum to teaching and everything in between. I've bandaged owies, given breathing treatments, and helped toddlers get to sleep at nap time.
After today at work, I can honestly say that I've never dealt with such immaturity or so much whining in my life.
*sheesh*
After today at work, I can honestly say that I've never dealt with such immaturity or so much whining in my life.
*sheesh*
Monday, July 14, 2008
The yard...
I'm afraid I've married Hank Hill. I didn't know it when we got married. Honestly, we rented for the first 10 years of our marriage, and when a yard was involved with said rental, it was the size of a postage stamp.
3 years ago, we bought our first home. His first, and my first. We have a big yard. Kevin likes to mow. He mows regularly, and then stands on the deck to look over it. Then, he turns to me and asks, "So, what do you think?" It looks good. It always looks good when he's done with it.
Saturday, the yard needed mowed, but Kevin worked in the morning, and it rained a bunch. Sunday, we unexpectedly went to pick up the girls (yeah!) and got home too late in the day to mow. Tonight, I came home and saw this:
Natalie asked me earlier tonight what was meant by, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I answered to the best of my ability. Now, I can give her another example.
We can't afford a nice, new mower, but Kevin found one at a garage sale. It's perfect, and worth more than we paid. We can't afford a bagger, but we have this "yard sweeper" that used to belong to my uncle. I have no idea how old it is, but it's probably as old as me.
I came home to see him, after a day at work, mowing and "sweeping" his yard. He then started in on the bank with the weedeater, and is now (it's almost dark) taking care of the ditch.
Bless his heart, he loves to have a nice yard.
3 years ago, we bought our first home. His first, and my first. We have a big yard. Kevin likes to mow. He mows regularly, and then stands on the deck to look over it. Then, he turns to me and asks, "So, what do you think?" It looks good. It always looks good when he's done with it.
Saturday, the yard needed mowed, but Kevin worked in the morning, and it rained a bunch. Sunday, we unexpectedly went to pick up the girls (yeah!) and got home too late in the day to mow. Tonight, I came home and saw this:
Natalie asked me earlier tonight what was meant by, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I answered to the best of my ability. Now, I can give her another example.
We can't afford a nice, new mower, but Kevin found one at a garage sale. It's perfect, and worth more than we paid. We can't afford a bagger, but we have this "yard sweeper" that used to belong to my uncle. I have no idea how old it is, but it's probably as old as me.
I came home to see him, after a day at work, mowing and "sweeping" his yard. He then started in on the bank with the weedeater, and is now (it's almost dark) taking care of the ditch.
Bless his heart, he loves to have a nice yard.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Concerts and plagues
Well, the concert was awesome! The meet-and-greet with Keith Anderson was fun, but I was talking when my co-worker snapped the shot of me with him, and it's a hideous shot of me, so it won't be appearing here. That is disappointing. Here is Keith later, though, on stage:
Today, Kevin and I ran some errands and on the way home, I noticed something VERY strange. Going through the river bottoms, a little frog on the road caught my eye. I started to pay more attention and they were EVERYWHERE! I'm not exaggerating; there were hundreds of little frogs everywhere you looked.
The more I saw, the weirder I felt. I asked Kevin what on earth would cause so many hundreds of frogs to be on the move at the same time. He raised his voice and practically yelled, "IT'S A PLAGUE! DON'T YOU READ YOUR BIBLE?" Ha ha, honey.
When we got home, I saw that they were all over our yard, too. Here is one of them that I picked up to prove it:
They are all this size, and they are literally taking over the world, or something. Oh yeah, on a side note, Kevin said that if I told anyone, he'd deny seeing any frogs at all. He's such a supportive husband.
**edited to add the following**
I think I have a pretty good theory about the frog plague. (frogedemic?)
A frog is 12-16 weeks from egg to frog. We had the flood that filled the river bottoms with water. That water is gone now. The poor things are now fully frog-like, and their home is gone! Poor critters. I think I'll go down and shoo them toward the river. It's the right thing to do.
I'll be back in 3-4 months. That's how long it will take to round up all of them!
Today, Kevin and I ran some errands and on the way home, I noticed something VERY strange. Going through the river bottoms, a little frog on the road caught my eye. I started to pay more attention and they were EVERYWHERE! I'm not exaggerating; there were hundreds of little frogs everywhere you looked.
The more I saw, the weirder I felt. I asked Kevin what on earth would cause so many hundreds of frogs to be on the move at the same time. He raised his voice and practically yelled, "IT'S A PLAGUE! DON'T YOU READ YOUR BIBLE?" Ha ha, honey.
When we got home, I saw that they were all over our yard, too. Here is one of them that I picked up to prove it:
They are all this size, and they are literally taking over the world, or something. Oh yeah, on a side note, Kevin said that if I told anyone, he'd deny seeing any frogs at all. He's such a supportive husband.
**edited to add the following**
I think I have a pretty good theory about the frog plague. (frogedemic?)
A frog is 12-16 weeks from egg to frog. We had the flood that filled the river bottoms with water. That water is gone now. The poor things are now fully frog-like, and their home is gone! Poor critters. I think I'll go down and shoo them toward the river. It's the right thing to do.
I'll be back in 3-4 months. That's how long it will take to round up all of them!
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