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Gimmicks
Monday, November 29, 2004
~~ Happy birthday to me ~~ It's my birthday AND I started my new job today!
And Gusto had a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered my new work today. They were quite the talk of the office! Last week, she sent me several packages with my presents, including a Sammy calendar and heart bracelet.
Hubby and Munchkin had dinner ready when I got home. Lemon-pepper pork chops and friend potatoes. YUM! (Hubby has to return my gift because we already had the latest Lara Croft DVD, but I had forgotten to take it off my Half.com Wish List.)
And he had a fire roaring in our fireplace. Very peaceful.
While at my parents' house this weekend, Munchkin bought me 2 soft pillows and 2 pair of soft socks (think Karen Neuberger, Gusto!)
And yesterday, I spent the day at my parents, again. My mom fed me turkey sandwiches and Munchkin made me 2 yellow cakes with vanilla icing...one to bring home for tonight's celebration and share with Neeko!
And my parents bought me quite a few presents. teehee Now, I am on my way to watch the new Harry Potter DVD they bought me, while snuggling under the furry blankie that my mom got to match Munchkin's pillow selection.
And the new job went splendidly! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/29/2004 07:50:00 PM
Saturday, November 27, 2004
R-E-S-P-E-C-T I read this article today and had to laugh:
I've been preaching that for years, especially since getting my Neeko. There is nothing quite as refreshing as being walked by your thrilled-like-a-little-kid-on-Christmas-morning dog! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/27/2004 07:50:00 PM
Friday, November 26, 2004
Lulu, I was in our old stomping ground today and I think your old CU is gone! There is a large, new building and I cannot find a phone listing for it!
And ChiChi's is completely closed up. I thought of you and Nina as we browsed in that B&N today.
Friday Frou Frou: It's always something...
Thirty-something 1. What is the best part about being thirty-something? More credibility in the ADULT dept. I'm old enough to remember my teen years and young enough to be listened to, also.
2. How old do you really feel? 33 years old.
Twenty-something 1. What do you miss about being in your twenties? There were so many new experiences!
2. Name twenty things you want for Christmas. Ok, let's make it five instead. ;-) My birthday is in a few days, so it's still up-in-the-air.
Something else 1. How old are your parents (or how old would they be today)? My parents are 56 and 59.
2. Do you believe in "mid-life crises" at 30/40/50? What age seems to be a major turning point to you? Nope, I don't believe in them, I think they are more EXCUSES. 30 seems to be a pivotal age, deciding upon a career while you are still young enough change, if necessary. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/26/2004 08:36:00 PM
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Traveling isn't for turkeys Munchkin, Neeko and I drove up in The FREAK Snowstorm of Thanksgiving 2004. I would complain, but it was nothing compared to the Colorado Rock Slide. Sure, it took us twice as long and was extremely dangerous, but I kept it slow and was in complete control, so I didn't mind the double commute time. And those who had issues with reduced speeds, found their travel time increased greatly waiting for tow trucks to come pull them free of the ditches!
Time to eat! The meal was delicious and we had 24 family members show up, including my oldest nephew's girlfriend and the son of my sister-in-law. The funniest part was passing the mashed potatoes from one end of the monster table-settings to the other. I also got to teach Uncle Jerry that we are pretty laid back. "Pass me a pickle" or "Toss me a roll" means just that...we don't care about your cooties.
Of course, that courtesy does NOT extend to non-finger foods, like corn or Cool Whip. He'll get it right one day! teehee
Sadly, we left late this afternoon and were denied any turkey leftovers. I CRAVE TURKEY SANDWICHES, DAMMIT! A call to my mother has alleviated this problem after tomorrow...she made an 18 lb. bird for her and my dad, so they have LOTS of turkey to pass along. mmmm...
We also had The Great Christmas Discussion, since it is 1 month away. Hubby was sleeping, so I paid attention. His sister is in charge this year, and her idea fun, yet traditional. With her gig nearly up, that means hubby and I finally are supposed to host it next year.
We shall see, since it is known that we will have it at OUR house and everyone ELSE gets to travel. YAY! It is time that everyone else realizes how much effort we have given almost every single year!
Plus, we will have plenty of room to entertain everyone AND spend the night. I am confused as to why hubby's sister, who has a HUGE house, has opted to NOT have the celebration there, but instead, it will be held in Gramma's tiny home. Very odd.
Oh, and by the time dinner was served at 1:30 p.m., I had 2 walks with Neeko under my belt totalling 3 miles, IN THE SNOW! Needless to say, I politely declined the "3-point (nearly crustless) pumpkin pie," and dished up a slice of Aunt Barb's Amazing Apple Pie. My clueless hubby tried it and declared, "This tastes like shit!"
The mother, Dena Schlosser, was listening to "He Touched Me," a hymn. James Flemons, a factory worker, created his own religion.
I bet friends and family of Dena's will be saying how religious she was and what a good mother she was, etc. Postpartum depression will be blamed and we will be inundated with it-could-happen-to-ANY-woman! And we will be updated on the OTHER Texas postpartum depression murderer, Andrea Yates, who methodically drowned her 5 children.
Not getting as much coverage this past summer, but closer to home for me (not just proverbially), is Mary Ellen Moffitt, a metro Detroit Teacher-Of-the-Year, who also murdered her 5-WEEK-old daughter daughter. Then, she killed herself.
The reason? Postpartum depression.
"Postpartum depression" sounds so much better than "insane." There is automatic sympathy allowed, EXPECTED, even. Yet, Dena Schlosser wasn't so depressed that she felt the need to take her OWN life. Not unlike James Flemons. They both were just crazy enough to murder.
He will freely be called "insane" by the media and courts. Will Dena also be referred to as "insane"? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/23/2004 07:49:00 AM
Monday, November 22, 2004
Tidbits and trivia 1. Last Saturday, Dakota got sick again (UTI and kidney crystals) and I have spent the past 10 days nursing him back to health. I spent 4 days and nights having to syringe water into his mouth to keep him hydrated every 2 hours. Now, he is stronger and I just have to syringe his antibiotic in twice a day and mash up his food. Easy! And he is back to his sweet, loving self.
2. My nephew was arrested and his dangerous escapade made page 2 of the local weekly papers. It is incredibly embarrassing for my parents, and I thank my lucky stars for A) moving far away and, B) having a different last name thanks to marriage.
3. Thanksgiving details have FINALLY been worked out. Munchkin, Neeko and I are driving up to my inlaws Wed night for the Thursday family meal, hubby is driving himself up. After dinner, Munchkin, Neeko and I are coming home, while hubby picks up his son and heads to his brother's house for the hunting weekend. Friday morning, Munchkin and I are going shopping with my mom (and maybe my dad.)
4. They have put in the basement for the vacant lot. Yep, he finally paid his permit fee and they told us they hope to be in by mid-Feb. Even with a HUGE pile of dirt at the end and equipment in the yard, the easement is still being used as a bypass by the morons in the duplexes behind us. It is also being used as a jump by dirt-bikers.
5. As of today, my stepson and husband have each killed 1 deer. We have a TON of venison and I desperately need my camper freezer for more storage! I hand-ground 28 1-2 lb packs of burger, plus there are about 10 more meals of steaks and chops. And we still have to do hubby's doe from yesterday! (We process our own venison.) That is going to get me to try making jerky with my never-before-utilized dehydrater.) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/22/2004 10:37:00 AM
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Trivia: Walmart's 10-foot rule Did you know that Walmart has a 10-foot rule? Yep, if you are within 10 feet of an employee, they are supposedly to greet you and smile.
I have been going to Walmart for YEARS now and have NEVER had this happen! Heck, the "front greeters" and CASHIERS rarely speak to customers!
Anyway, I have noticed that my trips to WalMart have dramatically been reduced since our vacation this past summer. Honestly, I was SICK of Super Walmart and went in just for Wyler's Pink Lemonade when we were picking up my stepson.
In honor of the shopping season, let's play a quick game of
"Where I Shop (for this):" 1. Meat -
2. Shampoo -
3. Shirt -
4. Hair accessories -
5. Pet supplies -
6. DVDs/CDs -
7. Envelopes -
8. Gasoline -
9. Gift for someone hard to buy for -
10. Name 1 store that you actively AVOID -
My answers: 1. Meat - the little meat market/party store down the road
2. Shampoo - Dollar General
3. Shirt - Salvation Army
4. Hair accessories - Dollar Tree
5. Pet supplies - Pet Supplies Plus
6. DVDs/CDs - Half.com
7. Envelopes/paper - Office Depot
8. Gasoline - Speedway
9. Gift for someone hard to buy for - Consignment shop
10. Name 1 store that you actively AVOID - Meijer. The shoppers are rude (always get run into with a cart pushed by a 5-year-old), the selection is nil a day into their "sale" and they rarely have more than 3 registers with cashiers open. Meijer employees actively "direct" people into their U-SCAN lines. Pretty easy to do, since they never open an Express Lane (like 12 items or less.) I much prefer Spartan stores. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/21/2004 01:25:00 AM
Saturday, November 20, 2004
TV on DVD: The 80s just ain't music anymore, kids! Munchkin and I enjoyed our Girlz Day Out, even venturing into Circuit City. We skipped the mall because it was just too damn busy, spending an hour in Borders reading and sipping hot chocolate, instead.
Standing in the "TV series" DVD section at Circuit City, I saw that they have "Mork & Mindy" - Season 1 on DVD now and even "Punky Brewster"!
Tonight, I read an AP story that The Golden Girls is coming out on DVD. I adored that show; IMHO, it was The Supreme Woman Friendship show on TV. There was so much honesty in how important friends are ALL the time, not just for lunches or parties or the tough times.
And as a teenager, I swore that I would have friends like that in my adult years. The 4 actresses -- Bea "Dorothy" Arthur, Betty "Rose" White, Rue "Blanche" McClanahan and Estelle "Sophia/Mom" Getty -- even got along OFF set!
It was sad to read the stories this evening and find out that Estelle Getty (who played the Bea Arthur's fiesty mother) has Parkinsons Disease and evidently, dementia (Alzheimers?) Ironically, Estelle played the OLDEST woman on the show, but in real life, she is 3rd oldest, with only "Blanche" being younger!
As I get older, I hope to live in the spirit of "The Golden Girls" and be just as stunning and vivacious with my girlfriends, Lulu and Gusto! My sweet, but screwy husband is already fitting the mold of "Grumpy Old Men." teehee Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/20/2004 09:43:00 PM
I got it! Thursday, I was called for The Third Interview and again, it went extremely well. My fingers were crossed. The people are very comfortable to be around and I never heard a snarky comment either time. That is very important to me.
Then, I had to await The Call.
Which I hate. But I got it! woohoo
Anyway, my biggest gripe with job-a-hunting is most places that place ads never follow-up on an interview. "We will let you know next week," they promise.
And they never call to even leave a message that the job was filled. Instead, you are left in limboland.
I have also learned that most places that have a HELP WANTED ad, tend to take WEEKS to begin calling. I even filled out an application and instead, received fliers in the mail from the company about their services! Applications and resumes should NOT be used for marketing, dammit!
As someone who has been in management and hired/fired employees, I can honestly say that turn-around should never be more than a week. Don't call for an interview 2 weeks later. And, if you make a promise, KEEP IT. When you tell someone you will call, DO IT, even if it is to tell them they did NOT get the job. It's courteous.
(Just like when you go to the doctor and have tests run. Don't you still want a call to let you know the results came in, even if they were all OK?)
Hiring managers read the books on what to ask and look for in a prospective employee, but rarely do they read what is expected OF THEM!
During my hunt, I turned down several jobs, none for the same reasons. Only 1 was pay-related, but that was just an insult ($6/hr to work for a lawyer part-time in a not-too-good-neighborhood who defends not-too-nice criminals? I Googled his name for info.) $7.50/hr to be a MIDNIGHT clerk at a motel? Not here! (it was advertised as "receptionist.") Damn, I made $7.50/hr back in 1993 when I started working as a DAY clerk at a hotel in a non-dangerous area.
My sweet husband told me to take my time to find what I wanted, "maybe wait until after the holidays?" But I knew it would take a few weeks, at least, and I really didn't want to get too used to sitting at home. Or have a delay in my work history to explain. I was already battling the Oakland County "you-probably-want-too-much-money" stigma.
Let's face it, the holidays are fast approaching and it would definitely help. My kitties want their Christmas stockings stuffed with 9-Lives! And I really want to go see Lulu next spring. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/20/2004 07:45:00 AM
Friday, November 19, 2004
Royalty welfare Can't help but feel sorry for Prince Charles; that man is so elitist, it's pathetic.
His infamous memo just cracked me up. How hypocritical!
Of course, people should strive beyond their "station." Of course, hard work and natural ability SHOULD prevail. Prince Charles just should not be pretending he has either under his belt. In the scheme of England, he is really is nothing more than the son of the Queen and the father of the FUTURE King and the former Mr. Princess Diana.
Guess he knows his "station"!
He certainly isn't a "self-made man." He didn't put himself through college or start his own big business. He is merely the winner of the Royal Genetic Lotto. No natural ability, unless you count his little endeavors, like skiing, polo, hunting and promoting mutton for dinner.
Honestly, if you think about it, isn't the Royal Family of England really nothing more than a HUGE charity case? They are supported by contributions and even though they bring in money, is it not only because they were GIVEN money/freebies in the first place? In fact, the Royals seem peeved when former Princess Sarah Ferguson does anything FOR a paycheck. Horror of horrors, the woman wants to EARN her money the old-fashioned way...from work! Heaven help if she instills that into her children!
Not that an elitist "on the dole" would understand. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/19/2004 07:44:00 AM
Thanksgiving tradition Thanks
1. Aside from family and friends, what are you thankful to have? My Neeko and all 5 kitties.
2. How important is it for you to receive a thank-you note? To me, thank you notes are a bonus. Most people, like me, weren't taught to send them, so I can't hold a grudge on that, but I do try to send out mine!
Giving
1. Do you truly believe it is "Better to Give than to Receive"? Heck ya! I hate having to give lists of what I want. It's so much more fun to give and see the pure joy on the other's face...I'm especially remembering Gusto and the Halloweenie Ornie Tree.
2. What gives you a headache (Figuratively or Literally)? This week, it's job hunting.
Tradition
1. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Making Christmas goodies: fudge, Rice Krispies Treats and batches upon batches of delicious cookies. Did it with my mom and now, Munchkin helps me.
2. What holiday tradition have you started? Hubby gets to take his birthday off work each year. Since 1999, we are usually on vacation on the date, so we call it his "birthday week." This year, though, we called it his "birthday MONTH." He loves being spoiled rotten. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/19/2004 06:39:00 AM
"That leaves them with tough decisions to make, as the likeliest criminal charges available could have the expectant mother's boyfriend facing up to life in prison while the young woman herself faces little if any real punishment."
-- The Macomb Daily Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/18/2004 04:22:00 PM
Thursday Threesome:
In honor of Thanksgiving in the U.S. next week: "No one diets on Thanksgiving" -- Erma Bombeck
Onesome: No one-...to talk to? Nah, who is it you look forward to seeing at one of the holidays just to be able to sit around and chat with? Most years, we spend dinner at my inlaws, then go campering over at my husband's older brother's house. His wife and I love to spend the holiday weekend shopping in Traverse City and hitting the good craft sales in small, neighboring towns. I probably won't be doing that this year, though.
Twosome: diets- Have you ever tried one of the "fad" diets out there? Nope, but I am in the midst of experimentation with the microwave popcorn and Brach's Harvest Corn Daytime Diet. lolol Nah, I lose weight by eating healthier and exercising!
Threesome: on Thanksgiving- What's your favorite dish? My favorite is Aunt Barb's Sweet Potato Casserole. I have adapted the recipe to my palate (and far more nutritious), so most everyone who tries it, LOVES it.
The first year I brought it, my mother-in-law was furious that I made my sweet potatoes that way, but NOBODY in the family even LIKED sweet potatoes! (She had expected me to just open the can, pour in pan, put marshmallows on top and bake. YUCK!) Since then, the grandkids have changed their tune about sweet potatoes and my sisters-in-law are happy, too. I make a big soup pot of them and there are NEVER leftovers! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/18/2004 02:27:00 PM
I was wrong I was wrong to mention abortion as an option for the teenage girl yesterday, because I wrongly believed that the parental permission for minors law was overturned/cast out/repealed/etc. Evidently, it has NOT been.
"Girls younger than 18 must get the written consent of a parent or guardian or a waiver from a judge to bypass parental consent, according to state law."
Prosecuting fetus' death complicated -- Detroit Free Press
Otherwise, the Freep story pretty much supported my theories yesterday. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/18/2004 08:23:00 AM
The circumstances for it to make national coverage are ample:
1. Macomb County has PLENTY of available abortion services, especially near Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, which is The Mall over there.
2. The sheer brutality. Was it desperation of not being able to afford an abortion without telling their parents? Were they afraid of being forced to keep the baby if one certain parent found out? Did the girl not realize she was pregnant until it was too late (past 12 weeks) and the procedure would cost more and be more to endure?
3. These are kids from a "nice" area...relatively affluent, educated, etc. Not "hicks."
4. Michigan doesn't have a set of laws covering this, so was it "murder" or "manslaughter"? Was it assault? Can they be charged with burying a body of an unviable fetus without permission?
5. Who will face more charges, the girl or the boy or parent who helped? Abortion is legal in Michigan, so can the girl be brought up on charges of aborting her pregnancy? The boy, though, could be charged with assaulting the girl with the bat, even though she OK'd it. The parent...WOW! There are a plethora of possibilities for Mom to face.
Not only is it awful to imagine a girl allowing herself to be beaten repeatedly, but the boy was WILLING to do it! You just know these kids are messed up in the head forever. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/17/2004 07:49:00 AM
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Finally, an interesting job interview! About 2:30 p.m. yesterday, I received a second call from a credit union, this time the gal wanted a face-to-face interview. We agreed that I would be in Lori's office at 4. It was rather short notice, but I am well-prepared. Heck, I even travel with a resume!
I knew this was going to be interesting just by Lori's appearance. Many banks are now casual (basic school uniforms are dressier!), but this credit union had their tellers dressed quite professionally. Good, because I was in slacks, scooped turtleneck shirt under a cropped blazer and flats.
Lori was wearing HEELS.
After pleasantries, she started with her questions: what magazines do you like to read? C'mon, that was fun! I'm sick of the run-of-the-mill textbook inquiries: where do you see yourself in 5 years? what do you do in your spare time? This gal took the questions her assistant went through during the phone interview and expanded on them quite nicely.
I particularly liked, "what has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?" My candid answer surprised her. It went something like, "I was a young, single mother and I am sure you know the stereotype. Every day of my daughter's life, I have strived to NOT be that stereotype. It would have been very easy to just sit back and collect welfare or child support, maybe have a few more kids, but I never did that. Not that things were easy, but I paid my dues with hard work, owned up to my MANY mistakes, and now have a wonderful husband and supportive friends and family. Every day, I look at my daughter and know that *I* was lucky to have that will and though she doesn't know it, she was luckier than many other kids. When someone starts bashing young, single mothers, I remind them that *I* was a young, single mother and that usually shuts them up. And if it doesn't, I remind the person that for every young mother, there is a FATHER, too. Just by knowing me, many people have changed their preconceived notions of young, single mothers. Even today, my daughter is a freshman in high school and I feel that I am still overcoming it, but it will NEVER overcome me."
Yep, it went well. When asked, I even knew the difference btwn a bank and a credit union. It wasn't required, but she was still impressed. Lori is recommending me for the third, and final, interview. We shall see! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/16/2004 08:20:00 AM
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Learning the world With all that is going on in the world, it is amazing how many people do NOT have a clue where most countries are located...let alone, which continent! Even the "Middle East," which is in the news constantly, remains a huge mystery to far too many Americans.
My opinion is that everyone should be able to name and pick out all 50 states in the USA, but sadly, even that knowledge is getting more and more rare. Kinda like Wyler's Pink Lemonade. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/14/2004 10:38:00 AM
Deadlines 1. Are you an early bird or a last-minute Charlie when it comes to deadlines? Thanks to Gusto, I have learned how to NOT procrastinate as much. Even my bills are paid ASAP.
2. Would you do away with all deadlines if you could? Nope! My kids graduate in 2008. 'Nuf said.
Live Wire 1. Have you ever seen an alligator live and in person? Yep, quite a bit in Florida, actually. We saw them in the swamps and got to pet one at a hokey tourist spot, which was rather funny. As we were walking out, I played a mean trick on hubby by hollering, "OMG, there's one!" at a statue next to the walk. He just about left his skin, he jumped so high! The kids still get a giggle over it today. Me, too.
2. Have you ever been shocked by a wire or outlet? I've gotten an unexpected jolt, but not a complete shock.
Power 1. Who is your power company? Consumers Energy owns our butts.
2. Each year, how often do you have power outages? Any memorable experiences? We get one or two, and they only suck in the cold of winter. The most memorable experience was the "it was not a tornado per the weather-service" of Tuesday, May 9, 2000. We weren't expected to get power back for several days and it was the SERIES FINALE of Beverly Hills 90210, so hubby rented us an awesome jacuzzi room for the night and the 3 of us had a ball! Ironic thing was, the clocks were flashing the next morning when I went back and I was able to calculate that our power came back on about 10 minutes before the show started. As I found out later, tho, the cable hadn't come back on until much later. Oh yes, it just happened to be our anniversary, too. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/12/2004 04:54:00 AM
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Thursday Threesome ::World Weary Traveler:: Onesome: World-- Okay, you've been here; you've been there. ...or maybe not. Is there someplace you think it would be cool to spend a holiday? Ladies Christmas in Hawaii, woohoo! I'd like an island without a volcano, please.
Twosome: Weary-- Have you ever had to deal with jet lag? How have you handled it? ...and which direction is worse for you, going East or going West? Just curious... Not really "jet lag", but on our vacation this past summer, hubby started living by the time zones, which was difficult for me. I tried to stay on Eastern time and get up about 7, but out in Vegas, he was more of the 7 a.m. Pacific time. He really suffered when he had to go back to work! I don't get the East/West worse thing, sorry.
Threesome: Traveler-- When you've traveled, what conveyance has bothered you the most? That camel in Morocco? The train ride through the Rockies? Your brother-in-law's Dodge? What just set your nerves on edge? My hubby often drove faster than he needed, which not only stupidly wasted gas, but I felt was dangerous...considering the HUGE camper we were towing! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/11/2004 01:42:00 PM
My sister: The Homeowner Yesterday, my sister and her hubby closed on their first home. I was excited to hear it, until I heard the WHOLE story. Now, *I* am having nightmares about it!
AND
THUMPING
MY
HEAD
ON
THE
TABLE
From the start, there were a TON of red flags. The tiny house was built in the 50s and sits on 2 acres. Sounds good, right?
Well, they bought in an area that is putting in new, HUGE-HOUSE subdivisions. Their cost was more than $20K than what we paid for our NEW house on an acre.
My sister knows NOTHING about owning a home on land; about 12 years ago, she and her new hubby bought a new trailer in a trailer park. It is completely trashed inside...so much that they know it is unsellable. And they still owe 8 years on it!
Hmm...what are they going to do? Why, pull it out and put it on their acreage! Well, that might be against township ordinances. So, they might just leave it and call their finance company and tell them they can foreclose on it. No kidding, these are their plans!
My mom, who worked in the loan dept of a bank for years, tried to talk to my sister about buying a house. All to NO avail.
The realtor is borderline con artist. She is married to the banker who got my sister and hubby approved. How they did it was probably illegal, too, considering the BANCRUPTCIES in their past.
They BORROWED money from her hubby's boss to put in their account, so they looked OK to the bank. Instead of returning the $$, my sister plans on using it to buy a new bed. This has NOT been OK'd by hubby's boss. YIKES!
Their payment is supposed to be just over $1000 per month. They can't afford it and my sister WILL NOT get a job because SHE is in COLLEGE (at least the next 3 years. This was news to her hubby, since she led EVERYONE to believe she is going to be a teacher and said her graduation is next May. It is, but it's just an associate's degree! DOH!)
Like I said, my sister and her hubby were very GREEN on the whole thing. The closing was at the real estate office, not a bank or title company. In fact, my sister has no idea what title insurance is! UGH UGH UGH!!!
Did they read the paperwork? Heck no! My sister thinks her payment will NEVER go up. She doesn't understand taxes and insurance go up each year, therefore, the payment will go up, too. My sister doesn't realize there is a HUGE difference btwn a fixed interest rate and a fixed PAYMENT. Nope, my mom was stupid.
It reminds me of the young couple who were buying the vacant lot next to us (not sure if that is going to happen, they haven't purchased the permit yet). The guy selling it to them said the taxes are just $100 a year. Well, YEAH, for HIM, but it is going to INCREASE DRAMATICALLY with a house and garage, etc. I tried to tell them that our taxes are nearly 30 times that, but they poo-poo'd my knowledge.
Thankfully, we didn't walk in with blinders on when we bought our house! We solicited info from the village, our nice neighbor, hubby's mom and Gusto's dad. CONSTANTLY. And even with all that, we were STILL pretty green on the whole thing!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that somehow, this all works out for them. I just pray my sister plays the lottery! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/11/2004 07:04:00 AM
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Paging Dr. Phil and Judge Judy: Stabbing at high school relived by witnesses The preliminary exam of Eric Schorling, 16, who is charged in the Sept. 27 stabbing at Romeo High School of Emily Lambert, his ex-girlfriend was yesterday.
I find this MOST chilling, even more than the dumb girl who KNEW it was going to happen and just walked away:
One witness said that "some students in the school say Schorling isn't being treated fairly and that he 'did it out of love.'" Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/10/2004 10:14:00 AM
On the run (AKA: No compassion for complete morons) Last Friday afternoon, a crotch-rocket-type motorcycle crashed & flipped in the empty lot next door to us. From my retreat window, I saw that the man wasn't moving and there were other guys there, so I called out, "Do you want me to call 911?"
"Yes, he's not moving!" So, I grabbed my cordless, punched in 911 and headed outside. His helmet was broken and about 30 feet from where he was laying.
Suddenly, the guy was frantically trying to get up. After 5 rings, the 911 operator came on and I described what was happened, while hollering at the other guys to NOT touch him...neck injury, closed-head injury, etc.
While I was busy with the operator, the two helpers started pulling the embedded bike out of the ditch. The injured guy wasn't able to stand on his own, but they helped sit him on the wrecked machine. He drove off, WITHOUT A HELMET, nearly putting the bike down 3 times in less than 1000 feet. Pieces were falling off as he went down the road.
The 911 operator was quite annoyed with me for calling when the guy didn't need an ambulance and he was NOT required to make an accident report. I begged her to notify the police in the surrounding townships and she said, "No, it's going to the Sheriff and they will decide." I argued with her that he was NOT moving when I dialed and was told to call by witnesses. Plus, he was breaking the law (no helmet) and could kill someone else in his condition, the way he was driving!
After getting off the phone with her, I hollered at the morons who helped him. One just left. The other lives right down the street from me and said he didn't know WHY the guy freaked out about an ambulance coming, but the injured guy said, "I gotta get out of here!"
I told him he was stupid for helping because now, that guy might kill someone. Guess what? He never thought about that. I promised that if I heard anything of the sort, I was going to make sure HIS name was brought into it...pulling the flipped bike out of the muddy ditch and putting him on the bike to ride away, WITHOUT A HELMET! Then, he looked scared. He didn't think the guy was drunk...drugs, don't know. He left scared shitless. MORON!
I came back in the house, grabbed my camera and took pics. The bike had gone off the road in my nice neighbor's ditch, continued through our ENTIRE ditch, even crossing over our driveway and culvert and finally crashed after passing over the easement culvert of the vacant lot. I would put it at 200 ft. Plus, the guy was traveling on the WRONG side of the road.
Since it was not an accident scene, I picked up the visibly-thrown helmet, so passing motorists wouldn't see it and freak out. And have MORE accidents. Or jerks cutting thru the easement wouldn't steal it. The helmet was placed on my patio table. I went back inside and chatted with Gusto on IM and hubby on the Nextel.
The next morning, a guy walked up our driveway, while hubby and I were moving the camper. He said his brother had been in a motorcycle accident next door and asked if we might have the helmet? I gave it to him and asked if his brother had killed anyone after he left. His eyes got wide. "No, but he's in the hospital for a while."
"That's good. I'm glad no one else was injured from his stupidity. So, what was he running from...warrants? No licensed to be driving? Was he stoned?"
The brother got a bit edgy. "I don't know why he ran. He was stupid."
"Want me to call our police and you can file a police report for him now? I have pictures you can use. The police officer lives just in town and I can get him over in a few minutes. I'm sure your brother will need a report for the insurance."
"No, it's no problem. He don't need one." And he was scared.
Hubby tried to be nice. "Is your brother going to be OK? That looked like a pretty bad crash, his helmet musta flew right off. I took a bad fall years ago on my bike, so I know how bad they can be."
"He's got a concussion and his shoulders are all broken up. He's pretty out of it right now."
"I'm just glad he didn't put anyone else out of it after he left. He was in NO condition to be driving and probably hurt himself more by moving!" I walked back into the camper, while hubby wished the guy well.
The brother spent at least 10 minutes walking up and down the ditch, picking up broken pieces. And, for another 20 or so, he was hunched over, almost INSPECTING it inch-by-inch. Rather odd. Hubby said, "Maybe the guy lost something small." That's funny, because the brother never mentioned it with the helmet or came back up to ask, even after I went in the house and hubby was outside alone.
Monday, I saw a two guys walking thru the ditches on our side of the road (at different times), but wrote it off. Yesterday, I there was a GROUP of *7* guys, on their hands and knees at times, going thru the ditches.
Methinks something major has been lost and hubby agreed, it must be of the ILLEGAL variety. That would explain the worry of police involvement. What a freakin' moron! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/10/2004 08:43:00 AM
Bullying and parent denial Over the weekend, Munchkin told me she was being threatened on the Internet by Jodie, her former best friend. Then, she showed me the proof: message board entries, e-mails forwarded from mutual friends and her own e-mail acct.
Threats like, "if you look at me, I will drill you," and "if you try to leave this message board, I will kill you." Similar things in the e-mails Jodie sent to their mutual friends.
Scarier tho, is how vicious and obsessive Jodie gets about Munchkin maintaining a good friendship with another girl, Brianna. They talk in school and online and Jodie has threatened that if Munchkin "takes" Brianna to talk to her, Jodie will "drill (her) into the lockers."
"Drill," Jodie's mom informed me, "is just hitting."
Oh yes, Jodie's mom. After a LONG discussion about the situation, I walked less than 2 blocks to chat with Jodie's mom, who I have gotten along with in the past. Heck, last June, I even made copies of my chorus concert pictures for Jodie's mom because she had forgotten her camera. This year, the girls don't have any classes or lunch hour together, nor do they ride the same bus. On the plus side, Munchkin has made quite a few new friends and strengthened other friendships.
Needless to say, Munchkin was worried about Jodie starting a fight with her...if Munchkin acts in self-defense, whether it is to block a punch or push Jodie away after Jodie touches her first, Munchkin would STILL be suspended. There is no "self-defense" argument in our district. Furthermore, Jodie supposedly has "asthma," so if she has an "attack," Munchkin could be blamed for it. Also, at their ages, the police could be called for an assault.
I took printouts of the message board and e-mails and stood on their porch while she read them in her jammies at 2 p.m. She asked, "Why are you even here?" like I was a Jehovah Witness. I told her that I was worried that tomorrow could come with a phone call from the school about Jodie hitting Munchkin and the trouble that goes along with it. She just rolled her eyes.
Then, she began to lecture me that "THIS is the way kids talk to each other today," "it's completely normal" and "they learn it from watching TV and movies and listening to music."
They do? Huh, it's not acceptable in my house. She rolled her eyes again. "WE grew up in a different generation, hun." So I told her, "Not really, I've been out of high school for just 15 years.
She also tried to claim that she sits right next to Jodie when she is typing on the Net and reads everything she sends. I called her bluff by reminding her that she hadn't previously read what I had just given her (because she had misquoted it and told me I was lying, so I had to show her where she was wrong. Also, most of Jodie's entries were written btwn 11:30 p.m. and midnight.)
Not only that, but she preached that Jodie is SUCH a good Christian and they are a church-going family and Jodie gets almost straight As (complete lie, she didn't even make the Honor Roll this first marking period! geez!), is going to go to a good school and she would NEVER do anything stupid!
Well, aren't THOSE the famous last words!??! I can't help but wonder why she was telling ME all this, instead of Jodie?
Of course, Jodie's mom said, "It's not like Munchkin is Miss Innocent. She's got a mouth that won't quit!"
Hmmm, OK. Gimme info. I asked, "Is Munchkin threatening to kill or 'drill' Jodie?" Uh, no. "Is Munchkin behaving rudely?" Uh, no. Munchkin "just talks and talks and talks and Jodie finds that really annoying."
I was dumbfounded, so I summed it up, "So, you justify Jodie's bullying because she can't take somebody talking too much?"
Well, she informed me, I am taking this MUCH too seriously and she doesn't appreciate me accusing her daughter of being so stupid, and again, "why the HELL (was I) over there?"
Siiiiigh...I never said Jodie was stupid or dumb or a bitch, etc. I again stated that Jodie made specific threats that pertained to Monday and I was hoping to make her aware that there could be a phone call from the school.
Her sarcasm revealed her stupidity. "Well, if Jodie punches Munchkin at school, THEY can deal with it there! That's not MY problem."
I walked off their porch. "Ok, I just wanted to make you aware. Thank you for your time!"
As she closed her door, she called me a bitch. Such good Christians!
When I got home, I told Munchkin what I had done, then chatted with Gusto and did a few chores and went back in to check on my paper-writing daughter (term paper for her Issues class on being a Muslim.)
"Real quick, name 5 people that Jodie is no longer friends with!"
"Huh? Uh...Heather, Crystal, Emma, Stefani and Lora," she counted on her hand. "Need more?"
I grabbed my directory and called Heather's mom and Crystal's mom to ask them if they knew why their daughters weren't friends with Jodie. Pretty much, the main reason was Jodie's bossiness and insults. I didn't go into the story, and neither asked, but BOTH seemed to know.
It was creepy to hear BOTH mothers mention how Jodie was obsessed with Brianna and I hadn't even mentioned her! I asked if their daughters were having any problems with Munchkin and both were surprised that I would even ask! And BOTH mom's assured me that if there was ever any problem with our daughters, they would definitely phone me and want that same call in return. Oh, yeah!
There wasn't any "not MY kid" attitude. Instead, we agreed to HELP our kids and each other!
No "drilling" here, please move on. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/08/2004 12:26:00 PM
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to speak in great length during an interview with Kim Peek and his father, Fran. Kim correctly named where I live by my ZIP code AND told me a joke. Plus, he had ready a plethora of Detroit sports trivia! And he shared a personal story about the area where I grew up.
Kim is an AWESOME person and if you ever get the chance to meet with him or hear him speak, it's well-worth attending! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/08/2004 10:52:00 AM
Sunday, November 07, 2004
"Election-year oddity?" Not really... "The red states that vote Republican, the party pushing for smaller government, usually get more benefits from federal programs than they pay in federal taxes. Contrariwise, the liberal blue states are mostly net losers in that balance, notes Herman Leonard, a Harvard University economist who has studied the issue. So small-government voters benefit most from big government."
David R. Francis, Christian Science Monitor
Oh, and my mom made a cool prediction...she thinks that the next health problem VP Cheney experiences, will have him resigning, and President Bush bringing in Rudy Giuliani as VP. Republicans are going to need a STRONG candidate for 2008 and we bet it will be him.
(I call dibs on this for the soon-coming 2005 Death Pool "wild card" category!) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/07/2004 06:10:00 PM
Job-hunting update By 9:15 a.m., I had already faxed 2 resumes with cover letters, printed out 10 duplicates for my Monday Morning Mailing and put together my 9"x12" envelopes.
I know many companies who prefer faxes, do so for the anonymity, but before I dialed them, my fingers flew across my keyboard, and in less than 5 minutes, I knew EXACTLY who the hiring companies were and where they were located. With the same search procedures, I was able to narrow down a field of 5 to just 2, both within 20 miles of my house, instead of wasting time on places like Southfield and Troy, which are at least 50 miles each way for me, but probably a 2-hour drive EACH WAY!
No thanks!
I am not discouraged because I know many people with college degrees who are not able to find work in their area. Also, as my office manager mother-in-law has told me, many people who are placing Help Wanted ads right now, are not expecting the MASSIVE turnout they are receiving. Just looking at the stacks of applications and resumes can be quite intimidating. Then, beginning to weed through them for QUALIFIED help can take days and days.
Of course, my mother-in-law has assured me, she will hire me as a receptionist in their other office if I want employment. "No, but thank you."
The job offered is in Southfield. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/07/2004 10:26:00 AM
Friday, November 05, 2004
Friday Frou Frou: Home Sweet Home Home 1. How would you feel about living in your current home forever? I would LOVE it! Having moved so many times when I was younger (my parents often rented), it is nice to know that this is our home.
2. If you could make one major addition to your home, what would you add? I need a storage shed for MY stuff that my husband won't put in his polebarn.
Sweet 1. Is there a sweet scent that brings back fond memories of growing up in your home? Nope.
2. Were sweets a big part of your childhood? Not really, except helping my mom make the Christmas cookies. Even cakes and pies were pretty rare (my mom didn't make desserts)...all of our bdays ran from Labor Day to New Year's Day, with my mom, brother and me having just 10 days btwn them, not to mention mine usually falls right along with Thanksgiving, as in PIES. Basically, we went most of the year with very minimal sweets in our lives.
Home 1. What ONE chore seems to make the house seem cleaner for you? It's very close btwn dishes and vacuuming, but I think vacuuming is my favorite.
2. Are shoes allowed to be worn while walking inside your home? As long as they aren't muddy or wet, I don't have a cow over it. My mother, on the other hand, will NOT allow ANY shoes beyond the back rug, not even if you are The Guest Of Honor. Growing up, I was taught to ALWAYS take my shoes off at the door, and I have pressed that into the kids, but it seems to be a fading manner. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/05/2004 03:49:00 PM
Michigan vs. New York I had to double-check the state that this accident happened...I read Geneseo as Genesee, then they mentioned Mt. Morris and Livingston County. Confusing! I was almost ready to have a field trip with Neeko!
"The trucks tires resembled giant chocolate-covered donuts."
Gotta love the irony of the driver's name: Nestlerode. Priceless! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/05/2004 11:50:00 AM
In other politics... And I thought Michigan was bad!
Alabama faces recount over segregationist laws Amendment would remove long-unenforced provisions "(CNN) -- A proposed amendment that would remove long-unenforced segregationist provisions from the Alabama Constitution trailed by a razor-thin margin Thursday and faces a recount."
GOP's Coburn wins bruising Senate race in Oklahoma "During the campaign, Coburn, 56, said he favored the death penalty for doctors who perform abortions and mentioned hearing of 'rampant lesbianism' in southeastern Oklahoma schools. Referring to state legislators, Coburn said the state had not prospered because of 'crapheads in Oklahoma City.'"
At least this one was humorous, but c'mon, Nevada, shouldn't it be roulette or blackjack? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/05/2004 07:21:00 AM
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Voting drama My mother told me that my sister supposedly had trouble at her polling place. She claimed to my mother that they gave her *2* ballots that were accidentally stuck together and nobody realized it until she went to put it into the scanner.
So, she went back to the ballot-giving lady and they gave her a new ballot to fill out (mark the dots, font and back of paper.) End of story.
It doesn't exactly take Encyclopedia Brown to realize my sister is lying, but WHY would she lie is another question for another day.
My mother was surprised when I called my sister a liar about the entire episode, so I proceeded to defend my stance.
1. ALL BALLOTS ARE NUMBERED! If my sister was given *2* ballots, the ENTIRE process would have been completely off. There are a number of checks and balances. When I checked in and received my ballot, I was #21 and my name was written in the book next to #21. Then, my #21 ballot sticker was placed next to my name. Checks and balances.
What supposedly happened to my sister would have shut down the ENTIRE poll for at least a few minutes. Think about it...THERE WAS A BALLOT MISSING! Everyone knows that is HUGE, as in Potential Ballot Tampering.
As the very least, all the people after her would have been wrongly numbered and probably would have needed new ballots, too.
2. No one reported the irregularity. Believe me, the local papers around here are BEGGING for knowledge of incidents like hers.
3. Why would she get a NEW ballot, making that #3? She could have easily kept one of them and just finished the other side.
With her lack of knowledge about the entire procedure, I have to wonder if my sister has EVER even voted! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/04/2004 02:07:00 PM
Onesome: Winnie the Pooh-- What was your favorite book series as a kid? Was there one you tried to find the complete set to read? ...or maybe just one book you remember well? I was positively thrilled to receive the complete set of Paddington Books for my 8th birthday. In fact, I still have it. Well, actually, Munchkin does.
Twosome: and the-- holidays are just around the corner? Are you ready for things? ...or are you too immersed in life to even think about it? I'm rather well-prepared for the holidays...my kids are nearly bought for already!
Threesome: Blustery Day-- Hey, what do you like to do on a stormy day when you're not working or in school? Do you curl up with a book? Watch TV? Bake? How do you pass the time when you don't feel like going "out in it"? Puter-putter, puter-putter Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
11/04/2004 08:36:00 AM
