I have had to take a couple of days before writing this. It has been a huge deal to me and
I debated if I even should keep record of it.
For the first time in our marriage Dan and I had a serious fight. Now I will point out that to most people this would be a small thing in the scheme of life, but we NEVER fight. We disagree, we discuss and I usually win. This time it was huge!
Last March I was in the hospital having a procedure done. Apparently somewhere in that vast facility they had some old info on me and one of the subcontractors billed a insurance company that I haven't used for 2 years. That being said, I was not aware of this snafu, and went blissfully on my way in life. Suddenly out of the blue, sometime in Late July early August I got a collection notice for just under $1000.00. I called the agency and all I will say is that Collection Agents are JERKS. The letter says I can dispute the claim, but I had to call. so I did and the jerk who answered told me I couldn't. We didn't end our conversation on a happy note, and I called the company who was trying to collect. I spoke with a nice girl who told me of the mix up, but that she couldn't do anything because it was sent to collections. She told me they sent letters and called. She said one call was answered by a child. I said that's not possible since I have no kids, and it's a cell phone.
anyway I put it off for a while (totally my fault) and about a month ago I called and asked for the collections department of the medical place that money was owed to. I left a message and considered they would take care of it, since it was their fault for not filing the claim and not notifying me.
Wrong way to deal with it I guess. Last Sunday I received a summons. I have since found out that this is a notice of intent to sue. The Collections Agency was suing me. I seriously debated on not saying anything to Dan about it. I knew he would freak out. On Monday I contacted a lawyer through my work because I pay a bi-weekly fee for legal help. he asked me to drop the summons off and he would look at it. He advised me to just put in a claim through my insurance company.
Tuesday I decided to tell Dan about it. I felt it was wrong to not. He said he wasn't surprised, but seemed to handle it nicely. Then a few hours into my work day, I got a call to my work phone that I couldn't answer, and one to my cell phone a moment later. I looked up the number and it was the lawyer who was suing me. Suddenly I got a email from Dan telling me he got a call from them. Before I could respond with the lawyer info, I got a call on phone from Dan. I always try to answer his calls because it's usually an emergency.
This time my sweet loving husband tossed me under the bus. He was conference calling with the Lawyers assistant. NO WARNING AT ALL.
I was so upset. I talked to this assistant who badgered me. They wanted an additional $400.00 on top of the bill. I told her that it wasn't my fault and that I had retained a lawyer. She went off on how it was a debit owed from 2010. I told her she was wrong. She didn't even know what the heck she was talking about. I gave her a run down and that I was under the assumption that her client's client had taken care of it and that I would not pay. I said I would discuss with my lawyer. she gave some stupid line about how I agreed to pay if my insurance did not, and I told her that the provider needed to bill the right insurance and that I would pay whatever they did not after that. I pretty much hung up on her.
Dan called back and I yelled at him. I was so mad. Here I was in the middle of my work day, I couldn't leave my desk and now all my co-workers got to hear about my dirty laundry. If I had a different boss I would have been fired. I hung up on him.
Because he car had broke down, I had to pick him up from work. I gave him the silent treatment. 2 hours later I was still pissed off. He didn't speak to me for a few minutes. We were heading to my lawyer's office to drop off the paperwork and discuss. Suddenly Dan tells me what happened. He freaked out because apparently this woman felt free to share my personal info with him. Told him that if I didn't pay it by 5 pm that night the price would go up higher. So after she browbeat him he called me with her, and after that call, he called the lawyer back and paid it off.
I was FURIOUS! I was so MAD. it's crazy but for the first time in our marriage I seriously wanted to hit him. I held back but I am sure it was only because I was driving. We argued about it and I told him that I would call my lawyer and tell him never mind that my stupid ass husband paid it off. What would the point be in talking to the lawyer now?
When we got home Dan just walked off down the street. I was actually kinda happy with that as I was: 1-pissed off at him and 2- He was showing some backbone in being pissed at me.
After his walk we both apologized and I told him I realized that he just trying to take care of me and make it go away. but I was still unhappy in that he gave them a $400.00 profit that wasn't our fault.
We did make up, but as you can probably tell by this post that I am still upset over it. How did that woman from the lawyers office have my personal information? I mean she knew about my hospital stay in January of 2010. Not only How could she have that, but why would she? It had NOTHING to do with the medical agency that submitted the claim to an insurance agency that I hadn't been with in so long. I was even surprised that they had this old info as I have NEVER used that insurance at the hospital I was at. Why would that hospital even have that old crap on file?
I think I will wrap up this post. I'm just getting myself all worked up.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Road Rage, Skull Spliting Headaches and Christmas Decorating
so I have been a very bad girl. I have not been taking my medicine (except for my insulin) for the last probably 4 maybe even 5 weeks. I am not sure when exactly the child in my took over, but it's not so much of a case of I don't want to, but a case of oh well.
With that being said, I can say that I have noticed a difference in me. 1- I want to kill everything that makes me angry. EVERYTHING. Last Thursday I left work in a fairly OK mood. I had to stop for Gas along the way and was even pretty patient with the guy who sat in his car forever before moving so I could pull up to the pump. I was a little irritated because I couldn't find my debit card, and had to use a different card, but not overly upset. then I pulled out and had to maneuver the car so I could make a right onto 7th east. I wanted to cross over the 4 lanes so I could get on the freeway. I must admit that I could have turned right, but I was waiting until I could just go across all 4 lanes. There was some girl behind me with a guy in the passenger seat and they kept honking at me. GRRR. I don't know why, but suddenly I was the Incredible Hulk. I was so bitter and angry that I litterally flipped them off and then tailgated them. When I pulled up along side I was yelling and making rude gestures.
Suddenly it hit me..... What was I doing? I was ready to climb out of my car and beat the holy heavens out of her. This is so not like me. I also noticed that I have been way more short and curt with Dan. When I got home Thursday I was in such a foul mood that Dan called our friends Andy and Stefanie and asked if he could come over to their house. He was afraid I would be upset about him wanting to go over there and all I could think of was: "please, please go before I say and do things that I don't mean."
So I really need to get back on those pills. Zoloft is Dan's friend......
Friday night I was really irritated because I know that Dan's office was having a X-mas party, but he neglected to tell me that it was that night. so I found a white Elephant gift and took off to meet him at the restaurant. I was even more upset and uptight about fact that there is no parking at the restaurant and that I would have to have Valet Parking.... and Pay for it. (The parking is free if I wanted to walk two blocks uphill in the snow). I was upset not so much because i had to pay for it, as I was upset because my car is full of garbage. I eat my lunch in my car most days and it is full of fast food bags and junk. I had Mad Greek for lunch that day and the car smelled like onions. If I would have known about the parking, I would have made Dan come get me or I would have taken time to clean it out. I got over it, but I noticed that my hair trigger anger was right on target and it was all I could do not to take it out on him.
Saturday I was supposed to go shopping with Beth and then go to Stefanie's B-Day party. I was looking forward to that because I love to play games with everyone and we were going to try a new restaurant. Instead I slept until 4 PM and in the few times I awoke, I had skull splitting headaches. The only true relief I got was when I was sleeping. Dan finally called the Poen's to let them know I wasn't feeling well and we wouldn't be going. I felt so bad because I wanted to go, but when I finally got up to move I was so sick to my tummy. I have never had as far as I know a Migraine, but if this was what migraine suffers feel I am so sorry.
I finally figured out that several aspirin, some ibuprofen and lots of water is very helpful. I never tossed my cookies, but I did come close. The last time my head hurt that bad it was brought on by Nitro when I was in the hospital, and to be honest I don't think that even hurt that bad.
Sunday morning, I woke up feeling like a daisy. I had a spring in my step and was all gun-ho on getting my house straightened up so I could get my X-mas decorations up. Dan was sweet enough to lug all the totes up and we got them emptied out. All that is left is to hang the stuff on the tree. YEA! I was so happy.
this weekend was a bummer that turned out to be a bit OK. And I didn't yell at Dan all that much.
With that being said, I can say that I have noticed a difference in me. 1- I want to kill everything that makes me angry. EVERYTHING. Last Thursday I left work in a fairly OK mood. I had to stop for Gas along the way and was even pretty patient with the guy who sat in his car forever before moving so I could pull up to the pump. I was a little irritated because I couldn't find my debit card, and had to use a different card, but not overly upset. then I pulled out and had to maneuver the car so I could make a right onto 7th east. I wanted to cross over the 4 lanes so I could get on the freeway. I must admit that I could have turned right, but I was waiting until I could just go across all 4 lanes. There was some girl behind me with a guy in the passenger seat and they kept honking at me. GRRR. I don't know why, but suddenly I was the Incredible Hulk. I was so bitter and angry that I litterally flipped them off and then tailgated them. When I pulled up along side I was yelling and making rude gestures.
Suddenly it hit me..... What was I doing? I was ready to climb out of my car and beat the holy heavens out of her. This is so not like me. I also noticed that I have been way more short and curt with Dan. When I got home Thursday I was in such a foul mood that Dan called our friends Andy and Stefanie and asked if he could come over to their house. He was afraid I would be upset about him wanting to go over there and all I could think of was: "please, please go before I say and do things that I don't mean."
So I really need to get back on those pills. Zoloft is Dan's friend......
Friday night I was really irritated because I know that Dan's office was having a X-mas party, but he neglected to tell me that it was that night. so I found a white Elephant gift and took off to meet him at the restaurant. I was even more upset and uptight about fact that there is no parking at the restaurant and that I would have to have Valet Parking.... and Pay for it. (The parking is free if I wanted to walk two blocks uphill in the snow). I was upset not so much because i had to pay for it, as I was upset because my car is full of garbage. I eat my lunch in my car most days and it is full of fast food bags and junk. I had Mad Greek for lunch that day and the car smelled like onions. If I would have known about the parking, I would have made Dan come get me or I would have taken time to clean it out. I got over it, but I noticed that my hair trigger anger was right on target and it was all I could do not to take it out on him.
Saturday I was supposed to go shopping with Beth and then go to Stefanie's B-Day party. I was looking forward to that because I love to play games with everyone and we were going to try a new restaurant. Instead I slept until 4 PM and in the few times I awoke, I had skull splitting headaches. The only true relief I got was when I was sleeping. Dan finally called the Poen's to let them know I wasn't feeling well and we wouldn't be going. I felt so bad because I wanted to go, but when I finally got up to move I was so sick to my tummy. I have never had as far as I know a Migraine, but if this was what migraine suffers feel I am so sorry.
I finally figured out that several aspirin, some ibuprofen and lots of water is very helpful. I never tossed my cookies, but I did come close. The last time my head hurt that bad it was brought on by Nitro when I was in the hospital, and to be honest I don't think that even hurt that bad.
Sunday morning, I woke up feeling like a daisy. I had a spring in my step and was all gun-ho on getting my house straightened up so I could get my X-mas decorations up. Dan was sweet enough to lug all the totes up and we got them emptied out. All that is left is to hang the stuff on the tree. YEA! I was so happy.
this weekend was a bummer that turned out to be a bit OK. And I didn't yell at Dan all that much.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Lance's Birthday Weekend part 2
So Saturday turned out to be frustrating for Dan. He made Breakfast, washed dishes, dealt with a dishwasher not washing and a garbage disposal that broke. He and Lance did finally get to do some stuff like fixing the figs that Lance accidentally broke on Friday. I pretty much got off easy as I got to read almost all day.
(Have I mentioned how much I love my Kindle?)
Lance had been asking for a fire in the stove as it was a bit cold in the Dragon's Den. But of course by the time he mentioned it to me, it was pretty late in the evening. We don't like to leave a fire going when we aren't downstairs. It's a safety thing. But I figured that if Lance was sleeping down there we would be OK. So I asked Dan to make a fire. Well I don't know if he got busy and forgot, but he was doing some other stuff and taking forever to do what I wanted. So I decided I would just do it myself.
But I was lazy about it. that's where things went WRONG.
I always burn our junk mail. It has so many pre-approved and we want you to applies, that it just seems safer to burn it. So I grabbed a hefty stack of it and just tossed it into the stove. Then I threw some twigs and leaves on that, and then tossed in a couple of tiny logs. I lit a fire stick and stuck it in. Things went well for the first 5 minutes and then i noticed that the Stove was smoking. and it was flowing out into the family room.
Soon it was really bad and nothing I did made it stop. Dan came running downstairs and grabbed a bowl to put water in and threw it in the stove. We opened the window and doors and tried to air the place out. I was really bad and I think it's time to check the upstairs smoke detectors since none went off.
We finally closed up because it was freaking cold. The smoke was gone, but the smell was in the house to stay. Dan ranted and raved about the chimney guy and how he must have broke something when he cleaned it.
So we went to bed about midnight and about 12:35 am our doorbell rings. I thought maybe someone had seen the heavy smoke and was checking on us, but no. It was some guy who claimed he got kicked out of his house and was asking us for $20.00. Dan told him we don't carry cash and closed the door. I was worried and wondered if we should call the police. But we didn't.
The next day I was downstairs and it was cold. I started thinking about the fire and wondered if maybe it was my fault for just tossing the mail in the stove. So I told Dan I was going to try again and this time I grabbed some more mail, but this time I crumpled each piece up. I then tossed in some more twigs and such and started it with a fire starter stick. Dang thing burned perfectly. GRRRR. Lesson learned.
Afterward we played Munchkin and the other boys came over. It was a good weekend.
(Have I mentioned how much I love my Kindle?)
Lance had been asking for a fire in the stove as it was a bit cold in the Dragon's Den. But of course by the time he mentioned it to me, it was pretty late in the evening. We don't like to leave a fire going when we aren't downstairs. It's a safety thing. But I figured that if Lance was sleeping down there we would be OK. So I asked Dan to make a fire. Well I don't know if he got busy and forgot, but he was doing some other stuff and taking forever to do what I wanted. So I decided I would just do it myself.
But I was lazy about it. that's where things went WRONG.
I always burn our junk mail. It has so many pre-approved and we want you to applies, that it just seems safer to burn it. So I grabbed a hefty stack of it and just tossed it into the stove. Then I threw some twigs and leaves on that, and then tossed in a couple of tiny logs. I lit a fire stick and stuck it in. Things went well for the first 5 minutes and then i noticed that the Stove was smoking. and it was flowing out into the family room.
Soon it was really bad and nothing I did made it stop. Dan came running downstairs and grabbed a bowl to put water in and threw it in the stove. We opened the window and doors and tried to air the place out. I was really bad and I think it's time to check the upstairs smoke detectors since none went off.
We finally closed up because it was freaking cold. The smoke was gone, but the smell was in the house to stay. Dan ranted and raved about the chimney guy and how he must have broke something when he cleaned it.
So we went to bed about midnight and about 12:35 am our doorbell rings. I thought maybe someone had seen the heavy smoke and was checking on us, but no. It was some guy who claimed he got kicked out of his house and was asking us for $20.00. Dan told him we don't carry cash and closed the door. I was worried and wondered if we should call the police. But we didn't.
The next day I was downstairs and it was cold. I started thinking about the fire and wondered if maybe it was my fault for just tossing the mail in the stove. So I told Dan I was going to try again and this time I grabbed some more mail, but this time I crumpled each piece up. I then tossed in some more twigs and such and started it with a fire starter stick. Dang thing burned perfectly. GRRRR. Lesson learned.
Afterward we played Munchkin and the other boys came over. It was a good weekend.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Lance's Birthday Weekend
So Lance wheedled got, a 3 day Birthday Weekend. Birthday weekends with Dan and Denise are big with Lorie's boys. A chance to get one on one attention and basically to do anything they want. Since Lance is a master manipulator, he has been able to get himself a 3 day birthday weekend for the last couple of years. Since of course he gets one, the other two must have 3 days as well.
Birthday weekends are rarely held near the birthday. Since a 3 day weekend requires planning, they are usually held on a weekend where one of us has a day off. But this year Dan took Friday off work on purpose so Lance can get his weekend.
We went out on Thursday night and watched Lance and Jared at their Karate Class. They are doing so good. I was so proud. But I did notice that having us there did cause them to lose focus a couple of times. Lance can do the splits which I thought was just amazing. Jared is still working on that. But he can do cartwheels which was awesome. After Karate Class we took the whole Koford-Robb-Platt Family out to dinner. It was on the pricey side but totally worth it.
On Friday I went off to work and Dan and Lance hung out. They got all the Figures together and went off to Mind Games. They played some strategy games there. Lance won 1 game and lost the other, but learned some good strategy and had a GREAT time.
Today is Saturday and it snowed last night. So I think we will probably be hanging out at home today. Lance wants to play Munchkin Bites, so I think that's what we will do. Dan stayed up late last night, and we (Lance and I) had to attack him to wake him up. Then to add insult to injury, we made him make us Breakfast. right now he and Dan are watching Greatest Tank Battles.
I'll update more as we go, but so far it's been a pretty good weekend.
Birthday weekends are rarely held near the birthday. Since a 3 day weekend requires planning, they are usually held on a weekend where one of us has a day off. But this year Dan took Friday off work on purpose so Lance can get his weekend.
We went out on Thursday night and watched Lance and Jared at their Karate Class. They are doing so good. I was so proud. But I did notice that having us there did cause them to lose focus a couple of times. Lance can do the splits which I thought was just amazing. Jared is still working on that. But he can do cartwheels which was awesome. After Karate Class we took the whole Koford-Robb-Platt Family out to dinner. It was on the pricey side but totally worth it.
On Friday I went off to work and Dan and Lance hung out. They got all the Figures together and went off to Mind Games. They played some strategy games there. Lance won 1 game and lost the other, but learned some good strategy and had a GREAT time.
Today is Saturday and it snowed last night. So I think we will probably be hanging out at home today. Lance wants to play Munchkin Bites, so I think that's what we will do. Dan stayed up late last night, and we (Lance and I) had to attack him to wake him up. Then to add insult to injury, we made him make us Breakfast. right now he and Dan are watching Greatest Tank Battles.
I'll update more as we go, but so far it's been a pretty good weekend.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Losing my enthusiasm
What is it about the older I get the less excited I am about the holidays? Like most things in my life these days, I get a little excited about the holiday coming and then when it's time to really get excited, I have decided it's no big deal and I don't really want to care.
Case in point, my last post about Halloween. I buy decorations every year to do up the inside of my home. This year, the only stuff that got shown off what the new stuff I bought. Which by the way did not all get set out.
Now Thanksgiving is upon us. but I have no desire to be excited over it. Because of the health problems this year I am already out of time off from work. This means I have to work the day after TG. This is not so bad as it is a dead as a door nail around here. (where did the term dead as a door nail come from anyway? I am under the impression that it was dead to begin with.... hum.)
I will bring in my lap top and watch movies, or read or do whatever. But I would rather be at home, in bed, or cleaning. This year we will not be having a TG at my house on Thursday. Usually we have a small gathering on Thursday and then the Big family gathering on Saturday. But this year I have decided to forgo the Thursday get together and just do the Saturday. This has taken a bit of the stress off me as I like to control everything and do more than needed to entertain family and friends.
Dan was just as excited at this decision and so we have decided that this year we are just going to hang at home and be bums! This has put a little spark of excitement in me as I love nothing more than having a do nothing, be nothing lazy butt.
I have also started the Christmas Shopping. This used to be my most favorite thing to do. I love to shop for other people. But now it's a chore. Which is so sad to me. Once again health issues have caused me to not want to do anything that involves physical movement. I am doing almost all of my shopping on the Internet this year. It just seems so much easier. The thought of walking through a store just makes my head hurt. And Wrapping. Damn I am not looking forward to wrapping. I don't know why. I used to love that too. But now, I am beginning to loath it. I think if I could get away with it, I would just shove them all into grocery bags and hand them out that way. I am thinking that I just need to find some sweet boy scout, or girl scout, or young person doing a service project and pay them to wrap all my stuff. But then they would probably want way more than I would want to pay.
I wish I knew why the things I used to love and enjoy have now become a bore and a chore. I wish I could understand why it has become easier to just not do anything than to work up the enthusiasm to just do it.
Case in point, my last post about Halloween. I buy decorations every year to do up the inside of my home. This year, the only stuff that got shown off what the new stuff I bought. Which by the way did not all get set out.
Now Thanksgiving is upon us. but I have no desire to be excited over it. Because of the health problems this year I am already out of time off from work. This means I have to work the day after TG. This is not so bad as it is a dead as a door nail around here. (where did the term dead as a door nail come from anyway? I am under the impression that it was dead to begin with.... hum.)
I will bring in my lap top and watch movies, or read or do whatever. But I would rather be at home, in bed, or cleaning. This year we will not be having a TG at my house on Thursday. Usually we have a small gathering on Thursday and then the Big family gathering on Saturday. But this year I have decided to forgo the Thursday get together and just do the Saturday. This has taken a bit of the stress off me as I like to control everything and do more than needed to entertain family and friends.
Dan was just as excited at this decision and so we have decided that this year we are just going to hang at home and be bums! This has put a little spark of excitement in me as I love nothing more than having a do nothing, be nothing lazy butt.
I have also started the Christmas Shopping. This used to be my most favorite thing to do. I love to shop for other people. But now it's a chore. Which is so sad to me. Once again health issues have caused me to not want to do anything that involves physical movement. I am doing almost all of my shopping on the Internet this year. It just seems so much easier. The thought of walking through a store just makes my head hurt. And Wrapping. Damn I am not looking forward to wrapping. I don't know why. I used to love that too. But now, I am beginning to loath it. I think if I could get away with it, I would just shove them all into grocery bags and hand them out that way. I am thinking that I just need to find some sweet boy scout, or girl scout, or young person doing a service project and pay them to wrap all my stuff. But then they would probably want way more than I would want to pay.
I wish I knew why the things I used to love and enjoy have now become a bore and a chore. I wish I could understand why it has become easier to just not do anything than to work up the enthusiasm to just do it.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Not so much Halloween this year
Halloween is usually my favorite time of year. I love to decorate because the only other holiday that seriously goes all out is Christmas. So I am always finding tons of Halloween and Christmas decorations. I even went out and bought a blow up Halloween cat who's head lights up and moves.
But, for some reason I just couldn't find the energy to put up the decorations.I just wasn't into it. I have found I am not the only one. At work my team usually decorates a lot and gets into the spirit. Not this year. Since Brandy left, we didn't want to do anything. We were kinda lame. lol
I did pull out my few desk decorations that I keep there in my drawer, but we did nothing out of the ordinary. We usually have a pot luck of some sort, but this year we opted to just order out and get sandwiches. We did have a dress up contest, of which 5 people participated. It was funny since Jill sent me a text to say that if I dressed up I could possibly win a Gift Card. So I slapped my old Zombie make-up on and won $5.00.
We did have a few work trick or treaters. Of course I remembered the make up and forgot the candy. But I had some play dough and fuzzy pompom's in my desk from last year and that covered the treating. At home I bought so much candy I was giving out 2 to 3 pieces per kid. Since I didn't go all out decorating my house this year, half the kids skipped my house. Stef and Andy came over and Stef sat outside with me for a while. It was fun to have the kids come walking up to get candy.
I ended the candy give away at about 9. I guess the nice thing about not decorating is that I don't have to take any of it down.
But, for some reason I just couldn't find the energy to put up the decorations.I just wasn't into it. I have found I am not the only one. At work my team usually decorates a lot and gets into the spirit. Not this year. Since Brandy left, we didn't want to do anything. We were kinda lame. lol
I did pull out my few desk decorations that I keep there in my drawer, but we did nothing out of the ordinary. We usually have a pot luck of some sort, but this year we opted to just order out and get sandwiches. We did have a dress up contest, of which 5 people participated. It was funny since Jill sent me a text to say that if I dressed up I could possibly win a Gift Card. So I slapped my old Zombie make-up on and won $5.00.
We did have a few work trick or treaters. Of course I remembered the make up and forgot the candy. But I had some play dough and fuzzy pompom's in my desk from last year and that covered the treating. At home I bought so much candy I was giving out 2 to 3 pieces per kid. Since I didn't go all out decorating my house this year, half the kids skipped my house. Stef and Andy came over and Stef sat outside with me for a while. It was fun to have the kids come walking up to get candy.
I ended the candy give away at about 9. I guess the nice thing about not decorating is that I don't have to take any of it down.
They put the Hot in Hot Springs
So Dan and I went to Lava Hot Springs Idaho. We left Friday afternoon after I worked a 1/2 day. I don't know why I always think that I can work a 1/2 day and then leave for a trip. I ALWAYS regret it. But I got out of work only 20 minutes later than I had planned. However we didn't leave our house until almost 1:30, which was way later than I wanted.
We hopped on the road with our car full of junk. I mean FULL. OF. JUNK. I don't know why I do this, but whenever we go on a road trip I want to take everything but the kitchen sink. I bought so much soda, and water, and such. We didn't drink 1/2 of it. we did eat a bit of the snacks, but that was mostly me.
Still we stopped for McDonald's on the way out of West Valley and then we were on our way.
We started listening to a Book on MP3 called The Search by Nora Roberts. It is easily one of my favorite of her books. She's such a funny write. Dan really got into it and we've decided to listen on the way up.
We had to make a stop at one of the rest stops as I drank way too much soda. But we were almost there. When we drove through Malad the Power Ball was at 145 Million dollars. What I could do with that....
We made it and checked into our little hotel. It was obvious that it was a house before becoming a hotel. The room I chose was at the back and on the 2nd floor. Dan tried to talk me in to getting a first floor room and if we stay there again we will. but it was cute and homey. The bed was heavenly but I couldn't sleep on it very well. However Dan the mover stayed on his side of the bed and for the first time in a very long time I didn't wake up with an elbow in my face.
The town is very small. It's bigger than you think, but compared to us it's a dot on a map. The main street is full of B&B's and hotels plus a few shops and food places. Friday night we had dinner at the Riverside Inn. We wanted steak and that was the best place. The T-Bone steak was to DIE FOR! It was $30.00 per plate, but we both think it was worth the money. However at that price I don't know if we would eat there again. We did also have a bath in our room. The tub was made for two people and the water is the mineral water from the springs. It was nice and fun, but got too hot and we didn't stay in the tub for long.
Next morning was Saturday and we had breakfast at the Chuck wagon. It was really good, well priced and a lot of it. Dan just couldn't finish his breakfast. It was that big. The locals are so friendly too. Just so very helpful and nice. We walked to the pools and to the restaurants, however I made Dan drive to the store for a hairbrush. Who travels w/out a brush? The Boe's do. The market was just like a small Harmon's. Very cozy and reasonably priced. We bought a few things, but nothing really native to the area. What is it about buying the same damn junk you see every day that suddenly make this crap special when it's bought from somewhere you haven't been to? I really should have done what the little boy at the springs did, and captured some of the hot springs water in a bottle. That would have been special.
Saturday morning I went for my first real massage. I've had back rubs before, but never a tried and true strip yourself down massage. since I was only paying for 30 minutes the lady there did my back, shoulders and neck. It was lovely. I think I fell in love with her. I was jelly by the time she was done.
We soaked in the hot springs. They have about 4 or 5 bigger soaking pools and two smaller jetted ones. Depending upon where you were depended upon the temperature. We couldn't stay in the hottest pool for too long. It was just too hot. We finally settled in the last pool that is just above the river. It was the coolest and was like little Bear's porridge. Just Right. We read our Kindles and relaxed. I am a more seasoned reader and had no problems holding my kindle and reading while soaking. Dan preferred to have something to put his kindle on. I don't know that this worked really well for him, but he did get some reading done.
We went back to the hotel after a couple of hours of soaking, and ended up doing our tour of the town. We went to the market for the hairbrush, parked on the street to walk the shops, found a stray dog that wasn't really a stray, found his owner, bought stuff we didn't need, and had lunch at the deli and Ice Cream parlor.
It was a good time. we went back to our room and I took a nap. sort of. by the time Dan got the lap top up and running to watch a movie I was almost wide awake. About 8 I talked Dan into going back to the Hot Springs. It was a lot more crowded than it was during the day. wow!
We talked to one of the ladies who works there and she said that it was mellow that night because of the Halloween parties. That just boggles the mind. We didn't eat dinner before we went and after Dan didn't want to go anywhere. He wasn't feeling so well. I don't think he drank enough water. They tell you to stay hydrated because the hot water really makes you dry. by the time I got my gumption up to go out to get something to eat it was after 10 pm and everything was closed except the two bars. I wasn't up to Bar hopping so to speak so I ate Cheetos, Mandarin oranges, and apples and had some diet Pepsi. The next morning Dan and I were anxious to get home. I had thought we'd check out at about 11:00 but go over to the springs for some more soak. However Dan really wanted to head out. So we went back to the Chuck wagon for breakfast. Wasn't as impressed on Sunday as I was on Saturday. While our waitress wasn't rude, it was obvious that she was busy and didn't have time to be overly friendly. It's a seat yourself kind of place, but they were busy so we ended up sitting right by the door. BIG MISTAKE. it took almost 30 minutes to get our food. It was good, so I didn't complain much.
We left on our way home when suddenly we both needed to use the restroom. fortunately there were plenty of places to stop. By the time we made it home we were almost 1/2 way through the book on MP3 and I was pooped out. I went right to bed. slept for a couple of hours and then Dan got me some food.
It was such a good and fun weekend.
I so want to do it again and again. Only we won't stay the night. It's too expensive.
We hopped on the road with our car full of junk. I mean FULL. OF. JUNK. I don't know why I do this, but whenever we go on a road trip I want to take everything but the kitchen sink. I bought so much soda, and water, and such. We didn't drink 1/2 of it. we did eat a bit of the snacks, but that was mostly me.
Still we stopped for McDonald's on the way out of West Valley and then we were on our way.
We started listening to a Book on MP3 called The Search by Nora Roberts. It is easily one of my favorite of her books. She's such a funny write. Dan really got into it and we've decided to listen on the way up.
We had to make a stop at one of the rest stops as I drank way too much soda. But we were almost there. When we drove through Malad the Power Ball was at 145 Million dollars. What I could do with that....
We made it and checked into our little hotel. It was obvious that it was a house before becoming a hotel. The room I chose was at the back and on the 2nd floor. Dan tried to talk me in to getting a first floor room and if we stay there again we will. but it was cute and homey. The bed was heavenly but I couldn't sleep on it very well. However Dan the mover stayed on his side of the bed and for the first time in a very long time I didn't wake up with an elbow in my face.
The town is very small. It's bigger than you think, but compared to us it's a dot on a map. The main street is full of B&B's and hotels plus a few shops and food places. Friday night we had dinner at the Riverside Inn. We wanted steak and that was the best place. The T-Bone steak was to DIE FOR! It was $30.00 per plate, but we both think it was worth the money. However at that price I don't know if we would eat there again. We did also have a bath in our room. The tub was made for two people and the water is the mineral water from the springs. It was nice and fun, but got too hot and we didn't stay in the tub for long.
Next morning was Saturday and we had breakfast at the Chuck wagon. It was really good, well priced and a lot of it. Dan just couldn't finish his breakfast. It was that big. The locals are so friendly too. Just so very helpful and nice. We walked to the pools and to the restaurants, however I made Dan drive to the store for a hairbrush. Who travels w/out a brush? The Boe's do. The market was just like a small Harmon's. Very cozy and reasonably priced. We bought a few things, but nothing really native to the area. What is it about buying the same damn junk you see every day that suddenly make this crap special when it's bought from somewhere you haven't been to? I really should have done what the little boy at the springs did, and captured some of the hot springs water in a bottle. That would have been special.
Saturday morning I went for my first real massage. I've had back rubs before, but never a tried and true strip yourself down massage. since I was only paying for 30 minutes the lady there did my back, shoulders and neck. It was lovely. I think I fell in love with her. I was jelly by the time she was done.
We soaked in the hot springs. They have about 4 or 5 bigger soaking pools and two smaller jetted ones. Depending upon where you were depended upon the temperature. We couldn't stay in the hottest pool for too long. It was just too hot. We finally settled in the last pool that is just above the river. It was the coolest and was like little Bear's porridge. Just Right. We read our Kindles and relaxed. I am a more seasoned reader and had no problems holding my kindle and reading while soaking. Dan preferred to have something to put his kindle on. I don't know that this worked really well for him, but he did get some reading done.
We went back to the hotel after a couple of hours of soaking, and ended up doing our tour of the town. We went to the market for the hairbrush, parked on the street to walk the shops, found a stray dog that wasn't really a stray, found his owner, bought stuff we didn't need, and had lunch at the deli and Ice Cream parlor.
It was a good time. we went back to our room and I took a nap. sort of. by the time Dan got the lap top up and running to watch a movie I was almost wide awake. About 8 I talked Dan into going back to the Hot Springs. It was a lot more crowded than it was during the day. wow!
We talked to one of the ladies who works there and she said that it was mellow that night because of the Halloween parties. That just boggles the mind. We didn't eat dinner before we went and after Dan didn't want to go anywhere. He wasn't feeling so well. I don't think he drank enough water. They tell you to stay hydrated because the hot water really makes you dry. by the time I got my gumption up to go out to get something to eat it was after 10 pm and everything was closed except the two bars. I wasn't up to Bar hopping so to speak so I ate Cheetos, Mandarin oranges, and apples and had some diet Pepsi. The next morning Dan and I were anxious to get home. I had thought we'd check out at about 11:00 but go over to the springs for some more soak. However Dan really wanted to head out. So we went back to the Chuck wagon for breakfast. Wasn't as impressed on Sunday as I was on Saturday. While our waitress wasn't rude, it was obvious that she was busy and didn't have time to be overly friendly. It's a seat yourself kind of place, but they were busy so we ended up sitting right by the door. BIG MISTAKE. it took almost 30 minutes to get our food. It was good, so I didn't complain much.
We left on our way home when suddenly we both needed to use the restroom. fortunately there were plenty of places to stop. By the time we made it home we were almost 1/2 way through the book on MP3 and I was pooped out. I went right to bed. slept for a couple of hours and then Dan got me some food.
It was such a good and fun weekend.
I so want to do it again and again. Only we won't stay the night. It's too expensive.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
serious case of the "I DON'T WANNA's"
So Dan and I had great and glorious plans. See we've really let the kitchen go. I mean really. right down to the ewww, that is so disgusting, go.
we've been meaning to get it cleaned up, but something keepsdistracting getting in the way.
This weekend was the WEEKEND. So what did we do? we got up yesterday and did not a darn thing. Nothing. Zip, Zilch, Zero. We told ourselves that it is our house and we are adults and if we didn't want to clean up the kitchen, do the laundry or put together our numerous projects, we didn't HAVE to.
Sometimes it sucks being an adult. Nothing gets done.
However nothing like a kick in the butt when you are having people over. Andy and Stef offered to help us get our TV and stuff together and arraigned. Today. So, we had a nice breakfast, did some grocery shopping and proceeded to do the FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE through the family room. This has pushed all other chores aside. (Since Dan has his D&D game tomorrow night, I will be doing laundry and dishes by my self. But NEVER fear intrepid readers, I will save some for him!)
We are almost ready to have the Poen's come over. I will insist that they don't look at my kitchen. And not at the floor in the family room. Both our vacuum and the spare (left by B&T) are in need of some TLC. So the floor looks like crap. I guess I will be focusing on those two items tomorrow night too. Gotta get them working again.
So at least our NEW TV will be up and running, but it's won't have justice done for it until the house looks habitable again.
we've been meaning to get it cleaned up, but something keeps
This weekend was the WEEKEND. So what did we do? we got up yesterday and did not a darn thing. Nothing. Zip, Zilch, Zero. We told ourselves that it is our house and we are adults and if we didn't want to clean up the kitchen, do the laundry or put together our numerous projects, we didn't HAVE to.
Sometimes it sucks being an adult. Nothing gets done.
However nothing like a kick in the butt when you are having people over. Andy and Stef offered to help us get our TV and stuff together and arraigned. Today. So, we had a nice breakfast, did some grocery shopping and proceeded to do the FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE through the family room. This has pushed all other chores aside. (Since Dan has his D&D game tomorrow night, I will be doing laundry and dishes by my self. But NEVER fear intrepid readers, I will save some for him!)
We are almost ready to have the Poen's come over. I will insist that they don't look at my kitchen. And not at the floor in the family room. Both our vacuum and the spare (left by B&T) are in need of some TLC. So the floor looks like crap. I guess I will be focusing on those two items tomorrow night too. Gotta get them working again.
So at least our NEW TV will be up and running, but it's won't have justice done for it until the house looks habitable again.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Anniversary
So Today was mine and Dan's 6 year wedding anniversary. I laugh that it's been 6 year because as I know my husband really well, there are still things that surprise me. It took him 5 years to tell me he doesn't like elbow macaroni.
Our marriage has been a series of ups and downs and he has stuck by me through them all. I like to hope that we have a balanced marriage, but secretly I am sure he puts way more into it than I do.
We were supposed to be in Orlando today. Disney world and all that. But due to my increasingly frustrating health, this was not an option.
So, what to do for our special day? We've been driving past advertisements for the Desert Star Playhouse's production of Hunk-cules: Too sexy for my toga! I have been driving past the playhouse for years now and have always wanted to see one of the shows. Since this play intrigued both of us, I asked Dan if he wanted to go and he said yes. I went online and checked out the times. Today was the last day for the play. wow lucky! I thought a Matinee would be better as i tend to poop out early these days. The tickets were only $15.00 each. I was able to find a two seat table. (If you've seen plays there the tables are a bit squishy).
I then made reservations at Rodizio Grill since we haven't been there in like FOREVER!
Today we got up and well..... we'll skip that part. *blush*
We went to Dee's for brunch. I was disappointed in that my favorite menu item has been changed. It has been the same darn sauce for the last 17 years, and yet someone decided to change out the Honey Dijon for Honey mustard. GRRRR I was very sad and the waitress offered to get me something else but I sucked it up. However this has just made me not really go there anymore as the only other dish I liked was the California Chicken Salad and the Wisconsin Cheese soup. *sigh*
By the time this all went by it was time for the 2:30 show at the D.S. We picked up our tickets and was shown to our seat. I have to say I was super pleased as the seats we had were on the 2nd row. Our server was the sweetest thing. She was personable, friendly, and didn't blink an eye at all of Dan's questions. The food offered was a bit on the pricey side, but honestly it was pretty cool. Too bad we ate before we went. We did sneak in some ice cream during the show. It was good.
The show was AWESOME! OMG I laughed so hard. I was so very impressed and enjoyed the snarky, witty nature of the cast. They were just wonderful and the story was so funny. The modern improv to an old story just made it fresh. The Olio at the end was fabulous and well worth the $15.00 and then some. after the show but before the musical review they announced Birthdays and anniversaries. I wasn't sure if they would although on the site it did say to note any special occasions. One of the birthday girls was a little girl. The actor Justin asked her what she got for her birthday and she said she got to go to Lagoon. He sort of teased her as she should have said I got to go to DS Playhouse, and of course Dan shouts out, But Lagoon is where fun is! So Justin gave Dan a bad time. After the B-days he did the Anniversaries. We were the shortest married couple and he teased us. But he did point out that the other two couples were in the back. Then he made each couple stand up and kiss. It was so fun!
After the play we did get a chance to speak to Justin and told him how much we enjoyed the show. We even mentioned that we were going to get season tickets. There are 5 plays next year and I think each sounds fun. The site shows that depending upon what kind of tickets (days vs nights, weekdays vs. weekends), depends upon the price. But Matinee prices were $55.00 each for 5 shows. I think that's a deal!!
After that we went towards Trolley Square. I knew it was early. The show ended about 4:30 so I thought since our reservations were for 7, we could do a little shopping. Big Mistake! No one told me that Trolley Square is a ghost town...... We stopped in Rocky Mountain chocolates and spent some money on chocolate. I did get mostly sugar free. But that took all of 10 minutes. We did find a couple of stores to wonder through, but mostly the only stores left were places we couldn't afford to sneeze in. Finally we sat down at a table and read on our phones w/Kindle for Android. I did try to call Rodizio to change our reservations but they were really hesitant. I thought they were being rude, but now I know why......
We just decided to wait until our reservation time and when it was 6:30 we moseyed over. I found the Wagon Wheel which does the fresh Utah Taffy, so I bought some samples. Then we walked over to the Rodizio and what did I see?
A rainbow of teenagers dressed for Homecoming. If the R.G. would have mentioned it was booked for Homecoming, I wouldn't have thought them rude because they wouldn't up our reservation.
We let them know we were there and then was surrounded by a sea of cheap cologne, frilly dresses, and teenage angst. There was one young lady who was very pretty, but she looked like she was playing dress-up in her mommy's closet. She was wearing a full length strapless dress. I was one of those types that is held up by will power alone. And I felt bad. It looked good, but she did not have the chest for the dress. She was continuously pulling it up AND when she walked by and I got a sideways view I could see that the breast cones were about 5 inches away from her chest. A few other girls were dressed up almost baby-doll style. The kind of dress where if they bent over we would see their ruffle panties. Except that they weren't wearing little girl ruffle panties. I think a requirement for parents with daughters should be to make your daughter bend over at the waist to determine if her skirt is too short. ( am I showing my age or what?)
Dinner was yummy and I filled up WAY too fast. We didn't get anything but meat, however that meat was delicious. We finally rolled ourselves out the door and to home. Where after I finish this sentence I will be off to bed to snuggle w/my honey.
Our marriage has been a series of ups and downs and he has stuck by me through them all. I like to hope that we have a balanced marriage, but secretly I am sure he puts way more into it than I do.
We were supposed to be in Orlando today. Disney world and all that. But due to my increasingly frustrating health, this was not an option.
So, what to do for our special day? We've been driving past advertisements for the Desert Star Playhouse's production of Hunk-cules: Too sexy for my toga! I have been driving past the playhouse for years now and have always wanted to see one of the shows. Since this play intrigued both of us, I asked Dan if he wanted to go and he said yes. I went online and checked out the times. Today was the last day for the play. wow lucky! I thought a Matinee would be better as i tend to poop out early these days. The tickets were only $15.00 each. I was able to find a two seat table. (If you've seen plays there the tables are a bit squishy).
I then made reservations at Rodizio Grill since we haven't been there in like FOREVER!
Today we got up and well..... we'll skip that part. *blush*
We went to Dee's for brunch. I was disappointed in that my favorite menu item has been changed. It has been the same darn sauce for the last 17 years, and yet someone decided to change out the Honey Dijon for Honey mustard. GRRRR I was very sad and the waitress offered to get me something else but I sucked it up. However this has just made me not really go there anymore as the only other dish I liked was the California Chicken Salad and the Wisconsin Cheese soup. *sigh*
By the time this all went by it was time for the 2:30 show at the D.S. We picked up our tickets and was shown to our seat. I have to say I was super pleased as the seats we had were on the 2nd row. Our server was the sweetest thing. She was personable, friendly, and didn't blink an eye at all of Dan's questions. The food offered was a bit on the pricey side, but honestly it was pretty cool. Too bad we ate before we went. We did sneak in some ice cream during the show. It was good.
The show was AWESOME! OMG I laughed so hard. I was so very impressed and enjoyed the snarky, witty nature of the cast. They were just wonderful and the story was so funny. The modern improv to an old story just made it fresh. The Olio at the end was fabulous and well worth the $15.00 and then some. after the show but before the musical review they announced Birthdays and anniversaries. I wasn't sure if they would although on the site it did say to note any special occasions. One of the birthday girls was a little girl. The actor Justin asked her what she got for her birthday and she said she got to go to Lagoon. He sort of teased her as she should have said I got to go to DS Playhouse, and of course Dan shouts out, But Lagoon is where fun is! So Justin gave Dan a bad time. After the B-days he did the Anniversaries. We were the shortest married couple and he teased us. But he did point out that the other two couples were in the back. Then he made each couple stand up and kiss. It was so fun!
After the play we did get a chance to speak to Justin and told him how much we enjoyed the show. We even mentioned that we were going to get season tickets. There are 5 plays next year and I think each sounds fun. The site shows that depending upon what kind of tickets (days vs nights, weekdays vs. weekends), depends upon the price. But Matinee prices were $55.00 each for 5 shows. I think that's a deal!!
After that we went towards Trolley Square. I knew it was early. The show ended about 4:30 so I thought since our reservations were for 7, we could do a little shopping. Big Mistake! No one told me that Trolley Square is a ghost town...... We stopped in Rocky Mountain chocolates and spent some money on chocolate. I did get mostly sugar free. But that took all of 10 minutes. We did find a couple of stores to wonder through, but mostly the only stores left were places we couldn't afford to sneeze in. Finally we sat down at a table and read on our phones w/Kindle for Android. I did try to call Rodizio to change our reservations but they were really hesitant. I thought they were being rude, but now I know why......
We just decided to wait until our reservation time and when it was 6:30 we moseyed over. I found the Wagon Wheel which does the fresh Utah Taffy, so I bought some samples. Then we walked over to the Rodizio and what did I see?
A rainbow of teenagers dressed for Homecoming. If the R.G. would have mentioned it was booked for Homecoming, I wouldn't have thought them rude because they wouldn't up our reservation.
We let them know we were there and then was surrounded by a sea of cheap cologne, frilly dresses, and teenage angst. There was one young lady who was very pretty, but she looked like she was playing dress-up in her mommy's closet. She was wearing a full length strapless dress. I was one of those types that is held up by will power alone. And I felt bad. It looked good, but she did not have the chest for the dress. She was continuously pulling it up AND when she walked by and I got a sideways view I could see that the breast cones were about 5 inches away from her chest. A few other girls were dressed up almost baby-doll style. The kind of dress where if they bent over we would see their ruffle panties. Except that they weren't wearing little girl ruffle panties. I think a requirement for parents with daughters should be to make your daughter bend over at the waist to determine if her skirt is too short. ( am I showing my age or what?)
Dinner was yummy and I filled up WAY too fast. We didn't get anything but meat, however that meat was delicious. We finally rolled ourselves out the door and to home. Where after I finish this sentence I will be off to bed to snuggle w/my honey.
Monday, September 12, 2011
It has been 10 years
It has been 10 years. 10 years since I woke up to my favorite radio station not playing my music, but some news cast. 10 years since I laid in my makeshift bed, and wondered why Radio from Hell would be playing such a odd thing. 10 years since I thought it was a joke they were playing on listeners, some Orson Wells war of the worlds thing. 10 years since I learned that fear is real, life is scary, and horror can really happen close to home.
I ran to TV in the living room yelling for my roommates. I turned it on, and didn't even need to channel surf to find out what happened. I stood in my jammies staring in shock, disbelief and awe as I watched planes crash and buildings fall. I couldn't believe it. Wouldn't believe it. But I still felt a sense of relief in that it happened in the East and not here in Utah. Little did I realize on that sunny September morning that the events of that day almost 3000 miles away would effect my own very small, very personal world in such a large and gigantic way.
I worked for Marriott hotels. I walked into a work world that was quiet you could hear a pin drop. Phones didn't ring, people didn't talk, and lives stood still. We had co-workers there. People we didn't even know, but felt connected to. We waited to hear their fate. Some cried, some panicked and most of use just felt useless. That dirty un-American word Terrorist ran rampet through the world.
Within 3 months every life in the United States was effected in some way. The travel industry failed. I was laid off from my job of 4.5 years. This was due to the decline of the hospitality business. The job market crashed and I was unemployed for a year. I struggled to find work and lived off my benefits for that year. Just as my unemployment ran out I found a temporary job with a mortgage funding company. It was stressful and hard and I was lucky to live with roommates where my rent was low.
I have spent the past 10 years reflecting on how my life was effected. I have reflected on the effect this had on lots of lives and felt so bad for those who lost loved ones in the towers, in the planes, in the Pentagon and in PA. I have watched and waited while my country in revenge attempted to hunt and locate those who's hideous minds created this horrific event. During this time I lost my apatite for horror/thriller films. I think I finally realized that there are very scary insane minds out there. I became afraid of people who can think this stuff up.
I feel that because of this tragedy I have found a better job that I love, the man I love and have been fortunate enough to live within my means and not go over that too badly. I have a home that we are not upside down in, a car that runs wonderfully, and while my health is not the best, I still have the job that gives me insurance and helps me.
I have reflected on my blessing and the blessings of others. While I firmly believe that things happen for a reason and that although this was not something we can understand, it has brought together a nation, increased pride, and proved that the human population as a whole can be a survivor.
I recently watched the news that the man who was responsible for this terror was destroyed. I must admit that while I am sad that someone has died, I felt a minor sense of relief. How sad that someone who could not live and let live, who could not embrace someone elses differences and beliefs felt that he had to cause such grief? Instead of understanding that we were no threat to his beliefs, he had to threaten ours. It really was a no win situation.My last wish now is that we can pull our troops out of other countries. While we need to be a support, we should now focus on the USA and getting our selves fixed so that we can be a true help to others.
It has been 10 years of living, surviving, loving and sharing. God Bless America, and all our friendly countries. May we all be safe, happy, friendly, and get along. It is 10 years past time to share some milk and cookies on the playground of life.
I ran to TV in the living room yelling for my roommates. I turned it on, and didn't even need to channel surf to find out what happened. I stood in my jammies staring in shock, disbelief and awe as I watched planes crash and buildings fall. I couldn't believe it. Wouldn't believe it. But I still felt a sense of relief in that it happened in the East and not here in Utah. Little did I realize on that sunny September morning that the events of that day almost 3000 miles away would effect my own very small, very personal world in such a large and gigantic way.
I worked for Marriott hotels. I walked into a work world that was quiet you could hear a pin drop. Phones didn't ring, people didn't talk, and lives stood still. We had co-workers there. People we didn't even know, but felt connected to. We waited to hear their fate. Some cried, some panicked and most of use just felt useless. That dirty un-American word Terrorist ran rampet through the world.
Within 3 months every life in the United States was effected in some way. The travel industry failed. I was laid off from my job of 4.5 years. This was due to the decline of the hospitality business. The job market crashed and I was unemployed for a year. I struggled to find work and lived off my benefits for that year. Just as my unemployment ran out I found a temporary job with a mortgage funding company. It was stressful and hard and I was lucky to live with roommates where my rent was low.
I have spent the past 10 years reflecting on how my life was effected. I have reflected on the effect this had on lots of lives and felt so bad for those who lost loved ones in the towers, in the planes, in the Pentagon and in PA. I have watched and waited while my country in revenge attempted to hunt and locate those who's hideous minds created this horrific event. During this time I lost my apatite for horror/thriller films. I think I finally realized that there are very scary insane minds out there. I became afraid of people who can think this stuff up.
I feel that because of this tragedy I have found a better job that I love, the man I love and have been fortunate enough to live within my means and not go over that too badly. I have a home that we are not upside down in, a car that runs wonderfully, and while my health is not the best, I still have the job that gives me insurance and helps me.
I have reflected on my blessing and the blessings of others. While I firmly believe that things happen for a reason and that although this was not something we can understand, it has brought together a nation, increased pride, and proved that the human population as a whole can be a survivor.
I recently watched the news that the man who was responsible for this terror was destroyed. I must admit that while I am sad that someone has died, I felt a minor sense of relief. How sad that someone who could not live and let live, who could not embrace someone elses differences and beliefs felt that he had to cause such grief? Instead of understanding that we were no threat to his beliefs, he had to threaten ours. It really was a no win situation.My last wish now is that we can pull our troops out of other countries. While we need to be a support, we should now focus on the USA and getting our selves fixed so that we can be a true help to others.
It has been 10 years of living, surviving, loving and sharing. God Bless America, and all our friendly countries. May we all be safe, happy, friendly, and get along. It is 10 years past time to share some milk and cookies on the playground of life.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
feeling a little hurt
I have been looking for a new couch for our Family Room. I think in my last post I told you how much I HATE the couch we currently have. It was Dan's when we first met, and he got it from his (then) friends the Special K's. I am pretty sure knowing them as I did that it was used when they got it, so I know it's pretty old. It's got a tear in the back that the cats have enlarged so they can hide inside and it's so low to the ground I need a good shove just to get up off of it. I feel like my butt is already sitting on the floor when I sit in it, and the cushions are so smashed they are pancakes. I always put a blanket over it when I sit, because I am afraid of what might come up between the cracks.
In past times I have even had small blankets shoved between the cushions and the back of it, just to keep from falling through. When Dan and I first met, it wasn't bad. And when I came home from the hospital after heart surgery it was the only place I could lay comfortably. But now, IT HAS GOT TO GO!
So I went KSL shopping. For those of you not familiar with this phrase, the local TV channel has a website that has a classifieds ad site. It's free to post stuff and you can find some seriously good buys on it. For years I have coveted our friends furniture. Andy & Stef have the sweetest couch, love seat and chair/ottoman furniture I have ever sat in. I love their furniture. I love to go to their house just so I can sit on this furniture. but alas, they paid a pretty penny for it, and I could not justify that price. (even if I could find it in the store now. it's a few years old).
So I did the next best thing and looked on KSL for something similar. Now of Course I didn't find anything that even matches their stuff, but I found what looked like to be a very nice set. Couch, Chair and ottoman. Perfect because that will fit in my family room. The price was $400.00 with the ad claiming it was in perfect condition and not that old. I showed it to Dan who said it was nice and he liked it. I asked him to call on it, and he did. We offered them an extra $50.00 to deliver it to us, and the seller said they would.
After that call Dan put the phone down and I mentioned how excited I was even though it was $450.00. Suddenly his tone changed and he accused me of spending money like it was water.
What?!? I know I tend to get a bit spendy, but I've never gone too overboard, and usually whatever I get is for the good of the house. I was really hurt by this. Of course it put me on the defensive. I mean we just got an estimate of the fence from one place and it was $6,000.00. I estimated $2,000.00. So that isn't happening. Dan said I could put $10,000.00 of the trust money towards the house. I will do what I can to get the least price possible. but I was really damaged by his comment. I know he wants to make sure we have money to retire on, but This house is our retirement. It's an investment. If something should happen to me, Dan may have to sell the house. The more improvements I make, the better price he can ask.
We got the couches, and I will continue to shop for fences. I told him that if I can't get a good price on fence, then we will do a spot job on the fence we've got and be happy with that.
But jeez, talk about making me paranoid about spending money on our house.....
In past times I have even had small blankets shoved between the cushions and the back of it, just to keep from falling through. When Dan and I first met, it wasn't bad. And when I came home from the hospital after heart surgery it was the only place I could lay comfortably. But now, IT HAS GOT TO GO!
So I went KSL shopping. For those of you not familiar with this phrase, the local TV channel has a website that has a classifieds ad site. It's free to post stuff and you can find some seriously good buys on it. For years I have coveted our friends furniture. Andy & Stef have the sweetest couch, love seat and chair/ottoman furniture I have ever sat in. I love their furniture. I love to go to their house just so I can sit on this furniture. but alas, they paid a pretty penny for it, and I could not justify that price. (even if I could find it in the store now. it's a few years old).
So I did the next best thing and looked on KSL for something similar. Now of Course I didn't find anything that even matches their stuff, but I found what looked like to be a very nice set. Couch, Chair and ottoman. Perfect because that will fit in my family room. The price was $400.00 with the ad claiming it was in perfect condition and not that old. I showed it to Dan who said it was nice and he liked it. I asked him to call on it, and he did. We offered them an extra $50.00 to deliver it to us, and the seller said they would.
After that call Dan put the phone down and I mentioned how excited I was even though it was $450.00. Suddenly his tone changed and he accused me of spending money like it was water.
What?!? I know I tend to get a bit spendy, but I've never gone too overboard, and usually whatever I get is for the good of the house. I was really hurt by this. Of course it put me on the defensive. I mean we just got an estimate of the fence from one place and it was $6,000.00. I estimated $2,000.00. So that isn't happening. Dan said I could put $10,000.00 of the trust money towards the house. I will do what I can to get the least price possible. but I was really damaged by his comment. I know he wants to make sure we have money to retire on, but This house is our retirement. It's an investment. If something should happen to me, Dan may have to sell the house. The more improvements I make, the better price he can ask.
We got the couches, and I will continue to shop for fences. I told him that if I can't get a good price on fence, then we will do a spot job on the fence we've got and be happy with that.
But jeez, talk about making me paranoid about spending money on our house.....
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
moving right along
I am so sore after my canning experience. I enjoyed it, but the last 3 days have been hard on my feet. It hurts to walk if I have not been on my feet for a while. Every time I stand up, I have to give my poor feet a moment to protest before they will take me anywhere. Dan rubbed my feet for me last night and it was a painful pleasure. It felt good but hurt at the same time. Mental note to Denise, buy a stool for the kitchen that reaches the counter. then you can do things and still sit.
I have been making plans on house stuff and am really hoping to get it moving along. I got Dan to call and get an appointment for a chimney cleaner to come and clean our wood stove. It's recommended to have the stove and chimney cleaned every two years. We've gone 3. This is because about this time of the year we are usually broke and can't even scrounge up $50.00 let alone the $150.00 to pay for it. But this year we have money budgeted. YAY! So we have an appointment this coming Friday. Cross that off the list.
I have texted Charlotte to find out if Josh would be willing to paint the spare room. I want it done by end of September. If he doesn't do it, then I will have spend my anniversary painting. I need to find a couch for the family room too. I HATE the one we have. HATE IT! I cannot stress to you how much I LOATHE the couch. It came from the Special K's, and I just can't stand the damn thing. I will be shopping on KSL. I also am buying new night stands. OK they are used but new to me. Shannon is selling stuff so she can live with her soon to be hubby, and has two matching ones. She's selling them to me for $20.00 each. This so works for me, and let's me help out a friend.
I contacted a fencing place for an estimate on getting a new fence. I hope they can do it for very inexpensive price as I have a limited budget and I want to save some for a trip to Disney world.
I also need to find shelves for the garage and spend a little money on totes that will fit the shelves. Plus we need a new garage door. The one we have SUCKS, and it's baby blue. I want a white one. lol.
Hopefully before the end of this week we will have the new furnace and air conditioning unit installed. Can't wait for that.
Any suggestions anyone has for People who do Fences, or Pave driveways, or build decks, please send me their info. I've gotz plans to get moving along.....
I have been making plans on house stuff and am really hoping to get it moving along. I got Dan to call and get an appointment for a chimney cleaner to come and clean our wood stove. It's recommended to have the stove and chimney cleaned every two years. We've gone 3. This is because about this time of the year we are usually broke and can't even scrounge up $50.00 let alone the $150.00 to pay for it. But this year we have money budgeted. YAY! So we have an appointment this coming Friday. Cross that off the list.
I have texted Charlotte to find out if Josh would be willing to paint the spare room. I want it done by end of September. If he doesn't do it, then I will have spend my anniversary painting. I need to find a couch for the family room too. I HATE the one we have. HATE IT! I cannot stress to you how much I LOATHE the couch. It came from the Special K's, and I just can't stand the damn thing. I will be shopping on KSL. I also am buying new night stands. OK they are used but new to me. Shannon is selling stuff so she can live with her soon to be hubby, and has two matching ones. She's selling them to me for $20.00 each. This so works for me, and let's me help out a friend.
I contacted a fencing place for an estimate on getting a new fence. I hope they can do it for very inexpensive price as I have a limited budget and I want to save some for a trip to Disney world.
I also need to find shelves for the garage and spend a little money on totes that will fit the shelves. Plus we need a new garage door. The one we have SUCKS, and it's baby blue. I want a white one. lol.
Hopefully before the end of this week we will have the new furnace and air conditioning unit installed. Can't wait for that.
Any suggestions anyone has for People who do Fences, or Pave driveways, or build decks, please send me their info. I've gotz plans to get moving along.....
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sense of accomplishment
I am not nearly as domestic as I want to be. I have always wished I had that: gotta get it cleaned up/done/put away, type attitude. But I don't. The neat freak-house obsessed genes skipped me. big time!
but I still try. this month I have wanted to can tomatoes. I found out a couple of years ago that canning is very hard and tiring, but satisfying. I really enjoyed it. And I love making fresh spaghetti sauce, or chili or just anything that calls for tomatoes, with my jarred batch. I know exactly what went into the jar, and that just helps make everything so much tastier!
I realize that I am not saving ANY money by doing this, nor am I breaking even. But the knowledge that I did it, and it's all fresh makes the non-cost effectiveness worth it. I had hoped that I would be canning my very own garden grown tomatoes this year, but alas, a super gardener I am not. My cherry and grape tomatoes have done extremely well, but the big ones haven't really gotten there. Now that I know what I am dong though, I have high hopes for next summer. I bought tomatoes from Meredith again this year. I like knowing that they are picked fresh and not sprayed w/chemicals. It was pricey at $25.00 a bushel, but prices are going up everywhere. That is why it is no longer cost efficient to can tomatoes unless you grow them yourselves. but i just couldn't get the process out of my mind.
I have canned this weekend: Twelve 1/2 pints of Tomato sauce, Twelve 4 ounce jars of Tomato Paste, and Twelve quarts of Tomatoes with Garlic in them. As I type this, the last 6 jars of tomatoes are boiling in the water canner. I have enough tomatoes left to do about 5 more jars. but I am so worn out from this process, that I will wait for a day or two before tackling them. My kitchen looks like a Giant Killer Tomato attacked. The shirt I have worn for 3 days is covered in tomato. Sauce, Juice, seeds, goo.
I am so excited about it though. I feel very accomplished. So proud of me. I hope to do this again next year with my own tomatoes, but if they don't work out, I don't know if I will do this again.
Cost of jars, lids, and tomatoes plus time = one slightly broke, seriously sore Denise.
but I still try. this month I have wanted to can tomatoes. I found out a couple of years ago that canning is very hard and tiring, but satisfying. I really enjoyed it. And I love making fresh spaghetti sauce, or chili or just anything that calls for tomatoes, with my jarred batch. I know exactly what went into the jar, and that just helps make everything so much tastier!
I realize that I am not saving ANY money by doing this, nor am I breaking even. But the knowledge that I did it, and it's all fresh makes the non-cost effectiveness worth it. I had hoped that I would be canning my very own garden grown tomatoes this year, but alas, a super gardener I am not. My cherry and grape tomatoes have done extremely well, but the big ones haven't really gotten there. Now that I know what I am dong though, I have high hopes for next summer. I bought tomatoes from Meredith again this year. I like knowing that they are picked fresh and not sprayed w/chemicals. It was pricey at $25.00 a bushel, but prices are going up everywhere. That is why it is no longer cost efficient to can tomatoes unless you grow them yourselves. but i just couldn't get the process out of my mind.
I have canned this weekend: Twelve 1/2 pints of Tomato sauce, Twelve 4 ounce jars of Tomato Paste, and Twelve quarts of Tomatoes with Garlic in them. As I type this, the last 6 jars of tomatoes are boiling in the water canner. I have enough tomatoes left to do about 5 more jars. but I am so worn out from this process, that I will wait for a day or two before tackling them. My kitchen looks like a Giant Killer Tomato attacked. The shirt I have worn for 3 days is covered in tomato. Sauce, Juice, seeds, goo.
I am so excited about it though. I feel very accomplished. So proud of me. I hope to do this again next year with my own tomatoes, but if they don't work out, I don't know if I will do this again.
Cost of jars, lids, and tomatoes plus time = one slightly broke, seriously sore Denise.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Making changes
So we finally got the new TV up and going. Sunday we decided (was spurrned into action) to clean our room. It was so FREAKING hot. Dan was gathering laundry and found some weevils. For some reason these little boogers like our clothes. Apparently I left some clothes on the floor for a couple of weeks and they decided it was a cold place to stay. It's weird though because there were only a couple live ones, but lots of shells. So Dan FREAKED out and we tore the room apart. So it got the best cleaning it's ever had since we moved in.
And since we were doing that, we also got the TV put up and took the cable box down. I have seriously debated about doing that because I love channel surffing. But cable is so expensive. We spend about $160.00 a month for digital cable and internet. We didn't want to lose the internet but decided to drop the TV part down. But that would take us to just he most basic of cable packages. Dan of course was ok with this as he can get almost anything he wants to watch through Netflix, Hulu, or downloading. But I can't Channel surf with any of those. And we don't have a support for Netflix in our room. We could hook up the lap top, but that wasn't really ideal if i wanted to play games on the lap top while watching TV.
so I whined when Dan took the cable boxes away. He stuck to his guns because this will save us money and we need to save money. So Dan, being who he is, went out to Wal-Mart and bought us a Wii. It does seem silly as we don't have any room to play Wii games really, but it's nice because at least I can watch some stuff on the Wii-Netflix, and I can play Mario Cart. LOL. (not very good though).
But I can get on the internet too, and I must admit the new TV looks Killer with the black Wii, and the graphics look totally awesome!
so we are making some changes. Now if we can get our A/C in and the Fence up before fall....
And since we were doing that, we also got the TV put up and took the cable box down. I have seriously debated about doing that because I love channel surffing. But cable is so expensive. We spend about $160.00 a month for digital cable and internet. We didn't want to lose the internet but decided to drop the TV part down. But that would take us to just he most basic of cable packages. Dan of course was ok with this as he can get almost anything he wants to watch through Netflix, Hulu, or downloading. But I can't Channel surf with any of those. And we don't have a support for Netflix in our room. We could hook up the lap top, but that wasn't really ideal if i wanted to play games on the lap top while watching TV.
so I whined when Dan took the cable boxes away. He stuck to his guns because this will save us money and we need to save money. So Dan, being who he is, went out to Wal-Mart and bought us a Wii. It does seem silly as we don't have any room to play Wii games really, but it's nice because at least I can watch some stuff on the Wii-Netflix, and I can play Mario Cart. LOL. (not very good though).
But I can get on the internet too, and I must admit the new TV looks Killer with the black Wii, and the graphics look totally awesome!
so we are making some changes. Now if we can get our A/C in and the Fence up before fall....
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Getting things done a little at a time.
We are finally getting Central Air. This is something I have wanted since we moved into our house almost 5.5 years ago. We have had a swamp cooler which as most Utahan's know, is no good during the REALLY HOT summer days. But we have managed with it so it just seemed pointless to spend a ton of money on something else.
This year however we put in brand new spanking windows. They have made a huge difference. our house holds the temperature better than before, and the noise levels are much lower when the windows are closed. In July there was a shooting in the park across the street. We thought the noises was from a bird tapping on our window. nope it was gun shots. Weird.
Anyway, the swamp cooler decided this summer to make bad noises. scary like it's going to fall apart noises. so we haven't used it. It's been freaking HOT in the house, but we've made due with fans. I thought for sure my power bill would be lower with the kids gone and no swamp cooler going. But, it didn't go down as low as I would have thought. (although after hearing about everyone else's power bill, I'm not complaining!).
We decided to pull some money from Dan's trust and put in Central Air. Bill and his friend will do it for $3600.00 and change. That includes a new Heater as well as the Cooling unit. The heater in the house now is currently the one that was original to the house. This is good. We've decided to take most of the Trust Money and put it towards upgrades on our house. We need: new garage door, fence all around the yard, and a new deck as the one we have is rotting beneath our feet. Since this is the house we plan to die in, I figure this is an investment into our future. We are very fortunate that we are not upside down in the house. Although the property value has gone down steadily for the last 3 years, we are still above our owing price. (This years property evaluation put us at $147K estimate and we owe about $137K.
We also have spoiled ourselves a bit. We broke down and bought a new TV for our bedroom.
The TV we have is Dan's old TV and who knows how long he had it before we got together. A few weeks ago we were watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1, and at the beginning it was so dark. I kept saying to Dan: "I don't remember it being this dark. Wasn't there a room full of people in this part?"
So then a few days after that, we watched it again on our Big TV in the basement, and sure enough, there was a room full of people. So we started looking at TVs. I wanted a flat screen skinny TV. I found a decent sale on a 32" with a DVD player. But when we looked at it, Dan was not satisfied. The guy at Shopko, where we were looking, showed us a 40" model by Toshiba that was on clearance for only $100.00 more. We looked at it and Dan fell in love. So we splurged. but then we needed all the extra cables, and a new DVD player and $650.00 later.... And we still have to hook it up. HAHAHA.
Another Plan is to paint the spare bedroom. I've been planning this since the kids moved out to Alaska. but alas, the money, time, and energy have eluded me. however I'm hoping to get Charlotte's son Josh out to maybe do the painting. He owes me some monies, and this would be perfect. I have some grand ideas, and so I hope he's willing and able to do them. My goal is to have this done by end of September. I hope to have the new fence and garage door done by then too. Plus Dan and I need to clean out our stuff from the Garage. We did my auntie Elaine's stuff a few weeks ago, and boy has that made a GIANT difference.
I have some wood projects planned for Christmas and I want to get started. Found a great deal for a Bandsaw on KSL and bought it. Now I just need to get things organized in the garage so I can play.
I need Beth and friends to sneak over to my house and organize my craft room for me. I can't seem to get the time or energy to do it. lol.
Just gotta get a little done at a time. But it's gonna take a long time....
This year however we put in brand new spanking windows. They have made a huge difference. our house holds the temperature better than before, and the noise levels are much lower when the windows are closed. In July there was a shooting in the park across the street. We thought the noises was from a bird tapping on our window. nope it was gun shots. Weird.
Anyway, the swamp cooler decided this summer to make bad noises. scary like it's going to fall apart noises. so we haven't used it. It's been freaking HOT in the house, but we've made due with fans. I thought for sure my power bill would be lower with the kids gone and no swamp cooler going. But, it didn't go down as low as I would have thought. (although after hearing about everyone else's power bill, I'm not complaining!).
We decided to pull some money from Dan's trust and put in Central Air. Bill and his friend will do it for $3600.00 and change. That includes a new Heater as well as the Cooling unit. The heater in the house now is currently the one that was original to the house. This is good. We've decided to take most of the Trust Money and put it towards upgrades on our house. We need: new garage door, fence all around the yard, and a new deck as the one we have is rotting beneath our feet. Since this is the house we plan to die in, I figure this is an investment into our future. We are very fortunate that we are not upside down in the house. Although the property value has gone down steadily for the last 3 years, we are still above our owing price. (This years property evaluation put us at $147K estimate and we owe about $137K.
We also have spoiled ourselves a bit. We broke down and bought a new TV for our bedroom.
The TV we have is Dan's old TV and who knows how long he had it before we got together. A few weeks ago we were watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1, and at the beginning it was so dark. I kept saying to Dan: "I don't remember it being this dark. Wasn't there a room full of people in this part?"
So then a few days after that, we watched it again on our Big TV in the basement, and sure enough, there was a room full of people. So we started looking at TVs. I wanted a flat screen skinny TV. I found a decent sale on a 32" with a DVD player. But when we looked at it, Dan was not satisfied. The guy at Shopko, where we were looking, showed us a 40" model by Toshiba that was on clearance for only $100.00 more. We looked at it and Dan fell in love. So we splurged. but then we needed all the extra cables, and a new DVD player and $650.00 later.... And we still have to hook it up. HAHAHA.
Another Plan is to paint the spare bedroom. I've been planning this since the kids moved out to Alaska. but alas, the money, time, and energy have eluded me. however I'm hoping to get Charlotte's son Josh out to maybe do the painting. He owes me some monies, and this would be perfect. I have some grand ideas, and so I hope he's willing and able to do them. My goal is to have this done by end of September. I hope to have the new fence and garage door done by then too. Plus Dan and I need to clean out our stuff from the Garage. We did my auntie Elaine's stuff a few weeks ago, and boy has that made a GIANT difference.
I have some wood projects planned for Christmas and I want to get started. Found a great deal for a Bandsaw on KSL and bought it. Now I just need to get things organized in the garage so I can play.
I need Beth and friends to sneak over to my house and organize my craft room for me. I can't seem to get the time or energy to do it. lol.
Just gotta get a little done at a time. But it's gonna take a long time....
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Diet Failure
So a couple of weeks ago Jill my co-worker was telling me about this diet that her mom saw on the Rachel Ray Show. It's called the CINCH! diet. It's designed by the same person who is behind the Flat Belly Diet. When Jill was telling me about it, I got very intrigued. It sounded like maybe something I could do. It was 5 days of nothing but Spinach, Plain Yogurt, Raspberries, Slivered Almonds, and Eggs. I told Jill I would do it with her because if I had support at work and at home, maybe I could shed a few pounds and steady out my blood sugars. I went home and talked Dan into doing it with me. I assured him that after the 5 days of 5 foods, the 25 days after that would be better because she then goes on to give you some recipes that will be good and healthy.
So we got all prepared. The book gives you the list of ingredients (Including approved spices to go with your 5 foods), and how much of each to buy. Dan and I went shopping and of course I doubled everything because the portions are very controlled. We read the portion of the book talking about the 5 days and how it works and how we should feel.
We got ready, and.........
YUCK!
Her measurements sucked! For the breakfast portion you make 1 egg with 1/4 cup of egg whites. That's pretty simple to understand and measure. But then you add 1 cup of Fresh or Frozen spinach to those eggs and scramble them. Anyone who has ever compared fresh to frozen spinach will understand my mistake.
1 cup of fresh spinach does not equal 1 cup of frozen spinach. I don't know, maybe she was thinking ounces, but she said cup. I'm not a spinach fan in any form other than fresh leaves. But to save money I bought a mixture of both. Put the frozen in my eggs and had to add egg whites so that it was scrambled eggs w/spinach and not spinach w/a bit of egg. AND it tasted just AWFUL!
Next was a parfait. It was plain no fat yogurt with fresh raspberries and almond slivers. not bad right? WRONG. Plain no fat yogurt is not very good, and the suggested spices did not punch it up one bit.
Next was the only edible meal. Spinach Salad w/a balsamic-citrus vinaigrette, topped w/raspberries and slivered almonds. It wasn't bad. Wasn't great, but wasn't bad. Last is the smoothie. Same ingredients minus the spinach. But no good flavor. It was definitely missing the sugar.
It made me sick to my tummy. I was all I could do to gag it down. Poor Dan felt the same way I did. I decided that I wasn't going to force myself to do it if it made me dry heave to the point of actually vomiting.
So I feel like a failure. I am still going to try the recommended recipes for the last 25 day part and see how that goes, but no cleansing of the body for me. *shudders*
I will say this though. I stopped drinking soda of any kind completely on Monday, and I have not had any carbonated drink since. I'm pretty proud of me. I can feel the effects a little in that my body hasn't gotten used to not getting that caffeine fix in the morning w/my diet Pepsi, but I don't really have much of a craving for it. Now I think it's just habit, and since I have no more soda in the house, and force myself to only do water at work, it's going to get easier. Hoping it will then help it to be easier to give up other bad for me stuff like chocolate and sweets. I'm not as optimistic , but really who knows???????
So we got all prepared. The book gives you the list of ingredients (Including approved spices to go with your 5 foods), and how much of each to buy. Dan and I went shopping and of course I doubled everything because the portions are very controlled. We read the portion of the book talking about the 5 days and how it works and how we should feel.
We got ready, and.........
YUCK!
Her measurements sucked! For the breakfast portion you make 1 egg with 1/4 cup of egg whites. That's pretty simple to understand and measure. But then you add 1 cup of Fresh or Frozen spinach to those eggs and scramble them. Anyone who has ever compared fresh to frozen spinach will understand my mistake.
1 cup of fresh spinach does not equal 1 cup of frozen spinach. I don't know, maybe she was thinking ounces, but she said cup. I'm not a spinach fan in any form other than fresh leaves. But to save money I bought a mixture of both. Put the frozen in my eggs and had to add egg whites so that it was scrambled eggs w/spinach and not spinach w/a bit of egg. AND it tasted just AWFUL!
Next was a parfait. It was plain no fat yogurt with fresh raspberries and almond slivers. not bad right? WRONG. Plain no fat yogurt is not very good, and the suggested spices did not punch it up one bit.
Next was the only edible meal. Spinach Salad w/a balsamic-citrus vinaigrette, topped w/raspberries and slivered almonds. It wasn't bad. Wasn't great, but wasn't bad. Last is the smoothie. Same ingredients minus the spinach. But no good flavor. It was definitely missing the sugar.
It made me sick to my tummy. I was all I could do to gag it down. Poor Dan felt the same way I did. I decided that I wasn't going to force myself to do it if it made me dry heave to the point of actually vomiting.
So I feel like a failure. I am still going to try the recommended recipes for the last 25 day part and see how that goes, but no cleansing of the body for me. *shudders*
I will say this though. I stopped drinking soda of any kind completely on Monday, and I have not had any carbonated drink since. I'm pretty proud of me. I can feel the effects a little in that my body hasn't gotten used to not getting that caffeine fix in the morning w/my diet Pepsi, but I don't really have much of a craving for it. Now I think it's just habit, and since I have no more soda in the house, and force myself to only do water at work, it's going to get easier. Hoping it will then help it to be easier to give up other bad for me stuff like chocolate and sweets. I'm not as optimistic , but really who knows???????
Friday, July 22, 2011
Queen of the weeds
So yesterday Dan and I got a civil notice in the mail. The Weed enforcer finally caught up with the Boes.
we have been advised that we have until August 3rd to clean up our yard and get our weeds cut down. It came with a lot of bull about health hazard and stuff like that, but all really know it was more of a issue of property values. I would not be surprised to find out that the people who are taking care of my neighbors house (she passed away a few months ago), call the county.
They even sent us a picture taken of the front of our house with a orange cone next to the tallest of weeds. I suppose this is to demonstrate that our weeds should not be taller than the cone. hahaha.
So the next couple of days will involve Dan and Denise cutting down, or trying to pull out weeds. I am going to have to buy some loppers. you know those long blade scissor type yard tools? Dan asked me to cut down the weed that are in the "flower bed" with the cutters, but the blade is too short. It would take me forever and I can't stand for longer than about 20 minutes.
To be honest though this year has been really bad for our yard because of the spring rain. Our weeds haven't gotten this bad in the 5 years we've lived in the house. Of course Dan and I should not have bought a house with a lumpy, hilly yard. If it was flat we could mow it. :p
we have been advised that we have until August 3rd to clean up our yard and get our weeds cut down. It came with a lot of bull about health hazard and stuff like that, but all really know it was more of a issue of property values. I would not be surprised to find out that the people who are taking care of my neighbors house (she passed away a few months ago), call the county.
They even sent us a picture taken of the front of our house with a orange cone next to the tallest of weeds. I suppose this is to demonstrate that our weeds should not be taller than the cone. hahaha.
So the next couple of days will involve Dan and Denise cutting down, or trying to pull out weeds. I am going to have to buy some loppers. you know those long blade scissor type yard tools? Dan asked me to cut down the weed that are in the "flower bed" with the cutters, but the blade is too short. It would take me forever and I can't stand for longer than about 20 minutes.
To be honest though this year has been really bad for our yard because of the spring rain. Our weeds haven't gotten this bad in the 5 years we've lived in the house. Of course Dan and I should not have bought a house with a lumpy, hilly yard. If it was flat we could mow it. :p
Monday, July 11, 2011
My Little Lion Man
Argo got shaved. His fur mats were so bad, and I could tell he was very miserable, so we decided we needed to get him groomed. I had been researching places that groom cats. Argo is such a love and I so didn't want him traumatized. A few places I read reviews on, left me scared.
Lorie and Jo were going to try to get an appointment with one of their friends, but they couldn't reach her. Stef had suggested that we try Aunt Ernie's. That is where they take Lily and have been very satisfied with their work. I called and got an appointment for Saturday. They quoted me between $65.00 to $80.00 depending upon the badness of the fur and the temper of the cat. I told her that he was a love, and was declawed in front, but that his mats are bad. She said about $75.00.
Saturday came and we stuffed our big boy into our largest carrier. He meowed all the way, which I thought was odd. We dropped him off and went to lunch. A few hours later they called to pick him up, and he was a very hairless kitty.
They told us that it was only $53.00 as they didn't bathe him. They said he was so good getting shaved, that they didn't want to punish him by putting him in water. I guess he just freaked out when they got to the tub.
We asked them to shave them like a lion. He was great. You could tell where they were at in the process when he got tired of it, as his legs aren't even. He's also got a few tufts here and there.
His tail is so cute, but I will admit that I will not do this again. He just doesn't look like my fuzzy butt. But for Summer I think he will be happy. The other cats have actually cut him some slack and been nice. Even Tiger has been pretty laid back. So now we have a Lion, a Tiger and our Bear. OH MY!
Lorie and Jo were going to try to get an appointment with one of their friends, but they couldn't reach her. Stef had suggested that we try Aunt Ernie's. That is where they take Lily and have been very satisfied with their work. I called and got an appointment for Saturday. They quoted me between $65.00 to $80.00 depending upon the badness of the fur and the temper of the cat. I told her that he was a love, and was declawed in front, but that his mats are bad. She said about $75.00.
Saturday came and we stuffed our big boy into our largest carrier. He meowed all the way, which I thought was odd. We dropped him off and went to lunch. A few hours later they called to pick him up, and he was a very hairless kitty.
They told us that it was only $53.00 as they didn't bathe him. They said he was so good getting shaved, that they didn't want to punish him by putting him in water. I guess he just freaked out when they got to the tub.
We asked them to shave them like a lion. He was great. You could tell where they were at in the process when he got tired of it, as his legs aren't even. He's also got a few tufts here and there.
His tail is so cute, but I will admit that I will not do this again. He just doesn't look like my fuzzy butt. But for Summer I think he will be happy. The other cats have actually cut him some slack and been nice. Even Tiger has been pretty laid back. So now we have a Lion, a Tiger and our Bear. OH MY!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Lord of the flies, or the house that Fly took over
It's so unreal I almost liken it to a Rocky and Bullwinkle episode. For the past two days Dan and I have come home to a house full of flies. They are all over my sliding glass door in my kitchen and all over my new bay window in my living room. I kid you not. It's disturbing since we can't find out where they are coming from.
We have so far:
But I am worried. I am afraid of what I will see when I get home tonight. hopefully not a window full of flies again. Dan last night mentioned when he got home that he felt like he was the lord of the flies. I felt like they were trying to take over my house. Either way..... this weekend they will be gone!
We have so far:
- taken out all the garbage cans. We had a BBQ on July 3rd, and thought maybe some meat products were left in the cans.
- emptied the sink and washed all the dishes
- did a spot search throughout the two rooms looking for obvious things.
- actually checked out a few other rooms.
But I am worried. I am afraid of what I will see when I get home tonight. hopefully not a window full of flies again. Dan last night mentioned when he got home that he felt like he was the lord of the flies. I felt like they were trying to take over my house. Either way..... this weekend they will be gone!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Hot! Damn Hot! African hot! It wasn't this hot yesterday......
So the weather once again is reeking havoc with Utah. We went from freaking freezing to freaking sweating overnight. Literally.
Dan and I have been discussing what to do. When I get home from work, and walk in the house, I walk right back out. It's cooler outside than in. Cats are sprawled everywhere. Laid out from the heat. They don't even have the energy to meow at me.
We have windows open and such, but the swamp cooler is still covered from the winter. I think tonight Dan will brave the roof and uncover it. Then he and I will unpack it and turn it on. Last year at the end of the season it was leaking a bit into the hall. I don't know why, but it's got me worried. So we will just run the fan for now. We are hoping to get Central Air installed soon. This will take my mind off drowning our roof, and with the new windows should keep us nice and cool.
We've been working on our garden. It's not much, but it's going pretty good so far. We got our one surviving raspberry plant in, and the two strawberry plants, and I even planted my lily plant. I broke down yesterday and stopped at Lowe's to see if they had any raspberry plants left. I am banning myself from the garden center there. Almost $90 dollars later...... I walked out with an additional tomato plant, 8 corn plants, two cucumber plants, and a watermelon. This also includes my potting soil, and the two additional house plants I bought.
Plus I got a soaker hose for the garden and a BBQ propane tank gauge plus scrubbing brush for Dan's grill.
I was really surprised that my photo wasn't on the wall stating not to sell this woman any plants. I have been a plant killer in the past. It's my fault the raspberry bushes died. And the 2 watermelon plants, and the tomato plant, and my lilacs aren't doing so well. I'm kinda lazy..... and since I refuse to make Dan do anything I'm not really willing to do, no I can't just get him to do it.
Dan said that he will help me plant the new stuff tonight. This will be the end of my buying spree. Although.... they are having a sale on Peach Trees.........
Dan and I have been discussing what to do. When I get home from work, and walk in the house, I walk right back out. It's cooler outside than in. Cats are sprawled everywhere. Laid out from the heat. They don't even have the energy to meow at me.
We have windows open and such, but the swamp cooler is still covered from the winter. I think tonight Dan will brave the roof and uncover it. Then he and I will unpack it and turn it on. Last year at the end of the season it was leaking a bit into the hall. I don't know why, but it's got me worried. So we will just run the fan for now. We are hoping to get Central Air installed soon. This will take my mind off drowning our roof, and with the new windows should keep us nice and cool.
We've been working on our garden. It's not much, but it's going pretty good so far. We got our one surviving raspberry plant in, and the two strawberry plants, and I even planted my lily plant. I broke down yesterday and stopped at Lowe's to see if they had any raspberry plants left. I am banning myself from the garden center there. Almost $90 dollars later...... I walked out with an additional tomato plant, 8 corn plants, two cucumber plants, and a watermelon. This also includes my potting soil, and the two additional house plants I bought.
Plus I got a soaker hose for the garden and a BBQ propane tank gauge plus scrubbing brush for Dan's grill.
I was really surprised that my photo wasn't on the wall stating not to sell this woman any plants. I have been a plant killer in the past. It's my fault the raspberry bushes died. And the 2 watermelon plants, and the tomato plant, and my lilacs aren't doing so well. I'm kinda lazy..... and since I refuse to make Dan do anything I'm not really willing to do, no I can't just get him to do it.
Dan said that he will help me plant the new stuff tonight. This will be the end of my buying spree. Although.... they are having a sale on Peach Trees.........
Saturday, June 11, 2011
First truly beautiful day
This morning started off just gorgeous! Sunny, warm, beautiful.
Dan got up and mowed the back yard. Because of the rain and his getting home so late, the weeds in the back became the jungle in the back. Here is a picture. The cats just LOVED it.
Tiger and Argo played jungle kitties all over.
Here is another picture. A perspective so you can see just how tall the weeds were. I was worried about Dan mowing. He has a issue where it seems the slightest exertion on his part makes him sweat like he just ran a hundred miles. I had to stop him a couple times so he could drink some water to stay hydrated.
He got it all done and when I went out to see it, his face was pale white. When he came in the house, a minute later his face was so red. I am really hoping it was not sunburn.
I decided he needed a rest and so we snuggled up on our bed and watched The Deathly Hallows. Then he took a nap. I figured we'd get started on the front later in the day so that it wouldn't be so hot. but now it looks very overcast. Plus I once again am not feeling good.
It's a usual occurrence, but I am getting a bit miserable about it. Tired of wanting to do stuff but not having the umpf to do it. It's not fair to Dan that I want to do all this stuff, but I can't so he has to.
I bought some raspberry bushes and strawberry plants. We are going to plant them out front. First we had to take out the rose bushes. They looked dead. Nothing growing. So we clipped them down and got ready to dig out the roots. Dan came upon a big giant root. We can't seem to find the end, so we thought it must be the Cherry tree, and I was all about his getting out his Christmas present from Bill, his little hatchet.
But we've not had a chance w/all the rain and other stuff, so the root has just sat exposed for a few weeks. Thursday I noticed that it had something on it. I got closer and sure enough it was growing. and not a cherry tree. it's the damn supposed to be dead rose bush.
It's still gonna have to go. I want strawberries. I'm really wanting to make jam and stuff.
So here is hoping tomorrow is nice too. We're gonna set up the GARDEN!
Dan got up and mowed the back yard. Because of the rain and his getting home so late, the weeds in the back became the jungle in the back. Here is a picture. The cats just LOVED it.
Tiger and Argo played jungle kitties all over.
Here is another picture. A perspective so you can see just how tall the weeds were. I was worried about Dan mowing. He has a issue where it seems the slightest exertion on his part makes him sweat like he just ran a hundred miles. I had to stop him a couple times so he could drink some water to stay hydrated.
He got it all done and when I went out to see it, his face was pale white. When he came in the house, a minute later his face was so red. I am really hoping it was not sunburn.
I decided he needed a rest and so we snuggled up on our bed and watched The Deathly Hallows. Then he took a nap. I figured we'd get started on the front later in the day so that it wouldn't be so hot. but now it looks very overcast. Plus I once again am not feeling good.
It's a usual occurrence, but I am getting a bit miserable about it. Tired of wanting to do stuff but not having the umpf to do it. It's not fair to Dan that I want to do all this stuff, but I can't so he has to.
I bought some raspberry bushes and strawberry plants. We are going to plant them out front. First we had to take out the rose bushes. They looked dead. Nothing growing. So we clipped them down and got ready to dig out the roots. Dan came upon a big giant root. We can't seem to find the end, so we thought it must be the Cherry tree, and I was all about his getting out his Christmas present from Bill, his little hatchet.
But we've not had a chance w/all the rain and other stuff, so the root has just sat exposed for a few weeks. Thursday I noticed that it had something on it. I got closer and sure enough it was growing. and not a cherry tree. it's the damn supposed to be dead rose bush.
It's still gonna have to go. I want strawberries. I'm really wanting to make jam and stuff.
So here is hoping tomorrow is nice too. We're gonna set up the GARDEN!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
This year I didn't make food assignments. I didn't worry about when people would arrive. I didn't stress that there wouldn't be enough food. I just relaxed and let things go their own way.
It was GREAT! The house was mostly clean and the day was only slightly overcast.
Chris and Matt showed up first. They brought cake. Lorie and the boys were next and Lorie made cheesy (funeral) potatoes. Bill came with the pound cake and macaroni salad. Beth appeared later with the cookies.
We had burgers and chips and mac salad, and potatoes, and lots of desserts.
We talked, laughed, and reminisced. We missed the ones who couldn't be with us. Those whose day had to be spent somewhere else, and those who we know were there in spirit.
We laughed at Ben's shadow on the wall. His despicable me pose.
and we enjoyed watching the little girls rock out to Rock Band.
We played and talked until the little ones were worn out.
It was a great day in my book. Just a great day!
It was GREAT! The house was mostly clean and the day was only slightly overcast.
Chris and Matt showed up first. They brought cake. Lorie and the boys were next and Lorie made cheesy (funeral) potatoes. Bill came with the pound cake and macaroni salad. Beth appeared later with the cookies.
We had burgers and chips and mac salad, and potatoes, and lots of desserts.
We talked, laughed, and reminisced. We missed the ones who couldn't be with us. Those whose day had to be spent somewhere else, and those who we know were there in spirit.
We laughed at Ben's shadow on the wall. His despicable me pose.
and we enjoyed watching the little girls rock out to Rock Band.
We played and talked until the little ones were worn out.
It was a great day in my book. Just a great day!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Some jerk thinks I'm going to hell today
So all this crap going around about how the world will end tonight, and that the righteous will meet God in Heaven and the rest will burn in a fiery pit of volcanic lava, has got me thinking.
First I am too old, and too tired to go to Hell. It's a place where people are forced to do stuff to repent for their sins. I don't have the energy. I can't push a rock up a mountain, I can't party all night forever, I can't hold my breath for more than I few seconds, I could twist on a rack, but really? What would be the point?
Today is nice and sunny and supposedly going to be something in the 70's. (I'm at work). I would have expected a little grey cloud cover and some brimstone falling....
As my friend Lorie said: It's been so wet here in Utah that a bit of fire might help.
It doesn't feel like the world is going to end. I mean wouldn't that take a LONG time to happen? Shouldn't God have started like, I don't know..... a few hours ago? I thought for sure it would happen this morning, but now I am reading in the news about how it will happen tonight. Well hell, what time tonight? I have plans and I need to work those around the end of the world crap that needs to include my asking for forgiveness for my many sins.
somehow I don't see me, not having to work on Monday, or telling my creditors that: "Sorry, but I didn't pay you because the world will end tomorrow and what would be the point?" happening anytime soon.
First I am too old, and too tired to go to Hell. It's a place where people are forced to do stuff to repent for their sins. I don't have the energy. I can't push a rock up a mountain, I can't party all night forever, I can't hold my breath for more than I few seconds, I could twist on a rack, but really? What would be the point?
Today is nice and sunny and supposedly going to be something in the 70's. (I'm at work). I would have expected a little grey cloud cover and some brimstone falling....
As my friend Lorie said: It's been so wet here in Utah that a bit of fire might help.
It doesn't feel like the world is going to end. I mean wouldn't that take a LONG time to happen? Shouldn't God have started like, I don't know..... a few hours ago? I thought for sure it would happen this morning, but now I am reading in the news about how it will happen tonight. Well hell, what time tonight? I have plans and I need to work those around the end of the world crap that needs to include my asking for forgiveness for my many sins.
somehow I don't see me, not having to work on Monday, or telling my creditors that: "Sorry, but I didn't pay you because the world will end tomorrow and what would be the point?" happening anytime soon.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
No More soda *frowny face*
So Dan and been coughing more and more lately. He's always had to be careful because overdoing any activity especially after eating will cause him to cough. He coughs so bad he will make himself throw up.
It has gotten so bad now, that people at his work have complained. He was told by his management to go to the doctor. He has and although they have told him he has asthma, I think it is something different. Having spent the first 24 years of my life with a man who suffered from, not only asthma, but other lung illnesses, I am pretty sure that it's not just asthma, or even bad asthma.
I have also noticed a trend that Dan's coughing seems to be even more worse after he has a soda with his meals. Dan and I drink A LOT OF SODA. I kid you not. We can go through some 2 liters like no other. Me more than Dan in the 2 liter category, but Dan doesn't drink hardly anything but soda. He tells me he drinks water at work, but I'm sure a Coke is snuck in there somewhere.
So I made him a challenge. We both are giving up soda (any carbonated drinks) for 5 days. Monday through Friday. Just to:
I am having a harder time cutting out the sweets. It's so frustrating because I love them so much. But honestly I think I just love eating. I am going to try to cut up some cucumbers and see if I will eat them like I eat chips and cookies and such. Maybe the trick will be to just keep celery, carrots and cucumbers as a ready to eat snack.
I know I don't feel good after eating the sweets. Mostly because:
So I am trying to compromise with myself. It's not a Win/Win, but it beats a Win/Lose any day.
I will try to keep any sweets consumption to the early part of the day. Especially when I have taken my morning insulin. If I can't get myself to stop altogether, then at least I can limit better my portions AND hopefully feel better.
*sigh Just and FYI. Day two of caffeine with drawl from soda just sucks. I am a bit miserable. But I will do this. I almost drank some coffee just to keep awake, but since I HATE the taste, and really shouldn't have the caffeine, I skipped it. But now to stay awake long enough to get home.
It has gotten so bad now, that people at his work have complained. He was told by his management to go to the doctor. He has and although they have told him he has asthma, I think it is something different. Having spent the first 24 years of my life with a man who suffered from, not only asthma, but other lung illnesses, I am pretty sure that it's not just asthma, or even bad asthma.
I have also noticed a trend that Dan's coughing seems to be even more worse after he has a soda with his meals. Dan and I drink A LOT OF SODA. I kid you not. We can go through some 2 liters like no other. Me more than Dan in the 2 liter category, but Dan doesn't drink hardly anything but soda. He tells me he drinks water at work, but I'm sure a Coke is snuck in there somewhere.
So I made him a challenge. We both are giving up soda (any carbonated drinks) for 5 days. Monday through Friday. Just to:
- see if we can do it
- I want to see if Dan does better with his coughing
- I want to see if it makes either one of us feel better.
I am having a harder time cutting out the sweets. It's so frustrating because I love them so much. But honestly I think I just love eating. I am going to try to cut up some cucumbers and see if I will eat them like I eat chips and cookies and such. Maybe the trick will be to just keep celery, carrots and cucumbers as a ready to eat snack.
I know I don't feel good after eating the sweets. Mostly because:
- I eat too much
- I eat them too late at night
- I forget to take my evening insulin and eat sweets anyway.
So I am trying to compromise with myself. It's not a Win/Win, but it beats a Win/Lose any day.
I will try to keep any sweets consumption to the early part of the day. Especially when I have taken my morning insulin. If I can't get myself to stop altogether, then at least I can limit better my portions AND hopefully feel better.
*sigh Just and FYI. Day two of caffeine with drawl from soda just sucks. I am a bit miserable. But I will do this. I almost drank some coffee just to keep awake, but since I HATE the taste, and really shouldn't have the caffeine, I skipped it. But now to stay awake long enough to get home.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Grounded
So last night Dan and I went to get our Taxes done. I know, we're late and that is an even LONGER story. We decided to go with a friend of the Poen's as we didn't get any tax info for Dan's trust. I must admit it was cheaper than what we've paid in the past few years, but it was still pricier than I had hoped. I suppose if you are going to have a professional do it, $85.00 shouldn't be that bad. the depressing part is that he totally proved my tax skillz wrong and we are NOT getting a $5,000.00 refund. BOOOO! BUT... we are getting a refund. So I suppose I can't complain too loudly. Still..... I had dreams for that $5K.
After the tax issues, we decided to go out to dinner. We decided to go to WingNutz in West Valley. I have to admit that I like their place a lot better than the one at the District.
We took in our Kindles. I LOVE my Kindle. The only problem is that I so don't want to carry a paperback around now, but it's pricey to buy books on the Kindle that I already own.
Anyway, after explaining to Dan the way the English Monarchy works. (why Prince Phillip is not King, Camilla will not be Queen, Kate is a Duchess, and if Will and Kate have only Girls the oldest will be Queen and her hubby can only aspire as high as Prince.)
So after a tasty dinner and some pretty good live singing from the guitar guy there, we headed home. We got there and Dan took the trash cans to the middle of the Cul-de-sac. He placed his Black covered Kindle on my black colored car, and dragged the trash can as well as the recycle can out.
Guess who forgot to grab their $200.00 Kindle off of my car??????
This morning I walked out the door and down the steps when I came to a stop as I viewed the back of Flaming Bob the very Black Honda. There where he put it was Dan's Kindle. Of course it had rained that night into morning and the cover was soaked. However the devise itself was working fine. A little slow due to the cold, but otherwise working very well. Whew.
I picked it up and wiped it off. I took it to Dan's car Chuck and put it on the passenger seat. Then I got in Bob and sent Dan a text message telling him he is grounded from his Kindle.
Later at work he sent me an email on how mortified he was that he left it there, and how lucky he felt that it was still there and not damaged. Guess that $50.00 cover I bought was worth the price.
After the tax issues, we decided to go out to dinner. We decided to go to WingNutz in West Valley. I have to admit that I like their place a lot better than the one at the District.
We took in our Kindles. I LOVE my Kindle. The only problem is that I so don't want to carry a paperback around now, but it's pricey to buy books on the Kindle that I already own.
Anyway, after explaining to Dan the way the English Monarchy works. (why Prince Phillip is not King, Camilla will not be Queen, Kate is a Duchess, and if Will and Kate have only Girls the oldest will be Queen and her hubby can only aspire as high as Prince.)
So after a tasty dinner and some pretty good live singing from the guitar guy there, we headed home. We got there and Dan took the trash cans to the middle of the Cul-de-sac. He placed his Black covered Kindle on my black colored car, and dragged the trash can as well as the recycle can out.
Guess who forgot to grab their $200.00 Kindle off of my car??????
This morning I walked out the door and down the steps when I came to a stop as I viewed the back of Flaming Bob the very Black Honda. There where he put it was Dan's Kindle. Of course it had rained that night into morning and the cover was soaked. However the devise itself was working fine. A little slow due to the cold, but otherwise working very well. Whew.
I picked it up and wiped it off. I took it to Dan's car Chuck and put it on the passenger seat. Then I got in Bob and sent Dan a text message telling him he is grounded from his Kindle.
Later at work he sent me an email on how mortified he was that he left it there, and how lucky he felt that it was still there and not damaged. Guess that $50.00 cover I bought was worth the price.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Really? It's just a penny.
So Dan and I went to the BR last night for some cold sweet treat.
When we left the house, I asked if I should bring my purse. Even though we were also going to the store before the BR trek, Dan said that I could leave my purse home. So I did.
We did our thing at the store and then drove to the closest Baskin Robins. There was a bit of a line, but it moved pretty fast. I must admit I was very impressed with this location.
they had someone directing the line and passing out laminated lists of the flavors available for consumption, as well as notes to the "extras" prices on the back. They stamped each and every hand (they even stamped the baby in front of me. LOL). They determined how many people came in at each time, and had numbered signs for servers. You stood in line, when the door opened the person who opened it told you what number line to go to, and the counter person took your order.
You got your order with a ticket that said how many scoops total. You gave that to the cashier (the only line beside the entry line that was more than 2 people deep). Then you took your ticket and showed it to the guy at the "exit" door and he let you out. Really it was probably a wait of 10 minutes at the most.
So we got in line and scoured the list. I saw that my FAVORITE BR flavor was on the menu along with my tried and true second. I decided to go all out and picked a third.
Gold medal ribbon (fav)
Rainbow Sherbet (2nd fav)
Snickers (always a good i-cream choice).
Dan got:
Chocolate chip
Mint Chocolate chip
Chocolate peanut butter.
(note: Dan like the chocolate chips and was attempting a theme. however he did not care for the chocolate peanut butter)
We got in and went to counter sign # 2. Two boys in their teens were there to help us. The boy who took Dan's order was about 16 or 17 with a big fro of brown hair. He had a smile on his face and was very enthusiastic. The boy who took my order was about the same age maybe a bit older and had the enthusiasm of a cavity filled kid going to the dentist. he wasn't rude, but it was slightly obvious that he was hating his job at the moment. I was slightly disappointed that my ice cream scoops were not put on my cone as per my order. I wanted Rainbow, Gold Medal, Snickers. instead I got Gold medal, snickers, rainbow. But oh well. It was still YUMMY!!!
So we took our ticket of 6 scoops and went to the register. The total came to $2.01 Dan gave the girl two dollars and reached in his pocket for the penny. Oops, no change. He dug around and looked at me. Nope I left my purse at home remember? He even paused enough to give the counter girl the chance to say: "don't worry about the penny", but nope. Not a word.
Finally after another moment (which seemed like an eternity) Dan just handed her another dollar bill. Then she gave him back the $0.99.
I was kind of surprised. I mean it was just a freaking penny. She could have just waived it off and let it go. I realize that cashiers want to be accurate with their registers, but come on. When I was a cashier I ALWAYS kept 4 pennies on my register just for that purpose. Why hold up the entire line? If we would have paid separately it would have been exactly $1.00 each. But due to tax, together it rounded up. It's all good in the end, but really. It's just a penny.
When we left the house, I asked if I should bring my purse. Even though we were also going to the store before the BR trek, Dan said that I could leave my purse home. So I did.
We did our thing at the store and then drove to the closest Baskin Robins. There was a bit of a line, but it moved pretty fast. I must admit I was very impressed with this location.
they had someone directing the line and passing out laminated lists of the flavors available for consumption, as well as notes to the "extras" prices on the back. They stamped each and every hand (they even stamped the baby in front of me. LOL). They determined how many people came in at each time, and had numbered signs for servers. You stood in line, when the door opened the person who opened it told you what number line to go to, and the counter person took your order.
You got your order with a ticket that said how many scoops total. You gave that to the cashier (the only line beside the entry line that was more than 2 people deep). Then you took your ticket and showed it to the guy at the "exit" door and he let you out. Really it was probably a wait of 10 minutes at the most.
So we got in line and scoured the list. I saw that my FAVORITE BR flavor was on the menu along with my tried and true second. I decided to go all out and picked a third.
Gold medal ribbon (fav)
Rainbow Sherbet (2nd fav)
Snickers (always a good i-cream choice).
Dan got:
Chocolate chip
Mint Chocolate chip
Chocolate peanut butter.
(note: Dan like the chocolate chips and was attempting a theme. however he did not care for the chocolate peanut butter)
We got in and went to counter sign # 2. Two boys in their teens were there to help us. The boy who took Dan's order was about 16 or 17 with a big fro of brown hair. He had a smile on his face and was very enthusiastic. The boy who took my order was about the same age maybe a bit older and had the enthusiasm of a cavity filled kid going to the dentist. he wasn't rude, but it was slightly obvious that he was hating his job at the moment. I was slightly disappointed that my ice cream scoops were not put on my cone as per my order. I wanted Rainbow, Gold Medal, Snickers. instead I got Gold medal, snickers, rainbow. But oh well. It was still YUMMY!!!
So we took our ticket of 6 scoops and went to the register. The total came to $2.01 Dan gave the girl two dollars and reached in his pocket for the penny. Oops, no change. He dug around and looked at me. Nope I left my purse at home remember? He even paused enough to give the counter girl the chance to say: "don't worry about the penny", but nope. Not a word.
Finally after another moment (which seemed like an eternity) Dan just handed her another dollar bill. Then she gave him back the $0.99.
I was kind of surprised. I mean it was just a freaking penny. She could have just waived it off and let it go. I realize that cashiers want to be accurate with their registers, but come on. When I was a cashier I ALWAYS kept 4 pennies on my register just for that purpose. Why hold up the entire line? If we would have paid separately it would have been exactly $1.00 each. But due to tax, together it rounded up. It's all good in the end, but really. It's just a penny.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Baskin Robins and my hunny
So today Shannon told me about Baskin Robins having a deal going on where scoops of ice cream are $0.31 up to 3 scoops. Wow. I love the BR, and their 31 flavors.
this is a promo to help firefighters. What better way to justify my BR needs?
I sent Dan and the Poens an email telling about it, and that I was heading there.
My sweet hunny replied back: Ok, when I get home we’ll go then.
I love this man!
this is a promo to help firefighters. What better way to justify my BR needs?
I sent Dan and the Poens an email telling about it, and that I was heading there.
My sweet hunny replied back: Ok, when I get home we’ll go then.
I love this man!
Monday, April 18, 2011
to get, or not to get that is the question of today.
So. As many of you don't know, or may know, we use Cricket for our phone service. This has worked out well for me for the past 8 years as they have unlimited almost everything. I don't know many people outside of Utah, so I didn't need long distance, and the phones have worked well every where. Well.... almost everywhere. The house we live in is located in a cul-de-sac. It's not even a big cul-de-sac, but it seems to be the dead zone. It's been hard for us to get calls, make calls, continue calls. It's like a vail is over the entrance and once past the entrance all Cricket service is subject to the whims of fate. If a cloud goes overhead the call drops. If I move two feet to the left, the call drops. If I sneeze, the phone goes silent and if I don't get my head back in place, you guessed it. The call drops. I have put up with this simply because Cricket service was cheap. really. We have a "house" phone. It's with vonage which we have been with for over 5 years. Oddly enough I have discovered that customer loyalty means nothing I guess. In the past years the price of the Cricket has gone up slightly (who the hell still charges $5.00 a month for voicemail?). And Vonage has gone up slightly too. (taxes). I think companies should follow the insurance companies and give some sort of discount for every year you are with them. Anyway..... So a month or two ago, (time slips away from me these days), our good friends the Poens, decided to get new mobile (I still call them cell) phones. They went with Sprint and got really nice phones. Dan says to me: "Hey how come our phones don't do that?" meaning Internet etcetera. I said: "because we don't pay $150.00 a month". But... that got me to thinking. We pay $96.00 a month for Cricket, and $36.00 a month for Vonage. That is: $132.00 a month. If we went with Sprint, (where we could get cool phones), it would only be a difference of $18.00 a month. With Sprint, we both would have nationwide calling (I currently do not have long distance w/Cricket as it's an additional $5.00 per month), unlimited mobile to mobile no matter what carrier the other person is with, and ta-da! Internet access. I figure that right there is worth the 18 bucks. then my good friend Jill told me that our work offers a discount. So hopefully that will bring the price down even farther. We know because of the Poens that Sprint service is excellent in our house/cul-del-sac. So I am happy camper. We get rid of Vonage and Cricket, and get nice cell phones. BUT, the hard part is of course the shelling out money for the new phones. $300.00 for two Evo Shifts. Plus you need accessories. We both would like Bluetooths. And covers. The next item to decide on is out TV. We currently have comcast. I HATE paying that much for TV that I don't use. By this I mean, I watch up to 20 channels. I don't watch them constantly, but I like certain shows on each channel. However in order to get those channels I have to pay $63.00 a month BEFORE the fees and taxes and charges for equipment. Total Bill for TV portion is about $102.00 a month. It just seems ridiculous. So I have been researching getting satellite. I think I have decided going with Dish Network. They have a deal for $50.00 a month for the package that will give us the channels we like, for 12 months, and then it goes up to $70.00 for another year. But we get the equipment for the service for free, and it's only a small fee to upgrade the equipment to DVR. I estimate I can save about $20.00 to $30.00 a month for the first year, and break about even for the second. We will still keep comcast for our Internet, as Dan really likes the broadband, but we need to cut costs somewhere. Now I just got to come up with the funds to get all this started.......
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Who actually buys that kind of Sweater? Really!
So last Saturday Dan, Andy, Stef and I went to see the movie Paul. I didn't want to go. It looked really stupid. Plus I HATE alien movies. (certain movies excluded like Men in Black).
But the husband and friends prevailed. I'm glad they did. It was very funny. I learned a whole new terminology. I wouldn't recommend taking your kids. It's rated R for a reason. But it was freaking funny!
After the movie we decided to go to Applebee's for dinner. I have to admit I was not impressed with my meal, but since it wasn't awful I ate it anyway. The company more than made up for the food, and we were having a great time.
During our dinner and talking another table was seated behind Andy. I had to take a double take. I noticed that the man seated directly behind Andy was wearing a Red and Green stripped sweater. Who the hell actually buys a Red and Green stripped sweater? I mean really? Then I noticed his hat. It was a brown fedora. yep. you heard it. The only difference between him and Freddy Kruger was that the man was wearing black shorts.
I couldn't help it. I had to have a picture. It's not the best ever, but you can see what I mean.
I had dinner with Freddy Kruger!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Doing it again anyway
So Friday I met with Dr. Swanky-raccoon. He wants to do the right leg at the end of April. Really? That soon? sheesh. I suppose he's worried that I won't do it if we don't get it going now. He also talked to me about an exercise bike instead of a treadmill. He thinks it will be easier on my joints. I think he may be right. I will start looking at them tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to getting the other leg done. I have noticed a difference in my left leg, but they both are so darn weak that I just know this will make the right one weaker. Of course if I can be good and do the bike thing, then maybe I will gain some strength. I'm really sad to say that Disney World is out this year. Between me getting sick all the time, and Dan getting bronchitis we just won't have the vacation time. I am in hopes that maybe Dan and I can just sneak away for a few days. We've always wanted to go to Durango Colorado, so I am thinking maybe we could do that for a few days. Just something different. :) well off to do something about the laundry. With Jay living here I am uncomfortable doing anything downstairs. This is going to be a long month.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Manual on fire update.
So Dan called with some good news. The insurance company has decided that Flaming Bob, (the cars new name), will be fixed instead of totalled. This makes me happy as I feel our deductible will be better used towards that, than trying to locate a new car. The down fall is of course:
- gotta come up with the deductible
- gotta get a rental car
- gotta wait a while for the car to be fixed
- gonna have to deal with the fact that our rates will possibly go up.
But, hey. It could always have been worse. No one but Flaming Bob was hurt, and we were no longer on the freeway when it happened.
New headlight = Destroyed car
My car Bob needs to be inspected this month. Just as I realized this, his passenger side headlight went out. Since Dan is the man I nagged talked him into going to get a new headlight. I thought he would take it somewhere and having them do it, but instead he took himself to Autozone and picked one up. That was Saturday. Then because we went to the Movies with Andy. (Sucker Punch), Dan waited until Sunday to put in the headlight. It took him about a half hour. He was so proud of himself for doing it too. He's not overly mechanically inclined, so to have accomplished this, was a thrill for him.
Once he was done, Ibegged convinced him that we should go out to dinner. We haven't been out since we went last weekend when we went out with Andy and Stef. So he gave in agreed, and we decided we'd go to Chuck-a-Rama.
Because Imade such a fuss was excited about getting a new headlight, Dan decided that I would drive. So off we went. I went down to Redwood Road, got onto East Bound 215 and headed to Fashion Place Mall. Just before we got off the freeway I started smelling something. Then my idiot engine light started flashing on and off. I noticed the car had issues going. Soon the burning smell was heavier and the car would barely go. I got it into the restaurant parking lot, and parked it as far from the building as I could.
Dan got out and I popped the hood. There it was. Engine fire. I immediately turned off the car, pulled out the keys (don't know why. habit I guess), popped the trunk and went looking for a bottle of water. I used to keep water in Silver, but since Bob is so much newer, I never bothered.
I went to the front of the car to see Dan holding smoldering papers. huh?
I blew on the fire and was able to get it to go out. Dan ran into the restaurant and got some water. He poured it on the engine, and I took the papers and dumped them in the water.
The papers were actually the owners manual for the car. Dan had left the manual on the engine when he did the headlight. He completely forgot it and closed the hood. He was so upset with himself, and I had to remind him several times that accidents happen. I actually started laughing. I mean what else could I do? Yelling at him would not have helped, crying would have just upset me, and well, it was kinda funny.
I made him go eat and we called Bill to see if he could help. He suggested we call Charlotte and Tony to see if Tony could tow the car to the garage. He had been drinking so he called a friend who came and towed the car and then drove us home. He was a really nice guy and did it as a favor to Tony.
Dan called Paul our Mechanic this morning to tell him what happened and see what he could do. Dan just called me a few minutes ago to tell me that Paul suggested we call the insurance company to put in a claim as the fire did a lot of damage. Paul thinks the insurance company will total the car. He said the damage is so sever that the car is really not salvageable. This sucks as this is the car we paid off. We really can't do another car payment, but I don't want to be down to one car. Now I have to wonder if we should try to get Silver back into service. Maybe this is why I balked at getting rid of him. *sigh*
Once he was done, I
Because I
Dan got out and I popped the hood. There it was. Engine fire. I immediately turned off the car, pulled out the keys (don't know why. habit I guess), popped the trunk and went looking for a bottle of water. I used to keep water in Silver, but since Bob is so much newer, I never bothered.
I went to the front of the car to see Dan holding smoldering papers. huh?
I blew on the fire and was able to get it to go out. Dan ran into the restaurant and got some water. He poured it on the engine, and I took the papers and dumped them in the water.
The papers were actually the owners manual for the car. Dan had left the manual on the engine when he did the headlight. He completely forgot it and closed the hood. He was so upset with himself, and I had to remind him several times that accidents happen. I actually started laughing. I mean what else could I do? Yelling at him would not have helped, crying would have just upset me, and well, it was kinda funny.
I made him go eat and we called Bill to see if he could help. He suggested we call Charlotte and Tony to see if Tony could tow the car to the garage. He had been drinking so he called a friend who came and towed the car and then drove us home. He was a really nice guy and did it as a favor to Tony.
Dan called Paul our Mechanic this morning to tell him what happened and see what he could do. Dan just called me a few minutes ago to tell me that Paul suggested we call the insurance company to put in a claim as the fire did a lot of damage. Paul thinks the insurance company will total the car. He said the damage is so sever that the car is really not salvageable. This sucks as this is the car we paid off. We really can't do another car payment, but I don't want to be down to one car. Now I have to wonder if we should try to get Silver back into service. Maybe this is why I balked at getting rid of him. *sigh*
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The annoyance of others
So Dan has a friend, who has not been a friend for long, who I feel is starting to take advantage of us. When we first met this man, I was told he was homeless and living in a storage shed. I felt bad for him and allowed him to stay with us for a couple of days. He joined Dan's Dungeons and Dragons game and this made Dan happy. Because this person didn't really have a place to stay, and because buses are hard to come by on Saturdays, I have allowed him to spend the nights on Fridays. He stays all day on Saturday and Sunday and leaves Monday. Since this is every other weekend, I've dealt with it.
I'm not a person who likes people all the time. I tend to take a while to warm up to people, but I can't really warm up to this guy. He has requested to come to our house now almost every weekend. This has bothered me as I feel like I can't go into my basement because he is there. It's been hard enough dealing with Ben and Tiff and they are family.
I found out not to long ago that this guy doesn't NEED to stay at our place on the weekends, but likes to stay there because we have better internet. GRRR. I can understand that, but I need my space. I feel like my basement is taken hostage, and so is my hubby as he spends time playing games with this guy.
Dan has been really good about telling this guy no, so I am trying to be nice and make sure that the guy can spend some time with Dan.
I am also looking forward to Ben and Tiff going off to Alaska. They are good kids and I have to admit it has been good for Dan and I to have the stay with us, but I am ready to have my house back. I miss being able to run back and forth from the bathroom nekkid. I can't wait to have the fridge back and know that whatever food in there is mine. I am looking forward to getting that room painted and arranged. We will be keeping their cats for the few months they are in Alaska, but that's ok. I will miss them cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. AND especially the litter boxes. I will miss having someone tall enough to reach the high shelves w/out using the step ladder. And I will miss the bit of muscle that I can get to move stuff around.
Small price to pay for my annoyance.
I'm not a person who likes people all the time. I tend to take a while to warm up to people, but I can't really warm up to this guy. He has requested to come to our house now almost every weekend. This has bothered me as I feel like I can't go into my basement because he is there. It's been hard enough dealing with Ben and Tiff and they are family.
I found out not to long ago that this guy doesn't NEED to stay at our place on the weekends, but likes to stay there because we have better internet. GRRR. I can understand that, but I need my space. I feel like my basement is taken hostage, and so is my hubby as he spends time playing games with this guy.
Dan has been really good about telling this guy no, so I am trying to be nice and make sure that the guy can spend some time with Dan.
I am also looking forward to Ben and Tiff going off to Alaska. They are good kids and I have to admit it has been good for Dan and I to have the stay with us, but I am ready to have my house back. I miss being able to run back and forth from the bathroom nekkid. I can't wait to have the fridge back and know that whatever food in there is mine. I am looking forward to getting that room painted and arranged. We will be keeping their cats for the few months they are in Alaska, but that's ok. I will miss them cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. AND especially the litter boxes. I will miss having someone tall enough to reach the high shelves w/out using the step ladder. And I will miss the bit of muscle that I can get to move stuff around.
Small price to pay for my annoyance.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Some peoples EBay
So last year, (yes I know, it was so long ago) was Dan's 40th birthday party. I decided it would be fun to throw him an over the hill surprise party. Andy and Stef kindly volunteered their house (Bless you both), and I started getting decorations together.
I found on EBay this awesome balloon package. It has a large Vulture mylar, and a two smaller reaper mylars with some latex balloons. It was being sold by someone who had a 99% feedback rating, but it was the only "package" like that I could find. I read all the negative and neutral feedback and even though I was trepidatious, I decided to take a chance anyway. Most of the feedback was that the items did not arrive or did not arrive in time. I ordered the package on November 22. by December 6, I had not gotten my package. I sent the seller a message asking for when it had been shipped. She responded right away stating that she would check on the mail date. She responded again that the package was sent and should have arrived. I advised her that I didn't get it. She asked me to check around my home or with family members.
I advised her that it had been sent to my office and that all incoming mail is logged. I did not get it, and could she please resend it? That was on December 9. I never heard from her again. I sent 3 more messages after the 9th asking that she send the package ASAP. no response. Finally on the day of Dan's birthday, (3 days before Dan's surprise party), I disputed the transaction with EBay. I only get like 30 days to do so, and I was up on deadline.
Surprisingly enough, after my dispute and my placing negative feedback on the seller, I get a message from her same day. She refunded my money, AND noted that the reason she didn't get back with me was due to problems with her computer. WTH? 19 days of computer problems? Really? This woman runs an EBay Store. She was able to go 19 days w/no computer? I found this really hard to beleive.
A few days after she asked me to reconsider my negative feedback as she told me that she had computer problems. I decided to ignore. A coupld weeks later same message. I ignored. She has sent me two more requests to reconsider the negative. I finally got mad. I have my friend Charlotte who sells on EBay all the time. She busts her a$$ to make sure her customers are satisfied. This woman has come to my house and used my computer and I live 12 miles away. She was in the hospital for 2 weeks and had her Son log in to let her customers know what was happening. So for someone who has an EBay store to say it was acceptable to go 19 days w/out any attempt at communication is beyond me. So I got mad enough to write the following message to her. I really feel that my negative feedback was warrented. She could have made an effort.
Hello.
I contacted you on December 6th to advise I did not get my package. You contacted me the next day to advise on when the package was mailed. I contacted you to advise I have not received it, and you contacted me again on December 9th to advise what to look for. I advised you on that same day that it was delivered to an office and that said office tracks incoming packages. It was not received. That was the last communication with you until December 28th which happens to be the same day that I disputed the transaction with EBay and left negative feedback. Between the 9th and 28th I sent 3 more messages. I realize that computer problems can happen. I work with computers every day. But why I felt compelled to leave negative feed back is because 19 days is quite some time to have computer issues for a EBay store. I know for a fact that you could have continued to conduct business on any computer. Friends, neighbor, library. Even to leave just a note that there was a problem with your computer and that you would get back to me as soon as able would have been acceptable.
I read all feedback on sellers before I buy anything. Normally I do not purchase anything from anyone with less that 100% feedback. There is a reason for feedback status. At that time you had a couple of negatives and a few neutrals already. Most all concerned the delay in delivery and the notation that packages were not received. Because the product you offered was the only one of that style I could find, I took a chance that I would get it. It was very important and the center piece for my husbands 40th birthday party. I ordered in what I thought was plenty of time, and even planned ahead enough that if the package didn’t arrive I would still have time for you to send a replacement.
I feel that my negative feedback was warranted as a warning to others that you are not able to always follow through with commitment. Perhaps it will save someone else from disappointment in purchasing from you. I have not responded to your other requests to change my feedback as I did not want to get into this with you. However I see that I must. I ask you to please not respond to this message and not to contact me again concerning this, or I will report you for harassment to EBay.
Thank you.
So feel free to leave a comment on how you feel I should have dealt with this, or if you think I did the right thing.
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