THIS IS MY BLOG! It will contain whatever *I* want to say. Remember, you are a GUEST. If you have some mental problem with my topics, words or personality, I suggest you click off my site and find something better to do on the Web.
Play nicely, or I will advertise your logged IP here for spammers to catch, along with banning it.
Gimmicks
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Fare thee well! It's over.
I have decided to stop blogging. The fun has run out...finally.
Biatch, biatch biatch... Atlanta loves their residents gripe. In fact, the Atlanta Journal Constitution has several spicy venting areas in their newspaper. Lulu, in her infinite wisdom, loves to share the biting goodies and we giggle via e-mail over them.
The Vent,
Living vents,
High school vents, and
Sports vents.
The Port Huron Times Herald offers a puny TalkBack feature. It's dry, bland and has little substance...like Cream of Wheat. I find it ironic that the people who call in a newspaper seem to be completely clueless about the NEWS.
I think it's time for a long weekend in Atlanta!
~~UPDATED: After recalculating, I realized I have actually resided in
**7 Michigan counties** since turning 18. I missed a few. Sorry! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/30/2004 02:23:00 PM
A spoonful of honey... Well, Gusto, it looks like we have a winner! This really does explain a lot about how well you do with the cup of tea I make you daily, eh? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/30/2004 05:23:00 AM
Monday, March 29, 2004
Easter goodies! 1. What candy in your basket means Easter to you? Spiced jellybeans
2. What Easter candy is a big YUCK! Peeps. Marshmallow is GROSS!
3. What is your favorite Easter tradition? Hiding the baskets. My parents never did it for us, so it is SUCH a treat to do it now for the kids.
4. Now that you are an adult, what is Easter like for you? Planning for the kids and making a huge dinner.
5. What is your favorite Easter memory? The first Easter we lived here, I had an Easter egg hunt for the neighborhood kids. FUN!!!
Secret phrase for the day: SWells
Justice for all Charles, who is the special guest blogger over on "The 19th Floor," wrote about his jury duty experience in New York.
I can't understand it...I am 33 years old and have NEVER been called for jury service! This PISSES me off to no end! I have lived in 5 Michigan counties (**UPDATED: 7 Michigan counties** I missed a few.) since I turned 18 and always kept registered. My husband has been summoned twice since we met 9 years ago!
Michigan no longer has people register because so many were NOT doing the deed. Instead, the jury lottery is supposed to go by driver's license/ID card.
Still, I have never received The Summons. With part-time employment, kids too old for childcare, etc., I wouldn't even feel right to ask for my "pay/reimbursement."
Especially when I think jury service, like voting, is my civic duty AND a privilege!
Secret phrase for today: Schmitz. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/28/2004 12:05:00 PM
Saturday, March 27, 2004
In/out My inlaws stopped by for an hour on their way home from Florida. They brought me a bunch of scrubbies, which I adore, in a rainbow of colors (some for the house, some for the camper.) Everybody else got silly-saying T-shirts.
We caught up on the gossip about Gramma before they headed North. Just a short visit...after a two-week vacation, they want to sleep in their own bed tonight! Can't blame them.
I see banned IP number 24.169.236.118 is still lurking here several times a day, despite her foot-stomping whining to NEVER come back. AGAIN! teehee
Secret phrase for today: 1835. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/27/2004 06:01:00 PM
Friday, March 26, 2004
Friday Five from Gusto and me.
1. What is your favorite kind of Campbell's soup? I love dipping Doritos into a can of Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup. DO NOT ADD WATER/MILK!!!
2. What is your favorite recipe using Campbell's soup? Impossibly Easy Chicken Pot Pie 3. How do you like your Campbell's served? (in a bowl, in a mug, etc.) In a bread bowl!
4. Do you save and donate the Campbell's soup labels? Yep, I save them, but since our schools don't collect them, I give them to my mom to anonymously pass along to my sister.
5. What soup, other than Campbell's, do you occasionally eat? Village Place chicken soup with Gusto, of course! At home, it tends to be Progresso French Onion or Progresso Chicken Wild Rice. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/26/2004 05:53:00 PM
The world of "entertainment" -- Always been a huge fan of Wham, but a musical about them? Wonder if it should be called, "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go"?
-- Celeb boxing possibility: Richard Simmons vs. Bobby Brown. Richard could biatch slap Bobby and Bobby could break down in tears over his employment.
Secret phrase for today: Findlay, Ohio. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/26/2004 07:30:00 AM
Thursday, March 25, 2004
But, but, but...she GETS it! My trip to the new Dr. was fun. I like her and she liked me, said I was "perky" and not what she was expecting! We chatted like old friends the whole visit. Actually, I had her laughing when she walked through the door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! "C'mon in! I'm decent!"
BP was 110/70. Temp 98. My BMI is 23.4. No smoking, no drugs, no alcoholic beverages...pretty good health!
The lump concerned her, but she thinks it might just be an infected lymph gland. All the others checked out fine, so, I have a 10-day supply of amoxil. "If the lump doesn't go away with the antibiotic regimen, then we need to be concerned." I like that idea. Recheck in a few weeks.
As she wrote the script, I requested she put down for the bubble gum liquid. That got me a strange look. "Do you have problems with taking pills?"
"Nope, but my girlfriend ALWAYS gets the bubble gum liquid, and she laughs at me for having to take the horse pills! She ALWAYS gets the good stuff!"
She laughed and told me to fill it on my way home.
Twenty pills given. Eighteen left now. No bubble gum liquid. RATS!
Secret phrase for today: corvette. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/25/2004 09:54:00 PM
Mortality: the big 4-0 Spinning off from Lulu's sad mortality blog entry and our older husbands, here is:
When I Hit 40 in 2010 1. My kids will have graduated high school and probably have a college or trade school degree under their belts.
2. My husband and I will have been together for 15.5 years; Lulu-16.5 and Gusto-13.
3. We will be living near Traverse City.
4. I may dye my grey hair.
5. My kids will be older than 1/2 my age.
6. My husband will be 46.
7. My Jeep will have about 450,000 miles on her.
8. I will have a visit to Europe under my belt.
9. J.K. Rowling should be wrapping up her final Harry Potter book.
10. President Clinton will be in office with First Gentleman, Bill, talking to the garden groups. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/25/2004 12:47:00 PM
Computer Anti-Virus Software Onesome: Computer- What was/is your first computer? A clunky old Commodore or something a touch more modern? We got a Compaq 133 in 1997. I did use computers throughout school and my mom bought us a Texas Instruments thing back in the early 80s.
Twosome: Anti-Virus- Have you ever had a computer virus? How bad was it? Or are you one of the lucky ones who have managed to avoid them? Nope, NEVER had a virus and I ran years without any anti-virus program. Every once in a while, my husband scans my puter and she always comes up clean. WOOHOO!
Threesome: Software- What piece of software really made you more productive on your computer. ...or, as in my case, less productive? *g* Printmaster keeps me busy off the Net.
March holidays 1. Which woman in history has impressed you the most? Why? Recently, I watched the powerful movie, "Iron Jawed Angels," starring Hilary Swank. Although I always vote, I will never again take my visit to the polls so lightly. I am awed by women suffragists.
2. Do you know who St. Patrick is, or did you have to Google when I asked? I'm betting he is the patron saint of green beer. teehee
3. Is Spring your favorite season? Why? I love spring, but summer is my favorite season. I love wearing shorts, getting a tan, mowing the grass and the long day-light hours. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/24/2004 06:45:00 AM
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
And everyone lived... Friday night, we met my parents at 7:30 for dinner at a steakhouse. My father insisted on treating us.
Luckily, we had gotten there about 6:30, so I put our name on the LONG waiting list. Five, for smoking. My parents showed up about 7:15 and were shocked at the wait. DOH!
They were relieved when I told them we would be seated in a few minutes in the SMOKING section. My dad was pretty happy about that detail. Our name was called about 10 minutes later.
Dinner was delicious. I ordered prime rib and a sweet potato. The waitress brought me a 2 lb. monster sweet potato! No kidding, people were walking by and commenting on the huge tater! I ate the WHOLE thing, sans butter.
We all chatted up a storm; my dad just LOVES talking with my husband. My father respects him. (I'm still betting there is a little fear there, too.)
I made sure to thank my parents profusely for the delicious meal. I know how much my father likes to be thanked. And thanked and thanked. No kidding, you can tell he doesn't believe someone is appreciative until after the 5th or 6th time. As I drove home, my husband said, "I've always thought you go overboard thanking everybody, but now I see why you do!"
In my opinion, my husband doesn't express his gratitude near enough. teehee
Munchkin spent the weekend at their house. I picked her up Sunday afternoon, taking a gift for my mother. I made her a gorgeous turquoise and silver diabetic bracelet. She was surprised and impressed. "Where did you find this? It's really nice!"
"I hoped you'd like it. I made it myself."
"You have talent." And she put it right on her wrist.
Yesterday, they received the hand-written thank you card I sent on Saturday. A nice touch. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/23/2004 05:28:00 PM
The Appointment has been made.
Thursday, 10:15 a.m. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/23/2004 11:59:00 AM
Monday, March 22, 2004
Promise me no purple velvet bridesmaid dresses, Lulu... Got another lump, Lulu. Right side, back of my head, where the spinal column goes into the skull. It's REALLY new, probably just hit surface in the last day or two, because that is the place I always tell him to massage or pinch, while I rotate my head.
I hoped it was just a marble-sized zit in a stupid place, but it doesn't hurt and isn't red, unless pressed hard.
Absolutely, I am going to get into the doctor this week! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/22/2004 07:07:00 PM
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Somebody's watching me!
Dear Sue: Why do you continue to come here if you are so angry with me all the time? WHY exactly are you so disturbed? Is it because my husband still has his job? Is it because of your agoraphobia, that you claim are various disabilities?
Is it because I am honest enough to be myself online?
I admit, you initially had me fooled, but I managed to track your IP ( 24.169.236.118 which is RR.com.) DOH!!! I know every time you visit my blog, or even REFRESH the page! I know you almost always click in via Lulu. It's all logged. And, every time you type in a comment, I see your IP address. The variety of names you choose means NOTHING, except that you are trying to hide, when the IP number matches time after time.
For someone who spends nearly all day on the computer (how many Web sites do you keep now?), interesting since you aren't supposed to have ENERGY with your "disability," you are completely brain-dead on the REAL technology!
Just to clue you in, I have been stalked several times IRL and what you are doing is just pathetic. It reminds me of when I was with my X and his Xgirlfriend used to sit in her car with HER little girl and watch our driveway. Day after day. Hour after hour. She'd even deny it when caught in the act by others.
I feel so sorry for you, to choose to have NO life, other than the computer. My suggestion: individual therapy. It could possibly work wonders for you. Maybe then you wouldn't be so ashamed to be you and feel the need to pretend to be others.
If you do not learn to play NICELY, I will ban you again. It's MY prerogative.
If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to e-mail me: walkingonsunshineblog*AT*yahoo.com
Sunshine :-)
P.S., I found your single-entry journal over on Bravenet. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/21/2004 09:35:00 PM
Jeff Jarvis, over at the BuzzMachine, bought the transcript of the accused Oprah show. Yep, at 4 p.m., Oprah and her guests are talking EXPLICITLY about sex.
According to the FCC, context does NOT matter..."fuck" is still "fuck" whether used as an adverb (fucking awesome!) or as a verb (fuck=sex.)
Yes, I will be complaining to the FCC about Oprah's show. Not because I believe it is indecent, but there is a HUGE double standard being ignored by most people now. Bringing Oprah into it WILL expose the inequities and cause a lot of press.
Kinda like people finally realizing the imbalance of juctice btwn
Martha Stewart's selling her IMCLONE stock on an inside tip
and
the Enron cronies stealing and squandering millions of dollars of their employees money!
Seriously, I want the FCC dissipated. Slowly, they are taking control over our lives. The FCC is NOT accountable to ANY govt agency. They make their own laws, decide their own fines. There is no court.
Of course, most people don't think that really is so bad. Except, the FCC wants to get their grubbies into cable TV and start regulating that, too.
It's not a far stretch then into our beloved Internet. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/20/2004 11:41:00 AM
Friday, March 19, 2004
Friday Five If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Chocolate goodies and coffees, teas and cappucinos.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? Beads.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? Mystery.
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? How to raise spoiled kitties.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? 80's pop, of course! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/19/2004 05:01:00 AM
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Thursday Threesome Onesome: Blog: -- How long have you been a member of the blogosphere? Sept. 11, 2001
...and from a different angle: how long have you been on the Net? October 1997
Twosome: Design-- Do you do your own design work for your site? Yep! All graphics and raw coding.
Threesome: Exchange-- ...and while we're on the Net, have you ever participated in any of the Net "exchanges"? Nah, too busy doing it IRL with my blogging buddies, Lulu and Gusto! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/18/2004 11:15:00 AM
Happy Anniversary! Nine years ago today, my husband and I met for the first time.
We agreed to meet at Macomb Mall, 1 p.m., near Taco Bell.
Have I ever mentioned that we barely knew what the other looked like? And that I told him I would be wearing green...but didn't know he is quite color-blind? He knew I wore glasses and I knew he was tall. No kidding, that was just about IT!
When I saw the cute, tall, dark-haired guy pacing, I prayed that was him.
A minute later, we spoke in Harmony House. Our song was decided within 5 minutes, "The Search is Over," by Survivor.
Our first date lasted almost 10 hours and included Pizza Hut in Roseville, then driving to Brighton, Flint and Port Huron, before ending at Bob Evans in Roseville.
Our next (and final) date was two weeks later when we went to Niagara Falls with a tiny, accidental detour through Toronto first.
No luck o' the Irish today! Whine-stein showed up this morning with a bloody ear and a bloody, puffed-up eye. I fed him (a bit of wet food and some boneless chicken breast), put him on my bed and babied him before I left for Gusto's house.
Just after 9 a.m., my cellphone rang. It was Munchkin...she had tripped in the school hall and her best friend fell on top of her. When she hit the floor, she chipped her two front teeth "just a little." She was fine, so I promised to pick her up at 1 p.m. and evaluate the damage.
As soon as I saw her, DENTIST flashed into my head, so we went home and I called one in the neighboring town. I teased that the new gaps were "the golden arches." She laughed.
Now, my daughter HATES the dentist. Even worse, she is PETRIFIED of them. No personal reason, except they have NEEDLES and loud tools.
I made sure to strongly mention this when I was on the phone with the dentist office. The gal assured me all would be fine and told me to bring her right in, so we arrived just 10 minutes later. Paperwork.
Munchkin was doing fine. We were the last ones in the office at 2:30. No biggie. As Munchkin sat in the chair, again, I was completely upfront about her prior dentist episodes. Munchkin was pretty quiet, but turning around as the dentist opened doors, pulled out tools, etc.
He seemed jittery and had a difficult time speaking. Not stuttering, but like he was afraid of talking to people. He didn't meet my gaze once.
Sitting down, he told Munchkin to remain still, while he looked into her mouth and told us she needed a venier. I said OK, although I didn't understand why he wasn't Xraying, even just the worse tooth. Munchkin started to get nervous and looked around. He ordered her to quit moving, then said it would be better if I left. Munchkin protested, but I knew if I didn't leave, he would be blaming me for her actions. The nurse just looked at the floor.
I walked back to the waiting room and sat down with a magazine. Literally, TWO MINUTES LATER, he came back out with her in tow and said, "You need to take her somewhere else. I can't deal with her." Then, he closed the door. I was confused...I hadn't even heard a scream about a needle!
This dentist talked to me from the other side of the door, through the glass. He never came into my view, but said she was moving around too much. "She needs nitrous." Then, of course, he started lecturing me about her needing to behave for the dentist. He suggested I find a dentist with nitrius. His office gal interrupted him and said the dentist he would recommend wouldn't give Munchkin nitrous because of her age.
I was FURIOUS and embarrassed, but still told him to save the lecture because I did warn them and was still told to come in. "I guess it must be news to you that MANY kids are scared of going to the dentist!"
I walked out in disgust after they said they were billing the insurance company. Obviously, that is why they said to come in...$$$.
We drove home and Munchkin said he never even had a needle, but he turned on the sander and just went for her mouth. She admitted to saying, "WOOOO..." then he ordered her out of the room. It was disconcerting to think he wasn't going to NUMB her mouth even a bit before sanding on sensitive, broken teeth! I called another office that advertised, "We cater to cowards." Munchkin qualified.
They said to get her in, so we drove the 20 minutes and arrived at 3:30. The office gal was dumbfounded with the story I told her. She asked if we had the Xray. I explained he hadn't done one. She was confused, so I gave her the other office's number. Needless to say, Munchkin was in a room minutes later getting Xrayed.
My husband showed up on his way home from work at 4:15. He was awaiting a call from the other dentist office to find out EXACTLY why Munchkin was kicked out. It came at 4:30 and when he got off the phone, he said, "My God, he needs to be a mortuary dentist!" Our nurse cracked up.
An hour later, Munchkin had both chipped teeth veniered. She NEVER screamed, cried, moaned or moved, not even when he said she'd feel a poke or when he turned on the sander. Both the dentist and the nurse (or hygenist) were shocked that she'd been kicked out for "disobedience" by another dentist just a few hours before! "She definitely doesn't need gas!" we were told.
We are quite proud of her! It's not easy overcoming such a fear, but she requested that she go back there next week for a full dental checkup. Sounds good, I should get one, too.
This is important because it is illegal to use federal money for "'publicity or propaganda purposes' not authorized by Congress."
Maybe the media isn't jumping onboard the story because many of them, including at least one of my local affiliates, was completely duped and they will look stupid? (You know, that little journalist credibility thingy called, "checking and rechecking sources.")
What Howard has is WORDS. Evidently, that is "indecent," although there is this little slip of paper that a few guys wrote up a couple hundred years ago that specifically allows freedom of speech?
We, the people, need to be "protected" from it!
STEPFORD!
I find Howard's sex talk far, far less offensive than the OUTRIGHT LIES I regularly hear on Fox News and CSPAN! Or even the election ads now playing on every damn network!
How ironic that titillating talk can face stiff fines (pardon the pun) from the FCC, but being dishonest is OK.
Now it is the sex talk...next it could be dissenting the government.
Will lightening strike? My husband spoke with my dad on the phone last night to offer a garage door opener that he was given. (It's too small and won't fit our doors.)
My father, in turn, asked our plans for the weekend.
Why is quitting a lousy job like ditching a PITA boyfriend? This morning, I went next door to pick up my (second-to-last) paycheck, since he didn't drop it off with his note the other day.
I very pleasantly greeted him when I walked through the door.
"Hi! I'm here to pick up my check!"
He looked hopeful to see me and said, "Not until you talk to me," like I was a child.
That irked me to NO end. "Nope, I'm not here to talk. Give me my check, please."
"C'mon, can't we talk this out? ...." (insert senseless babble here. Just about every other line was, "I need you." It was actually rather ICKY!)
"GIVE ME MY CHECK NOW, DAMMIT!" I didn't holler, but I was through being pleasant. Payday was FRIDAY!
Insert more of his senseless babbling.
"GIVE ME MY G** DAMN CHECK NOW, DAMMIT! Or do you want me to bring the police here to get it?" By now I was hollering because there was no way to be heard over his senseless babbling.
He walked back to the timeclock and took my check off my timecard. He actually DID expect me to come in on Saturday!
I took it and politely said, "Thank you."
As I walked away, he pleaded, "Please, can't we talk about this?"
"Nope. You know I have another job and I'm late enough already. Goodbye!"
And I took that check right to the bank and deposited it! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/15/2004 05:25:00 PM
Bible or Hollywood? Oh, and in "The Passions of the Christ," there was an inference that Jesus invented the modern-day dining room table that accommodates sitting chairs.
How in the heck did Mel interpret THAT? teehee Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/15/2004 07:28:00 AM
Look, eating McDonalds does NOT make you fat! It's the choices you make when you are there AND throughout the rest of the day that pack on the pounds.
I know how easy it is to eat a few cheeseburgerS and a large order of fries and a large Coke at one sitting. Yes, I gained weight, too. But the blame was mine...*I* willingly ordered the food and stuffed my face.
I hate that people truly believe it should be McDonalds' responsibility to watch what we eat. Yep, forget personal responsibility. Forget choices. Treat everyone like they are toddlers and give the proper portion.
Maybe next, McDonalds should ask people to stand on a scale before ordering and figure out how many calories they can order from the menu? Then, if someone is overweight, McDonald's should have to say, "Good news! McDonalds is here to save you from yourself. The only items we can sell you today are a Salad Shaker and Diet Coke!"
I love this quote from "Demolition Man" - "You see, according to Cocteau's plan I'm the enemy, because I like to think, and I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind of guy who'd walk into a greasy spoon and wonder -- "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" I WANT high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke Cuban cigars the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green jello all over my body reading playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the urge to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, and singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiener." -- Edgar Friendly Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/14/2004 09:36:00 PM
Saturday, March 13, 2004
The Anti-Popcorn Movie Munchkin and I went to see "The Passions of the Christ." The lady two seats down from me started crying mere minutes into the movie. Not just sniff-sniff, she had a BOX of Kleenex, sobbed and BLEW her nose. REPEATEDLY.
I quit eating the bag of popcorn about 30 minutes into the show. It was pretty gross with the blood and VERY GRAPHIC whippings. Thankfully, I had already finished my box of Junior Mints.
It was quite impressive that the actors carried off the language with much ease. (Just wondering...if it gets nominated for an Oscar, will it fall into the Best Picture or Best Foreign Picture...all those subtitles!)
Is it anti-Semitic? IMHO, no more than the bible or most religions on Judiasm.
I have huge problems with accepting The Bible for many reason, some of which I will discuss.
1. It was written by man. "God's word"? I know that argument. Humans are prone to exaggeration and nobody can truly VERIFY the stories. What if Jason Blair (a few lifetimes ago) was God's ghostwriter?
2. It was translated by man. Verbatim often doesn't make sense, so adjustments have been made.
3. Catholics have their OWN bible. Of course, that MUST be the truth. LOLOL
Honestly, "The Passions of the Christ" boils down to one thing...IT IS JUST HOLLYWOOD! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/13/2004 11:31:00 PM
Friday, March 12, 2004
Did I ever tell you you're my hero... My favorite nephew, who taught my kids to swim and instructed all the young kids to call me Aunt, just helped his basketball team win the regional title. WOOHOO! He even got a standing ovation from the audience! Next week, they play for the division title.
They could end up at the state finals.
Pretty damn cool way to finish out his senior year!
(Lulu, he is the one we had the bday party for at your house.) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/12/2004 10:12:00 PM
Friday Five! woohoo! Another fabulous day with Gusto!
1. What was the last song you heard? "Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi. For Nina, who died 7 years ago yesterday.
2. What were the last two movies you saw? I watched a good amount of The Color of Money the other night on one of the pay channels and rented "The Italian Job" a few weeks ago.
3. What were the last three things you purchased? Beads.
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Sleep in, take Munchkin to see "The Passions of the Christ," clean and grocery shop tomorrow afternoon with my husband. I feed him lunch, he comes along. Munchkin wants to see Mel's movie because it is important to her to know firsthand what Mel is saying thru the film. And, she has firmly stated, if it IS anti-Semitic, it will be the last Mel Gibson movie she watches.
5. Who are the last five people you talked to? My husband, Munchkin, my mother-in-law, Gusto's dad, Gusto. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/12/2004 05:30:00 AM
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Well, back down to ONE boss!
Just spending an easy day with Gusto.
What happened in a nutshell: Last night, HE warned me that today, HE wanted me do up a certain report. Smartly, I took home the BIG BINDERS on the puter system (since HE said it was "on the blue screen.") Read up and found where it would be. Prepared for today. YAY!
Got in front of my office puter and saw that the report wasn't where it should have been. Strange. So, I tried to create it. No luck, it wouldn't let me insert the necessary fields! OK, time to call tech support! (Free call, even an 800#)
Tech support said because our system is so old and he never paid to have many of the proper sub-programs installed, there was NO way the report could be created.
Of course, HE still claimed that "Michelle could do it!" I asked to see one of Michelle's "reports," but OF COURSE, HE didn't have one. He also makes a snide comment about me calling for assistance.
Let's see: HE doesn't have this report and Tech says it's impossible. I look through other programs, but they don't come close to having what would be needed.
HE decided to "help" me, but PRINTS, instead of displaying, a 300-page report on the parts counter computer. He come in my office and turns off the buzzing-away printer, then says, "You need to make that printer quit printing. I have a call to go on and will be back in a bit."
After a lucky find in decyphering Michelle's notes, I got the report to quit. It took a few minutes because it had spooled SO MUCH to the printer.
While he was gone, I called a few other tech supports for the other programs and confirmed that what HE wanted was impossible...such as through online financing, corporate monthly banking settlements, etc.
When HE got back, he IMMEDIATELY started in with the "Michelle could do it" crapola. I ignored it and said I had finally been able to get the printer to stop. Then, HE started in that the printer stops automatically. "Michelle could do it." I tried to explain about spooling, memory, etc. and HE flat out told me I was wrong.
WHAT?!!? I knew what the heck I was talking about and HE didn't know squat, but had the GALL to say *I* was wrong. If HE knew so damn much, why didn't HE stop the printing then?
I slammed my hands on the counter and growled, "F**k this sh*t! I don't need it! I QUIT!" and walked into the office to grab my purse and digital camera. He was completely shocked, "Oh no! What wrong?"
I started walking back to punch out. "You know what? I don't need this! I'm outta here!"
HE was standing right in my way (a very narrow aisle) and grabbed my arms with his hands to stop me. "You can't do this! I'm sorry! Oh please, don't leave!"
"LEAVE ME THE F**K ALONE!" I yanked myself away from his grasp and HE went right into the counter.
I continued back to the timeclock and punched out, while HE followed me, desperately whining that I couldn't do this to him and he was sorry. "Nope, I quit."
Luckily, the (completely bewildered) mechanic had the garage door open and I continued out to my Jeep, hopped in and Nextelled my husband, while heading straight for Gusto's house (I called so I would be expected.)
Got there before 11, finally left about 3:30 and felt TONS better with her soothing company...not to mention a healthy supply of peanut M&Ms, Dad's delicious brownies and the ULTIMATE comfort food for lunch: mac-n-chez!
Even got A LOT accomplished!
And HE dropped off an apologetic letter to me before I got home. Munchkin read it to me over the phone. I will post it tomorrow.
Evidently, Wal-Mart is good enough to shop at in Fort Gratiot and Chesterfield, but "not in my backyard."
BLAH!
I love how these residents are banding in to keep Wal-Mart away, so the there is no "undue pressure on locally owned businesses" (to be COMPETITIVE!) and "the appeal of this town is we have small shops along the river" (actually, only a few shops are, at best, ACROSS the street from the river.)
Translation: let's just keep this dying town pathetic. Downtown is comprised of 9-5 shops. Not bad, except most of the residents work OUT OF TOWN, probably even out of the county!
Marine City isn't some quaint small town. Illegal drugs are easily available. If you want any new, nonKmart clothes, you have to drive at least 25 miles each way. Old, crappy houses are on every street.
Mariners didn't bother to help keep their own Carter's Foods in biz...a large grocery store that is 100% employee owned! Property values skyrocketed in Fort Gratiot after Wal-Mart came in and exist more than 10 years later.
It isn't too far off to say that nearly everyone who grew up in Marine City is related. There is a HUGE "good ol' boys" network. Priorities are often pretty warped, though.
People were scared when Kmart and McDonalds came in more than 20 years ago, (with Big Boy about 17 years.) Guess what? Family restaurants still abound. Foster Drugs/The Apple Core is thriving. What do Zimmerman's Meats, Pet Fantasy & Feed, Paul's Bakery and antique shops have to lose by WalMart coming to the outskirts of town? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/10/2004 07:29:00 AM
Our Sunday dinner was corned beef cooked with potatoes and carrots, plus parmasean angel hair pasta.
I also made a loaf of HOMEMADE bread (right from the yeast packet.) Dinner was ready as soon as I removed it from the oven. It hit the table piping hot.
That truly made the whole meal! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/07/2004 10:20:00 PM
Saturday, March 06, 2004
I was surfing the newly updated Web site of my hometown and found a pics of some male friends from school, who are now firemen.
Joe, who I knew quite well since elementary school, was barely recognizable! (He was my first "boyfriend" when we moved to the small town and later in high school, we even DATED for a bit!)
On an even sillier note, I was signed up to attend a conference in Lansing later this month. Let's face it...WOOHOO! FIELD TRIP!
Funny thing is, this conference will be held at the hotel DIRECTLY across the street from the hotel I managed a decade ago! When I mentioned it to my new boss, he seemed almost disbelieving about this revelation, until I pointed out too many facts...like the name change. Then, he was duly impressed. Seems he has been attending this meeting for 20 years, so he knows that I wasn't BSing.
Friday Five: What was... 1. ...your first grade teacher's name? Lucky me, I had TWO first grade teachers because Mrs. Cates was pregnant, and when she went on maternity leave, Mrs. Perry took over. We even had a few weeks transition, where Mrs. Perry came in, so we wouldn't be too traumatized. Both were young and great, but Mrs. Cates was prim and proper and Mrs. Perry had big brown hair and wore LOTS of makeup.
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? The SuperFriends. "Wonder Twin powers...ACTIVATE!"
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Kelly. She lived right down the road from me and rode the same bus, so we occasionally went to each other's houses for a few hours (and now I know, took turns giving our mommies a break!)
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? Cookie Crisp. When I was in fisrt or second grade, I remember using allowance to buy a box and sharing it with my sister.
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? Most days after kindergarten, I used to come home and eat my lunch with my mom, while we watched soap operas. I remember Morgan Fairchild on "Search for Tomorrow" and the early days of "All My Children" and "The Young and the Restless." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/05/2004 06:31:00 AM
Thursday, March 04, 2004
This is really fun...same story, different jargon:
All McD's, all the time:
"McDonald's Super Size option, which includes a 7-ounce carton of fries and a 42-ounce fountain soda..."
This what happens with a diet of McDonald's:
"McDonald's Super Size option, which includes a seven ounce carton of chips and a 42-ounce cooldrink..." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/04/2004 08:52:00 PM
From Lulu: 1. Do you exercise regularly? Yep, I go for long, fast walks.
2. Do you take vitamins? Nope. It's more nutritious for me to eat healthy.
3. Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? Nope. It was fine in 1997.
4. Have you ever had a therapeutic (deep tissue) massage (not for pleasure)? My husband gives the BEST massages and not just for pleasure. It's not uncommon for him to spend an hour on me. He studied a book I got on the subject and it's NOT a sexual activity.
5. When was the last time you did a self breast/testicular exam? Jan. 25. Our local news actually reminds women.
6. When was your last dentist visit? Any cavities? 1999. I didn't have a cavity, but I did have an abcessed tooth that had to be pulled. He wanted to redo my fillings, since some were a decade old. No thanks! (They are still holding up today.) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/04/2004 01:00:00 PM
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
On the way to Gusto's this AM, I kept hearing the song lyrics playing on the radio. Here are a few to ponder:
1. "One more day" -- With whom would you like to spend one more day? Nina. She was the first person I lost who was like family to me.
2. "Small town" -- What is your favorite small town to visit? Located on Lake Huron, Lexington is quite quaint and scenic. Historic houses, antique dealers and the beautiful harbor are memories from years ago. Tidbit: I once lived just 8 miles from Lexington.
3. "White flag" -- What topic or fear makes you throw up a white flag? My husband talking and talking and talking about his work.
4. "Every little thing she does is magic" -- Who is your favorite magician? Uncle Sam. HA!
5. "You've lost that loving feeling" -- What have you lost the "loving feeling" over lately? Taco Bell. As Gusto will attest, I have been choosing chicken noodle soup over chalupas and Mexican pizza. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/03/2004 01:00:00 PM
Thanks, Lulu! Actually, I did EXACTLY that when I walked in yesterday, but found out my boss' sister's REAL problem. It isn't me, either. She goes in for surgery in two weeks. They think it might be uterine cancer. She's 75 and this would be her second bout with cancer.
So, I let it ride. My boss thought his sister already told me. He joked that I am offended too easily. I nicely replied that I'm not, but I don't take criticism about my job performance well, since I am NOT being trained and I know more about the computer systems in a month than he does after 16 years! His sister was initially trained on one program, but there are 3 more that she is clueless about! Not exactly Arbor-thorough training!
For example, later, my boss gave me a challenge to find a part in the computer system. Why? Because HE couldn't find it. Instead of him knowing where it was and being able to help me, which would have been PROPER training. What he was hoping for was I would find it and train HIM.
And when his sister came back in, he did speak with her. Then she was MUCH better.
Just when I thought I was getting into the swing of this new job...
NOPE!
I'm not properly trained and it gets frustrating. The owner doesn't know much. So, last night, I stopped by the shop to chat with the month-end bookkeeper (the owner's sister) about a few questions.
She was nice, but let me know she thinks I'm an idiot. LOTS of mistakes were made. "I thought you had bookkeeping experience!"
First off, I DID NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION!
I have PLENTY of computer experience, but NOT with their 1987 computer system. Payments must be entered in 3 places on their programs. I cannot even call the company and get walked thru properly because THEY DON'T KNOW IT EITHER!
I am not being trained and the outdated manual that I do have says, "FOR REFERENCE, MUST BE USED WITH PRO TRAINING."
PRO TRAINING is the 1 week course I need to take down at headquarters. It costs $2500 AND we would have to have the new $30,000 puter system.
The bookkeeper said"you have to do this." I explained I didn't know what she was talking about...where was that function? She ranted on and I had to repeat my request two more times that she SHOW me what she meant. Know what? She just did it instead. I wasn't shown in a nice manner.
"Michelle knew how to do it." Well deary, MICHELLE WALKED OUT MORE THAN A MONTH AGO WITHOUT WARNING! YOU TRAINED MICHELLE FOR SEVERAL YEARS! MICHELLE ISN'T EVEN RETURNING YOUR PHONE CALLS!
Can you tell my attitude sucks today? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/02/2004 07:58:00 AM
Monday, March 01, 2004
Remember last year's Dixie Chicks scandal? Howard Stern jumped right on the bandwagon bashing them. Oh, he was lovin' President Bush then!
Clear Channel banned their songs from their airways? Howard just laughed and said they deserved it.
Now, Clear Channel has banned Howard's show because of indecency. It probably doesn't help that he isn't so loving of President Bush now and no longer supports the war in Iraq.
