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Friday, October 28, 2005
Friday Frou Frou: On the hunt Treasure hunt 1. If you uncovered one, what would you want to discover inside your treasure box? Lotsa money, lolol. 2. What are you always hunting to find? An ink pen. I buy them, but they are always being borrowed...at home, at work, in my Jeep.
Fox hunt 1. Have you seen a fox near your home? Yep, years ago, we saw one many times when living in Oakland County. Lately, there has been another coming out of the corn patch just down the road. 2. What was the last subject you "hunted down" online? "PhotoBucket" for hosting my online images. Seems pretty kewl.
Helen Hunt 1. Who is your favorite "Helen"? Since Ms. Keller has been taken (for very good reasons), I will throw out Cosmo Girl, Helen Gurley Brown. 2. If you were asked to go hunting for deer with a friend, would you go? Nope, I'm not into killing the meat that I cook. Hubby's tried to get me interested in hunting and shooting, but the only thing I'm comfy shooting os my camera.
See ID Now that I work in A Financial Institution, I feel the need to "edumacate" a few of the finer, but lesser-known facts of the money world.
Or plastic world, in this case.
Please sign the back of your credit/debit cards. DO NOT WRITE, "SEE ID."
Most people do not read the fine print of a credit card contract, but within the wordiness is you MUST sign it with your name.
Otherwise, let me tell you, if it is lost or stolen and there is fraud involved, YOU WILL BE LIABLE. And with credit card fraud on the increase, it's in the billions now, companies are looking for ANY way to get out of paying.
When you report it to the company, don't try to lie, either. What some of the Big Guys are doing is requesting to see a driver's license/state ID AND another CC while doing the report. If they see that CC has "See ID" instead of a signature, they may code the stolen card as "Confiscate, call number on back of card immediately."
And if it is used after that flag goes out, the CC company will be able to find out what was actually on the back of the card.
The whole liable for nothing or up to $50 will NOT apply if you have violated the agreement by not signing your card.
Of course, this is the Internet and I could be full of it, so if you don't believe me, just call your CC company. Or actually READ the fine print of a CC disclosure. It's that easy, I bet there is one in your mailbox today!
Every day on the radio, I hear how the cost of heating is going up this winter. So, a trip to Walmart for more area rugs, stripping, caulk and plastic for the inside of my screens. Spending $100 now will save me hundreds this winter.
Last January, we bought a new thermostat for the house, a 5-1-1 programmable. Hubby put it in and I set the times and temps. The first month, which was HARSH, that little investment more than paid for itself! Cost: 50, savings: 70.
Not too long ago, I went to a really good seminar on saving money. It had the usual tricks, like not spending change, direct deposit, cutting down on coffees/eating out/cigarettes, etc. Tracking spending is advised, but doesn't seem realistic for most people.
There were a few lump-sum goodies, too, like when buying a vehicle from a dealership, do NOT purchase the GAP/disability/credit life insurance from them. Instead go through the lending company and you can usually save 50%.
Doesn't seem like much until you look at it as possibly making 2 extra payments, right?
Another good way to lump-sum save is insurance shopping, then putting away the savings. Or my fave, which we do, is giving us adults an "allowance." Instead of feeling tightened by a budget, this $20 is our "freedom money."
That freedom keeps us saving, and having savings keeps us freer!
Going to Gusto's Last Friday, I made the 4+ hour trip to spend the weekend with Gusto. No hubby, no kids, no dog and no cats. Just me and my Jeep.
Gusto and I desperately needed "girl time," a chat fest and a reminder of how good we work together.
Our project, because we ALWAYS have a project going, was putting up The Hugest Mostest Beautiful Christmas Tree Ever. (Pics later) The delicate glass ornaments are in the big plastic tubs, wrapped in tissue paper. EACH WRAPPED IN TISSUE PAPER.
Literally, more than a thousand individual pieces. Probably 8 totes.
It really wasn't difficult, although it sounds crazy to be putting up a 12-14 ft Christmas tree in October. We spent from 10 a.m. til 2 a.m. Saturday doing it, no complaints. Her mom helped, too, but she gave us our necessary space. We were like old times.
My calf muscles have felt The Burn since, lots of trips up/down the ladder and stairs, kneeling, etc. Only 6, or maybe 8, ornaments were broken, not all by me, either! A true record for shattering glass, but sad reality of wood floors vs. wall-to-wall carpeting.
Instead of us being terribly sad at our parting, I felt energized. It was a bit daunting to do the whole haul alone, but actually worked BEST. My Jeep and I plan to try again next month.
Because Gusto and I have other "projects" to tackle, even if it's just girl-chat and brownie sampling.
Friday Frou Frou: Sayin' it like it is A skeleton in the cupboard 1. What is the best Halloween decoration you have seen so far this year? Gusto sent me a cute card that has generated quite a bit of oohs and aahs. Good conversation piece at work. 2. What is one item you think most people would be surprised to find in your kitchen cupboard? An box of brownies mix. teehee It's usually a buy-n-bake item.
People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones 1. Is there usually an occasion that you invite people over to your house, or do you throw parties just to have an excuse to have people over? It's usually a special occasion because we aren't big on entertaining. 2. What is your favorite gem stone? I still have a thing for aquamarines.
An arm and a leg 1. Do you have any accessories (not clothing) on either of your arms right now? I am wearing a watch and a diamond tennis bracelet. 2. Which do you prefer: chicken leg or chicken breast? Leg, since I like dark meat best. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/21/2005 07:03:00 AM
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Back to Main Forgot to I mention that I got a temp transfer to Main. Gotta finish my training QUICK. I just found out late last week that I was going this week.
I turned down the Head Teller position AGAIN. First day back at Main, I had a private audience with The Prez. He's stumped as to why I DON'T WANT MORE MONEY.
Of course, I could just focus on the money and ditch the gut feeling that I'm not ready. But I'm too darn honest. Anyway, the raise in pay would just be wasted on Maalox and Excedrin.
In fact, The Powers That Be really want me to stay at Main. They heard me say hubby is just 2 miles down the road now at his new shop. Wouldn't I like to be near my hubby? We could do lunch and see each other more.
Nope.
Munchkin is 1/2 a mile away from my regular office. She wants me near her. And she trumps hubby.
Everyone loves me over at Main, too. Because I bake goodies. Nothing says friendship like good food, especially warm treats.
Today, my best buddy from my reg office is taking me to lunch. She lives right down the street from Main and it's her day off. That's a great way to get over Hump Day!
And only 2 more days til Going to Gusto's!
What I'm reading now: "Death's fat chance," in the New York Daily News, but the irony is the Barix Clinic's ad at the top of the page that states, "America's Leader in Bariatric Surgery." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/19/2005 07:26:00 AM
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
This picture made me laugh, especially thinking of how Gusto will be cringing. Hey, why don't you send an e-mail over to the photo editor? teehee
Speaking of Gusto, Friday night, I am heading up to her place for the weekend. Yep, leaving right from work. We have a humungous Christmas tree to get ready. And lots of chitchat, too. Plus, I gotta see what new ornaments they have bought over the past 10 months!
Remembering 1995 Yesterday, my mom, Munchkin and I went to the ballet, "Cinderella."
The star ballerina is Munchkin's former dance teacher, who now lives in Atlanta and is pursuing her dream.
Munchkin was absolutely delighted to receive a specially signed program from The Star. She is quite impressed with her former teacher's success.
Oh yeah, and the new Cheap Charlie's, which took over the old ChiChi's, was a delicious lunch for us glammed up gals. It tasted just like old times, Lulu.
Friday Frou Frou: Time to Tango Square Dancing 1. Do you have a town square in the area you live in? Not really, because our town is so small. 2. Do you like watching people dance, as in "Lord of the Dance" or ballroom dancing competitions? Yes, but it must be a LIVE performance or an old, classy movie.
Hula Dancing 1. What do you think you would like best about Hawaii if you visited? I'd love to see their sandy beaches and blue blue water. 2. What style of dancing do you most enjoy watching? Ballet or tap, but hula always makes me want to find a class.
Dirty Dancing 1. What is your favorite edible "dirty little pleasure"? Eating milk chocolate frosting with a spoon right from the container. 2. Which 80s movie do you prefer, "Dirty Dancing" or "Footloose"? Footloose, of course. The "public dancing is forbidden" concept was REAL. Both movies had awesome soundtracks, though.
A pain in the... This afternoon, I have a chiropractic appt. My lower back, especially, has been causing me a lot of pain that's not going away.
This time, *I* chose my chiropractor. Last time, Hubby picked a real psycho for us. My doc is one of my regulars and has an honesty halo about him that is rare.
Did I mention he gets from MY "private candy stash." Yup.
Thank goodness I made the appt because I literally just found out that I have been temp transferred back to the Main Branch for final training. Because of a few special circumstances, "next month" got changed to "starting Monday."
Dammit! So much for stressing the next few weeks about going back there, since I just have a few hours to freak out.
That's OK, though, because hubby is thrilled we will be lunching together occasionally, since we will be just a mere 2 miles apart for a few weeks!
Oh yeah, and I will have my chiropractor set up to relieve my body of all my stress and pains.
What I'm reading now: Online articles about Jean-Paul Sartre, the French writer who declined the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/13/2005 11:21:00 AM
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Seeing beauty While taking out the (extra) garbage this evening, I actually saw my yard. REALLY saw its beauty that I helped create.
The barely-there bushes from when we first moved in are now almost tree-size! In fact, next to our driveway is one approaching 10 ft! The others are growing up or growing out, depending on their type. And they are going thru the pretty fall color changes.
The little pine tree, not even a foot tall, I saved when they reset and paved our road that first summer (2001) is now as tall as my stepson, who is 5'9"!
At work, I have decorated my office in sunflowers. Picture frames and a sunflower garland line my desk. Plus, there is a pretty sunflower card from Gusto on display that gets LOTS of compliments.
And with Halloween approaching, I have added pumpkins for a beautiful contrast. It's a little here-n-there that make it so much fun!
Today, Gusto's cute orange Halloween card with the black cats will take its place on my desk. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/12/2005 08:44:00 PM
It makes NO sense. Even a child can see the potential for journalism to lose all credibility when bloggers are on the same pedestal as REAL journalism sources. There isn't the same accountability. Or ethics. Or training.
Kinda like using the National Enquirer for regular news.
So few people even THINK about checking sources. Heck, I still get scam e-mails that the sender didn't bother to check Snopes. And some of these people have been online since before me (this month marks 8 years.)
Last week, Lulu forwarded me an e-mail that contained incorrect info on Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers and admitted although she had not begun to research, she believed it.
Literally, a minute later, I found out via Google News that the "info" came from a SATIRE site. Still, it was potentially inflammatory, so it was already making the rounds on the Net. On Lulu's behalf, it WAS a fresh piece of gossip.
It's interesting to note the timing of this Yahoo! decision. This Friday, George Clooney's new film, "Good Night, and Good Luck," is on full release, and he is busy reminding people the power of journalism while he hawks his fact-driven movie.
Journalism is about facts, double-checking, sources and accountability. Even when the Big Guys -- like The New York Times, ABC, FOX, etc. -- screw up, at least there is accountability and ethics. Bloggers aren't in the same league with their op-ed pieces. Heck, will they even use their own names?
Unfortunately, many people who use the Net aren't smart enough to know the difference btwn fact and opinion. And that scares the hell out of me. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/11/2005 06:24:00 AM
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Why does it seem like fewer and fewer drivers follow the rules about a 4-way stop?
For example, in the last few weeks, I have repeatedly noticed a guy in a red pickup at my first 4-way stop who slows down, but doesn't come to a stop.
Instead, he ACCELERATES when everyone else is stopping. It's like, "Hey, seeing as y'all are stopped, I'll just GO!"
Have you ever noticed how awful people drive their carts in the 24-hour grocery store aisles, like SuperWalmart and Meijers? I am simply amazed at how many women will leave their cart in the middle of an aisle, then walk up and down it. Move the buggy out of the way and suddenly, they are all possessive and defensive, like I just asked their weight and birthdate. During their glowers and mumbles, I just smile.
I don't know how many times I have been tempted to start SHOPPING out of an "abandoned" cart. That might be a fun thing to do, kinda like talking with a southern accent all day or rhyming everything. It's not stealing because the items aren't yet paid for, right? And maybe the Supreme Court garbage ruling kinda applies here, too, right?
Of course, that might be rude, so maybe I should stick with my fun idea of assisting the busy gals with their shopping? Maybe toss in their cart in a bottle of Astroglide or box of Abreva.
I still follow the rules of common courtesy. But I can still have a few "evil" thoughts, right? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/09/2005 09:01:00 PM
Friday, October 07, 2005
Friday Frou Frou: The road less traveled Road Kill 1. What is the name of the road you travel on the most? Ray. I drive it and even walk it occasionally. 2. If you see a spider in your home, do you kill it, shoo it away, or trap it and take it outside? It goes outside. Daddy longlegs will be picked up, but those little, black hairy things are trapped before relocation.
Road Rage 1. What have you liked/disliked about the names of the roads on which you have lived? Having lived on the likes of Main St., __ Mile Road, 10th Street, etc., they have all been pretty easy to spell. Now, though, my road is CONSTANTLY mispelled because there is a Y, not I and just 1 M, not 2. 2. When you are really in a rage, is your first reaction to scream, go silent, cry or something else? I go silent, very silent.
Road construction 1. How bad is road construction in your area right now? Do you have to make any detours? I'm not personally affected often, but they did a (crappy) repave this past summer that got me for 3 weeks on my daily travels to work. 2. What is the WORST road that needs reconstruction that you travel? Does it need more space or new paving, etc.? It's not really the roads that are so bad, but the RAILROAD TRACKS that need to be reset. Many crosses are teeth shattering to drive more than 10 mph. Not cool when the speed limits are 45-55 mph! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/07/2005 07:05:00 AM
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Our yearly Death Pool includes a WILDCARD where we made an off-the-wall prediction.
Last December, I creatively came up a Real Doozy.
"VP Cheney will resign and Rudy Guiliani will be nominated as his replacement."
Earlier this week, Guiliani came back to the forefront being questioned if he would be running for the Presidency in 2008. Most people are betting yes, even though he's TRYING to seem vague about his "political visions."
Yesterday, a story broke that Vice President Cheney had employed a Marine who turned spy for the Philippines.
DELICIOUS!
Truly, my best guess would have been the VP resigning due to health issues. It would have been a very dignified way to bring in the next potential Republican presidential candidate and give him a HUGE boost of experience and notoriety, especially since it is pretty certain that Sen.-former-First-Lady Hillary Clinton is going to be the Democratic candidate.
I love a good conspiracy theory. Have I mentioned my current reading material is the fictional, "Hit Man"? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/06/2005 09:20:00 AM
Today is my "day off" Several of my younger coworkers attend college and honestly, I don't know how they will survive real life when they have to work FULL-TIME.
There is a 20something gal who works 2-3 days a week and attends 2 classes, she lives with her parents and doesn't have kids or even pets. As we were leaving last night and everyone was telling me to have a good day off, she said, "It must be nice to have a DAY OFF!"
A day off? I have already vacuumed the house, changed all the litter boxes, swept 'n hand-washed the kitchen floor and completed 2 loads of laundry. And it's not even 8 a.m.!
Plus, my dog is antsy to go for a walk, but we have to wait until the post office opens. This afternoon, I have errands for hubby and gotta get Munchkin from school.
It annoys me when people use that guilt trip, "It must be nice to..." Like, "It must be nice to afford that vacation! I never get anything that good." But if you think about it, the person is bragging about buying new stuff and taking "long weekends." What they don't realize is that they should evaluate their own lives.
Like, "It must be nice to have the time to exercise each day!" But I get up HOURS EARLIER than I absolutely need for work and instead of watching TV or movies, I take my dog for a walk.
Like, "It must be nice to have a day off! I have to work all the time, go to school, etc." But those are choices that the person has made. Got a car payment, credit card bills, etc.? YOU CREATED THOSE! Please don't try to guilt trip me because of your choices. Believe me, I have a family to take care of and plenty of responsibilities.
My divorced 30something girlfriend, who works full-time and has a dog, is taking a college course after work each Monday. There hasn't been a whimper of "poor me" from her, though! And she even has to wash her own laundry. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/06/2005 07:43:00 AM
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Advertising fear I really HATE hearing those Onstar commercials on the radio.
Having been in several serious car accidents, including one during my pregnancy, it's disturbing to hear. Yes, they happen, but I hate the SHOCK/SCARE value Onstar is going after...
Let's face it, wouldn't Verizon Wireless be vilified if they played snippets of, say, the kids in Columbine, to hawk the vitalness of their cellphones? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
10/05/2005 07:25:00 AM
