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Saturday, April 29, 2006
Mexican in GringoLand My maternal great-grandparents came to the US from Mexico in the 1920s. My grandfather was their first child born in the US. In Texas.
My mom was very much against all the "illegals," which I found pretty darn funny. Sometimes, I think she has trouble remembering that I know we don't have a spit of Spanish in us. And I'm not ashamed of my heritage.
"Can I see the Golden Ticket the US sent to your grandparents to bring them in?" I asked her.
It's plain to see, her grandparents ILLEGALLY crossed the Rio Grande. Duh.
Now, her tune has changed. America is a melting pot.
This afternoon, we had lunch at a little Mexican diner before going to Munchkin's play. We got chatting with the Mexican owners, who agreed with me that my mom should open a Mexican store in our area. They have to drive nearly 50 miles to get their supplies, which sucks.
It really put a bug in my mom's ear. Neither her, nor my dad, are getting younger and good jobs are hard to find for 60-year-old cranky people. They want to move out of GringoLand when my dad retires.
So, we actually talked more about it while waiting for the play to start.
Both of us agreed that she'd run the store great. What about my dad? His job, after much thought, would be to sit by the front doors and talk in his wannabee Mexican accent and tell Mexican jokes while wearing a sombrero and matching outfit. Btwn siestas. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/29/2006 03:14:00 PM
Monday, April 24, 2006
Child labor lives on here Growing up, we had chores. My mother paid us an allowance each Friday. I got a whole dollar for doing what I was assigned, maybe more if I did something extraordinary.
That money was for me to spend or save or whatever. If I wanted Cookie Crisp cereal, I paid for the luxury out of my own money. If I wanted a silly shirt or toy, I had to save up for it. If I wanted hot lunch, it came from my own pocket.
My kids get an allowance. Munchkin's is $20, $5 of which is direct deposited into her savings account. This is her "pin" money, but she earns it through putting dishes away, vacuuming the house, cleaning the kids' bathroom, etc.
If she wants an ice cappucino while we are out, she buys her own. She wants makeup or cellphone cover, HER wallet opens. Not mine.
This arrangement keeps me from being the Bank of Mom. And it has taught my kids the value of money and prioritizing luxuries. (Which would explain Munchkin's love for resale and dollar stores.)
Yet, many people are horrified that I give allowances, especially for child labor. As soon as the lecture starts, I'm ready.
If a kid doesn't buy something him/herself, how will they EVER learn to truly appreciate owning it? Taking care of it? Waste and abuse is so much less when you've had to truly EARN something.
Of course, I have heard, "Well, I just give my child money each week." Why? For blessing the world with their presence? For breathing? For not getting arrested?
Let's face it, I'm also teaching my kids a trade. Cleaning is an honest profession, just ask Molly Maid. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/24/2006 07:08:00 AM
Friday, April 21, 2006
Friday Frou Frou: Hmmm... Incision Decision 1. Have you ever had elective surgery? If so, what? Yep, I just had a tubal ligation. 2. What made you decide to do the FFF this week? I have a few extra minutes on a Friday morning to get it done! It usually has to wait until the weekend to be finished.
Executive decision 1. If you could be the CEO of any existing company, who would you choose?Ben and Jerry's and I'd like my pay to be in Chunky Monkey® and Chocolate Fudge Brownie™ 2. What kind of decisions are hard for you to make? Unsecured "signature" loans, approve or deny.
Decisions, decisions 1. Google or Yahoo! 2. CNN or FARK? 3. Oprah show or Oprah magazine? 4. Big 3 or "foreign" car? 5. Fat free or sugar free? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/21/2006 06:28:00 AM
Ten years ago, hubby, Lulu (without Lulu, my life would not be what it is today -- everything changed when she and I met -- there wouldn't have been the smart decision to keep hubby, to ditch Rob, to BELIEVE in myself), Nina and several other VIPs walked into the 2nd story courtroom. My support system.
They met Satan for the first time.
We walked out with my scared little girl, who carried a tiny suitcase of her stuff. She met her future daddy that day. And my daughter wasn't so scared anymore. She had him wrapped around her little finger by the time we got in the car.
Even more-so today.
That beautiful afternoon, the 3 of us ate lunch at the mall and took pictures in the photo booth, before heading back to Lulu's house for a small IT'S A FAMILY party. Then, Munchkin and I drove to our house for the night, while hubby rented a huge moving truck.
Lulu, Nina, hubby and his brother had to be at my parents house the next morning at 6 a.m. My parents wanted ALL of Munchkin's stuff GONE, so they loaded it up. I was barred. My parents somehow believed I was NEVER going to let them see Munchkin again. Because THEIR lawyer said so.
Instead, I let Munchkin call them. And 2 weeks later, my parents had her for the day. Two weeks ago, she spent Spring Break with them.
It's been rocky over the years with my parents, of course. Fortunately, Munchkin has adjusted quite well. She is loved and adored and truly the center of my world. She KNOWS it.
Other fun with my sister: 1. Southfield residents do NOT vote for the Detroit city mayor. My super intelligent sister tried to say THEY DO. Because SHE KNOWS and I'm evidently stupid to believe they don't. (Side note: Southfield and Detroit aren't even in the same freakin' counties!)
2. My sister has decided that our youngest older brother is gay. At 40, he's never been married and supposedly is living with a male friend, who has a HUGE house. Not that my brother IS gay, but according to her, he MUST be. Forget the fact that he has 2 kids by 2 different women and a LONG list of girl-friends. He doesn't talk to her now, so she has decided to tell people he's gay.
4. That it takes her just 45 minutes to drive more than 70 miles to her work on congested freeways and major highways with orange-cone season in full swing. And my sister supposedly NEVER drives faster than 65 mph. She gave me The Evil Eye when I asked why she leaves at 7 a.m. to get to work at 8:30 then? "In case there is a delay." Further death glares when I told her that I was going to come over to her house one day and ride to work with her because I lived in Oakland County and drove to Southfield and she was beating the laws of science.
5. According to her, "NOBODY with a REAL job has time to cook a meal, or even a cake", anymore. I was dumbfounded. "Sure, I do, all the time. We rarely eat out. If you plan your meals and do all your shopping at once, it's actually quicker." It's a big deal if my sister makes tacos at home, which happens about once a month. Oh yeah, my sister has a REAL job. Like *I* don't.
6. They have "so much money now" with her working, they "don't know what to do with it all." It's not like they pay their bills! They eat out almost every meal. She is trying to find a way to get out of paying on her student loans and the trailer they trashed and tried to default on when they moved into their house. She won't buy Propane to heat their house properly because it's too expensive. My mom has to wear her winter coat and shoes in there when she visits! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/17/2006 04:11:00 PM
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Spawn of Satan My sister is Satan. Her youngest daughter is The Spawn Of Satan.
Today, Munchkin and I went over to my parents' house for Easter dinner. Hubby stayed home because he was hacking up gunk like Schnotz. No especially appetizing.
My mom invited my sister and her family. Needless to say, my dad ate his meal in his bedroom. Alone.
My sister was argumentative, especially with me. Even her husband remarked on it. She got REALLY bad after I called shenanigans on her claim that my mom ONLY made sweet potatoes ONCE A YEAR when we were growing up. My mom made sweet potatoes EVERY big holiday meal...Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, it wasn't odd for her to make a turkey feast in June, which had all the staples.
All she was trying to do was impress her daughters.
After the meal, my mom suggested we go for a walk in the park. So, everyone but my dad went. My sister's daughters rode their scooters.
Evidently, my sister has NEVER taught her daughters to listen or how to ride them safely. They kept zipping in and out btwn us walking. I was getting PO'd because that is just an accident waiting to happen. My sister and her husband were oblivious to everything.
We were about 1/2 way around the park path when Spawn stopped in the middle just in front of us. We started moving to the sides, and as I turned around to tell my mom to be careful, Spawn did a 90 degree turn of her scooter as my mom stepped by and my mom nearly tripped.
Spawn started laughing. SHE HAD DONE IT INTENTIONALLY! Even worse, my sister and her husband started laughing about Spawn trying to make my mom fall! NO KIDDING! They called my mom a KLUTZ!
There was no apology from any of them. Not even a, "Spawn, you shouldn't have done that." They snickered. We fumed.
Then, Spawn started heading back thru the 5 of us. Suddenly, my mom put her arm out and Spawn nearly fell. "Oh, whoops," my mom said without emotion.
As Spawn tried to pass me, I stepped into the middle of the path. Again, she nearly fell, but I grabbed her scooter and kept her upright. She let out a little shriek and I asked, "Not too funny when it's YOUR ass that's gonna hit the ground, eh?"
My sister FINALLY got mad, AT ME, and told her daughter to ride up away from us. ABOUT DAMN TIME, BIATCH! In the next 3/4 mile, she had to repeat that to them 7 more times because they STILL kept trying to ride into us. NO KIDDING!
Plus, they nearly ran a jogger off the path, too! Neither my sister nor her husband apologized to the girl. And they didn't even holler at their brats.
I said to Munchkin loudly, "If that was you, I'd beat your ass!"
As we finished the path, my sister huffed, "We're leaving as soon as we get back!"
Now, my sister knows that my mom is a diabetic and has several ankle injuries that took quite awhile to heal because of it. Did SHE care that her little Spawn could have caused my 58-year-old, insulin-dependent mom serious injury? HECK NO!
Spawn has no manners or common sense. She's 11, not a young child who doesn't know better. She INTENTIONALLY tried to physically harm her own grandma! How freakin' evil is that?!!?
It's a VERY good thing they left right away because my dad nearly went off the deep end when I told him what happened. He let slip that my mom has to go in next week for bloodwork because they think she may have liver damage from her meds.
Later, my mom said she was glad I was there to witness the incident. I suggested that when she next speaks to my sister, that she tell her to take Spawn and her scooter up to the Kmart parking lot and let her play dodge-em with the cars and people. Because it's funny! Let's see if they learn respect then! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/16/2006 11:45:00 PM
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Friday Frou Frou: And? Questions and Answers 1. How do you deal with people who ask nosy questions? Nosy gossipers are rarely given an answer. Nosy people who really seem interested might get more. 2. If you were going to be the new Today Show anchor, who would you choose to interview first? George Clooney. Gusto would have to be there, too.
Peanut butter and jelly 1. Do you like PB&J? What kind of peanut butter? What kind of jelly? I love chunky peanut butter when I am in the mood and it HAS to be strawberry preserves or nothin'. 2. What is your favorite kind of sandwich lunch meat? Thin sliced Genoa salami. I won't touch salami that has The Black Things (pepper chunks?) in them. YUCK!
Dollars and Cents 1. What do you do with your one dollar bills? I spend them, unless there is a good reason to hold them aside. 2. Have you ever saved your coins in a bank at home? What did the bank look like (Piggy? Water Jug?)? I save them in a large jar that once held banana pepper rings. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/15/2006 11:15:00 PM
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Whatcha reading? There is a NEW link in the sidebar. It's a news blog chock full of links that I think are readworthy.
It kind of gives an idea of my eclectic reading habits.
For me, it's reminiscent of my wonderful days with Gusto.
Today at lunch, several of us BOOKIES chatted Stephanie Plum: Sandra Bullock or Reese Witherspoon. I voted for Reese, and threw in, "Just not Rene (Zellweger)!" Agreed!
Ranger, get this one...The Rock! Seems perfect to me!
Now, Morelli was decided as Matthew McConaughey, except by me. I am more for Hugh Jackman. Matthew, although HOT HOT HOT, doesn't emit Jersey Italian.
IMHO, our fantasy casting idea is much better than the moron putting together the new Dallas movie. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/12/2006 10:41:00 PM
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The 3 Musketeers, "Save the (network) king!" It's no secret that I'm not big on TV, but even I hear a few things here and there about the ol' boob tube. -- Keifer* is on some numbers show, "24." Probably just a silly game show, like "The Price is Right." One day he'll get to show his acting chops like his dad. Just wait and see! -- Oliver was on some crazy bird show, "The West Wing." I bet he was the cuckoo. But he's a GOOD cuckoo. -- Charlie is on a medical show, "Two and a Half Men." Must be a Siamese twin thing, although that "Half Men" could be a bit raunchy. The FCC let that thru? -- Even Chris O'Donnell has forayed into the boob tube's, "Grey's Anatomy." I just hope he doesn't have to read the book!
What's even more trivial than my silliness above is the fact that the 4 stars from The 3 Musketeers represent different networks. In order: FOX (Keifer), NBC (Oliver), CBS (Charlie) and ABC (Chris.)
I did my homework. Don't think I'm not so stupid!
* Yes, I still have the hots for Keifer. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/11/2006 06:17:00 AM
Monday, April 10, 2006
Couch potatoes
It may not be much, but it's all mine! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/10/2006 03:12:00 PM
Paging Jack Ryan... Of course, not many people are paying attention, WHICH IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE U.S., but it's coming out that President Bush may have been behind the leak of Valerie Plame Wilson, an undercover CIA agent.
I remember President Bush promising to fire anyone in his administration who might have been the leak. Oh, lookie, here is a good primer from PBS on that, too!
Looks like this might be the end of the "ol' Potomac two-step", eh?
Possibly this is what the fly on the Oval Office wall heard? President: "How dare you come in here and lecture me!" Jack Ryan: "How dare YOU, sir!" President: "How dare you come into this office and bark at me like some little junkyard dog? I am the President of the United States!"
From fluff to straight as a rubber arrow I read the biz section daily now. It's amazing how much I learn from articles that maybe don't affect me personally, but help me educate someone else at work. It only helps to be known as the reading guru and have the Prez stop by my desk to chat up the latest USAToday financial pieces. Irony: not too long ago, I worked for The Queen of Fluff. And I do find ways to throw fun stuff into our convos, too.
-- Wal-Mart seeking its own bank, "The world's largest retailer will ask the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Monday for permission to open a bank that can process millions of checks and credit-card payments each month." -- This boring headline is written for Google, truly the art of advertising to a new level. -- H&R Block diversifies into troubled waters, "Spitzer charged Block last month with selling low- and moderate-income customers IRAs that charged more in fees than they generated in interest, saying thousands of customers ended up losing money." -- Pre-paid funerals – worth the price?, Death and taxes are the only sure thing in the world, so read the fine print on prepaying for death! -- For many car hunters today, leasing's the way to go, Before financing ANY vehicle, talk with your financial institution (NOT THE DELEARSHIP) and find out if there are any promotions or special financing loans, like balloon payments and low payments. Leasing sucks credit-wise, the payment counts against you with NO EQUITY to show. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/09/2006 11:41:00 AM
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Roll call OK, who's out there reading WOS? At least say HI in my comments, even if you don't leave other info.
Friday Frou Frou: What's that yummy smell? Scentilicious 1. What is your favorite scented hand lotion? I have some cucumber/melon lotion that smells good enough to eat! 2. When it comes to candles, what is your favorite scent? Is there one that you despise? I love cinnamon, but cannot stand flowery stuff.
Bubblicious 1. Breath mints or chewing gum? Mentos! I get a huge 20 pack of the regular mint flavor for just $8 at Sam's Club. It lasts almost a month, too! 2. What is your favorite kind of gum?Wrigley's Wintermint. A 5/pieces 5-pack is just $.69 at Aldi.
Delicious 1. What delicious dessert do you enjoy eating or baking? I make killer brownies, learned a few secrets from Gusto's dad over the years: glass pans and don't over-bake them. 2. Other than "delicious" what adjective do you use to describe your favorite food? Heavenly. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/07/2006 07:01:00 PM
Thursday, April 06, 2006
The Golden Rule I know many people who claim they eat out all the time because it is so much faster and easier. Unfortunately, this "convenience" isn't as convenient when evaluated fully. And it's a darn ripoff when costs are calculated and the "convenience" is negligible.
Figure on 5 sandwiches for 3 people (munchkin, hubby and me) Filet o'fish: $3.97/meal Cheeseburgers: $4.62/meal
Each 5 sandwich meal w/fries takes about 15 minutes to prepare and each is barely the cost of TWO similar sandwiches at any fast-food establishment.
The Golden Rule for saving money: cut dining out. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/06/2006 09:37:00 PM
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Tough luckThere is a bruhaha over on The Sarcastic Journalist, who has been pretty darn honest with her life, but in a funny way.
Of course, she HAD to get some troll who seems to think SJ just needs a kick in the pants.
OF COURSE, said troll is claiming to NOT be a troll, and says that bloggers open themselves up for criticism.
OF COURSE, said troll did NOT leave her own blog addy. It's not like she's open to criticism.
So, if I were SJ, I'd just do a bit of investigating on that IP address and make sure you post it, even if hidden. Need some help? Let me know.
You can have a sucky life even if you don't have cancer, have someone close to you die recently or have a financially secure life (what is THAT?!!?)
I have had to defend my operation to many people who felt that hubby is a "selfish bastard" for not having a vasectomy. One gal got upset when I referred to myself as a "fertile mertyl." She and her husband supposedly have "fertility issues." She's 23.
So I'm insensitive because I got pregnant (and miscarried) while on Norplant? How much more freakin' FERTILE can ya get?!!?
Noe: those are 4 puncture holes surrounded by the bruises. Why? I don't know. The incisions are in my belly button and just above my hairline. (Some sadistic nurse put the BandAid on my pubic hair. OW!)
The Boob Tube, The Silver Screen, & You (3/31/06) 1) When you were little what was your favorite TV show? I loved The Facts of Life 2) What was your favorite movie? 16 Candles became my favorite for years. 3) What is your favorite TV show currently? Sorry, I don't do TV. 4) What is the best movie you have seen so far this year? We rented Lord of War the other night. I thought it was spot on! 5) If someone was going to make a movie or TV show about your life, who would play you and why? Sarah Jessica Parker would need to hit triple digits in her weight (she's what, 75 lbs?), but I think she'd have the sass and wit to be a realistic me.
Heritage by lordameth (3/24/06) 1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself? Mexican 2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to? Nope. 3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently? I'm losing my Spanish. UGH! 4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go? Spain 5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see? Marilyn Monroe on her deathbed.
"Lights, Camera, Action!" by sooguy (3/17/06) 1) If you were to star in a movie, who would you want to be cast as your love interest? John Cusack 2) What genre of movie would you most like to star in? Comedy 3) What song would you insist be on the soundtrack? 4) What would you wear to the premiere of your movie? Something retro, but classic. 5) Who would you thank in your Oscar acceptance speech? Hubby, Munchkin, Gusto, Lulu, the movie staff and everyone who spent $ to see it, whether on video or in the theatre.
Time In A Bottle by soo guy (3/10/06) 1) 10 years ago what did you think you would be doing now? Nope. 2) Where do you think you will be in 5 years from now? Attending my kids' college graduations. 3) Do you live life one day at a time or look to the future. I live it one day at a time, but knowing it molds into the future. 4) Do you wish you could go back in time and undo something in your life? Nope, I had to do it to learn. 5) If you could send a message back in time and give a younger version of yourself some advice, what would it be? Dating advice in high school. Stick with the nice guys, quit falling for the out-of-high-schoolers.
I'm Hot For Teacher (3/3/06) 1. Who was your favorite all time teacher(s)? I'm not dumb, my favorite teachers were the ones who made me their "pet." Especially Mr. Flowers, I could do NO wrong in his class and was seen as his little teacher, which meant all of my friends passed. This fact was brought up at my 10-year reunion by several of my classmates, too. 2. What did they teach? Elementary school. 3. What is your best memory from that class? Since I had really good penmanship, I always got to write on the blackboards and correct papers. 4. Did you ever have a crush on a teacher and if so who? Strangely, no. Most people would think Mr. Flowers, but he was more of a father figure to me, since my dad wasn't really that great at that time. The young football coach/gym-health teacher in high school who was so full of himself, it nauseated me, actually called me the only girl in his classes who didn't have the hots for him. He's pretty skanky now, too. 5. What is the craziest/wildest/weirdest thing you (or someone you know) ever did at school? I used to skip an entire class sitting in the school horseshoe entrance lot in front of that class' windows. In a Jeep. Teacher didn't care, I passed with an A and was his aide the next year. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/02/2006 11:27:00 AM
Saturday, April 01, 2006
April Fool's around the Net 1. Fark.com has some cool new front pages (hit go out and come back in, don't hit refresh). 2. Google has debuted their new "ROMANCE," that's more honest than usual. For example: "Post multiple profiles with a bulk upload file, you sleaze." 3. A story on some oldies but goodies, like the 1996 Taco Liberty Bell. 4. Even Uncle Bill has an April Fool's sense of humor. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
4/01/2006 05:53:00 PM
