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Sunday, February 29, 2004
"Gay marriage."
As a heterosexual, married mother, "gay marriage" doesn't affect me.
Or does it?
Almost 57 years ago, my Mexican grandfather wed my German-Irish grandmother in Minneapolis. SCANDALOUS!
Why? My grandmother married "OUTSIDE HER RACE!" My grandmother's church and her European-descendant neighbors, where she had lived ALL her life, shunned her. "Disgusting!" she heard. They also whispered that my mother was a "half-breed."
Forget the fact that my grandparents were HUMAN. Bible-thumpers twisted verses to fit the occasion as going against God. Did I mention my grandparents were BOTH Catholic? Even the Catholics didn't care about that detail.
Rather similar to today's furor over "gay marriage."
The bible, I keep hearing, says marriage is btwn a man and a woman. That same bible has verses that proclaim women as belonging to men. The same bible isn't used in EVERY religion, Catholics have their own version.
Somehow, two men legally marrying is supposedly going to disintegrate the institution of marriage. Two men or two women marrying isn't going to bother MY marriage.
Those who are so worried about the "sanctity" of marriage aren't throwing in the proverbial towel because (a heterosexual) Liz Taylor has been wed 8 times. Zealots aren't protesting because my husband's exwife was on her THIRD marriage before she turned 35!
Britney Spears 55-hour marriage caused outrage, but the world kept spinning. "Guests" of our penal systems are allowed to wed. A 27-year-old Anna Nicole Smith married 89-year-old J. Howard Marshall. Disgusting, perhaps, but not worthy of constitutional amendments, right? These are HETEROSEXUAL unions, so they MUST be OK! (sarcasm...)
As a heterosexual, married mother, "gay marriage" doesn't bother me. But a constitutional amendment to ban the practice WOULD affect me, just like if there was a specific constitutional amendment prohibiting marriages involving "May/December" couples, ALL people with disabilities or interracial couples. Maybe, people who have a divorce, or multiple divorces, will face a constitutional ban because of the "sanctity of marriage."
Today, it's NOT me; tomorrow, my daughter might not be permitted to marry the man of her dreams because of their differing heritages or a past divorce. What starts with one minority, can quickly and easily become Microsoft HUGE!
We are eagerly planning our summer vacation...destination: the Grand Canyon. Some other places we want to visit:
1. Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas -- Con Air
2. Wakita, Kansas -- Twister
3. Tombstone, Ariz. -- Tombstone
4. Area 51 -- Independence Day
5. Las Vegas -- Ocean's Eleven (Clooney version per Gusto, teehee)
We are trying to add additional movie tie-ins. HELP!
Plus, with the help of many Web sites, I have compiled a list of the top 18 FREE things to do/see in Las Vegas. Any assistance/tips would be greatly appreciated! My stepson went to Vegas last year with his mom and stepdad and HATED it, so he isn't much help. (When I showed him this list, he had done only 3 or 4 of the things on it!)
1. Pirate Ship Battle at Treasure Island
2. Forum Fountain Shows
3. White Tiger Lair (not sure if it will be there still)
4. Sunset Stampede
5. Bellagio Fountain Show and Conservatory
6. Circus Shows
7. Volcano Eruption
8. Sports Hall of Fame
9. Masquerade Show in the Sky
10. The Fremont Street Experience
11. MGM Grand Lion Habitat
12. Flamingo Hilton Wildlife Habitat
13. National Vitamin Company Factory Tour
14. Las Vegas Neon Museum
15. Hard Rock Hotel Rock Tour
16. M&M's World
17. Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace
18. Visit a few of the more notorious wedding chapels Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/28/2004 07:32:00 AM
Friday Five from Lulu... 1. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Uh, til he up-chucked?
2. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? There is a sexual innuendo about chickens orgasming just dying to be typed.
3. Pardon me boy, is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo? Nope, the trains that whiz by my house head toward Chicago.
And Gusto's FF on the Forbes Richest People list! 1. Who are you happiest to see on the list? JK Rowling. She's off the dole AND doing something she loves with a family she loves.
2. Who do you wish was NOT on the list? Nobody really bothered me being on the list, but I specifically feel sorry for Steven Spielberg having to share #205 with Donald Trump.
3. How much social responsibility do you think billionaires should have with their money? None.
4. How much happiness can money buy? LOTS! Ya just gotta know where to shop! lolol No, really, money CAN buy happiness if someone wants to be happy...like schooling for the career you desire or creating the biz you always dreamed. I honestly believe that not being able to fully appreciate happiness is mostly the problem.
5. If you had one BILLION dollars to donate, what ONE (just ONE!) cause/organization would get the money? I would like to see an agency that oversees creating adaptations for people with disabilities and GIVING the inventions away, instead of fighting medicaid/medicare. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/27/2004 05:55:00 PM
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Careful Lulu!
Please read this. Make sure you are sitting, not eating or drinking.
They swear they want to do it, but in my daily reading, I realize they are missing the basic common sense to accomplish ANYTHING!
Port Huron's downtown isn't geared toward any group -- not men or women, not even boaters! They are especially hellbent on keeping away those under 30 and especially, The Kids.
The few shops are the 9-5 prissy type. Public parking sucks, not just for cars, but for boats, too. Not good for the self-proclaimed, "Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes."
Not too long ago, I would cruise PH on Friday and Saturday nights with hundreds of other kids. Sure, there was an occasional rowdy car, but the tickets the police wrote well-funded the town! Now, cruising is cause for an officer to tell the kids to go home or issue a loitering/disturbing the peace citation.
No wonder kids are leaving after high school and settling down elsewhere!
Yep, I watched the series finale of "Sex and the City" last night!
Not many people know that I fell in love with SATC in its first season, before it went OH LALA! Shortly after, I discovered the "Ask the Sex Coach" message board over on iVillage and a few months later, worked with iVillage to start a peer sex board (which is still one of the most popular today. I left my duties in 2002, knowing it was time to move on and in very capable hands. Thanks, Lynnie, Tally, Michelle and Kat!) SATC was kind of like homework. lolol Pretty pathetic rationalizing. (I quit watching when we moved in later 2000.)
To be honest, I mostly loved SATC for showing 4 strong, yet morally different women as friends. Not as dimwits, like the show, "Friends."
Last night's SATC finale was icing on the cake. Carrie finally saw herself as important. Then, after getting her best 3 girlfriends' (grudging) approval, "Bring our girl home!" BIG--The Love Of Her Life, came half-way 'round the world for HER.
It wasn't all sappy, even when BIG finally confessed that Carrie she was "The One." In Paris, no less! It wasn't "romantic" in Harlequin-sense, but it was perfect COMMON sense!
What woman WOULDN'T want to hear that from the man she has always loved and can't get out of her heart, but never expected to have on HER terms?
So, Carrie moved back to New York and got her man. And most importantly, proving that "happily ever after" in real life doesn't just involve a man, she was back with her 3 best girlfriends.
(Reversing the situation, a 21-year-old man proven to have had sex with a 14-year-old girl, far under the age of consent--16, would be a rapist, right?)
I am still wondering how Michigan's FIA has let the woman's husband off the hook...there are MANY judicial precedents set here (aka: "child's best interests" laws) that don't ALLOW him to stop being considered the father just because of a paternity test.
How school districts can save/make money: 1. Quit with the weekly mailings. Use e-mail to send the stuff to willing parents, instead of paying for the paper to make the newsletters and lunch calendars, paying for the printing (approx. 5 cents per page) and the postage. This REALLY adds up!
2. Implement a school store and buy supplies at dollar stores or when on sale. I saw 10-pack Valentine's Day pencils at my local dollar store, which could easily be sold for a quarter each; total profit of $1.96.
3. Make 1 "elective" into a mandatory class: library. Libraries are more than just computer terminals, they have BOOKS! More and more community libraries are shuttering, and kids today aren't learning the intricities of navigating the Dewey decimal system, perusing the shelves for an interesting read or being exposed to the social skills most of us use today: "Shhh...you are in a LIBRARY!"
4. Allow and work with parents to volunteer, instead of hiring "teaching aides." Parents will often help finance and organize a good project they are involved in, which is easier than begging the school or PTA and/or spending your own money.
5. Have in-school activities, instead of field trips (which bring on costly gasoline and insurance policies), like monthly career day and asking local groups to come in for free. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/21/2004 11:01:00 PM
Friday, February 20, 2004
Let's add 3 more meds for my stepson, cuz he "has problems pooping." His mom is starting the medical specialist rounds. Last year, the feet; then, his knees. Now, his poop.
This isn't NEW. He has had trouble almost all of the time I have been in the picture. Funny thing is, he doesn't have a whit of trouble at OUR house!
At Christmas-time, he announced he wasn't drinking coffee anymore. No biggie to ME, I didn't let him drink it! My husband occasionally allowed him a cup.
On the other hand, his mother has been letting him drink coffee for breakfast, instead of eating a bowl of oatmeal or Cheerios, since he was 8 years old. He wasn't in middle school when she said, "I don't even like to talk to him most mornings until he's on his second cup of coffee!" NO KIDDING!!!
His mom hit paydirt this time...on the FIRST visit, the doctor prescribed 3 meds! Without a single dietary change! Or a bonafide TEST.
My stepson's main meals at his mother's house are fast food and mac-n-cheese. Barely 3 months ago, another doctor flat-out stated my stepson NEEDS to exercise. Is he? Nope. His mom complained Wednesday night to my husband about my stepson's lousy attitude and whining, especially about exercise. She went out and bought a $300 exercise machine last month. Wasted money! At least the weight/workout bench we got him was a Christmas present!
Then, of course, his pooping problem was blamed on us...he has a "nervous stomach" about coming down to our house. Blame us? We haven't seen him in 3 weeks!
That I currently know, he is on 3 allergy and asthma meds, weekly allergy shots, some "health" crap from a chiropractor and now, 3 impressive sounding scripts for better poops.
GRAND FINALE: All his prescriptions, except the shots, are sent via mail, not picked up at a pharmacy. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/20/2004 11:41:00 PM
Just about everyone has heard the controversy over Mel Gibson's new movie, "The Passions of the Christ." Now, Gibson's dad is opening his mouth, and people are shocked by his views of the holocaust.
Now, I don't believe anyone should be castigated for a relative's view, and I don't think less of Gibson for his father's beliefs.
After a bit of research, though, I have serious doubts about Gibson because of his own words and actions.
Strangely enough, this man who advocates gratuitous violence, lying and cheating, not to mention: PREGNANCY OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE (insert horrified Catholic nun here), in his movies -- think "Payback" and "Lethal Weapon 4"-- he chooses to further his career, doesn't find THAT contradictory to Catholicism? How about his admitted alcohol and drug issues?
Then again, that is probably why he started his own church...to bypass such issues. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/20/2004 06:20:00 AM
Thursday, February 19, 2004
3 For Thursday 1. What are 3 things you love about the snow? Snow Days; watching it fall; making root beer slushies with Munchkin
2. What are 3 things you hate about the snow? Idiot drivers, idiot snowmobilers, idiot drivers
3. What are the 3 funnest/funniest moments you can remember that happened on a snow day? -- Princess once tried to run out the door when I let Sim out and she fell smack-dab into a snowbank next to the stair!
-- When we were moving into our new house in Dec. 2000, my husband got the van stuck in our driveway during a terrible storm and I had to drive 50 treacherous miles (each way) to rescue him the next day!
-- Not too long ago, it took me 2.5 hours to get home from Gusto's. Many people were in awful moods, but I just laughed. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/19/2004 10:19:00 PM
Two hilarities of my day... 1. Out of the blue this morning, my new boss said to me, "I sure can tell you love this job!"
2. While eating a bowl of soup for dinner (Munchkin made a pot of homemade turkey noodle soup!), our phone rang. My husband picked it up and I could tell it was for me by his chit-chat, but was very surprised when he mouthed who was on the other end.
I took the handset a bit concerned. It was Gusto's mom.
I was immediately relieved when she asked me to tell her HER frosting recipe! Gusto and family are at their other home, so...Mom B. called ME because I pestered Gusto about the recipe last fall. (Actually, I think my begging amounted to: "Mmm...please have your mom leave me that recipe in her will, OK?" The next day, it was on a card for me. teehee) Now, though, I have earned the recipe (and don't feel like a culinary leech!)
Evidently, it is frosted chocolate cupcake night for the Gustos! Enjoy! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/19/2004 09:57:00 PM
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
QUESTION: In this day and age, should you automatically give your employer your cell phone number, if you have one? Please answer here and post on your blog to see what others think!
Thanks! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/18/2004 02:29:00 PM
I don't consider myself a Democrat or Republican, but many Republicans call me "a liberal," while Democrats say I'm "conservative." Actually, I'm a mish-mash!
"Gay marriages." I am unabashedly for them, mostly because I cannot think of a credible dissenting reason. Think of the economic BOOM...weddings, divorces...C'mon, the average wedding nowadays averages about $20,000...San Fran is expecting to marry 3,000 gay couples by the end of the week. That could amount to nearly $60 million easily!
"Affirmative action." Nope. Affirmative action IS discrimination and IMHO, it is demeaning for everyone. It's like saying, "Oh, I'm not racist 'cuz I have a black friend." If people don't want to be judged by their age, sex, disability, race, etc. by EVERYONE, then they shouldn't support it to get into a college or a job, etc.
I have never backed our invasion of Iraq. I laugh about Boobgate and how quick those hearings have commenced. I support a woman's right to abortion.
I am pretty anti-union, although my husband belongs to one. I am pro-death penalty. Casinos are fine for me.
The other day, my husband made a HUGE breakfast for just the two of us. Far more than we could ever eat. I really hate that! He knows I'm not big on breakfast.
As we sat there looking at the plate of leftover food, I said, "I sure do miss Sim! Man, he loved cleaning up for us."
My husband said, "I miss BOTH of the dogs."
"I don't."
"C'mon, be nice! Juno was a pretty good dog."
"No, he wasn't and if YOU dealt with him like you were supposed to, YOU would feel the same way! I had nightmares about that dog, I had constant migraines because of him. My stomach was in knots every day because I knew he was too vicious and he couldn't be changed! I don't feel badly for putting him down, I feel bad that his dominance might have shortened Sim's life."
"He wasn't THAT bad and you know it!"
"HE TRIED TO KILL THE DOG TRAINER! AND HIS SIBLINGS ARE JUST AS BAD!" Oh, I was getting mad!
We sat in silence for a few moments, then my husband spoke. "Think Whine-stein will eat this?"
Whine-stein was shut away in Munchkin's room, still recovering from his near-death, slightly frostbitten adventure the week before. That cat eats whatever you put in front of him...veggies, meat, etc. The fervor of his appetite always reminds me of The Last Supper.
We let the Whiner out and he gobbled a slice of bacon, a sausage link and some stacked pancakes with syrup. The other cats watched him like he was a freak. He ate and ate and ate. Then stumbled back into Munchkin's room and slept.
IMHO, it is a GREAT idea! Smoking cigarettes and drinking liquor are OPTIONAL...you don't want to pay such a tax, then you DON'T buy cigs or liquor. Pretty simple.
Some people are saying they should tax junk food or fast food, but there is NOT an intelligent correlation btwn a food tax and a sin tax. People NEED to eat food (and prepared foods--those in restaurants--already fall under the 6% state tax), but cigs and liquor aren't sustinence. Both of these vices are illegal for ANYONE under 18 to purchase here.
Additionally, a food tax would require school kids to pay up in their lunch line...even kids on reduced lunches!
And YES, these tobacco and liquor tax increases DO affect me, since my husband smokes occasionally, chews daily and beer is bought weekly. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/16/2004 10:47:00 AM
Sunday, February 15, 2004
"Monster." It has disgusted me how the movie, "Monster," could be an Oscar-contender. I hate hearing how "great" Charlize Theron played the part of serial killer Aileen Wuornos. The whole project sickens me. I know there are murderers out there killing to get attention from Hollywood.
The movie is the typical, glossy Hollywood version of the truth.
Women, like men, sometimes kill for the thrill. I completely concur with columnist Sue Russell, "It perpetuates the comforting yet erroneous belief that women only kill when provoked by abuse."
It is incredibly sexist that Hollywood won't give similar treatment to Scott Peterson in that fictionalized movie with fictitous characters portrayed as HIS friends. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/15/2004 03:45:00 PM
Friday Five! Yay, it's Friday and I get to go to Gusto's today!!!
1. Are you superstitious? Yes, a little. Last thing I tell my most dear is, "I love you." Important to hear and say, even at the end of a silly phone call.
2. What extremes have you heard of someone going to in the name of superstition? I have known a few paraskevidekatriaphobics who nearly had breakdowns on Friday the 13th.
3. Believer or not, what's your favorite superstition? Anything to do with pregnancy and gender-guessing.
4. Do you believe in luck? If yes, do you have a lucky number/article of clothing/ritual? Yep, I believe in luck. Not a "lucky" atricle of clothing, but some frantically, crazy days, I think it is lucky that I remember to put ON clothing!
5. Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not? Nope, but the pathetically general "hope-a-scopes" are fun to read! Being a married Sagittarious, it's always good to know when I'm going to fall in love. teehee Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/13/2004 05:14:00 AM
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Yesterday's updates to the ICK job: 1. I was forbidden from answering the phone because I answer it "too quick" and "not right." I am quite polite: "Good morning! Herman's Helmets! How can I help you?" Nope. His way: "Herman's Helmets." Nothing polite. OK, I don't get it, but it IS his biz. Very, very strange!
Also, supposedly, there is some 3-RING "GOLDEN RULE" that successful biz owners use...NEVER answer the phone until AT LEAST the third ring, even if you are just standing there with NOTHING to do. Among other sarcastic comments my new boss made was, "I can tell you haven't answered a phone in a long time!" I wanted to reply, "Didn't you use the word 'successful' for who can get away with that stunt?" But, I didn't. Nice me.
It's funny, I ended up doing a random survey today with a dozen companies I called or visited...one made MORE THAN $100 million last year...NONE have heard of or use such a policy. In fact, more than half of them consider it RUDE if the phone rings twice before being answered!
I have worked at hotels, a bank, fast food, pharmacies, card shops and other professional places--AND A TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE--and never heard this "GOLDEN RULE."
Has anyone else?
2. I am expected to do the accounting: banking, check-writing, balancing, etc. He handed me the Feb. 1 bank statement at 4:30 p.m. and expected me to balance the bankbook (before I left at 5 p.m.), which is really just a 3-ring binder with double-stubbed checks. The deposits are not kept up...I think the previous gal just jotted them on the last check of the month stub from the statement...and I did NOT find a list of outstanding checks/amounts! I don't have a translation sheet for the different codes on the statement and HE doesn't know how to read the thing, either!
It weighed heavily on my mind today, so I called The Smart One. My mother-in-law is an office manager for a two-office home builder and she does it ALL. Her advice? QUIT. The place is in chaotic shambles and I am not getting paid enough to figure out the computer programs, the parts counter AND be accountant! As she pointed out, the duties he has given me amount "full-time babysitting"...I will have to constantly monitor what has happened on my days off.
3. Evidently, lunches and breaks are frowned upon. I punched in at 8 a.m. and at noon, asked if I could go to lunch. All was quiet there. I had nothing to do. No biggie, right? WRONG! He found a menial task for me..."Look at this!" So I did, it wasn't pertinent to the day's activity, but he IS the boss. At 12:45 and still without any break, I flat-out said, "I'm going to lunch!" and punched out. "Half-an-hour!" he shouted as I walked out the door. I really should check those federal guidelines. I clocked in 30 minutes later and stayed until 5 p.m. without another break.
Did I mention there isn't a bathroom for use, unless I walk over to the owner's home?
Just looked the Federal labor laws up and realized he doesn't have the required labor laws poster hung up anywhere.
All that and the guy is a part-time politician. Figures! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/11/2004 11:23:00 PM
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
From Celebrating the holidays: Happy Valentine's Day! 1. Conversation Hearts or Red Hots? Conversation hearts define Valentine's Day!
2. Flowers or candy? Say it with chocolate! Especially M&Ms, York Peppermint Patties, etc.
3. The Newlywed Game or Love Connection? "Make whoopie." Gotta luv The Newlywed Game!
4. Valentines: Homemade or store-bought? Homemade. I know, blame me for the lackluster economy.
5. Gourmet restaurant or intimate, candlelit dinner at home? I will take a childless dinner at home on the couch watching a DVD with my Mr. Big.
6. Pink or red lips? Big, red, Angelina Jolie lips. SMOOCH! (Don't all us gals have a satin red-lip pillow at some time?)
7. Love at first sight or cultivated love? Cultivate, it's the closest I will get to farming.
8. "When Harry Met Sally" or "Jerry Maguire"?Billy Crystal's scenes were FAR BETTER than Tom's lame lines. "Had my dream again where I'm making love, and the Olympic judges are watching. I'd nailed the compulsories, so this is it, the finals. I got a 9.8 from the Canadians, a perfect 10 from the Americans, and my mother, disguised as an East German judge, gave me a 5.6. Must have been the dismount." I also love his "today weee weeeell tawk leeeek deeeess" silliness. That hits pretty close to home.
9. Hugs or kisses? Hugs AND kisses are for EVERYONE!
10. More romantic: soft lighting or soft music? Soft music can be so soothing, but soft lighting puts me to sleep! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/10/2004 10:26:00 PM
Monday, February 09, 2004
I am a new employee, receiving very little training because the owner doesn't know the various computer systems, procedures, etc. I am trying to catch on, but it is rather difficult since the few things he DOES know, doesn't mean he knows how to train either.
For example, he showed me how to use his cash register w/out a customer there. HIT THIS, THIS AND THIS. No biggie, I have used them since I was 17 years old. Yep, still the same.
So, I went to ring up a customer later and BEEEEEEEEP, it screamed. What did I do wrong? I didn't input my "cashier number." Oh. Why? Because HE hadn't told or shown me. Know why? Because his habit is to input the number as soon as he finishes the current transaction, so it is done before the next one. Good method, except he failed to tell me when he was training me.
Hey, Lulu, didn't Arbor have cashier numbers, too?
He acted like I was slow/dumb and must have ignored his important training, until I asked him what MY cashier number was and he had to search for it (which turned out to be for the previous gal. HA!) No apology.
I just returned from there after getting a call from him before dinner, asking me to come over tonight when I had a chance. Seemed I "mis-ordered" some items last Monday and needed to resend the order. When I saw what it was, my first inner reaction was, "Hey, I had YOU double-check it before I clicked SEND!" It rubbed me wrong, if my numbers were incorrect, then HE should have noticed them! It was bad enough that he gave me 3 UNlabeled columns of numbers on a sheet of lined paper and there are SIX columns in the online form that can be entered into...ummm, what goes where? (Ended up in columns 1, 2 and 5.)
Did I mention the order was placed on my second, and nearly LAST, day there?
Today, the order came. The invoice showed different amounts than what he told me to enter. Of course, he blamed me. Nicely, but he was drilling about me being careful and how much money I cost him in extra shipping, etc. Guilt trip! Then he left to go visit his grandsons. The shop was long closed, but I took a few minutes to do the nightly backup.
I played in the computer files a bit on Saturday and found an interesting area where the orders (ship-in, ship-out and returns) are stored in a file. So, I clicked in and found what I had done last Monday. Hey, my order WAS correct!
Hmmm...I called the corporate order center. The gal said the invoice was divvied into two parts, since the regular shipping center was out of some stuff, so they sent the remainder to another shipping center and it would arrive by Wednesday. She told me how to read the invoice to know when this happens...it is labeled with the confirmation number, then, "PART 1 OF 2" or "2 of 2," etc.
It is grinding me that this is HIS business and HE should be the one to find this stuff out, BEFORE he opens his mouth. But HE didn't make that call. I doubt he even knows WHO to call! This is an OLD biz, not a new venture.
I felt pity on him and took the job. He called me out of the blue...I never even applied for the position! But now, I doubt it will work out for me. I certainly don't NEED the job. And I know that I don't LIKE the job or my boss, the owner.
Tomorrow is a full day there and one of my responsibilities will be balancing his online account with corporate. He doesn't know how to do it. My training, I was told, will come from following a book, which I have learned, may or may NOT be up-to-date. He is not big on paying for up-to-date.
If I hate it tomorrow, I will just quit. It's not worth the headaches! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/09/2004 08:07:00 PM
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Story about grocery stores in Metro Detroit.
Most of my staple shopping is done at Aldi, with followup at Kroger and my local Spartan store. I rarely go to Meijer, I end up in a really bad mood because they always run out of their sale items by Tuesday and the people there tend to be rude shoppers. Once or twice a month, I will drive to the SuperWalmart in Howell for my pink lemonade and other things. Farmer Jack typically gets a visit if/when they have a good meat deal.
About 25% of my weekly meat is either from a local butcher or venison that my husband shot.
Last night, Aldi had a 3# bag of Red Delicious apples for 99 cents. Kroger had the same thing for $2.29.
But Kroger has a MUCH better ice cream selection! And, as my husband would say, BEEEEEEER! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/08/2004 08:45:00 PM
Saturday, February 07, 2004
Einstein, the stray kitty who adopted us this past fall, ran out of our house nearly two weeks ago. Our temps have been brutally icy, our winds have been Arctic chilly.
At least a dozen times a day, I holler outside our back door, "Here kitty kitty kitty! Here kitty kitty kitty!"
Nothing. I quietly listen for his whining meow, which he starts when he hears my call. I always watch for at least 5 minutes. Nothing.
Sometimes, there have been fresh kitty prints on our patio.
Tonight, we came home from shopping and I found fresh prints. "Here kitty kitty kitty! Here kitty kitty kitty!" I called as I carried bags into the house.
"Meooooooow! Meeeeeeeeooooow!" A shadow moved slowly under from our neighbor's deck.
"Oh my gosh! It's Whine-stein!!!" I shrieked. "Hi, kitty kitty kitty! How ARE you?"
Then I saw him under our back light: skin and bones and missing too much hair. Cuts/scratches all over his head, draining eyes and nose. He trotted slowly into our house, heading straight for the food dish, but he couldn't make the leap onto the dog crate. He was that weak.
Munchkin and I immediately set him up in her room. Clean litter, fresh hard food and lots of water. Plus, a can of 9-Lives all for him! Warm and quiet. Munchkin is estatic that he is alive, so she insisted upon taking care of him tonight.
Einy is eating well, so I think he was starved/dehydrated and not suffering from a cold virus, which is good. Tomorrow will be a major evaluation day. I may end up taking him to the vet on Monday, more as a precaution to my other cats, if he doesn't seem to be improving more.
At least he is here, and according to our vet, that is a great place to be for any cat! Let the recovery begin! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/07/2004 11:52:00 PM
Friday, February 06, 2004
Friday Five!: A few are blank for now...they require THINKING! 1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done? Sued my parents in a REAL court, not to get on a dumb TV show.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of? Pondering...check back later.
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle) Probably 3 now.
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky? I have my daughter.
5. ... and what's the worst? Pondering...check back later. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/06/2004 06:44:00 AM
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Didn't think I'd do it, but I went back to work at the tractor dealer today. Sy was happy and relieved and not afraid to show it!
For the next few months, this is going to be very stressful. I have never worked in Parts before...Home Depot and all things mechanic are left for my husband!
There are 3 ANCIENT computers, the newest is from 1997, the next is from 1995. The last is from 1987, runs on a DOS program that the company no longer offers support. Much of my time is spent online...on a freakin' 12,000 modem!
There are 5 programs on the 3 puters. One program is parts inventory, another is parts pricing, etc.
I have worked there for barely 3 days and know how to use 4 of the programs better than the owner.
There are no manuals or training. Corporate "tech support" is a joke. Here is a real conversation:
ME: I have the TRACTORS FOR THE FARM document in my hand from last month. How can I find the new one online?
TECH: Where did you get the one you have?
ME: No idea. I am new here and the other gal quit. Can you tell me how to access this on the Intranet?
TECH: You can do it the same way she did.
ME: Ummm...OK, what are those steps?
TECH: What is the name of the document?
ME: TRACTORS FOR THE FARM. January 2004 edition. It looks like it is in PDF format.
TECH: OH! You need an Adobe Reader!
ME: I have that. I need to know where I can find the TRACTORS FOR THE FARM document on the Intranet.
TECH: I don't know that document. What is it?
ME: It's a large document, at least 22 pages. It has a tribute to tractors and prices. Must be a monthly thing, because I have January, December and November, too.
TECH: This is ours?
ME: Yes, it is!
TECH: Where did you say the other girl found it?
UGH!!!
Today was a bit less stressful and actually, quite humorous. I still had Tech on the phone several times, but laughed at THEIR stupidity. My phone skills were better appreciated. I have never before worked for someone who expected me to just hand him/her the phone without knowing who it is first.
Not many people can say they are literally working next door to their home. I can.
Even fewer can say they LOVE their job! I can. That is exclusive to GUSTO! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/05/2004 08:28:00 PM
Question: What does President Bush and Kid Rock have in common? President Bush and
Kid Rock Answer: Flag desecration. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/05/2004 08:03:00 AM
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
UGH! I am livid!
Yesterday, I was doing some work-related searching on my home puter...clicking on sites.
One of them ended up being a fake site, which brought on a zillion popup windows. As I clicked them off, one didn't work right.
And it automatically downloaded its spyware onto my puter. WHAT?!!? It's called, "GAIN." There was an atomic clock program, a popup ad program and a search program. OK, anyone who knows me KNOWS that I don't put crap on my puter.
We tried to uninstall exactly as directed. Nope, didn't work completely. The annoying search thing is still there.
Finally, I moved the all 3 files into the RECYCLE BIN. And emptied it.
The search thing is STILL there. The parasite has hidden a file on some other program. Every time I go to Google or Yahoo!, a new window pops up with what I was searching for, except this is "SearchScout."
My puter is acting weird in other ways, too. It will suddenly say there is no connection to the internet, do I want to "work offline or try again"? I have a cable connection! This NEVER did that before yesterday.
As far as I am concerned, my puter is corrupted and my husband will be erasing the hard drive this weekend. I don't feel safe, so I won't even checking my bank balance.
Until then, my every move is being watched. Such paranoia! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/04/2004 10:44:00 PM
Monday, February 02, 2004
It's Groundhog day! Posted on Celebrating the holidays.
1. Do you believe Punxsutawney Phil's prediction? Nah, this is Michigan. I don't believe our weather forecasters, either.
2. Have you ever had a rodent for a pet? They weren't MY pets! My husband bought some "hamsters" for the kids. A week later, the grunt work was mine. I hated them. Still cried when they died, tho.
3. Today's birthdays: Christie Brinkley (50), Kim Zimmer (49) and Farrah Fawcett (57.) Who is your favorite? Kim Zimmer. She's still going strong as an actress.
4. Do you know anyone who celebrates a birthday or wedding anniversary today? My sister-in-law's 40th birthday is today.
5. Today is the 33rd day of 2004, with 333 days left. That's a lot of 3s! What number is lucky to you? I tend to call 129 when Gusto and I catch the 3-digit lottery game at lunch. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
2/02/2004 10:02:00 PM
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Super Bowl so far: 1. Beyonce has a POWERFUL voice and damn good taste in such a respectful, ladylike outfit.
2. Too bad CBS refused an ad by Moveon.org about President Bush. The commercial can be viewed here.
