I'm not really ready to actively pursue dating. I'm really enjoying being single. I love being in complete control of my time and what I want to do. I hate being in a relationship and feeling that I have to compromise who I am or what I want to do. I'm guessing that is likely a personal flaw of my own that I bring into relationships. Although in most of my relationships, I've been the one to wear the pants, and I don't think it's always been by choice.
Anyway, the ex-bf and I met on match.com. I knew he wasn't really a match for me, but then I wasn't really interested in dating anyone anyway. When I broke up with him for 10 months the time before, I felt drawn back to the site to see what was there. Maybe since it's just easier to have hundreds even thousands of potential prospect dates at your finger tips. It kind of takes out a lot of the work of getting out and trying to meet people through a variety of venues, and in my case, not successful ones.
The other night I found myself back on match.com just looking around. I was amazed by how many faces I had seen on there before. In telling the story to my girlfriend she said, "Wow, what a bunch of losers!" I said "Oh yeah, what does that make me then since I was there too?"
Some say that myspace is the new free dating site. Last night I was surfing around on that just to see if there was anything to peak my interest. I just find it so hard to understand people's real motivation and then there's the trust factor. Not that people can't blatantly be as deceiving or dishonest in person as well, but sometimes it seems like online daters may play the field more, of course that's my own opinion and experience.
Yesterday at work, my girlfriend mentioned that she was going on a date for drinks afterward. I began asking her questions about him and how they met. She was hesitant to say that it had been online, why is there still such a stigma when it seems that the majority of people spend 1/4 or more of their lives online? But there is. Anyway, she met him through a dating site - matchmaker international. I was APPALLED to hear about this site.
Matchmaker International apparently bought out a Just lunch dating site a while back, which she was a member and enjoyed. I asked her if she had a picture of the guy and she said no, pictures weren't exchanged. That for one was shocking to me - not that relationships are based on looks - but no one is going to deny that chemistry has something to do with a relationship. She said that matchmaker sets people up on dates and then emails them information. She showed me the email for this particular date.
This was the appalling part ~ they send out full names, addresses, phone numbers and some background information of both parties to each other! SERIOUSLY? I would NEVER want a prospective date to have my personal information like that. If and when I choose to share, I will. I believe that somethings should be confidential until the situation feels safe or the person is trustworthy. Maybe I've been stalked a few too many times, maybe not.
She said that she was glad that I also found it unsettling as did she. But she did try to defend matchmaker by saying that they perform all background checks on everyone. Oh, then I guess it's OK - NOT! Clearly I believe that the agency/service should have that information, but to provide it to others, that's just downright SCARY.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Laziness
I've been extremely lazy for the last, well I guess less than 24 hours. And I'm loving it!
It seems like it has been forever since I've done almost nothing. My body usually tries to recharge about once a month or so by getting excessive amounts of sleep and being lazy. Today is one of those days!
After work, I volunteered with JA at the ball field concession stand. Of course I wanted her to freak out, since I managed to get stuck at work until 5:15p.m. and then raced to the fields to get there at 5:28p.m., two minutes to spare! Needless to say, JA was a little worried that I wasn't going to make it ~ especially since she got there super early and didn't have her cell to check on my whereabouts. We were pretty busy at the concession that we even stayed over 45 minutes helping our replacements.
JA's computer is in the shop and she's pretty much had a really hard time without it. She came over to read emails and check on things. It's amazing how much we use and take for granted our computers and cell phones. Truly, it's almost sad really, how often we use both throughout the day that without them it seems almost like a void or an inability to function. Although, by choice we can choose to get through life without them or using them very little if we choose. But when faced without the choice and having that void, it almost becomes debilitating.
I had 2.5 blockbuster online movies that I had yet to watch and two that I can return in store for my 5 monthly exchanges by 5/31/08. I really didn't care if I managed to watch them, but in the back of my head it's one of those things - you pay for it, use it. Clearly I know that I do more than break even every month, that's for sure. I just wasn't sure where I would be this weekend as to whether or not I could return two movies back to a store on time. Last night I managed to watch all of the movies! Not that it was truly my intention, but my 15 minute snooze during the second movie wired me enough to get through the rest of that and the next movie and another two hours! I can't say that I would recommend any of the movies.
At 2:15a.m., while I was playing spades online, my phone rang. I figured it was TS, my usual late night caller checking in and figuring out our weekend plans as we talked about going to the casino. It wasn't. It was actually another friend that I hadn't talked to in a few weeks. The funny thing is, he left a message on my cell (which I listened to later saying that I was probably asleep) and then he called the house phone and wondered why I was up! Had my son been with me this weekend, I may have been a little irritated, but seeing that he wasn't it was completely OK. Although he figured my son was home. Sometimes it just makes me wonder what inspires people to call me at all hours of the night! So we talked for a while and despite him being in the area, I told him I would take a rain check on seeing him.
I'm actually getting pretty good at saying "no" and not feeling guilty about it!
I haven't talked with TS yet today, but I'm finally going to get motivated and shower and get ready to head out for the rest of the weekend. My uncle and aunt just arrived in Michigan from Florida this morning. I'll be heading to my mom's to see them all, especially since I haven't seen my mom since our Valentine's dinner and Mama Mia date. So tonight I'll grab two movies to watch at my parents and hangout and then tomorrow we'll hit the casino. Maybe I can even hit a slot or two - big!
It seems like it has been forever since I've done almost nothing. My body usually tries to recharge about once a month or so by getting excessive amounts of sleep and being lazy. Today is one of those days!
After work, I volunteered with JA at the ball field concession stand. Of course I wanted her to freak out, since I managed to get stuck at work until 5:15p.m. and then raced to the fields to get there at 5:28p.m., two minutes to spare! Needless to say, JA was a little worried that I wasn't going to make it ~ especially since she got there super early and didn't have her cell to check on my whereabouts. We were pretty busy at the concession that we even stayed over 45 minutes helping our replacements.
JA's computer is in the shop and she's pretty much had a really hard time without it. She came over to read emails and check on things. It's amazing how much we use and take for granted our computers and cell phones. Truly, it's almost sad really, how often we use both throughout the day that without them it seems almost like a void or an inability to function. Although, by choice we can choose to get through life without them or using them very little if we choose. But when faced without the choice and having that void, it almost becomes debilitating.
I had 2.5 blockbuster online movies that I had yet to watch and two that I can return in store for my 5 monthly exchanges by 5/31/08. I really didn't care if I managed to watch them, but in the back of my head it's one of those things - you pay for it, use it. Clearly I know that I do more than break even every month, that's for sure. I just wasn't sure where I would be this weekend as to whether or not I could return two movies back to a store on time. Last night I managed to watch all of the movies! Not that it was truly my intention, but my 15 minute snooze during the second movie wired me enough to get through the rest of that and the next movie and another two hours! I can't say that I would recommend any of the movies.
At 2:15a.m., while I was playing spades online, my phone rang. I figured it was TS, my usual late night caller checking in and figuring out our weekend plans as we talked about going to the casino. It wasn't. It was actually another friend that I hadn't talked to in a few weeks. The funny thing is, he left a message on my cell (which I listened to later saying that I was probably asleep) and then he called the house phone and wondered why I was up! Had my son been with me this weekend, I may have been a little irritated, but seeing that he wasn't it was completely OK. Although he figured my son was home. Sometimes it just makes me wonder what inspires people to call me at all hours of the night! So we talked for a while and despite him being in the area, I told him I would take a rain check on seeing him.
I'm actually getting pretty good at saying "no" and not feeling guilty about it!
I haven't talked with TS yet today, but I'm finally going to get motivated and shower and get ready to head out for the rest of the weekend. My uncle and aunt just arrived in Michigan from Florida this morning. I'll be heading to my mom's to see them all, especially since I haven't seen my mom since our Valentine's dinner and Mama Mia date. So tonight I'll grab two movies to watch at my parents and hangout and then tomorrow we'll hit the casino. Maybe I can even hit a slot or two - big!
Asthma
On April 18, 2008, I took my son to the hospital for a pulmonary function test to check for asthma. After many calls, I still hadn't heard the results. Granted, I had been told that it may take up to two weeks for the results to be dictated and transferred back to his PCP as the testing was done in a nearby hospital. At four weeks, when I called again for the results, I was glad that this wasn't a life-threatening test or it might have been too late. I was hoping that maybe the results were good that he didn't have asthma or I would have known in a timely fashion.
That wouldn't be the case. This morning I received the call from his PCP that the test results were conclusive to asthma. Poor kid, he can't seem to get a break. All of his parents negative genes, all rolled into one smart and handsome young man ~ poor eyesight, small jaw & overbite, asthma, allergies, etc. Hopefully that is just the worst of it - really hope he doesn't inherit the poor health of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, COPD, etc. Still crossing my fingers.
While his new doctor reported no such thing as "Sports related asthma", I think his is exacerbated by intense physical activity. That's different, right? I know that my late onset asthma was. I was prescribed an inhaler but hardly if ever used it. I just avoid things that induce it - like running or jogging. I'm not really sure if I used the inhaler if I would find either of those things enjoyable, since I tend to use the asthma and two knee surgeries as well as general dislike of both as reasons to avoid them.
Next week I'll find out what medications they recommend for him and go from there. Call it a mother's instinct ~ since the new doctor clearly seemed to think I was off my rocker for questioning that he had asthma in the first place since he doesn't have the "atypical" symptoms of wheezing and coughing. But, if there is something out there that assists him in doing the things he loves to do easier, I'm all for it.
That wouldn't be the case. This morning I received the call from his PCP that the test results were conclusive to asthma. Poor kid, he can't seem to get a break. All of his parents negative genes, all rolled into one smart and handsome young man ~ poor eyesight, small jaw & overbite, asthma, allergies, etc. Hopefully that is just the worst of it - really hope he doesn't inherit the poor health of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, COPD, etc. Still crossing my fingers.
While his new doctor reported no such thing as "Sports related asthma", I think his is exacerbated by intense physical activity. That's different, right? I know that my late onset asthma was. I was prescribed an inhaler but hardly if ever used it. I just avoid things that induce it - like running or jogging. I'm not really sure if I used the inhaler if I would find either of those things enjoyable, since I tend to use the asthma and two knee surgeries as well as general dislike of both as reasons to avoid them.
Next week I'll find out what medications they recommend for him and go from there. Call it a mother's instinct ~ since the new doctor clearly seemed to think I was off my rocker for questioning that he had asthma in the first place since he doesn't have the "atypical" symptoms of wheezing and coughing. But, if there is something out there that assists him in doing the things he loves to do easier, I'm all for it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Travel Insurance
I seriously have no idea what the purpose is of travel insurance. With my trip to Europe, even though the travel agent didn't think that the trip was very expensive, I still opted to get the insurance. Afterall, outside of Canada and the Bahamas, it was my first international trip in almost two decades.
So I really thought that I was protecting myself by getting the trip insurance for the tour as well as airline insurance through Travelocity. When the airlines grounded the plane due to the 777 issues, I thought the insurance would cover it. One of them, at least.
I missed an entire day and evening in London. I did get there the following morning and the airlines covered meals and the hotel. Travelocity told me that the insurance didn't cover the trip interruption by the airline. Tripmate insurance for the tour said that they would.
When I returned, after a second request, I did submit the travel claim to Tripmate as well as my complaint letter to the tour company. The tour company gave me $14.17 to reimburse the extra taxi cost that I paid and that was it. Two other guests in the UK were given $50 and $75 from their complaint letters. Sigh...My travel insurance claim included the cost of one day/night and less than $10 for migraine medicine I purchased at the airport and a dollar or so that the airport meal vouchers didn't cover.
Today I received a message from Tripmate that they will be sending two separate checks, to cover the medication and the meal. In regard to the reimbursement for the missed day, the insurance didn't cover that kind of trip interruption.
Sigh...think the only break that I'm going to get...is an arm or a leg. Or should I say, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all?
Just seems like no one wants to take accountability. So bum deal that I managed to pay for TWO insurances and neither manage to assist me with compensation for my missed day and opportunity in London but I manage to be compensated for $10.00, and honestly I think it's really only $8.50.
What a deal.
So I really thought that I was protecting myself by getting the trip insurance for the tour as well as airline insurance through Travelocity. When the airlines grounded the plane due to the 777 issues, I thought the insurance would cover it. One of them, at least.
I missed an entire day and evening in London. I did get there the following morning and the airlines covered meals and the hotel. Travelocity told me that the insurance didn't cover the trip interruption by the airline. Tripmate insurance for the tour said that they would.
When I returned, after a second request, I did submit the travel claim to Tripmate as well as my complaint letter to the tour company. The tour company gave me $14.17 to reimburse the extra taxi cost that I paid and that was it. Two other guests in the UK were given $50 and $75 from their complaint letters. Sigh...My travel insurance claim included the cost of one day/night and less than $10 for migraine medicine I purchased at the airport and a dollar or so that the airport meal vouchers didn't cover.
Today I received a message from Tripmate that they will be sending two separate checks, to cover the medication and the meal. In regard to the reimbursement for the missed day, the insurance didn't cover that kind of trip interruption.
Sigh...think the only break that I'm going to get...is an arm or a leg. Or should I say, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all?
Just seems like no one wants to take accountability. So bum deal that I managed to pay for TWO insurances and neither manage to assist me with compensation for my missed day and opportunity in London but I manage to be compensated for $10.00, and honestly I think it's really only $8.50.
What a deal.
Night of Loss
Tonight just wasn't a good night for winning.
My son's baseball team hung in there until the fifth inning and then completely got crushed.
The ex-bf showed up at the game, and makes me so uncomfortable when he rubs my back. His loss in that I didn't respond and didn't go out with him to watch either the Pistons or Wings.
Red Wings lost.
I may literally be the cause of TS being out of $1900 since I talked her out of betting anyone at the bar on Monday $1000 each that the Red Wings were going to lose. I talked her into a bet for $100 and a bet for a drink. Although, one of the friends she bet was still at the bar when I left, so she may have made the bet afterall.
I worked out tonight.
If only I could say that I have weight loss.
Pistons are losing by three points with less than two minutes left in the game.
There may still be hope that the night isn't a total loss.
My son's baseball team hung in there until the fifth inning and then completely got crushed.
The ex-bf showed up at the game, and makes me so uncomfortable when he rubs my back. His loss in that I didn't respond and didn't go out with him to watch either the Pistons or Wings.
Red Wings lost.
I may literally be the cause of TS being out of $1900 since I talked her out of betting anyone at the bar on Monday $1000 each that the Red Wings were going to lose. I talked her into a bet for $100 and a bet for a drink. Although, one of the friends she bet was still at the bar when I left, so she may have made the bet afterall.
I worked out tonight.
If only I could say that I have weight loss.
Pistons are losing by three points with less than two minutes left in the game.
There may still be hope that the night isn't a total loss.
The EX
An update on the Ex-BF...I hadn't talked with him in almost two weeks. I really hadn't decided if I was creeped out by the roses in the door or not. I decided to leave a lot of space and not return one of his general "How's it going?" messages. I wasn't going to ignore his phone calls, I just wasn't going to be calling him or returning his messages.
Monday he called me. Somehow I feel like conversations with him become Deja Vu. They are so repetitive. Basically with him trying to convince me that I don't know the real him and I've never seen his true personality. After 4 years of knowing him, I'm pretty sure I've seen it. Although I do admit, that around him, I don't feel like I can be myself either. I feel like I have to tiptoe around him and try to be passive. Key word ~ try. I'm tired of that!
Anyway, he wants to hang out. Remember my last "hang out" blog. Yeah, that went well. I'm not about to "hang out" with the ex-bf that wants more than just to be friends. And, I've told him that, time and time again. When he finds someone else or he moves on, then maybe we can hang out. He seems to think that we can go bowling and have a few beers - that's what TS and I do. He always seems to think that he can be fun at something that I find enjoyable with someone else.
Yesterday, he told me on the phone that he thought more about what he wants. He still wants to go bowling and hang out. But, not as friends AND not as boyfriend and girlfriend. What???? "Not as friends?" He goes on to explain that it would be just hanging out and if "at the end of the night we want to kiss, we kiss." Oh my.
Hello? Seriously, I don't think anyone is home. I don't want to date him or hang out with him if he wants more to the relationship than I do. Am I clear as mud, or what????
Monday he called me. Somehow I feel like conversations with him become Deja Vu. They are so repetitive. Basically with him trying to convince me that I don't know the real him and I've never seen his true personality. After 4 years of knowing him, I'm pretty sure I've seen it. Although I do admit, that around him, I don't feel like I can be myself either. I feel like I have to tiptoe around him and try to be passive. Key word ~ try. I'm tired of that!
Anyway, he wants to hang out. Remember my last "hang out" blog. Yeah, that went well. I'm not about to "hang out" with the ex-bf that wants more than just to be friends. And, I've told him that, time and time again. When he finds someone else or he moves on, then maybe we can hang out. He seems to think that we can go bowling and have a few beers - that's what TS and I do. He always seems to think that he can be fun at something that I find enjoyable with someone else.
Yesterday, he told me on the phone that he thought more about what he wants. He still wants to go bowling and hang out. But, not as friends AND not as boyfriend and girlfriend. What???? "Not as friends?" He goes on to explain that it would be just hanging out and if "at the end of the night we want to kiss, we kiss." Oh my.
Hello? Seriously, I don't think anyone is home. I don't want to date him or hang out with him if he wants more to the relationship than I do. Am I clear as mud, or what????
The Un-Date
A weekend ago, I met for the second time MS at the pool hall. Whatever. We exchanged numbers and then throughout the first few days of the week we shared emails and phone calls. On Wednesday I managed to really offend him by asking a few questions regarding drinking in an email. Maybe it was a test to see how he would react. Maybe I really wanted him to respond in a certain way ~ to tell me that both times I met him he hadn't been drinking, which in fact he hadn't. But he didn't. He didn't respond at all. See, because his emails bragged about him getting buzzed and drunk regarding almost everything recreational. So I asked him if he did anything recreational without drinking. Even though, I knew that the answer was yes.
Needless to say, he didn't respond. Not to tell me I was wrong or to tell me off. We were suppose to hang out on Monday, Memorial Day. On Sunday, he did call me. Of course he admitted that he had been pissed. He said that he recalled a friend's dad was back in the dating scene and told him "Women always look for what is wrong in a man." Whatever. Seriously, with this guy, I didn't have to look. It was blatantly obvious. Regardless though, as a friend, hanging out didn't seem like a horrible possibility.
We made "tentative plans" to hang out on Monday. He said to call him in the morning. After really thinking about seeing him on Monday I had decided maybe I didn't want to go. It isn't like me to bail or cancel plans. But the idea of hanging out with someone that I really don't know and don't want to ever date, I wasn't sure what the purpose was. I called him after 2p.m. Yeah, kind of morning, right?
Anyway, long story short, I met my girlfriend TS for an early dinner and bowling. This guy wanted to hang out at the Eagles (VFW hall) because they have $1.25 beers and watch the Red Wings game. Hmmm...not my idea of impression regardless of the purpose of hanging with this guy. But I agreed that was fine. I called him at 7p.m. and he was at his neighbors drinking beer. I asked if he planned on staying there for the game and he said it was highly likely if they could get it in. He asked if I wanted directions, "No". Why in my right mind would I want to hang with a guy I had only met twice with his neighbors? Maybe if I liked the guy, it would be different. Maybe.
Seemed like the perfect out. TS was of course pissed again, at the mentality of this guy and his best foot forward. TS and I decided to hit the town on our own ~ mind you Memorial Day isn't the time to hit the town, it's time to be with family BBQ'ing. Enroute to our second bar (the first was closed), he called me. He didn't realize for a whole minute I had picked up the phone and continued another conversation. When he finally realized the silence, he said "hello". He told me that they needed more players for "Catch Phrase" and that they had "Tall Ones, Corona's" and that we should come right over. Click.
And that was the end of my Un-Date.
Needless to say, he didn't respond. Not to tell me I was wrong or to tell me off. We were suppose to hang out on Monday, Memorial Day. On Sunday, he did call me. Of course he admitted that he had been pissed. He said that he recalled a friend's dad was back in the dating scene and told him "Women always look for what is wrong in a man." Whatever. Seriously, with this guy, I didn't have to look. It was blatantly obvious. Regardless though, as a friend, hanging out didn't seem like a horrible possibility.
We made "tentative plans" to hang out on Monday. He said to call him in the morning. After really thinking about seeing him on Monday I had decided maybe I didn't want to go. It isn't like me to bail or cancel plans. But the idea of hanging out with someone that I really don't know and don't want to ever date, I wasn't sure what the purpose was. I called him after 2p.m. Yeah, kind of morning, right?
Anyway, long story short, I met my girlfriend TS for an early dinner and bowling. This guy wanted to hang out at the Eagles (VFW hall) because they have $1.25 beers and watch the Red Wings game. Hmmm...not my idea of impression regardless of the purpose of hanging with this guy. But I agreed that was fine. I called him at 7p.m. and he was at his neighbors drinking beer. I asked if he planned on staying there for the game and he said it was highly likely if they could get it in. He asked if I wanted directions, "No". Why in my right mind would I want to hang with a guy I had only met twice with his neighbors? Maybe if I liked the guy, it would be different. Maybe.
Seemed like the perfect out. TS was of course pissed again, at the mentality of this guy and his best foot forward. TS and I decided to hit the town on our own ~ mind you Memorial Day isn't the time to hit the town, it's time to be with family BBQ'ing. Enroute to our second bar (the first was closed), he called me. He didn't realize for a whole minute I had picked up the phone and continued another conversation. When he finally realized the silence, he said "hello". He told me that they needed more players for "Catch Phrase" and that they had "Tall Ones, Corona's" and that we should come right over. Click.
And that was the end of my Un-Date.
Chocolate Cure
I love chocolate. I probably can even admit that I love chocolate more than the next person. I crave chocolate. I think and breathe chocolate.
There has only been one time in my life when I was completely repulsed by chocolate. When I was about 12 years old, I ate an entire box of Andes Mints. I think I managed to devour them in a day or two. In retrospect, that doesn't seem like much now considering my chocolate ways, but then, it really was. For almost a year after, everytime I ate chocolate, it tasted like mint. And, I wasn't a mint fan! So, it just was no longer worth eating chocolate. Unfortunately for me and my waist, that didn't last forever.
Although, I may have found another temporary cure for my chocolate curse. I have a bottle of "Chocolate Sundae" lotion. Not that I'm a huge fan of it. Now if it were Chocolate gooey fudge with chocolate brownies and ice cream, now that I might really like. But a plain chocolate sundae wouldn't be my first choice. Anyway, I'm digressing...again.
Monday after shaving my legs I realized how terribly dry they were. So dry and scaly I could have given an alligator a run for his money. I looked for some lotion and the first thing I came across was the Chocolate Sundae or Strawberry lotions. I opted for the Chocolate.
Surprisingly, I didn't have a single urge to eat chocolate. Not one! I have to admit it was equally bizarre smelling myself and I think I was giving myself a chocolate lotion high driving my car, but I didn't crave it!
Maybe I should market the next weight loss cure - chocolate lotion! I will have to put a special warning on it though, since it did prompt a few leg feels by a man in the bar. Although, I'm sure that was just his excuse to touch me, repeatedly!
There has only been one time in my life when I was completely repulsed by chocolate. When I was about 12 years old, I ate an entire box of Andes Mints. I think I managed to devour them in a day or two. In retrospect, that doesn't seem like much now considering my chocolate ways, but then, it really was. For almost a year after, everytime I ate chocolate, it tasted like mint. And, I wasn't a mint fan! So, it just was no longer worth eating chocolate. Unfortunately for me and my waist, that didn't last forever.
Although, I may have found another temporary cure for my chocolate curse. I have a bottle of "Chocolate Sundae" lotion. Not that I'm a huge fan of it. Now if it were Chocolate gooey fudge with chocolate brownies and ice cream, now that I might really like. But a plain chocolate sundae wouldn't be my first choice. Anyway, I'm digressing...again.
Monday after shaving my legs I realized how terribly dry they were. So dry and scaly I could have given an alligator a run for his money. I looked for some lotion and the first thing I came across was the Chocolate Sundae or Strawberry lotions. I opted for the Chocolate.
Surprisingly, I didn't have a single urge to eat chocolate. Not one! I have to admit it was equally bizarre smelling myself and I think I was giving myself a chocolate lotion high driving my car, but I didn't crave it!
Maybe I should market the next weight loss cure - chocolate lotion! I will have to put a special warning on it though, since it did prompt a few leg feels by a man in the bar. Although, I'm sure that was just his excuse to touch me, repeatedly!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Contacts Cont.
It is officially Day 3. Day 3 of my son wearing contacts. I still have complete mixed feelings on the issue. I still think he's too young and too irresponsible. Not to say that my son is irresponsible, but not responsible enough to have the knowledge and understanding of being responsible to clean and put something in his eye.
Friday he mastered putting in his contacts and taking them out. By "mastered" I mean, he managed after 45 minutes to successfully do both warranting him "graduating" his class thereby leaving the eye doctor with contacts in hand. I must admit this happened a lot sooner than I had anticipated, maybe even hoped. Maybe somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I was hoping he would fail. Hoping for some reason as to why, out of my control, he wouldn't be able to wear contacts. Not just yet at least. Although, I still think, he may opt for the glasses (fingers crossed).
Anyway, super excited, he called his dad to tell him of his recent accomplishment. Needless to say, his overly emotional and ecstatic father said, "It will get easier." Then he proceeded to ask him a barrage of questions wondering as to WHY the eye doctor wouldn't give him two week extended wear contacts that he could sleep in and not bother to clean. Sigh...seriously, are we really from the same planet?
Today my son asked that I not be in the bathroom while he tried to put in his contacts. He said that all I do is "yell" at him about how he needs to move the contact up toward the center of his eye and this and that, thereby getting him all worked up. Sigh...oh the definition of "yell". If he only knew how loud I could "YELL". I did my best to not say anything at all while I stood beside him in our small commode. I put in my own contacts, put on some haphazard make-up, even tried to take off my horrendously awful sparkle nail polish. I did my best to distract myself but be there if he needed assistance. Of course, he did. He had problem after problem. The first being, he still can't tell if his contact is inside out or not and more than 50% of the time, he has been wrong. I've tried to explain it, show him, demonstrate it, I'm just not getting through to him. Oh well, he did manage to get them both in (and took the one out twice too!).
I can only hope this gets better. Maybe his dad can offer some assistance for once and help him master contacts between Monday and Tuesday night! One can wish, right?
Friday he mastered putting in his contacts and taking them out. By "mastered" I mean, he managed after 45 minutes to successfully do both warranting him "graduating" his class thereby leaving the eye doctor with contacts in hand. I must admit this happened a lot sooner than I had anticipated, maybe even hoped. Maybe somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I was hoping he would fail. Hoping for some reason as to why, out of my control, he wouldn't be able to wear contacts. Not just yet at least. Although, I still think, he may opt for the glasses (fingers crossed).
Anyway, super excited, he called his dad to tell him of his recent accomplishment. Needless to say, his overly emotional and ecstatic father said, "It will get easier." Then he proceeded to ask him a barrage of questions wondering as to WHY the eye doctor wouldn't give him two week extended wear contacts that he could sleep in and not bother to clean. Sigh...seriously, are we really from the same planet?
Today my son asked that I not be in the bathroom while he tried to put in his contacts. He said that all I do is "yell" at him about how he needs to move the contact up toward the center of his eye and this and that, thereby getting him all worked up. Sigh...oh the definition of "yell". If he only knew how loud I could "YELL". I did my best to not say anything at all while I stood beside him in our small commode. I put in my own contacts, put on some haphazard make-up, even tried to take off my horrendously awful sparkle nail polish. I did my best to distract myself but be there if he needed assistance. Of course, he did. He had problem after problem. The first being, he still can't tell if his contact is inside out or not and more than 50% of the time, he has been wrong. I've tried to explain it, show him, demonstrate it, I'm just not getting through to him. Oh well, he did manage to get them both in (and took the one out twice too!).
I can only hope this gets better. Maybe his dad can offer some assistance for once and help him master contacts between Monday and Tuesday night! One can wish, right?
Friday, May 23, 2008
McDonald's Issues
Let me start off by saying, by no means am I a fast food connoisseur. I typically don't eat fast food; however, when I do, I have my favorites. For instance, I can't stand McDonald's, with the exception of their Egg McMuffin Sandwich. For lunch it's Burger King's Whopper Jr. minus pickles and onions, etc.
This morning, finding myself early for work, but not early enough to grab breakfast at home, I headed to McDonald's. The drive-through was pretty backed up so I opted to go inside. It never fails, like the grocery lines in the supermarket, I always pick the longer route. I was fourth in line and there was only one woman taking orders. Behind her was a Supervisor or sorts, a leathered man of late 50's that was blowing bubbles with his gum. Super professional. Anyway, he was "assisting" her by looking over her shoulder, occasionally grabbing a coffee, staring at the tickets, etc. Pretty much, useless. But in his defense, maybe she was an employee in training ~ although she was completely competent. As an FYI, I worked at that McDonald's for four long days, 12 years ago.
The first man in line had moved to the side after his order was taken, waiting for his food. He was a middle aged man, who clearly appeared to be under the influence of something. His eyes were partially open and he had a swagger. Needless to say, when he picked up his uneven tray of a medium Coke and a breakfast burrito, he managed to tip over the Coke sending it flying half way across the lobby. Mind you, everyone saw this. The lady gave him another Coke. The "Supervisor" did and said nothing.
The man in front of me allowed me to order before him as he had a large order. There were two other people that had walked into McDonald's at this time and two more orders were taken. All the while, nothing was done about the Coke and ice strewn across the floor. While I was waiting for my order, I looked at the Supervisor, in between his bubble blowing and said, "You might want to clean this up before a lawsuit is filed." His response, "Yeah, I'm working on it."
I hate liars and I hate incompetence. Had the man acknowledged that he hadn't done anything - which obviously I and the others knew - or said that he would get right on it, that would have been a different story. But...HE DIDN'T.
Again, this experience confirms exactly why I don't like McDonald's.
And, why is it that McDonald's finds it necessary to burn the edges of every english muffin they cook?
This morning, finding myself early for work, but not early enough to grab breakfast at home, I headed to McDonald's. The drive-through was pretty backed up so I opted to go inside. It never fails, like the grocery lines in the supermarket, I always pick the longer route. I was fourth in line and there was only one woman taking orders. Behind her was a Supervisor or sorts, a leathered man of late 50's that was blowing bubbles with his gum. Super professional. Anyway, he was "assisting" her by looking over her shoulder, occasionally grabbing a coffee, staring at the tickets, etc. Pretty much, useless. But in his defense, maybe she was an employee in training ~ although she was completely competent. As an FYI, I worked at that McDonald's for four long days, 12 years ago.
The first man in line had moved to the side after his order was taken, waiting for his food. He was a middle aged man, who clearly appeared to be under the influence of something. His eyes were partially open and he had a swagger. Needless to say, when he picked up his uneven tray of a medium Coke and a breakfast burrito, he managed to tip over the Coke sending it flying half way across the lobby. Mind you, everyone saw this. The lady gave him another Coke. The "Supervisor" did and said nothing.
The man in front of me allowed me to order before him as he had a large order. There were two other people that had walked into McDonald's at this time and two more orders were taken. All the while, nothing was done about the Coke and ice strewn across the floor. While I was waiting for my order, I looked at the Supervisor, in between his bubble blowing and said, "You might want to clean this up before a lawsuit is filed." His response, "Yeah, I'm working on it."
I hate liars and I hate incompetence. Had the man acknowledged that he hadn't done anything - which obviously I and the others knew - or said that he would get right on it, that would have been a different story. But...HE DIDN'T.
Again, this experience confirms exactly why I don't like McDonald's.
And, why is it that McDonald's finds it necessary to burn the edges of every english muffin they cook?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tonights reminder of my artistic flaws
Seriously, I don't have to be reminded that I don't have an artistic bone, vessel or tissue in my body. My entire being is devoid of anything having to do with musical or artistic talent. I'm sure I've probably mentioned this before, but I'm constantly reminded by it throughout the day. Everywhere, I'm surrounded by talent which confirms my lack thereof.
I kid you not. I even have trouble playing hangman because I can't even draw a decent stick person!
In elementary school, my art teacher lashed out at me and told me that I had absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever and that I need not take another art class. I kid you not. Nice blow to my ego and blossoming artistic endeavors.
Music wasn't any better. See, for those of you that don't know me, I've always been well a tomboy of sorts. My mom put me in pretty dresses until the 2nd grade when I could no longer take being attacked and having my dress lifted by an older bully. Mind you, I clearly wasn't an isolated victim. It wasn't until the 8th grade that I wore a skirt. Needless to say, even to this day, I'm still not big on the whole dress and skirt thing. Maybe that has something to do with my thunder thighs and scars from knee surgery, regardless. Anyway, back to music class...What was the teacher's name? I believe it was Mrs. Quarter, although in our family over the years we joke about Mrs. Penny, Mrs. Dime, etc. so now I'm finding it hard to recollect her real name. Music class was mandatory.
I think I thought I had a good voice. Granted the only American Idol I would ever be would be one of the laughed at and mocked auditioners, but I thought I was good. Then, I think it was 4th or 5th grade, maybe it was 4th since our school only went to 5th grade, we had auditions for the choir. Maybe it was an ensemble of sorts, I don't recall. I've tried to block the whole horrific event from my mind. I'm digging deep into the dark recesses of my mind...ok, not really. Anyway, I sang my heart and voice out. I really did. And I really thought I did well. I thought I did better than some of my friends. I so wanted to be with the pretty girls who were dubbed Sopranos. But no...I was destined to sing with the boys as an Alto. WHAT? I was devastated. If this didn't confirm my tom boyishness and lack of musical talent, I don't know what did. In retrospect, maybe it wasn't because I couldn't sing, I just couldn't sing high notes. But Mrs. Half Dollar never explained that maybe I did have talent and I would be an asset to the choir if I remained. Therefore confirming that as a singer, I would never be.
Today I sing at every opportunity in the car. I don't even care if there is a passenger in the car with me. If I'm comfortable enough with that person, I sing. It's a complete stress reducer for me. And I also make up my own words since I can't seem to understand a great majority. My son and I have great memories and laughs about my wonderful songs and stories too.
I do have a point to the story. As usual, I take the least direct path, the path of least resistance. Tonight I went to my son's vocal ensemble/school choir concert. And there, right in front of me I was faced with memories of elementary choir. Of the pretty kids and the awkward ones. Of the ones with solos that were confident enough to sing but not the best at doing so. Listening to the praises from the music teacher. Reminiscing and placing faces of my young classmates of way back when. Way back when, when my dreams of being a musician or an American Idol wannabe were...shattered.
(For those of you that may be interested...I took my shattered ego and tried musical instruments for band in 5th grade instead. Confirming that I was indeed a tomboy and taking jabs from the guys that I was too little and too weak to play the Tuba - I did exactly that for 4 years. And...I HATED EVERY BLESSED MINUTE OF IT - BUT I SURE PROVED THOSE BOYS WRONG!)
I kid you not. I even have trouble playing hangman because I can't even draw a decent stick person!
In elementary school, my art teacher lashed out at me and told me that I had absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever and that I need not take another art class. I kid you not. Nice blow to my ego and blossoming artistic endeavors.
Music wasn't any better. See, for those of you that don't know me, I've always been well a tomboy of sorts. My mom put me in pretty dresses until the 2nd grade when I could no longer take being attacked and having my dress lifted by an older bully. Mind you, I clearly wasn't an isolated victim. It wasn't until the 8th grade that I wore a skirt. Needless to say, even to this day, I'm still not big on the whole dress and skirt thing. Maybe that has something to do with my thunder thighs and scars from knee surgery, regardless. Anyway, back to music class...What was the teacher's name? I believe it was Mrs. Quarter, although in our family over the years we joke about Mrs. Penny, Mrs. Dime, etc. so now I'm finding it hard to recollect her real name. Music class was mandatory.
I think I thought I had a good voice. Granted the only American Idol I would ever be would be one of the laughed at and mocked auditioners, but I thought I was good. Then, I think it was 4th or 5th grade, maybe it was 4th since our school only went to 5th grade, we had auditions for the choir. Maybe it was an ensemble of sorts, I don't recall. I've tried to block the whole horrific event from my mind. I'm digging deep into the dark recesses of my mind...ok, not really. Anyway, I sang my heart and voice out. I really did. And I really thought I did well. I thought I did better than some of my friends. I so wanted to be with the pretty girls who were dubbed Sopranos. But no...I was destined to sing with the boys as an Alto. WHAT? I was devastated. If this didn't confirm my tom boyishness and lack of musical talent, I don't know what did. In retrospect, maybe it wasn't because I couldn't sing, I just couldn't sing high notes. But Mrs. Half Dollar never explained that maybe I did have talent and I would be an asset to the choir if I remained. Therefore confirming that as a singer, I would never be.
Today I sing at every opportunity in the car. I don't even care if there is a passenger in the car with me. If I'm comfortable enough with that person, I sing. It's a complete stress reducer for me. And I also make up my own words since I can't seem to understand a great majority. My son and I have great memories and laughs about my wonderful songs and stories too.
I do have a point to the story. As usual, I take the least direct path, the path of least resistance. Tonight I went to my son's vocal ensemble/school choir concert. And there, right in front of me I was faced with memories of elementary choir. Of the pretty kids and the awkward ones. Of the ones with solos that were confident enough to sing but not the best at doing so. Listening to the praises from the music teacher. Reminiscing and placing faces of my young classmates of way back when. Way back when, when my dreams of being a musician or an American Idol wannabe were...shattered.
(For those of you that may be interested...I took my shattered ego and tried musical instruments for band in 5th grade instead. Confirming that I was indeed a tomboy and taking jabs from the guys that I was too little and too weak to play the Tuba - I did exactly that for 4 years. And...I HATED EVERY BLESSED MINUTE OF IT - BUT I SURE PROVED THOSE BOYS WRONG!)
Nerves re: demotion/promotion prospect
Today I had a terrible case of the nerves. I'm not usually like that. I arrived at my "work station" and found a yellow post-it on my desk that said, "Come and see me 5/20 (X 5/19)". Due to my drive time, I typically leave by 3:30p.m. Yesterday I left early as I had gone in early and had my son's eye appointment. I went to see Head Supervisor X with a lump in my throat. To my dismay, X wasn't there. I just wanted to get it over. It wasn't like I was really nervous at that point, but the painful wait and the saga that I put myself through was pure torture. If I had the ability to make myself sick, I was pretty close to it.
I racked my brain for anything I may have done wrong or even done right. In my job, praise is few and far between. I have been praised and appreciated at this current position - although the negativity is higher as my good work leads to more work and issues for others. If I were more passive and didn't want to do the job well, I think I would fly under the radar and do better. Sometimes I just tend to rub people the wrong way, hmm...go figure. So the thought of a promotion recommendation would be the equivalent of me winning the lottery without buying a ticket. Not even one in a billion.
By mid-day X came to find me. I so wish he had been in his office when I first went there, it would have saved me a lot of agony. X had a lot more testing for me to do. Ah, the chosen work is commended with a job well done...by getting MORE WORK. Honestly though, I'll take work over boredom any day.
I racked my brain for anything I may have done wrong or even done right. In my job, praise is few and far between. I have been praised and appreciated at this current position - although the negativity is higher as my good work leads to more work and issues for others. If I were more passive and didn't want to do the job well, I think I would fly under the radar and do better. Sometimes I just tend to rub people the wrong way, hmm...go figure. So the thought of a promotion recommendation would be the equivalent of me winning the lottery without buying a ticket. Not even one in a billion.
By mid-day X came to find me. I so wish he had been in his office when I first went there, it would have saved me a lot of agony. X had a lot more testing for me to do. Ah, the chosen work is commended with a job well done...by getting MORE WORK. Honestly though, I'll take work over boredom any day.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Children and Contacts
This afternoon my son had an eye appointment. Unfortunately for him, he has inherited my poor vision. He has had glasses for three years. His father didn't want him to get glasses; he felt contacts should be strongly considered. He was EIGHT!
The eye doctor strongly suggested contacts due to my son's athletic endeavors and chronically mashed, mangled and broken glasses. And apparently, that doesn't get better/less frequent with age ;) My son thought that contacts would be cool, and he does occasionally watch me put in mine and question it.
My brother has never been able to wear contacts. He hates the idea of touching his eye or coming anywhere near it. My mom tried contacts for years without success. I'm not sure that my son is going to like it either. They did put in a pair of contacts for him and he wore them for some time as he picked out new glass frames for his latest prescription. I was hoping maybe he could wear them to the baseball game and I could take them out for him, but the staff didn't like that idea. They did say that they would bypass the "class" if he could take them out and let him wear them out of the office. Needless to say, that was an endeavor and he wasn't able to do it. He thought it would be immediate success. He broke down in tears of frustration. Not only was he frustrated he couldn't get them out, he now wouldn't be able to wear them as he was excited as to how well he would be able to pitch with his new contacts and prescription. He didn't even want to try to put one in on his own after the lady took them both out for him. So, when he's ready, we will go back to the office and he can try again. I was hoping that we would get the pair to try at home, but no such luck.
Tonight we practiced the art of putting in eye drops. Talk about funny! After about 1/2 an hour he managed to get a drop in his eye! Slowly but surely...afterall he's my kid and we aren't quitters! Whether he likes them or not, he won't give up until he manages to get them in and out.
Personally, I still think 11 is too young. I have a feeling that contacts will be his back up with glasses being his primary. Afterall, I still have to discuss bathing, picking out his clothes and cleaning his room. Some of the time he remembers to use his deodorant. I think by the time he's 13, he'll have contact wearing mastered! ;)
The eye doctor strongly suggested contacts due to my son's athletic endeavors and chronically mashed, mangled and broken glasses. And apparently, that doesn't get better/less frequent with age ;) My son thought that contacts would be cool, and he does occasionally watch me put in mine and question it.
My brother has never been able to wear contacts. He hates the idea of touching his eye or coming anywhere near it. My mom tried contacts for years without success. I'm not sure that my son is going to like it either. They did put in a pair of contacts for him and he wore them for some time as he picked out new glass frames for his latest prescription. I was hoping maybe he could wear them to the baseball game and I could take them out for him, but the staff didn't like that idea. They did say that they would bypass the "class" if he could take them out and let him wear them out of the office. Needless to say, that was an endeavor and he wasn't able to do it. He thought it would be immediate success. He broke down in tears of frustration. Not only was he frustrated he couldn't get them out, he now wouldn't be able to wear them as he was excited as to how well he would be able to pitch with his new contacts and prescription. He didn't even want to try to put one in on his own after the lady took them both out for him. So, when he's ready, we will go back to the office and he can try again. I was hoping that we would get the pair to try at home, but no such luck.
Tonight we practiced the art of putting in eye drops. Talk about funny! After about 1/2 an hour he managed to get a drop in his eye! Slowly but surely...afterall he's my kid and we aren't quitters! Whether he likes them or not, he won't give up until he manages to get them in and out.
Personally, I still think 11 is too young. I have a feeling that contacts will be his back up with glasses being his primary. Afterall, I still have to discuss bathing, picking out his clothes and cleaning his room. Some of the time he remembers to use his deodorant. I think by the time he's 13, he'll have contact wearing mastered! ;)
Opal - The New Garfield
My girlfriend's mother has a seriously FAT cat. I was in awe by how large (over 21#'s) the cat was and spent more time trying to take pictures of the cat, Opal, at the shower than of my girlfriend. Of course my girlfriend told me to stop taking pictures of her. With copyright permission, I've been allowed to post Opal. I do have to admit that the camera has an opposite effect on animals than it does with people as I think the pictures make Opal appear slimmer.
Searching AA Suport Group (Anger Annonymous)
Tonight was the coveted Little League battle of the two defeated teams. One team, unless it ended in a tie, would be victorious! Which team would it be?
I completely forgot my blanket in the car and sitting on the metal bleachers keeping score and pitch counts wasn't exactly making feel warm and fuzzy. We had the lead, 2-0. Then it was 4-0. Then it was 4-2. The other coach made sure that he came over and gave all his various player changes and substitutions. He came over a third time to say that someone was injured and he put an initial player back in. All was fine, until they batted and that "injured player" was somehow miraculously up to bat. WHAT? Mind you this kid was about 5'10 and seriously 175# (although I've never been a good judge of weight) and it wasn't muscle. So the controversy ensues. I take my score keeping "job" very seriously. I call them out on it and of course the coach tries to cover up and say oh, he was injured but after sitting on the bench during the outfield he's feeling fine. Needless to say, there were two on and the score was 4-2. The other coach offers that he can take the kid out, but our couch decides to let him bat. BAD MOVE. Kid hammers one almost to the warning track. Of course he can't run so he ends up with a double and two RBI's. Throughout the remainder of the game, on two more occasions the coach decides to do illegal substitutions claiming "I forgot" to mention that, "my mistake". NICE. We have a big pow wow and the other coach has his rule book out saying that he can sub in and out whenever and wherever he wants. The commissioner finally says that they will discuss it after the game, but the kid that was never pulled out of the order has to bat. We end up losing by 2 runs.
I hate Little League. I don't understand why people can't just play fair. Why is it that unless called out on it, people will try to cheat, lie and steal at any opportunity?
Anger Anonymous...Here I come.
I completely forgot my blanket in the car and sitting on the metal bleachers keeping score and pitch counts wasn't exactly making feel warm and fuzzy. We had the lead, 2-0. Then it was 4-0. Then it was 4-2. The other coach made sure that he came over and gave all his various player changes and substitutions. He came over a third time to say that someone was injured and he put an initial player back in. All was fine, until they batted and that "injured player" was somehow miraculously up to bat. WHAT? Mind you this kid was about 5'10 and seriously 175# (although I've never been a good judge of weight) and it wasn't muscle. So the controversy ensues. I take my score keeping "job" very seriously. I call them out on it and of course the coach tries to cover up and say oh, he was injured but after sitting on the bench during the outfield he's feeling fine. Needless to say, there were two on and the score was 4-2. The other coach offers that he can take the kid out, but our couch decides to let him bat. BAD MOVE. Kid hammers one almost to the warning track. Of course he can't run so he ends up with a double and two RBI's. Throughout the remainder of the game, on two more occasions the coach decides to do illegal substitutions claiming "I forgot" to mention that, "my mistake". NICE. We have a big pow wow and the other coach has his rule book out saying that he can sub in and out whenever and wherever he wants. The commissioner finally says that they will discuss it after the game, but the kid that was never pulled out of the order has to bat. We end up losing by 2 runs.
I hate Little League. I don't understand why people can't just play fair. Why is it that unless called out on it, people will try to cheat, lie and steal at any opportunity?
Anger Anonymous...Here I come.
Weekend Recap
Why does the weekend always seem so long ago? In a nutshell the weekend went well. After a VERY long day at work Friday, went out and saw Baby Mama. Laughed so hard, I was almost in tears.
Received a call from my childhood next door neighbor out of the blue Friday night. It's amazing the stories people remember!
Saturday I was up at 7a.m. getting ready to head across the state to surprise my girlfriend for her baby shower. Her mom wanted me to keep it a secret. That was very difficult, especially with my friends posting things on Myspace about their weekend plans which included me! Fortunately I only talked with LL twice since I rsvp'd and I didn't even have to lie since we never got around to discussing the shower or weekend plans! She is 7.5 months pregnant and oh so cute!
Eye Doc was planning on coming up Saturday afternoon but unfortunately wasn't feeling well and had to cancel. A friend and I met up for dinner and then headed to a bonfire. The weather had cleared enough to allow it to continue. It was rather an odd night, mainly of hanging out with high school acquaintances, so it was somewhat strange for me. I'm not big on making small talk or reminiscing with people if I have no interest in maintaining or pursuing a further relationship. TS and I left after she had heard enough BS from her "friends" about her drinking and intent on driving. I followed TS back to my parents house and we had some good girl talk until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer at 4:30a.m.
AH called in the morning to make sure that TS and I made it somewhere safely. TS woke and left at 1:00p.m. to get ready for our routine Sunday pool outing. I'm such a creature by habit, especially if I find something enjoyable. My every other Friday night movie date, my every other Sunday pool event. MK met TS and I up at pool and the three of us hung out until MK had to go home to greet her son.
I didn't bother to call pool boy on Sunday to see if he was coming up to play. I had talked with him on Saturday, so he knew I was in town but left it at that. Obviously, he has my number too. One of the other guys that TS and I had played pool with two weeks ago was there by himself. Apparently he talked with TS and said his friend was coming to play in about an hour and they wanted to rematch again - even though we had played "Scotch Doubles". Even though I had had it and was ready to drive the 40 minutes to check into the hotel, we stayed and waited.
I seriously don't get men. Nope, not at all. The "friend", MS couldn't remember my name but he did remember my shoes as well as pool boy. It's so interesting what people remember. Clearly MS had to tell me that he was better than pool boy and I'm assuming he wasn't just referring to pool. Needless to say, MS gave me his number which I told him I wouldn't use. Seriously, if I have to do the chasing, yeah, won't happen. Although I did give him my number by putting it in his phone. Since MS still was having difficulty with my name, he decided he was better with numbers and called me 7. He also has a 7 year old daughter and the next time I plan on being on that side of the state will be on the 7th. Hmmm...maybe if they were 6's I'd really be concerned. I listed my name in his phone book as "Seven". He wasn't that amused :) I did call him too so that he knew what I listed myself as, even though he was still sitting right next to me. Surprisingly, I was actually impressed as he was talking to TS he ignored the phone call, didn't even bother to look at his phone until the conversation was done. I was actually impressed since he had no idea it was me calling him. To throw me for a loop, after he got my number he went to another table to play pool with an elderly gentleman.
When TS and I were getting ready to leave, MS asked me if I wanted to get a drink. It was absolutely bizarre since he didn't have a drink the entire time he was there and it was now 11:15p.m. I seriously didn't know if he meant then or in the future. He meant then, find somewhere else to go between the pool hall and the 40 minute drive to the hotel. It was just plain weird and since I was so tired at that point, I don't think I would have made it to the hotel if I didn't leave. MS had given both TS and I hugs. He bragged about how good his hugs were - so of course I tried to say they weren't. Anything to be controversial. Seeing that this is the guy that graduated from high school in 1998, it wasn't too hard to make him feel uncomfortable around me. I really don't try, well not too hard, to intimidate people. Sometimes it becomes a game to see how uneasy a man can be around an independent, strong woman. Surprisingly, he was much more uneasy with me then pool boy. MS mentioned he had a Myspace page. Does everyone?
Today I looked him up on Myspace. I emailed him and we shared a few emails. And then, knock me to the floor - he invited me to a Tigers game on Sunday. WHAT? Guess I'm back to reading the dusty Dating for Dummies Book ;)
Received a call from my childhood next door neighbor out of the blue Friday night. It's amazing the stories people remember!
Saturday I was up at 7a.m. getting ready to head across the state to surprise my girlfriend for her baby shower. Her mom wanted me to keep it a secret. That was very difficult, especially with my friends posting things on Myspace about their weekend plans which included me! Fortunately I only talked with LL twice since I rsvp'd and I didn't even have to lie since we never got around to discussing the shower or weekend plans! She is 7.5 months pregnant and oh so cute!
Eye Doc was planning on coming up Saturday afternoon but unfortunately wasn't feeling well and had to cancel. A friend and I met up for dinner and then headed to a bonfire. The weather had cleared enough to allow it to continue. It was rather an odd night, mainly of hanging out with high school acquaintances, so it was somewhat strange for me. I'm not big on making small talk or reminiscing with people if I have no interest in maintaining or pursuing a further relationship. TS and I left after she had heard enough BS from her "friends" about her drinking and intent on driving. I followed TS back to my parents house and we had some good girl talk until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer at 4:30a.m.
AH called in the morning to make sure that TS and I made it somewhere safely. TS woke and left at 1:00p.m. to get ready for our routine Sunday pool outing. I'm such a creature by habit, especially if I find something enjoyable. My every other Friday night movie date, my every other Sunday pool event. MK met TS and I up at pool and the three of us hung out until MK had to go home to greet her son.
I didn't bother to call pool boy on Sunday to see if he was coming up to play. I had talked with him on Saturday, so he knew I was in town but left it at that. Obviously, he has my number too. One of the other guys that TS and I had played pool with two weeks ago was there by himself. Apparently he talked with TS and said his friend was coming to play in about an hour and they wanted to rematch again - even though we had played "Scotch Doubles". Even though I had had it and was ready to drive the 40 minutes to check into the hotel, we stayed and waited.
I seriously don't get men. Nope, not at all. The "friend", MS couldn't remember my name but he did remember my shoes as well as pool boy. It's so interesting what people remember. Clearly MS had to tell me that he was better than pool boy and I'm assuming he wasn't just referring to pool. Needless to say, MS gave me his number which I told him I wouldn't use. Seriously, if I have to do the chasing, yeah, won't happen. Although I did give him my number by putting it in his phone. Since MS still was having difficulty with my name, he decided he was better with numbers and called me 7. He also has a 7 year old daughter and the next time I plan on being on that side of the state will be on the 7th. Hmmm...maybe if they were 6's I'd really be concerned. I listed my name in his phone book as "Seven". He wasn't that amused :) I did call him too so that he knew what I listed myself as, even though he was still sitting right next to me. Surprisingly, I was actually impressed as he was talking to TS he ignored the phone call, didn't even bother to look at his phone until the conversation was done. I was actually impressed since he had no idea it was me calling him. To throw me for a loop, after he got my number he went to another table to play pool with an elderly gentleman.
When TS and I were getting ready to leave, MS asked me if I wanted to get a drink. It was absolutely bizarre since he didn't have a drink the entire time he was there and it was now 11:15p.m. I seriously didn't know if he meant then or in the future. He meant then, find somewhere else to go between the pool hall and the 40 minute drive to the hotel. It was just plain weird and since I was so tired at that point, I don't think I would have made it to the hotel if I didn't leave. MS had given both TS and I hugs. He bragged about how good his hugs were - so of course I tried to say they weren't. Anything to be controversial. Seeing that this is the guy that graduated from high school in 1998, it wasn't too hard to make him feel uncomfortable around me. I really don't try, well not too hard, to intimidate people. Sometimes it becomes a game to see how uneasy a man can be around an independent, strong woman. Surprisingly, he was much more uneasy with me then pool boy. MS mentioned he had a Myspace page. Does everyone?
Today I looked him up on Myspace. I emailed him and we shared a few emails. And then, knock me to the floor - he invited me to a Tigers game on Sunday. WHAT? Guess I'm back to reading the dusty Dating for Dummies Book ;)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Damage Control Failed
The other night I did damage control for something I had no involvement. I sent an email apologizing for not contacting a friend, which I still don't have any idea why I felt the need to do that in the first place. Regardless, that friend has yet to respond to my email despite having read it. SUPER.
I guess I should take the same philosophy that I try to instill with work situations. What is a crisis now likely won't be in time. Never seems to fail that times when I respond quickly, I find myself making more of a headache or more work for myself than just waiting to see how the situation works itself out.
Guess what bothers me the most about the whole situation is the bottomline, if there is something that is bothering someone and it may have something to do with me - then tell me. Get it off your chest, confront the issue and lets deal. Otherwise, move on already.
I guess I should take the same philosophy that I try to instill with work situations. What is a crisis now likely won't be in time. Never seems to fail that times when I respond quickly, I find myself making more of a headache or more work for myself than just waiting to see how the situation works itself out.
Guess what bothers me the most about the whole situation is the bottomline, if there is something that is bothering someone and it may have something to do with me - then tell me. Get it off your chest, confront the issue and lets deal. Otherwise, move on already.
"Tire"some
For some reason today I was really tired. Just downright exhausted; however, it seemed like it was about time that I got back up on the bike and tried again since my last crash. It wasn't the warmest of evenings, but I figured my son and I could get in a 10 mile ride and grab some dinner en route.
I never did inspect my bike after the crash. My ego and body were too wounded. Needless to say, my front tire was completely flat. After many attempts and a few unnecessary tools later, I managed to get the tire off - with only a minor surface puncture wound to the knuckle of my thumb. Off to the bike shop I went. Ten minutes later, I was back home with my new and improved tire. The attempt to put the tire back on proved more difficult than getting the tire off. After trying to bang the brakes open and then realizing they wouldn't move, I deflated the tire to put it back on. Probably not the best option, but it worked!
So we were finally on our way. My son was definitely struggling to keep up, so I wasn't pushing it by any means. My speedometer tracker wasn't working, likely due to my crash as well but could be because I somehow didn't put the tire on correctly. Life without a speedometer, I surely missed it! We were almost .5 mile from Subway for dinner, and 7 miles into the ride, when my son asked to stop. Yep, sure enough, he had a flat tire! Seriously...
We walked our bikes to Subway and had dinner. Then I left him with his bike and the cell to eat his chips and drink his lemonade while I raced home to get the car. Last year he had a flat tire several miles out and we both walked back - but it was mid-day and in the middle of nowhere that I felt safe enough to leave him. I figured he would be OK in Subway, especially with his recent independence of staying home alone for a few hours after school.
I pedaled as fast as I could. My thighs were burning and I was breathing hard. Clearly this was faster and longer than I had pedaled in a long while. It's clearly obvious that I am so out of shape. A friend emailed today and asked if I wanted to do the Boyne bike ride this weekend, good thing I'm not available, I might have met my fate! I made it home in just under 10 minutes. I could feel the slight wheezing of my asthma threatening to surface. I put away the bike, grabbed the car keys and off I went to pick him up.
He was fine. He thought it took me a longtime. I was hoping he would call one of the grandparents so that it didn't seem like he was waiting forever, but guess he decided against it. On the drive home, I went the way that I rode - which was likely not the shortest route but I avoided a really nasty hill. It was almost 2.4 miles. So just over 4 minute miles.
I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow. Two tires in one day. Maybe I should invest in tire insurance.
I never did inspect my bike after the crash. My ego and body were too wounded. Needless to say, my front tire was completely flat. After many attempts and a few unnecessary tools later, I managed to get the tire off - with only a minor surface puncture wound to the knuckle of my thumb. Off to the bike shop I went. Ten minutes later, I was back home with my new and improved tire. The attempt to put the tire back on proved more difficult than getting the tire off. After trying to bang the brakes open and then realizing they wouldn't move, I deflated the tire to put it back on. Probably not the best option, but it worked!
So we were finally on our way. My son was definitely struggling to keep up, so I wasn't pushing it by any means. My speedometer tracker wasn't working, likely due to my crash as well but could be because I somehow didn't put the tire on correctly. Life without a speedometer, I surely missed it! We were almost .5 mile from Subway for dinner, and 7 miles into the ride, when my son asked to stop. Yep, sure enough, he had a flat tire! Seriously...
We walked our bikes to Subway and had dinner. Then I left him with his bike and the cell to eat his chips and drink his lemonade while I raced home to get the car. Last year he had a flat tire several miles out and we both walked back - but it was mid-day and in the middle of nowhere that I felt safe enough to leave him. I figured he would be OK in Subway, especially with his recent independence of staying home alone for a few hours after school.
I pedaled as fast as I could. My thighs were burning and I was breathing hard. Clearly this was faster and longer than I had pedaled in a long while. It's clearly obvious that I am so out of shape. A friend emailed today and asked if I wanted to do the Boyne bike ride this weekend, good thing I'm not available, I might have met my fate! I made it home in just under 10 minutes. I could feel the slight wheezing of my asthma threatening to surface. I put away the bike, grabbed the car keys and off I went to pick him up.
He was fine. He thought it took me a longtime. I was hoping he would call one of the grandparents so that it didn't seem like he was waiting forever, but guess he decided against it. On the drive home, I went the way that I rode - which was likely not the shortest route but I avoided a really nasty hill. It was almost 2.4 miles. So just over 4 minute miles.
I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow. Two tires in one day. Maybe I should invest in tire insurance.
Accord vs. Accord - Are you SERIOUS???
Last night I received an email from the resort in Grenada responding to their special for the time frame that we plan on going. I sent an email from another account and gave slightly different details, family of four and 8 nights at the all inclusive rates. Of course what I found is that the rate was less than what we are paying to upgrade the vacation package that I thought was a $900 savings to the all-inclusive rate. And that is for one night less and 1/4 person (aka child under 12). In addition, the resort gives an extra 7% discount if you "wire" money with a three day deposit. SUPER.
I called the auction person back last night and left him a message. He just called me back and spoke to me like I was completely uneducated and incompetent. He doesn't see anything wrong with the package they sold. Basically I told him, obviously it isn't your money and you don't see the principle behind it. Maybe I'm completely off base here, but hitting below my belt is taking money from me.
So he tries to explain it again. Going on to compare two Honda Accord's on a lot for sale. One base model and one super model. The super model has all the bells and whistles - duh. If I decide to go with the base model and add options to upgrade to the super model, then it isn't that the base model wasn't a deal. ARE YOU F'N KIDDING ME? Obviously if the super model was available less than the base model, why would someone not go with that? He then tells me that the Super model wasn't available in January when they decided to accept the package to auction. AND that if I were to contact the resort and ask for everything I have in my package, the price would be exactly what they advertised retail at. BS. When he got done, he asked if it made sense. WHATEVER.
Obviously he is justifying what they auctioned. I guess what it boils down to is that I didn't research the package enough, despite checking out the resort website numerous times. Additionally, I should have gone with my gut and avoided the auction in the first place.
So call me STUPID. I guess what I ultimately wanted in the end was a fair deal. One of my core values is FAIRNESS. And it seems like at every twist and turn, there will NEVER be FAIRNESS. That's just one of the many things that I find hard to accept.
I called the auction person back last night and left him a message. He just called me back and spoke to me like I was completely uneducated and incompetent. He doesn't see anything wrong with the package they sold. Basically I told him, obviously it isn't your money and you don't see the principle behind it. Maybe I'm completely off base here, but hitting below my belt is taking money from me.
So he tries to explain it again. Going on to compare two Honda Accord's on a lot for sale. One base model and one super model. The super model has all the bells and whistles - duh. If I decide to go with the base model and add options to upgrade to the super model, then it isn't that the base model wasn't a deal. ARE YOU F'N KIDDING ME? Obviously if the super model was available less than the base model, why would someone not go with that? He then tells me that the Super model wasn't available in January when they decided to accept the package to auction. AND that if I were to contact the resort and ask for everything I have in my package, the price would be exactly what they advertised retail at. BS. When he got done, he asked if it made sense. WHATEVER.
Obviously he is justifying what they auctioned. I guess what it boils down to is that I didn't research the package enough, despite checking out the resort website numerous times. Additionally, I should have gone with my gut and avoided the auction in the first place.
So call me STUPID. I guess what I ultimately wanted in the end was a fair deal. One of my core values is FAIRNESS. And it seems like at every twist and turn, there will NEVER be FAIRNESS. That's just one of the many things that I find hard to accept.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Disappointment
One word to sum up exactly how and what I feel...disappointment.
Another night of Little League baseball gone bad.
Another night of an expected broken promise.
An email response from the vacation resort (to an anonymous me) verifying that in fact I've been screwed.
Disappointment...
Another night of Little League baseball gone bad.
Another night of an expected broken promise.
An email response from the vacation resort (to an anonymous me) verifying that in fact I've been screwed.
Disappointment...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Independence Issues lead to Travel Companion Seeker
Today my lunch buddy and I had a really good discussion about the Ex-BF and dating in general. He questioned if maybe Ex-BF had found the blog. Seeing that he doesn't have a computer, I think I'm ok with that, but it isn't like it would be completely impossible to find this blog either. Whether he actually had enough time or desire to read it would be the real question! Gut instinct leads to whether or not fear is a reality. I'm just not sure what my gut instinct says about him at this point. I think he just has too much time on his hands as he's been on medical leave (not mental leave!) for the past six weeks and he's going stir crazy. That compiled with missing me and my son and his life he once knew...may just be boredom and loneliness not stalkerish.
When I was out on Saturday night I was looking at people. Thinking of people I may consider dating at some point in my life. There were many that were too young or too old. I didn't see anyone that I thought, "Yeah, I would consider dating him." Let alone getting over the idea of how I would go about meeting that "him". I've tried a variety of ways to meet people to date...the church thing, the social networking, online, friends of friends, etc. Maybe because dating isn't my thing, I stay in long-term relationships way too long! My friend was looking for more prospective options on Saturday than I was. I found it entertaining, since right now this is the longest I have been date free in a long time. I'm truly enjoying it - finding myself again.
Back to lunch...my buddy and I were talking about the idea and perspective dating pools. IF I were to be interested, I would want someone that is independent. I'm tired of the dependent types. Someone that isn't a player or a womanizer. Someone with a job, home, stability. I think it all comes back to a mirror image of myself, but of course with different personality and likes and dislikes that I could learn and grow and be challenged to be a better person. Many, many years ago, someone I once dated told me I would never be happy if I found someone like me. I would be bored out of my mind. Maybe, maybe not. I haven't found that person yet. So my buddy asks me the question I fear the most...
"What do you like to do?"
I never know how to answer that. I know that it isn't a trick question. It just seems like I just do, I do life. Sometimes I don't make the time to figure out what I like to do, I just do it. I love to try new things, so how do I know if I like them if I haven't tried them? Most of the things I like to do, I do because I enjoy them and they fit in my schedule. Not necessarily things that I would do with a companion.
He told me that the problem with wanting someone that was independent..."They don't need you." DUH. Exactly. I don't think that relationships should be about need. They should be about want and desire and interest.
I want to have fun - not like a girls gone wild fun, but a good time. Laugh, live and enjoy. I want to travel. I want to be me and of course being a mom comes first.
What I confirmed today....I want a travel companion. Someone that I can call or will call me and say let's go on this trip. Let's jump on the plane, or get in the car this weekend and take a long weekend somewhere. I have every other weekend without my son. Plenty of time to explore. My buddy said so I need to find someone VERY secure in his employment aka wealthy. I wouldn't say that at all. But someone that I don't have to fund and make all the plans and decisions that has the flexibility to travel. And...at this point, gender doesn't matter. When I really think about it, I would almost prefer it be a female. No mom, I'm not gay. While the idea of having a male companion for safety would be nice, there isn't the sexual tension or pressure from a female companion. I believe I'm truly seeking a travel companion that is willing to explore and be adventurous and that we can go our own ways as well.
Wonder if that type of relationship exists.
When I was out on Saturday night I was looking at people. Thinking of people I may consider dating at some point in my life. There were many that were too young or too old. I didn't see anyone that I thought, "Yeah, I would consider dating him." Let alone getting over the idea of how I would go about meeting that "him". I've tried a variety of ways to meet people to date...the church thing, the social networking, online, friends of friends, etc. Maybe because dating isn't my thing, I stay in long-term relationships way too long! My friend was looking for more prospective options on Saturday than I was. I found it entertaining, since right now this is the longest I have been date free in a long time. I'm truly enjoying it - finding myself again.
Back to lunch...my buddy and I were talking about the idea and perspective dating pools. IF I were to be interested, I would want someone that is independent. I'm tired of the dependent types. Someone that isn't a player or a womanizer. Someone with a job, home, stability. I think it all comes back to a mirror image of myself, but of course with different personality and likes and dislikes that I could learn and grow and be challenged to be a better person. Many, many years ago, someone I once dated told me I would never be happy if I found someone like me. I would be bored out of my mind. Maybe, maybe not. I haven't found that person yet. So my buddy asks me the question I fear the most...
"What do you like to do?"
I never know how to answer that. I know that it isn't a trick question. It just seems like I just do, I do life. Sometimes I don't make the time to figure out what I like to do, I just do it. I love to try new things, so how do I know if I like them if I haven't tried them? Most of the things I like to do, I do because I enjoy them and they fit in my schedule. Not necessarily things that I would do with a companion.
He told me that the problem with wanting someone that was independent..."They don't need you." DUH. Exactly. I don't think that relationships should be about need. They should be about want and desire and interest.
I want to have fun - not like a girls gone wild fun, but a good time. Laugh, live and enjoy. I want to travel. I want to be me and of course being a mom comes first.
What I confirmed today....I want a travel companion. Someone that I can call or will call me and say let's go on this trip. Let's jump on the plane, or get in the car this weekend and take a long weekend somewhere. I have every other weekend without my son. Plenty of time to explore. My buddy said so I need to find someone VERY secure in his employment aka wealthy. I wouldn't say that at all. But someone that I don't have to fund and make all the plans and decisions that has the flexibility to travel. And...at this point, gender doesn't matter. When I really think about it, I would almost prefer it be a female. No mom, I'm not gay. While the idea of having a male companion for safety would be nice, there isn't the sexual tension or pressure from a female companion. I believe I'm truly seeking a travel companion that is willing to explore and be adventurous and that we can go our own ways as well.
Wonder if that type of relationship exists.
Driving Rage
I just have to say that I am completely and utterly annoyed by driver's that feel that they have free reign over the fast/passing lane.
I can honestly say that I used to be an aggressive driver. If anything now, I'm a defensive driver. I've really slowed my speeds down, of course they are still over the speed limit - but not high enough to warrant being pulled over. I wear my seat belt. I use my turn signal. I multi-task to allow me to be a more cautious driver - seriously - if I weren't singing or talking on the phone, I'd likely turn off cruise control and be a crazy driver!
Today, I really had a hard time keeping calm. For all the handicapped, the young, the incompetent, the distracted and downright slow drivers...the left lane is not for cruising at 68mph! Have you noticed all the signs about staying in the right lane and left lane is passing? Try it sometime! Because next time, I'm not so sure that I'll just keep singing my music and wait patiently for three miles for you to move!
I can honestly say that I used to be an aggressive driver. If anything now, I'm a defensive driver. I've really slowed my speeds down, of course they are still over the speed limit - but not high enough to warrant being pulled over. I wear my seat belt. I use my turn signal. I multi-task to allow me to be a more cautious driver - seriously - if I weren't singing or talking on the phone, I'd likely turn off cruise control and be a crazy driver!
Today, I really had a hard time keeping calm. For all the handicapped, the young, the incompetent, the distracted and downright slow drivers...the left lane is not for cruising at 68mph! Have you noticed all the signs about staying in the right lane and left lane is passing? Try it sometime! Because next time, I'm not so sure that I'll just keep singing my music and wait patiently for three miles for you to move!
Honesty & Blog
I'm sitting here at my computer with a million different thoughts racing through my mind. None of which I think I'll blog about. It may seem that I blog about everything, in reality I really don't. I know that there are friends that read this blog to gain insight into my world and happenings, or truly lack thereof. Mostly though, there aren't too many secrets with me. With me, you get what you get.
I would have to say that I'm an honest person. I truly don't lie well. I can even try to be evasive and that doesn't go well either. Poker clearly isn't my game. I'm almost too honest. Too blunt. Too direct. If you don't want to know, don't ask. And well, even if you don't ask, maybe I'll still tell you. Maybe not.
Like this morning, JA didn't like that I sided with her husband about not driving his motorcycle to work today. I wasn't siding with him, just pointing out the obvious. Not that I thought she was wrong, just stating my point of view which was the same as her husband, coincidentally. Maybe if I was a better friend, I should have said what she wanted to hear and to support her. I'm not that kind of friend.
Tonight I received a phone call from another friend (A). I felt like I was caught in the middle. I was questioned if I talked with another friend (B) (is this seeming schoolish?) about an issue. I hadn't talked to that other friend(B), which then apparently led to another issue as to WHY I hadn't talked to that friend (B). Following this? I added letters to help clarify. Apparently (B) is upset that I haven't talked with her, which there is no reason why I haven't, I just haven't. Sometimes, I just don't talk to people. Not because I'm being anti-social, I'm just not really all that social. Especially when it comes to my free time, it doesn't usually coincide with my friends availability either. I learned how (B) found out about (A) and why (A) would think I was involved, which clearly I wasn't. Wow...this is giving me a headache. So I found myself doing damage control for something that I was entirely not involved with! I was guilty for not getting in touch with (B) but that wasn't out of the ordinary for our relationship anyway.
Regardless, what it all seems to boil down to is...what I read a few weeks back in some article, be careful what you blog/write. You never know when it might come back.
I would have to say that I'm an honest person. I truly don't lie well. I can even try to be evasive and that doesn't go well either. Poker clearly isn't my game. I'm almost too honest. Too blunt. Too direct. If you don't want to know, don't ask. And well, even if you don't ask, maybe I'll still tell you. Maybe not.
Like this morning, JA didn't like that I sided with her husband about not driving his motorcycle to work today. I wasn't siding with him, just pointing out the obvious. Not that I thought she was wrong, just stating my point of view which was the same as her husband, coincidentally. Maybe if I was a better friend, I should have said what she wanted to hear and to support her. I'm not that kind of friend.
Tonight I received a phone call from another friend (A). I felt like I was caught in the middle. I was questioned if I talked with another friend (B) (is this seeming schoolish?) about an issue. I hadn't talked to that other friend(B), which then apparently led to another issue as to WHY I hadn't talked to that friend (B). Following this? I added letters to help clarify. Apparently (B) is upset that I haven't talked with her, which there is no reason why I haven't, I just haven't. Sometimes, I just don't talk to people. Not because I'm being anti-social, I'm just not really all that social. Especially when it comes to my free time, it doesn't usually coincide with my friends availability either. I learned how (B) found out about (A) and why (A) would think I was involved, which clearly I wasn't. Wow...this is giving me a headache. So I found myself doing damage control for something that I was entirely not involved with! I was guilty for not getting in touch with (B) but that wasn't out of the ordinary for our relationship anyway.
Regardless, what it all seems to boil down to is...what I read a few weeks back in some article, be careful what you blog/write. You never know when it might come back.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Nice Gesture or Creepy?
I'm really having a hard time determining if the two pink roses I found wedged between my doors was a nice gesture or if it was creepy. I want to say that it was a nice gesture. A surprise to say the least. Maybe it would have been welcome, otherwise. But...
When I read the card, which was a "Just Because..." card, which didn't profess love, although the intent I'm sure was there, I didn't feel anything. See, a little back history, the ex-BF was notorious for giving me one or two roses, not six, not twelve. I'm sure you may be thinking that I'm a selfish person or another acronym at this point, BUT...really I'm not like that at all. I seriously didn't understand the number of flowers and maybe as a woman I shouldn't have worried about it. But, the reality was, I always felt that it was because he was too cheap to buy more. See, it started from the very first time and I couldn't correlate the number to the number of dates or months or even years. There was no correlation whatsoever.
If financial reasons were the issue, which mind you most of the relationship was, then I didn't want or need flowers. Seriously. If anything, get a plant that lives and doesn't collect dust as much as dried roses I felt compelled to keep. What I really like though are daisies or a mixed bouquet and despite my telling him, he NEVER opted for this and always went with roses.
So tonight, there were two pink long stem roses and babies breath. He drove 55 minutes to get to my house to stick them in the door.
You tell me, nice gesture or creepy? Did I mention...EX-BF (of 4.5 months)? Or maybe it was comment the day before that he's my only "current" stalker. Yeah, and I thought he was kidding.
When I read the card, which was a "Just Because..." card, which didn't profess love, although the intent I'm sure was there, I didn't feel anything. See, a little back history, the ex-BF was notorious for giving me one or two roses, not six, not twelve. I'm sure you may be thinking that I'm a selfish person or another acronym at this point, BUT...really I'm not like that at all. I seriously didn't understand the number of flowers and maybe as a woman I shouldn't have worried about it. But, the reality was, I always felt that it was because he was too cheap to buy more. See, it started from the very first time and I couldn't correlate the number to the number of dates or months or even years. There was no correlation whatsoever.
If financial reasons were the issue, which mind you most of the relationship was, then I didn't want or need flowers. Seriously. If anything, get a plant that lives and doesn't collect dust as much as dried roses I felt compelled to keep. What I really like though are daisies or a mixed bouquet and despite my telling him, he NEVER opted for this and always went with roses.
So tonight, there were two pink long stem roses and babies breath. He drove 55 minutes to get to my house to stick them in the door.
You tell me, nice gesture or creepy? Did I mention...EX-BF (of 4.5 months)? Or maybe it was comment the day before that he's my only "current" stalker. Yeah, and I thought he was kidding.
Bella Movie Review
I haven't really updated my Blockbuster queue in a while. Hasn't been much of a reason since I haven't been that motivated to watch the movies sitting on my coffee table. I did finally surf through the newest releases thinking it would motivate me to want to watch something. It seems strange that 27 Dresses and PS I Love You are on DVD already. It seems like I just saw them at the theater!
I managed to add 1/2 dozen or so movies to the list. Nothing that was jump out loud must see movie, but some that I thought might keep me awake more than 20 minutes. I looked at Bella, but couldn't figure out if it was in English or not, especially since it won some Toronto award. So I bypassed adding it since I've had enough involuntary subtitles for a while.
Tonight as I walked around the store, I couldn't find a movie that I wanted to rent. Pretty sad, when it's been a few weeks since I have been in the store! I came back to Bella. I read and re-read (or as my brother use to say re-re) the cover. The message seemed inspirational and it said in English Dolby, so why not.
I was awake for this entire movie. I feel emotionally exhausted. I found myself crying and I can't even explain why. Maybe it was the connection of finding yourself unwed and unexpectedly pregnant. Yeah, maybe that was it! The intensity of the family dynamics and selfless love far outweighed reading subtitles of the family conversations. I really did enjoy the movie although I have to admit that I found myself wanting to call the soccer ball "Wilson". Comon, it was the beard!
I just went and read the member reviews, and honestly am glad that I didn't read them before hand as I may have been disappointed. Overall, I did find the movie quite enjoyable. Obviously if you are looking for something fast paced or action packed, keep looking.
I managed to add 1/2 dozen or so movies to the list. Nothing that was jump out loud must see movie, but some that I thought might keep me awake more than 20 minutes. I looked at Bella, but couldn't figure out if it was in English or not, especially since it won some Toronto award. So I bypassed adding it since I've had enough involuntary subtitles for a while.
Tonight as I walked around the store, I couldn't find a movie that I wanted to rent. Pretty sad, when it's been a few weeks since I have been in the store! I came back to Bella. I read and re-read (or as my brother use to say re-re) the cover. The message seemed inspirational and it said in English Dolby, so why not.
I was awake for this entire movie. I feel emotionally exhausted. I found myself crying and I can't even explain why. Maybe it was the connection of finding yourself unwed and unexpectedly pregnant. Yeah, maybe that was it! The intensity of the family dynamics and selfless love far outweighed reading subtitles of the family conversations. I really did enjoy the movie although I have to admit that I found myself wanting to call the soccer ball "Wilson". Comon, it was the beard!
I just went and read the member reviews, and honestly am glad that I didn't read them before hand as I may have been disappointed. Overall, I did find the movie quite enjoyable. Obviously if you are looking for something fast paced or action packed, keep looking.
Travel Trials
Today is just one of those travel troublesome days. Maybe it's time to finally put closure to some of the loose ends of my latest travel adventures. Although I didn't think today would have anything at all to do with my travels.
It started off with a forwarded email from my mom and the travel company I booked the plane tickets through Grenada. I used my mom's email and address, when I should have used my own. Anyway, the tickets were canceled that we just finally secured and purchased last week! Sigh...so if we chose to cancel, if allowed, there would be fees but there is no recourse if the airlines or agent cancel. So, I emailed that my mom should call the agent booking number and see what was going on. Long story short, they claimed the tickets went up $59/each so they canceled the tickets as they were unable to contact anyone about the increase. My mom called with another option that was going to be $500 for the three tickets with 9-10 hour layovers in JFK and Baltimore...ugh. So much for exploring Trinidad on a layover. I told my mom to not book them, I would search more but we were disconnected. She booked those tickets and then apparently talked with yet another person and found the same rate we originally had and then booked those while the first ones of the morning were credited. Six hours later, we may have new tickets. Better her than me on the phone, my tolerance would have never lasted sixty minutes let alone six hours! I'm rather skeptical as two of our flights fly at 1:30a.m. so I questioned if it was legit. I wasn't at a computer to look into it, and I have never heard of regularly scheduled flights flying so late, but they claim they are real. Will have to find out if they sell them at that and then delay until the next day.
Then during the phone calls with my mom, the auction called to follow up from our conversation on Friday. I was almost impressed with the guy on the phone on Friday. Ok, maybe I thought he got it. I thought wrong. He told me that since we wanted to travel during blackout dates that the price would be over $2k more than we are paying. Except, we aren't going during blackout dates! I told him that and he said, "You want to travel in December, right?" "No, that would be AUGUST." So he says, "Oh yeah, August. That's a higher rate too." Whatever buddy. Can you at least lie better than THAT?
Have I ever mentioned how irritating I find INCOMPETENCE?
Waiting for me in my mailbox (after I found two roses stuck in between my doors when I came home) was a letter from the travel company about my complaint. Very nice and politically correct, it was. Bottomline, Cosmos is a budget travel company. Sorry that you had issues with the tour guide, bus driver and another traveler. Hope you still had good memories. Blah, blah, blah. Oh yeah, and seeing that some taxi drivers are liars, we've included $14.71 to cover the additional charges in the exchange rate at the time, that you incurred traveling to the airport. Warm wishes and we hope you will travel with us again. YEAH...NOT.
So maybe my travel isn't going so well. I still have to get a passport for my son and actually find out if his dad will let me exercise my two weeks vacation during that time. Looks like I'll have to rely on my trusty "Friend" of the Court for some assistance...SUPER. Maybe a notary letter will be a better option than finding a time that my son, his dad and I can all be in the same place at the same time to get his passport. If only the passport locale could be at the ball field...Now there's an idea...
It started off with a forwarded email from my mom and the travel company I booked the plane tickets through Grenada. I used my mom's email and address, when I should have used my own. Anyway, the tickets were canceled that we just finally secured and purchased last week! Sigh...so if we chose to cancel, if allowed, there would be fees but there is no recourse if the airlines or agent cancel. So, I emailed that my mom should call the agent booking number and see what was going on. Long story short, they claimed the tickets went up $59/each so they canceled the tickets as they were unable to contact anyone about the increase. My mom called with another option that was going to be $500 for the three tickets with 9-10 hour layovers in JFK and Baltimore...ugh. So much for exploring Trinidad on a layover. I told my mom to not book them, I would search more but we were disconnected. She booked those tickets and then apparently talked with yet another person and found the same rate we originally had and then booked those while the first ones of the morning were credited. Six hours later, we may have new tickets. Better her than me on the phone, my tolerance would have never lasted sixty minutes let alone six hours! I'm rather skeptical as two of our flights fly at 1:30a.m. so I questioned if it was legit. I wasn't at a computer to look into it, and I have never heard of regularly scheduled flights flying so late, but they claim they are real. Will have to find out if they sell them at that and then delay until the next day.
Then during the phone calls with my mom, the auction called to follow up from our conversation on Friday. I was almost impressed with the guy on the phone on Friday. Ok, maybe I thought he got it. I thought wrong. He told me that since we wanted to travel during blackout dates that the price would be over $2k more than we are paying. Except, we aren't going during blackout dates! I told him that and he said, "You want to travel in December, right?" "No, that would be AUGUST." So he says, "Oh yeah, August. That's a higher rate too." Whatever buddy. Can you at least lie better than THAT?
Have I ever mentioned how irritating I find INCOMPETENCE?
Waiting for me in my mailbox (after I found two roses stuck in between my doors when I came home) was a letter from the travel company about my complaint. Very nice and politically correct, it was. Bottomline, Cosmos is a budget travel company. Sorry that you had issues with the tour guide, bus driver and another traveler. Hope you still had good memories. Blah, blah, blah. Oh yeah, and seeing that some taxi drivers are liars, we've included $14.71 to cover the additional charges in the exchange rate at the time, that you incurred traveling to the airport. Warm wishes and we hope you will travel with us again. YEAH...NOT.
So maybe my travel isn't going so well. I still have to get a passport for my son and actually find out if his dad will let me exercise my two weeks vacation during that time. Looks like I'll have to rely on my trusty "Friend" of the Court for some assistance...SUPER. Maybe a notary letter will be a better option than finding a time that my son, his dad and I can all be in the same place at the same time to get his passport. If only the passport locale could be at the ball field...Now there's an idea...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Memory Loss vs. Alcohol
Saturday night, JA and I went out. Continuing with the Tulip Time festivities, we wanted to check out the Bier & Muzik Festival. We grabbed dinner and drinks before ~ maybe a few too many drinks to start off the night. We ate at a Brewery and had a sampler tray of brewed beers. None which I can say were super tasty, even consumed as beer shooters! Or maybe it was the bay breeze chaser that made the next beer taste all the worse!
JA and I use to work at the same company, 11 years ago. We didn't know each other then, but we know some of the same people. More than anything we recognize the same names, even if they aren't faces or specifics that we recall. JA worked on the line, 2nd & 3rd shifts, while I worked in the office on 1st shift. There were several people that we saw that night that also worked at the same company, so many years ago. What a small world.
Our beverage of choice at the festival was called Wild Blue. A blueberry beer that we were warned stained super easily, but of the beer options was definitely pretty good. In the several hours we were there, we each had several beers. I didn't realize exactly what condition JA was in. She seemed to be walking around fine and conversing fine. She was making me laugh by asking to walk since she couldn't feel her face!
On a mission to find out what the VIP tent offered, someone grabbed me. I didn't have a clue who she was. Was it memory or the alcohol? Seriously, I managed to say a few REALLY dumb things to her. Yep, call me sheltered, I so need to leave the house more often and boost my social skills! Needless to say, she knew me and I didn't recognize her in the least. She then said her name, which of course rang bells that I did in fact know her! Duh, she obviously already knew that I knew her. I haven't seen her, in at least five years if not more. I think I heard that she and her husband were having a baby, who is now five. How time flies. Unfortunately, they are getting divorced. Dumb comment #2, I mentioned her husband's name, who ISN'T her husband. NICE. Oops...at this point I should have inserted foot in mouth and walked away with my head down and tail between my legs...but I didn't. She continued to talk to me, so maybe it wasn't as bad as I recall, maybe. I guess it depends on if she calls like she said she would!
A friend of mine met me back where I parked. JA was able to meet him, although at that point, she couldn't open her eyes - so still do this date she hasn't seen him! The rest of my night went fine. Unfortunately JA's didn't go as well as I learned today that she was able to involuntary expel quite a bit of her caloric intake both last night and this morning!
All in all...what a Tulip Time experience! Might just have to check it out next year too!
JA and I use to work at the same company, 11 years ago. We didn't know each other then, but we know some of the same people. More than anything we recognize the same names, even if they aren't faces or specifics that we recall. JA worked on the line, 2nd & 3rd shifts, while I worked in the office on 1st shift. There were several people that we saw that night that also worked at the same company, so many years ago. What a small world.
Our beverage of choice at the festival was called Wild Blue. A blueberry beer that we were warned stained super easily, but of the beer options was definitely pretty good. In the several hours we were there, we each had several beers. I didn't realize exactly what condition JA was in. She seemed to be walking around fine and conversing fine. She was making me laugh by asking to walk since she couldn't feel her face!
On a mission to find out what the VIP tent offered, someone grabbed me. I didn't have a clue who she was. Was it memory or the alcohol? Seriously, I managed to say a few REALLY dumb things to her. Yep, call me sheltered, I so need to leave the house more often and boost my social skills! Needless to say, she knew me and I didn't recognize her in the least. She then said her name, which of course rang bells that I did in fact know her! Duh, she obviously already knew that I knew her. I haven't seen her, in at least five years if not more. I think I heard that she and her husband were having a baby, who is now five. How time flies. Unfortunately, they are getting divorced. Dumb comment #2, I mentioned her husband's name, who ISN'T her husband. NICE. Oops...at this point I should have inserted foot in mouth and walked away with my head down and tail between my legs...but I didn't. She continued to talk to me, so maybe it wasn't as bad as I recall, maybe. I guess it depends on if she calls like she said she would!
A friend of mine met me back where I parked. JA was able to meet him, although at that point, she couldn't open her eyes - so still do this date she hasn't seen him! The rest of my night went fine. Unfortunately JA's didn't go as well as I learned today that she was able to involuntary expel quite a bit of her caloric intake both last night and this morning!
All in all...what a Tulip Time experience! Might just have to check it out next year too!
Parade Pictures
Here are a few pictures from the parade. The parade was also filled with bands and a pageant winner of every variety imaginable.
Tulip Time Parade Paranoia
This year was the first time I had upfront and personal experience of Parade Paranoia. Maybe that isn't the perfect terminology, but for Tulip Time 2008 - it's what I'll coin it. Growing up, every year I participated in numerous parades. Marching with the band, walking with the Little League, whatever it may have been. I don't recall specifically going to watch many, since I was in them.
Now as an adult, I can't say that I have a strong like for parades. Maybe if my son was in them, it would be different. Maybe not. Nonetheless, I'm ok with getting there before parade time and finding a place to stand and watching. No big deal, right? Wrong!
Apparently parade watching is going to be the next Olympic Sport. I kid you not! From the planning and the preparation. To the staking of tarps, blankets, ropes to mark your spot. To the chairs, the view, the neighbors. To the people that live on the parade route that have buffet tables of food and beverages, to those that stake their claim bringing food and beverages. It's crazy. It's insane - it's too much for me! Seriously, while the parade is 2.5 hours long, it isn't something that you will die if you don't get the best view, or starve if you haven't brought the kitchen sink!
I found it entertaining and comical. Especially experiencing JA's longtime ritual of parade watching. To the stressed out phone calls, the concern for the location, to packing up the gear to leave to go back to pick it up. Maybe, they are just more trusting than I would be. I keep my belongings with me at all times. I wouldn't expect that my things placed there strategically the night before, would still be there if I wasn't with them all night. But they are. People really can be trusting to not steal, vandalize or move your things. It almost restored some faith that I have or don't have in people.
The parade was a little long for me and rather uneventful. Not that I expected wondrous things, but the Tulip Time kids parade, while all kids is more enjoyable to watch for me as kids are so cute and do the darndest things! At least I can now say that I experienced second-hand Parade Paranoia.
Now as an adult, I can't say that I have a strong like for parades. Maybe if my son was in them, it would be different. Maybe not. Nonetheless, I'm ok with getting there before parade time and finding a place to stand and watching. No big deal, right? Wrong!
Apparently parade watching is going to be the next Olympic Sport. I kid you not! From the planning and the preparation. To the staking of tarps, blankets, ropes to mark your spot. To the chairs, the view, the neighbors. To the people that live on the parade route that have buffet tables of food and beverages, to those that stake their claim bringing food and beverages. It's crazy. It's insane - it's too much for me! Seriously, while the parade is 2.5 hours long, it isn't something that you will die if you don't get the best view, or starve if you haven't brought the kitchen sink!
I found it entertaining and comical. Especially experiencing JA's longtime ritual of parade watching. To the stressed out phone calls, the concern for the location, to packing up the gear to leave to go back to pick it up. Maybe, they are just more trusting than I would be. I keep my belongings with me at all times. I wouldn't expect that my things placed there strategically the night before, would still be there if I wasn't with them all night. But they are. People really can be trusting to not steal, vandalize or move your things. It almost restored some faith that I have or don't have in people.
The parade was a little long for me and rather uneventful. Not that I expected wondrous things, but the Tulip Time kids parade, while all kids is more enjoyable to watch for me as kids are so cute and do the darndest things! At least I can now say that I experienced second-hand Parade Paranoia.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Seriously, I'm getting OLD - "Friends with Benefits"
Tonight while eating our funnel cake, I was captivated by three individuals at the next picnic table. I wouldn't say that I'm a huge people watcher, but if within ear shot, I will sometimes listen (aka eavesdrop). But is it really eavesdropping if you don't have to make a concerted effort to hear?
Anyway, I was trying to guess how old the three were. I would have guessed two were maybe 15 or 16 and then a younger friend maybe 13 or 14. I asked my son how old he thought they were, thinking mom was just too old to know. He thought that they were 11-14, if that!
What caught my attention is that I overheard the younger male say, "Friends with benefits". Seriously, I am old. A 11-14 year old talking about "Friends with Benefits"? I'd like to think that their friends have different benefits than say my friends could. Yeah, wishful thinking I'm afraid.
Anyway, I was trying to guess how old the three were. I would have guessed two were maybe 15 or 16 and then a younger friend maybe 13 or 14. I asked my son how old he thought they were, thinking mom was just too old to know. He thought that they were 11-14, if that!
What caught my attention is that I overheard the younger male say, "Friends with benefits". Seriously, I am old. A 11-14 year old talking about "Friends with Benefits"? I'd like to think that their friends have different benefits than say my friends could. Yeah, wishful thinking I'm afraid.
Movie Issues
I seriously wish I could rent a movie that could keep my attention more than 20 minutes. I seem to successfully be falling asleep within the first 20 minutes of most movies these days. What is up with that? Clearly, anyone with great movie suggestions, let me know!
I haven't been to fond of anything on my Blockbuster.com list. I've had three movies sitting around for almost a week, so decided maybe I should watch them. Last night, I was pretty tired and emotionally drained after finally getting the airfare taken care of for Grenada. So, I knew if something didn't captivate my attention, I was in trouble.
Seriously. What is up with movies in foreign languages that are not really publicized as such? I don't know how many times now, I have rented a movie to turn it on and realize it is not in English. I'm all for subtitles, when I want them. I rented the Orphanage. I had even picked it up in the store and NEVER noticed it was in Spanish. Obviously, staying awake reading subtitles didn't work for me. I did manage to see the beginning 30 minutes and picked it back up about 20 minutes later and then caught the end. Nice.
Then today threw in the PG-13 movie, Dirty Laundry. I couldn't tell you what this was about. I fell asleep about 20 minutes into it. I don't think I slept for longer than 5-10 minutes but long enough to feel like I missed something, but didn't. Then I gave up, but my son wanted to keep watching it as I went to do something else. 50 minutes into the movie, he turned it off too, saying it was BAD. And that it had nothing to do with Dirty Laundry! Too funny!
I haven't been to fond of anything on my Blockbuster.com list. I've had three movies sitting around for almost a week, so decided maybe I should watch them. Last night, I was pretty tired and emotionally drained after finally getting the airfare taken care of for Grenada. So, I knew if something didn't captivate my attention, I was in trouble.
Seriously. What is up with movies in foreign languages that are not really publicized as such? I don't know how many times now, I have rented a movie to turn it on and realize it is not in English. I'm all for subtitles, when I want them. I rented the Orphanage. I had even picked it up in the store and NEVER noticed it was in Spanish. Obviously, staying awake reading subtitles didn't work for me. I did manage to see the beginning 30 minutes and picked it back up about 20 minutes later and then caught the end. Nice.
Then today threw in the PG-13 movie, Dirty Laundry. I couldn't tell you what this was about. I fell asleep about 20 minutes into it. I don't think I slept for longer than 5-10 minutes but long enough to feel like I missed something, but didn't. Then I gave up, but my son wanted to keep watching it as I went to do something else. 50 minutes into the movie, he turned it off too, saying it was BAD. And that it had nothing to do with Dirty Laundry! Too funny!
Baseball...Love of the Game
I think I'm a baseball fanatic. I grew up watching the Tigers. I think that probably stopped about the time they won their last World Series. I use to love going to Tiger Stadium and Lafayette Coney Island. Fabulous family memories were shared at Tiger Stadium.
Then, I guess I grew up or grew old. Living on the other side of the state, we don't go to Tigers games. I find watching baseball on television as exciting as...dog shows. No offense to others that like them. I think I even found the London dart match more entertaining. But...there is nothing like being there. The sounds, the smells, the crack of a bat, the chanting, the cheering, the game...the experience.
I do enjoy the Whitecaps games as they are very family oriented between innings and it's closer to home. Last year we went to a Tiger's game and had a lot of fun. If we did it again, I'd splurge for better seats. Growing up my dad as a Purchasing Agent would get awesome seats, often times front row. My brother even got a ball or two. So, it's hard to compare.
Tonight, my son and I went to watch JA's son play...Little League. Last year was his first season...ever...playing baseball. And man, he has skills! He stayed down in the league as his birthday fell on the cut off, so I miss seeing JA at the ball fields as our kids play on different nights. It does allow me to watch his games on occasion though. Tonight was one of those. While we sat with the blowing wind and my frozen toes, we watched Little League at it's best. Or should I say...worst. From the screaming and otherwise oblivious coach to the five run per inning rule to the irate parent to the contesting rule book followers. Talk about drama. There was screaming and chanting and cheering. There were hits and runs and steals and errors. There was suspense. There was sun setting and limited vision. There was a parent that left with his son in the heat of a new inning because it was 9:00p.m., despite there being a tie. The opposing team was undefeated and didn't want to end on a tie, so another inning was played. This game had EVERYTHING!
And...JA wanted to leave! Not even being my son, I couldn't leave...not in the middle of a suspense filled, tie game! How does one just walk out in the middle of that, despite my frozen toes that were turning blue? Clearly not me!
All in all - JA's son got his second hit of the night and was the tying run. They scored the winning run on a stolen base home! NOW THAT'S BASEBALL!
Then, I guess I grew up or grew old. Living on the other side of the state, we don't go to Tigers games. I find watching baseball on television as exciting as...dog shows. No offense to others that like them. I think I even found the London dart match more entertaining. But...there is nothing like being there. The sounds, the smells, the crack of a bat, the chanting, the cheering, the game...the experience.
I do enjoy the Whitecaps games as they are very family oriented between innings and it's closer to home. Last year we went to a Tiger's game and had a lot of fun. If we did it again, I'd splurge for better seats. Growing up my dad as a Purchasing Agent would get awesome seats, often times front row. My brother even got a ball or two. So, it's hard to compare.
Tonight, my son and I went to watch JA's son play...Little League. Last year was his first season...ever...playing baseball. And man, he has skills! He stayed down in the league as his birthday fell on the cut off, so I miss seeing JA at the ball fields as our kids play on different nights. It does allow me to watch his games on occasion though. Tonight was one of those. While we sat with the blowing wind and my frozen toes, we watched Little League at it's best. Or should I say...worst. From the screaming and otherwise oblivious coach to the five run per inning rule to the irate parent to the contesting rule book followers. Talk about drama. There was screaming and chanting and cheering. There were hits and runs and steals and errors. There was suspense. There was sun setting and limited vision. There was a parent that left with his son in the heat of a new inning because it was 9:00p.m., despite there being a tie. The opposing team was undefeated and didn't want to end on a tie, so another inning was played. This game had EVERYTHING!
And...JA wanted to leave! Not even being my son, I couldn't leave...not in the middle of a suspense filled, tie game! How does one just walk out in the middle of that, despite my frozen toes that were turning blue? Clearly not me!
All in all - JA's son got his second hit of the night and was the tying run. They scored the winning run on a stolen base home! NOW THAT'S BASEBALL!
Holland Tulip Time Festivities
This afternoon, after my son gained some independence, we went to Holland to experience the Tulip Time festivities. We watched the end of the parade and then had some Tulip Time
food/fair food.Love little ones dressed in Dutch costumes.
Tulip Time is known for it's "Elephant Ears" which are large flat donuts that can be topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon, Bavarian cream, chocolate or apples. We were considering getting one, when we came across a vendor authentic from Pennsylvania selling Funnel Cakes. We got the special, Reese's Pieces - which had powdered sugar, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and drizzled with lots of chocolate syrup. The funnel cake was fresh and hot so the chips melted...yummy.
America's Worst Mom & Independence
A few weeks back, I read about the heat that a NY journalist dubbed, "America's Worst Mom" received after allowing her 4th grade son the subway home. She felt he was learning/gaining independence. Personally, as a parent and a Children's Services employee, I didn't see anything wrong with it. Now, had something happened, it would have been tragic and a different story. But things happen all the time.
I don't live in New York. I don't use the Subway. If I were to take the subway, let alone my 5th grade son, it would likely be ugly. Now, if we lived in NY and we took the subway every day, that would be a different story. Here in my town, we have public transportation - a bus system and taxis. Neither would be viable options I would send my son on, as he is not familiar with them.
I think for the most part, I'm a very over protective mom. And more often than not, I think I'm too over protective that maybe it's bad. Maybe I haven't let my son think enough on his own. Maybe I've coddled him too much that he won't grow up to be a well rounded individual. My ex-husband use to say that I was raising a "wus" and that he was too emotional and also say that I was teaching him everything I wanted in a man. DUH. Absolutely, my son is going to know how to cook, clean, wipe his own butt AND care for and respect another individual. If he isn't going to learn it from me, who am I going to entrust to teach him? I've met my share of...um...losers...if I have any say in it, my son won't grow up to be one. I've had a babysitter once, in 11 years. I have on occasion used my parents, whom live across state - and I typically didn't go out until I put him to bed. Most often, I have used the single parent every other weekend/overnights as my babysitter. I don't know if this is good or bad.
I think in many ways I'm my son's best friend and entertainment. I don't want this. I want him to confide in me but I need him to have his own friends outside of school too. When we bike ride, we bike together. Living in the city, I fear driveways, city stops, crazy drivers. He fears it too. He seldom will ride his bike alone, despite peers riding everywhere without a whim since they could ride a bike!
I know of people that have been leaving their children home for periods of time alone for years now. Each situation is different, I'm not going to judge. The law says that a child can stay home alone at 12, but Children's Protective Services isn't likely to find your child home alone without incident.
So today, I allowed my son his first step at being alone. The after school program was closed so there wasn't "childcare". My son was eager to walk home from school, all .9 miles of it. He had even planned out if he would run and whom he would come home with. I switched my schedule to work in the local office today so that I was only 2.5 miles away, but also wanted him to be alone and see how it went. Of course, I was on the phone with him every 1/2 hour or so making sure he was home, asking if I could finish up more at work and then his calls to say the toilet clogged and the bread had holes in it!
Independence...I'm not sure that I'm ready for him to have it yet. He is a terrific son and child. He's even been in the Gifted & Talented Program for two years, something I never accomplished. So, I probably shouldn't worry. But as a mother...they just grow up so quickly!
I don't live in New York. I don't use the Subway. If I were to take the subway, let alone my 5th grade son, it would likely be ugly. Now, if we lived in NY and we took the subway every day, that would be a different story. Here in my town, we have public transportation - a bus system and taxis. Neither would be viable options I would send my son on, as he is not familiar with them.
I think for the most part, I'm a very over protective mom. And more often than not, I think I'm too over protective that maybe it's bad. Maybe I haven't let my son think enough on his own. Maybe I've coddled him too much that he won't grow up to be a well rounded individual. My ex-husband use to say that I was raising a "wus" and that he was too emotional and also say that I was teaching him everything I wanted in a man. DUH. Absolutely, my son is going to know how to cook, clean, wipe his own butt AND care for and respect another individual. If he isn't going to learn it from me, who am I going to entrust to teach him? I've met my share of...um...losers...if I have any say in it, my son won't grow up to be one. I've had a babysitter once, in 11 years. I have on occasion used my parents, whom live across state - and I typically didn't go out until I put him to bed. Most often, I have used the single parent every other weekend/overnights as my babysitter. I don't know if this is good or bad.
I think in many ways I'm my son's best friend and entertainment. I don't want this. I want him to confide in me but I need him to have his own friends outside of school too. When we bike ride, we bike together. Living in the city, I fear driveways, city stops, crazy drivers. He fears it too. He seldom will ride his bike alone, despite peers riding everywhere without a whim since they could ride a bike!
I know of people that have been leaving their children home for periods of time alone for years now. Each situation is different, I'm not going to judge. The law says that a child can stay home alone at 12, but Children's Protective Services isn't likely to find your child home alone without incident.
So today, I allowed my son his first step at being alone. The after school program was closed so there wasn't "childcare". My son was eager to walk home from school, all .9 miles of it. He had even planned out if he would run and whom he would come home with. I switched my schedule to work in the local office today so that I was only 2.5 miles away, but also wanted him to be alone and see how it went. Of course, I was on the phone with him every 1/2 hour or so making sure he was home, asking if I could finish up more at work and then his calls to say the toilet clogged and the bread had holes in it!
Independence...I'm not sure that I'm ready for him to have it yet. He is a terrific son and child. He's even been in the Gifted & Talented Program for two years, something I never accomplished. So, I probably shouldn't worry. But as a mother...they just grow up so quickly!
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