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Gimmicks
Thursday, April 29, 2004
NO EXCUSES! Here are links to some pictures of American troops abusing Iraqi prisoners. For any f*ckin' bastards who stupidly TRY to excuse this: if the roles were reversed and in the photo, there were Iraqi soldiers sexually abusing female American prisoners, like YOUR momma, the outrage would be deafening.
#1 -- #2 -- #3 -- #4 -- #5 -- #6: BIATCH!!! -- #7 -- #8 -- #9
What is the saying about abusers? For every ONE that you know about, there are many many more that you WON'T (know about.)
So much for American moral high ground! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/29/2004 11:47:00 PM
Mother's Day from Celebrating the holidays.
1. What is the fondest memory you have of your mother? She was right there when I gave birth to my daughter.
2. Do you have to give birth to your children to be a mom? Heck no! "Blood is thicker than water" is just a cliche...blood also stains like hell! lol (~~Adopted children are CHO-SEN, adopted children ARE chosen!~~) Tonight, I was asked by my husband's X on my parenting techniques. She has finally realized the ONLY person my stepson listens to is ME.
3. Did you ever make or did your child ever make you, a Mother's day gift that you/she still has? My mom, I don't know. Munchkin made me a photo frame with an adorable pic of her in 3rd grade Girls Scouts and it still sits proudly in our living room.
4. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why? Roseanne ALWAYS reminded me of my mom, not just in looks, but in attitude and parenting style.
5. Are you going to call your mom or see your mom this Mother's day? For the first time in 10 years, I am planning on celebrating my mom on Mother's Day. I already have her presents, too! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/29/2004 10:27:00 PM
It was completely disgusting to see the numerous photos of Army troops humiliating naked prisoners...making them pose in sexual ways, attaching wires to them so they believed they would be electrocuted, etc.
My husband, an Air Force veteran, told us how awful the military police are to fellow personnel...he actually choked up saying, "I cannot imagine what they put those prisoners thru and we WON'T see!" It's pretty well-known that MP often have a God complex, not unlike some regular police officers.
And at least one woman was among the abusive troops. She proudly stood in several shown photos, giving a thumbs up and laughing or pointing and laughing at the naked, helpless prisoners. I bet she isn't so tough now! BIATCH! Wonder if she would like to be similarly sexually abused?
"Of course, these 'few' troops do not represent the 150,000 American soldiers in Iraq." Unfortunately, many Iraqi prisoners HAVE reported abuse by our soldiers to Amnesty International. It's really nothing new, except the media won't be pandering to our govt and sweeping the stories under the rug.
Pandora's box has been opened and May Sweeps start next week! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/28/2004 09:26:00 PM
Metro Detroit weather Monday - High was 58, scattered thunderstorms.
Tuesday - High was 38, snow showers, no accumulation.
Wednesday (today) - High projected at 68, sunny and windy.
Thursday - High of 80 forecasted.
Viva! After decades of lying, my mother is finally embracing her MEXICAN heritage.
In our IM conversation last night, she stated that I am her biggest supporter, although my father has adjusted rather well. My sister and both brothers are still in denial that we are NOT Spanish in the least, but actually, Mexican. I could/would/should NEVER feel ashamed about such a fact.
The other night, we stopped at SuperWalmart and I found some cool little KoolAid-type drink packets called, "KLASS Aguas Frescas." I bought a few flavors, not just for Munchkin and me, but to mail my mother to show her friend, who owns the little Mexican store in her town. She might be interested in stocking them.
The product is decidedly an ethnic taste: Guayaba, Pina (pineapple), Melon (cantalope), etc. I promise to be more adventureous next time and get the other flavors.
A few months ago, Munchkin spent a few days at my parents' house and my mother taught her to make homemade corn tortillas. Now, I try to fit tacos into our menu twice a month, and Munchkin prepares her unique shells. YUM YUM!!!
Two weeks ago, Munchkin went over for Spring Break and, with my mother, attended the Spanish classes given by the store owner. Munchkin scored the only 100 on a test! teehee Everyone was surprised, but mother said she metter-of-factly told the astonished ADULT students, "My mom teaches me Spanish words when we go on long drives and she gave me her high school Spanish book a long time ago."
Silly me, I even taught her verb conjugation along the way! Yep, there is still some residual memory of my 4 years of high school Spanish. (Good thing, too, since Munchkin decided to take Spanish 1 her Freshman year, which starts in August.)
Mother's Day will further surprise my mother...I already bought her several Mexican-themed cute potholder/dish towel sets!
We bought Munchkin a prepay cellphone for her birthday last year and laid down OUR ground rules. No problems. In fact, she rarely takes it to school.
The school district forbids kids from having cellphones ON THE PROPERTY. Not in cars, not in purses or lockers, etc. The punishment is quite severe, too: confiscation until the end of the year for the first offense, suspension for the second.
We are bombarded by our government about potential terrorist plots via planes, trains, malls, etc. Munchkin's school is less than 100 yards from a major international trunk line.
Evidently, the policy has been enforced several times this year. One girl had her phone fall out of her purse in the hallway. It wasn't turned on, but was confiscated by the janitor and turned into the principal.
I could see it being taken if it had rang in class, but ZERO TOLERANCE?!!?
Now, if that was Munchkin, the phone would be in MY hands. I play hardball.
I couldn't imagine my kid having harsher punishment for possessing a LEGAL device, than the kid who sold his Ritalin to several classmates. Any other time, this would bring an automatic ZERO TOLERANCE 180-day expulsion, but "due to special circumstances," the seller and buyers received just a few weeks of in-house suspension, instead.
Last year, a classmate of Munchkin's tricked a few kids into eating some aspirin tablets that were either LONG expired or coated with something, because they all got really sick almost immediately. (She claimed they were altoids, but she didn't eat any.) She was only suspended for 2 weeks. Her mommy is on the PTA.
How whacked is it when a turned off cellphone falling out of a purse garners longer-lasting punishment than knowingly poisoning classmates and selling drugs at school! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/20/2004 10:27:00 PM
E-mail please. Hubby finished my puter last night, so please send me an e-mail at home and you will be added to my new addy book.
Please don't read THIS while eating or drinking. My mother informed me today that MY SISTER is VERY offended that I don't invite her to Munchkin's plays, concerts, etc.
MY SISTER?!!?
My psycho sister has gone around for the last decade (at least), telling people that I am dead and/or she considers me dead (to those who know I'm alive.) She speaks ill of my husband and me constantly when she is around my daughter.
She refuses to be at my parents house if I am there to pickup/drop off Munchkin. Needless to say, I have NO relationship with my neices. I haven't laid eyes upon them since 1998. I sent gifts once, but she gave them back to my mother with instructions to not do it again.
Of course, she has NEVER called ME to invite ME to anything for her daughters. (She lives more than 2 hours from me anyway and rarely has a working phone. Paying bills is NOT her strong suit.)
In 9 years, my husband has met my sister just 2 times. Once in court (remember that wonderful encounter, Lulu?) and two years later at a family dinner in a restaurant for my parents anniversary, when she tried to fight me and hollered at and pushed my husband. (My mom wanted Munchkin to spend the night, my dad said no and I concurred with him, which upset my mom.)
My sister didn't come to our wedding, although I sent her an invitation. She didn't even have the decency to send back the prestamped RSVP.
Suddenly, I am expected to invite HER to Munchkin's proudest moments?
So, what did I say to my mother when she asked for my reaction?
"Nah, Munchkin doesn't need that type of drama in front of her friends. Now, if YOU want to invite her to come along WITH YOU, that is YOUR business, but I warn you: You had better keep her on a VERY short leash. I know these people and if she wants to make a scene and start threatening me or my husband, I guarantee she will be arrested."
Well, that could make it twice that my husband could meet her in court. Heck, my husband might actually meet HER husband. teehee
Didn't lose that Springer number, did ya, Lulu?
Oh yeah, and I found out my nephew is gay. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/18/2004 10:55:00 PM
Det News story: "Later during his stay in Iraq, Trevithick began to see evidence of the anger directed toward American troops."
Maybe President Bush should READ that part. Oh, but then he might be wrong and actually KNOW it! Can we say, "mustard gas"?
IMHO, President Bush needs to correct and apologize for his own lies in the same format he gives them. No excuses. No side-stepping. President of the United States is NOT a License to Lie.
GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT!!!
Then again, after the numerous lies he told the other night and how they are daily being identified, the week after an 8 p.m. press conference, the daily 8 p.m. slot would lose "Friends", "American Idol," "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Bernie Mac." Then again, Fox might pull their adoration for the President under those circumstances! teehee
Sidenote: ER wasn't on last night, Gusto. The Appretice finale ran from 9-11 p.m. So you didn't miss much! Got AI, tho. :-) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/16/2004 06:25:00 AM
ALERT: Downloader.Trojan There is something wrong with my puter, so please do NOT open any e-mails from me until further notice here. I haven't gotten any complaints so far, but it is still a possibility.
What is wrong? Somehow, my system contracted downloader.trojan on Wednesday and it was NOT via e-mail or a willing download.
How do I know this? I know my puter well (like my Jeep) and noticed that was suddenly saving form info (like google searches and passwords) which I NEVER allow. Not only that, but I haven't gotten an e-mail with an attachment, not even a SPAM message (that's what Yahoo! accounts are for, right? Delete delete delete) since April 8.
I have my suspicions that it was through a Web site or a pop-up on a Web site. (In doing research on it, I have also read accusations that it could have come in via my FTP program when I was actively uploading a file to a site on Wednesday.)
My security settings are always on HIGH and we use Norton's, but somehow, Norton's quarantining is still NOT working.
FYI: my puter will probably have to be redone this weekend. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/16/2004 05:13:00 AM
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Can you reach me now? Nextel has changed my life, so much that I can't imagine living without the little walkie-talkie!
My husband loves that I am just a beep away. Our conversation can be a 15-second Q&A or "whatcha need from the store?" or sporadic updates on our days as we head home. We even keep each other informed on traffic issues that might affect each other or our friends.
I know some hate cellphones, but our conversations tend to make people laugh. Gusto, who is easily entertained by our "Lucy and Desi" routine, will often remind me, "Your hubby hasn't called yet," when his clock-out time has passed.
I resisted Nextel for nearly two years until my phone was lost and Verizon didn't uphold their promises. Finally, my husband made the switch for me.
Now, I see how much better I am for it. My inlaws have Nextel. Munchkin wants one.
A man who cannot answer a direct question should not be the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.
Paraphrasing: "Why do you and the vice president insist upon appearing TOGETHER in front of the 9-11 commission, when they want you separate?"
Repeating that the answer is he and the VP want to testify to set the facts straight does NOT answer the question.
A man who cannot find fault with himself or his actions in hindsight should NOT be in power. (Although, I am sure he is kicking himself for agreeing to last night's speech/Q&A quagmire. Bet he didn't miss THAT bit of hindsight!)
Now, he is promising to tell us he has "a plan to win the war on terror"...does this mean he is admitting he has NOT had one all along? YIKES! If so, but even worse, he seems to have held back A YEAR until election season!
Maybe last night WAS that plan in action: DON'T RE-ELECT THIS PRESIDENT! He didn't seem confident when he said he doesn't plan on losing his job this November, but his actions speak much louder.
Then again, his words are loud and nonsensical, but I'm probably just nitpicking a Yale and Harvard graduate who says, "I wouldn't be happy if I were occupied either." I WERE?!!? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/14/2004 05:55:00 AM
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Tax time! from Celebrating the holidays! 1. Do you do your own taxes (paper or puter program) or use an accountant? I **ALWAYS** do mine on paper first, and last year, sent them in that way. A few other years, thanks to my inlaws, I also used TurboTax to make sure I get the right deductions. This year, I bought TurboTax and last week, did the ol' e-file courtesy of them. I will let you know how it goes!
2. Do you usually get a return or pay Uncle Sam? We always get a return. This year, it will be used for our vacation.
3. Have you ever known anyone who got caught cheating on their taxes? What happened? Yep, I have known a few people. Sadly, my parents got caught trying to claim my daughter one year. They mentioned the idea to me once, but we NEVER fully discussed it. They went ahead and we went ahead and not even a year later, we all got The IRS Letter. My parents were FURIOUS when I refused to take the penalty. Hey, I never AGREED even verbally! Uncle Sam didn't fall for it, either. They didn't have the proper paperwork or even a signed agreement from me. It sucked, but THEY overstepped their bounds. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/13/2004 05:48:00 PM
Monday, April 12, 2004
New chairs Ran into Salvation Army last week and saw a great deal: These 6 chairs for $8.
Not $8 each, but $8 TOTAL. A little worn, but nothing major. Mostly, they were dusty and the cream-pleather seats needed a good cleaning.
Pretty damn awesome match to my cream-colored table, eh?
What perfect timing for our family dinner, too! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/12/2004 05:51:00 PM
Spic-n-span My housekeeping isn't really the greatest, I'm definitely not Alice, but it has gotten better in the last few years.
I used to dread people coming over unexpectly. My house was never in order. Even moving to our spacious new home didn't alleviate that dread. Although not dirty, things were in disarray.
Sick of being embarrassed, I learned a few tips to keep the mess minimal.
1. Some people feel victorious with a clean sink. My personal vice is vacuuming the floor and I have the products to prove it! To me, the house looks, smells and feels cleaner with just a few-minute effort each day.
2. Load the dishwasher before bedtime and put away in the morning. This really helps with the sink clean trick, too.
3. Store plastic bags in a single bag in a cupboard.
4. Keep silverware used most often in a caddy, not a drawer, same with cooking utensils. This could free up a drawer or two.
5. Dedicate a drawer to lunch stuff, like paper bags, baggies, Ziplocs, handiwipes and plasticware.
6. Hang potholders from cabinet knobs.
7. When you change the garbage bag, put an extra bag or two in the bottom.
8. Store fast-food condiments in a big plastic cup in the fridge.
9. Keep an empty, small box ready for emergency cleanups.
10. A baker's rack (over the toilet) in the bathroom is perfect for storing towels and extra toilet paper/tissue boxes.
Of course, my skills are far from perfect. The biggest change is that when my inlaws decide to visit on an impulsive day-trip, I don't freak out.
JUST DON'T LOOK IN MY CLOSET! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/12/2004 02:40:00 PM
Sunday, April 11, 2004
All in the family It's quiet again.
Our house bustledwith activity since 8 a.m. Mother and son made breakfast; I straightened; my inlaws helped when/where they could. It was silently known to everyone how important My Parents First Visit was to us.
Last night, Mom taught me how to make the perfect hard-boiled eggs (sorry, Gusto!) This morning, she put together the deviled eggs, while my husband and I prepared The Last Supper.
They arrived just before 1 p.m. with a hanging geranium basket for us and their little dog. Dinner was ready to be dished up at 1:15 p.m.** With only a few minutes to spare, I gave my astounded mother a tour of our house. She was quite impressed with our large ranch. "WOW! This is HUGE!" Meanwhile, my husband grand-toured my awed father around our mammoth pole barn. "WOW! You sure do have A LOT!"
The barn is fully accessorized now: toolbox (aka Our Retirement Condo), workbenches, lights, tractors, generator, etc.
OH! When my parents came in, I introduced everyone..."Mom, Dad, this is Mom and Dad." My husband owes me $5 now. La-who-zahr!
The parents socialized nicely, while my darling husband and I put everything in serving dishes. Some of us ate at the table, some in the living room.
My father ate and ate and ate! I had ALL his favorites: sweet pickles, homemade mashed potatoes, the right rolls, Honeybaked ham, jellied cranberries, etc. He GUSHED over our food. My mother loved my mother-in-law's delicious broccoli w/cheese. The Marie Calender pies were perfect, too. And that was just 1/2 of our menu!
My inlaws lapped up the ample praise heaped on their talented son. :-)
What my parents saw of my life shocked them. We are doing great! We are happily married! My inlaws are wonderful! Everything here is OURS, nothing taken from them.
When my inlaws left, I hugged and kissed each goodbye, while thanking them for everything. My parents left an hour later and it was much more formal. Kind words, but no physical affection.
A year ago, kind words weren't uttered. Things change.
**No chocolate bunny ears were bitten off during today's production. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/11/2004 05:04:00 PM
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Spoiled rotten My inlaws came down this morning, and the running began.
They bought us lunch, since we are feeding them tomorrow. We actually let them, too.
Then, we went to Circuit City, where my husband proceeded to buy us a new Nikon digital camera for our summer vacation.
After that, I drove us over to Best Buy, and my inlaws unexpectedly bought me a new Epson printer for printing all my great shots. I protested, but it was something they REALLY wanted to do for us. As Gusto can attest, I am happy with my 5-year-old HP DeskJet712C.
My inlaws input helped greatly with these purchases...they own the same camera and positively rave about it. The printer I received today is a step down from the one they bought over Christmas, but I am NOT complaining!
Now, I am stylin' with technilogical advancements!
But I feel pretty wearing Gusto's perfect sweater gifts.
Rats! Can't find them on Target's Web site. Guess a pic will be posted manana! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/10/2004 11:31:00 PM
Friday, April 09, 2004
Friday Five 1. What do you do for a living? I am a personal assistant to an award-winning freelance journalist.
2. What do you like most about your job? My boss, GustoGal.
3. What do you like least about your job? Friday afternoons. Two whole days w/out her!
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____... With Gusto, I don't have bad days. Wait! I think I did once-upon-a-time...Dec. 19-20, 2002. Bad enough when your boss' dad nearly dies and I wasn't there to help until later, bun then the boss starts the same crap. That not only sucked, it was FRIGHTENING!
5. What other career(s) are you interested in? Exterminator. Professional hitman on a realtor was last week. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/09/2004 05:18:00 PM
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Thursday Threesome ::Home Improvement Shows::
Onesome: Home- What's the one thing your dream home must have? I have it now, it's my retreat.
Twosome: improvement- What's the one thing you would change about your current home? I want new carpeting, hate the stuff we have now, except I love the color.
Threesome: shows- Do you ever watch home improvement shows? Nope. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/08/2004 08:37:00 PM
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Stunt driving Yesterday, my daughter's 8th-grade social studies class had a visit from a high school counselor.
For some reason, he started talking about drivers' training and asking the kids when they were going to be taking it. Some of Munchkin's classmates will start this summer!
When he got to Munchkin, she stated that she is going to wait until she is out of high school. She will turn 18 after she has started college. "Driving is a big responsibility and I don't want it interfering with school."
This counselor was completely surprised and UNsupportive of her decision.
In fact, he believes her attitude is very IRRESPONSIBLE.
He tried to tell her that her NOT driving would be an inconvenience for her parents. She said, "No, my mom and dad already said they'll drive me around." (Considering the cost of our insurance will easily double to $4,000 every 6 months once she starts training, spending a few bucks for gas for her will be a luxury!)
This evening, I e-mailed the bastard a sharply-worded e-mail which included links to this story and this story. This fatal accident happened AT THE SAME MOMENT he was speaking to my daughter's classroom.
My daughter is emulating my actions about driving at her age. I wasn't interested at all. "You'll change your mind when it gets closer." I didn't.
My parents FORCED me to attend the 2-week summer drivers' training course and get my permit when I was 15. When I passed that test, my mom MADE me drive home and I went about a mile down the road before my crying convinced her to get me from behind the wheel.
With my learners' permit, she always tried to get me to drive by offering me her keys. And I always declined.
My mother took me out of school the first day I was able to get my license when I turned 16--a sophomore in high school. Resistance was futile. On the bright side, the pic turned out good! lolol
I never asked to borrow the car in 86, 87, 88 or 89. I did drive a handful of times, but it was my boyfriend's car and went just down the block (except the "blowing-up-the-transmission-in-the-brand-new-Jeep" incident, but that was HIS fault for forcing me to drive a stick.) I never lacked for a ride to school...my mom, friends and boyfriends were happy to have me as a willing passenger. My friends would have heated arguments over whose turn it was to drive, but I just got in the passenger side.
The summer before my senior year of high school, my dad went out and bought me a nice car, despite my loud protests. I was told I would have to have a job in order to gas and insure it. I told them to give it to my sister, because I did NOT want any part of it.
Of course, I was a teen and HAD to want to drive like everyone else.
HA! That car sat for the next 11 MONTHS. LITERALLY. Did not move. Did not pass go. Did not collect $200.
Finally, I picked up the keys off the rack 3 days before I graduated from high school. My parents plated and insured it for as my grad present. For my maiden voyage, I drove it to the ceremony. ALONE. (That upset my dad because he wanted to drive me in our limousine. teehee!)
I was 18 years, 7 months and 15 days old. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/07/2004 06:44:00 PM
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
BREAKING NEWS The parents will be here for Easter dinner.
Always the mama Last Thursday night, Princess' left eye developed goobers and she was sneezing. While she ate, she sounded congested.
Saturday morning, she wasn't better, so I wrestled the 5 lb mini-beast into the cat carrier and we set off for the Vet.
They did the temp, listened to her chest, etc.
Diagnosis: beginning stages of pneumonia.
Princess is on meds, which she HATES and I have the scratches on my arms and legs to prove it! (Thank goodness she is front declawed!)
Still, she is sick and knows it.
This fiercely independent, always-in-charge, 5 lb bundle of pure biatchiness who kept 80-lb Juno in line along with every other cat here, has regressed into wanting nothing more than her mama --> ME!
As I type this one-handed, Princess sleeps on my lap. It was like this all weekend. Wherever I sat, she was right on me. In bed, she is near my neck. When I made dinner, she sat on the island watching. While we ate at the table, she contentedly slept on my lap.
Princess is sick and doesn't want to be in charge. Like other sick little girls, she just wants to be babied. By her mama. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/06/2004 09:20:00 AM
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Lulu's Friday Five... 1. Apples: green or red? Red delicious, please!
2. Corn on the cob: eat it like a typewriter or round and round? I alternate: a row first, then round, then a row, etc.
3. Coffee/tea: Plain or add a little something? Hold both for me. YUCK!
4. Eggs: Scrambled or fried? Like Gusto, I prefer hard-boiled.
5. Bacon: Crispy or fatty? I like mine chewy, not really fatty. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/04/2004 06:20:00 PM
Friday, April 02, 2004
APRIL FOOL! I played LOTS of pranks on April Fool's Day: flipped Lulu's blog backward on her, translated Gusto's blog into Spanish on her, freaked my daughter out by telling her the bus was coming...15 minutes early, messed with Gusto's dad quite a bit. Well, I mess with him MOST days.
Gusto's dad got me good...he hid the peanut M&M's and filled their dish with yukky puffed rice that looked like maggots. Hence, my constant moaning that "maggots ate my M&Ms!"
teehee
Howard Stern pranked his early-morning listeners pretty well. It is amazing how many people cannot deal with silliness on April 1. Google News is full of stories of people who are angry that someone played a joke on them. I'm sure there will be lawsuits for some!
Lucky for me, Lulu and Gusto saw the humor in my unexpected antics. I'm not expecting to be sued. It took some hard thinking to come up with their harmless spoofs, considering Lulu lives hundreds of miles away and she fell for the pregnancy innuendo last October. Gusto is my friend, but still my boss, so posting a naked guy on her blog page would have been a bit rude.
