I've decided for the first time ever (hence First Annual...) I'm going on a Pre-Hunting Holiday. Every year, my son's dad ditches his visitation for two weeks and goes up north hunting. It's not about the actual hunting or killing of anything, it's a matter of getting away and hanging out with family in a shit shack covered in nudes. Clearly not my idea of a vacation retreat!
About a month ago or maybe a little less, I inquired about having my son's dad take my son for two nights so that I could go on my first Pre-Hunting Holiday.
He laughed. (Mind you, my son's dad talks as little as possible to me - even 11 years AFTER the fact! Most of his communication is a grunt or "I'll let you know." and he NEVER DOES.)
TS and I were hoping to plan a vacation. I had a week, sans son (I hoped), and was hoping to have my sunny destination locale including drinks by a pool that I didn't get while in Grenada. Unfortunately TS isn't able to get away, but JN decided that she would love to go somewhere. So we kicked around the ideas of where and whether or not it was a touristy thing or an all-inclusive.
The past two days have been almost exclusively trying to plan a vacation for...next week! Why not go in traditional, true last minute style?
Unfortunately, JN has other commitments that she didn't initially realize, so my seven night vacation is now a three-night vacation. BUT, I'm still going on vacation, to Cancun at a 5 GOLDEN APPLE RESORT. Yep, doing it right this time!
After securing the package and flying out of the closest airport possible so we are avoiding traveling and park-n-fly's, we are golden. Except for one thing...I didn't double check with my son's dad that he would take our son those two nights.
Here's how the conversation went when I called my son's dad and asked him if he was planning on taking our son:
(Click, phone has been picked up on the receiving end) Something inaudible maybe a "Yah"
I say, "X?"
He responds, "Mm" (I think that means I've dialed the right number)
I say, "I was wondering if you were still planning on taking T next week on Tuesday & Thursday?"
He said, "Ummm...for your annual Pre-Hunting whatever?"
I respond, "YES. For my First Annual Pre-Hunting Holiday."
His response (somewhat irritated and grumbly), "Not to be confused with your Traverse City or Cedar Point trips?"
I say, "Exactly. Those weren't my Pre-Hunting Holiday."
He then says, "Oh really? Where are you going this time? Are you going to be in the area?"
So I joyously respond (sugary sweet of course), "Cancun. I'm only going from Monday - Friday and T can still come to the house after school."
He mumbles some additional inaudible things and I inquire if he's planning on going hunting this year (T mentioned he may not as his wife may require surgery). He says he won't know until 10/31 but he will watch our son and I say OK.
And that was the end of that conversation.
In less than 5 days I will be in Cancun soaking up the sun and drinking fruity foo-foo drinks - I can't wait - no matter how many nights it is!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Putting Your Affairs in Order
The doctor, after an examination, sighed and said, 'I've some bad news. You have cancer, and you'd best put your affairs in order.'
The woman was shocked, but managed to compose herself and walk into the waiting room where her daughter had been waiting.
'Well daughter, we women celebrate when things are good, and we celebrate when things don't go so well. In this case, things aren't well. I have cancer. Let's head to the club and have a martini.'
After 3 or 4 martinis, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs and more martinis. They were eventually approached by some of the woman's old friends, who were curious as to what the two were celebrating. The woman told her friends they were drinking to her impending end.
'I've been diagnosed with AIDS.'
The friends were aghast, gave the woman their condolences and beat a hasty retreat.
After the friends left, the woman's daughter leaned over and whispered,'Momma, I thought you said you were dying of cancer, and you just told your friends you were dying of AIDS! Why did you do that??'
'Because I don't want any of those bitches sleeping with your father after I'm gone.'
And THAT, my friends, is what is called, 'Putting Your Affairs In Order.'
The woman was shocked, but managed to compose herself and walk into the waiting room where her daughter had been waiting.
'Well daughter, we women celebrate when things are good, and we celebrate when things don't go so well. In this case, things aren't well. I have cancer. Let's head to the club and have a martini.'
After 3 or 4 martinis, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs and more martinis. They were eventually approached by some of the woman's old friends, who were curious as to what the two were celebrating. The woman told her friends they were drinking to her impending end.
'I've been diagnosed with AIDS.'
The friends were aghast, gave the woman their condolences and beat a hasty retreat.
After the friends left, the woman's daughter leaned over and whispered,'Momma, I thought you said you were dying of cancer, and you just told your friends you were dying of AIDS! Why did you do that??'
'Because I don't want any of those bitches sleeping with your father after I'm gone.'
And THAT, my friends, is what is called, 'Putting Your Affairs In Order.'
Painting Expenses
It happened. Just as I anticipated it would. Clearly a no-win situation.
I finally was able to get E to give me a price on the cost of painting my house with the "friend discount".
Let me clarify that from the beginning, I could never get him to give me a quote on painting the house. I didn't want to paint the house myself, I had done that some years ago and didn't want to do it again; however, minimizing the cost I would do what I could to not hit the pocket book too hard. E is a painter on the side, with over 20 years of full-time painting under his belt. I know that he does an excellent job, I've seen his work.
While E is a nice man, he isn't trustworthy, to me. So I'll chalk that up to my own personal trust issues. The painting of the house started exactly one month ago. He told me to get several quotes and to pay him what I felt was "fair" if I wanted to, but as a friend he didn't want to charge me at all. Throughout the painting he has joked about his fees being too expensive or being too cheap. He's made comments that if I wasn't dating someone the cost would be less if at all. Three days ago I received an email from him that we needed to talk cost.
I did get a quote on the house. The quote included all the prep - scraping, patching and painting of the house and garage, labor only for $1710 and the job completed in six days. Yes, six days. And that didn't include me doing a thing!
I figure that I did all the scraping of the house and an additional 10-12 hours of painting on the house. So I was shocked this morning when I was told that if he were to charge "someone else" it would be "32-35". Dollars or Hundred? Hundred! So he said $2000 would be good. I freaked out!
I could have paid $1710 and had the house completely painted in six days and not had to lift a finger. The house as it is, was scraped by me - clearly not a professional painter by any means! There was no patchwork done. I helped and it took five times as long and is going to cost more with the friend discount?
Needless to say, I was pissed. I had asked since before the project started for a price and never got an answer. He continues to say "It's not about the money." and that I can just give him $500.
Now I feel like a real jerk. I don't want to screw my friend out of money, but I feel completely taken advantage of and in a predicament. Mind you, the back side of the garage isn't even painted! I did ask how many hours he had put into the house and he said 42, which I don't believe as he was hardly ever there but even if he was, he's trying to say he would charge "over $81 per hour for a non-friend! He even said yesterday that a painter will usually charge $25, $40 or $48 per hour but, "I'm a cheap painter!" I had also confirmed that good painters in the area will charge between $30-35.
So had "a good painter" spent 42 hours on my house it would have cost me $1470, plus materials (which I purchased). I guess it's just a matter of principle. So do I pay $500 or do I pay more knowing that he wants and feels justified in it being more and because as a friend I should?
Remind me again why I should EVER mix friends and business?
I finally was able to get E to give me a price on the cost of painting my house with the "friend discount".
Let me clarify that from the beginning, I could never get him to give me a quote on painting the house. I didn't want to paint the house myself, I had done that some years ago and didn't want to do it again; however, minimizing the cost I would do what I could to not hit the pocket book too hard. E is a painter on the side, with over 20 years of full-time painting under his belt. I know that he does an excellent job, I've seen his work.
While E is a nice man, he isn't trustworthy, to me. So I'll chalk that up to my own personal trust issues. The painting of the house started exactly one month ago. He told me to get several quotes and to pay him what I felt was "fair" if I wanted to, but as a friend he didn't want to charge me at all. Throughout the painting he has joked about his fees being too expensive or being too cheap. He's made comments that if I wasn't dating someone the cost would be less if at all. Three days ago I received an email from him that we needed to talk cost.
I did get a quote on the house. The quote included all the prep - scraping, patching and painting of the house and garage, labor only for $1710 and the job completed in six days. Yes, six days. And that didn't include me doing a thing!
I figure that I did all the scraping of the house and an additional 10-12 hours of painting on the house. So I was shocked this morning when I was told that if he were to charge "someone else" it would be "32-35". Dollars or Hundred? Hundred! So he said $2000 would be good. I freaked out!
I could have paid $1710 and had the house completely painted in six days and not had to lift a finger. The house as it is, was scraped by me - clearly not a professional painter by any means! There was no patchwork done. I helped and it took five times as long and is going to cost more with the friend discount?
Needless to say, I was pissed. I had asked since before the project started for a price and never got an answer. He continues to say "It's not about the money." and that I can just give him $500.
Now I feel like a real jerk. I don't want to screw my friend out of money, but I feel completely taken advantage of and in a predicament. Mind you, the back side of the garage isn't even painted! I did ask how many hours he had put into the house and he said 42, which I don't believe as he was hardly ever there but even if he was, he's trying to say he would charge "over $81 per hour for a non-friend! He even said yesterday that a painter will usually charge $25, $40 or $48 per hour but, "I'm a cheap painter!" I had also confirmed that good painters in the area will charge between $30-35.
So had "a good painter" spent 42 hours on my house it would have cost me $1470, plus materials (which I purchased). I guess it's just a matter of principle. So do I pay $500 or do I pay more knowing that he wants and feels justified in it being more and because as a friend I should?
Remind me again why I should EVER mix friends and business?
Money, The Root of All Evil...
Or maybe just MY EVIL.
I'm not sure if I'm one in a million (clearly I believe that I'm not although my mom would likely say otherwise)... on my thoughts and personal attachment to money.
I try not to think that money is the root of all evil. But it seems that everytime I turn around, smack. It's confirmed yet again that it is.
I say this because friendships, relationships and acquaintenships (it's a word - but don't look it up!) can end based on money.
I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my 401k and seriously want to cry. I try to rationalize that I never had the money (it was never in my pocket/bank account/under my pillow) so I can't miss it.
BUT I DO.
I think of all the things that the money could have bought if I had it. If it wasn't lost in the stock market decline. The things I could have done. The differences I could have made. The "What If's".
But I think morally and ethically for me, it isn't really about the money or MY MONEY perse, it's about fairness, justness and equality. And respect. I'm not going to take your money, don't take mine.
I'm truly not digressing (not this time), I do have a point. My house is almost painted. Almost. I think and have been told that it should be completed tomorrow. My friend is painting it and it has taken ONE MONTH. Not six days like my other quote from a friend's step-dad, but one month. And, I helped.
I didn't want to help. I didn't want to paint. But, I did. I did because it was my house and my friend.
Now, it's a matter of payment. He can't or I should say won't come up with a figure. I've asked since before the project started. I just wanted to pay and have it done. I have the other quote and recently called the paint store to ask for painter rates, so I roughly have an idea, roughly. I have no idea how many hours he's actually put in and I don't know his hourly rate. He says if times weren't tough, he wouldn't charge me at all. He wants me to pay what I think is fair. I've asked him what he would charge someone else and he says that's not fair. He thinks he'll tell me what he'll charge me, he just can't come to terms with it. Somehow, I'm not seeing that this is a win-win situation, regardless. Can friendships remain intact when business is involved?
Then there is the issue of my recent weekend getaway to Cedar Point. Several discussions were made about estimations of costs and expenses of the weekend, prior to the weekend. I paid for everything and itemized the expenses down by what everyone owed during the weekend. Two of three paid me immediately. One has not. At the end of the weekend in parting ways, it was asked how much was owed and the amount was told. And that was that. No word of when it would be paid or why it wasn't being paid.
I've been assured that I will be paid. That it wasn't a matter of the person not having the money, but not carrying around that kind of cash. Huh? If you know that there are expenses to a weekend away and that the expenses are being split, why wouldn't you have money to cover what you think it would be?
Again, it's my money. It's not that I can't pay my bills or put food on the table without this person paying their share; however, it's a matter of principle that someone would take advantage of another person and their money and not respect them enough to pay when the service was complete or give an explanation as to why they can't or didn't pay.
Maybe my roots of evil run deeper than I can fathom in regard to money. Maybe I've been taken advantage of far too many times - footing the bill, paying more than my share, getting IOU's that aren't repaid. Why is it that some people feel it's acceptable to be irresponsible and/or inconsiderate of other's and their money or their time?
Maybe I'm a person reincarnate from the depression. Yeah that's it.
And I believe that Elvis is still alive and unicorns can fly.
I'm not sure if I'm one in a million (clearly I believe that I'm not although my mom would likely say otherwise)... on my thoughts and personal attachment to money.
I try not to think that money is the root of all evil. But it seems that everytime I turn around, smack. It's confirmed yet again that it is.
I say this because friendships, relationships and acquaintenships (it's a word - but don't look it up!) can end based on money.
I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my 401k and seriously want to cry. I try to rationalize that I never had the money (it was never in my pocket/bank account/under my pillow) so I can't miss it.
BUT I DO.
I think of all the things that the money could have bought if I had it. If it wasn't lost in the stock market decline. The things I could have done. The differences I could have made. The "What If's".
But I think morally and ethically for me, it isn't really about the money or MY MONEY perse, it's about fairness, justness and equality. And respect. I'm not going to take your money, don't take mine.
I'm truly not digressing (not this time), I do have a point. My house is almost painted. Almost. I think and have been told that it should be completed tomorrow. My friend is painting it and it has taken ONE MONTH. Not six days like my other quote from a friend's step-dad, but one month. And, I helped.
I didn't want to help. I didn't want to paint. But, I did. I did because it was my house and my friend.
Now, it's a matter of payment. He can't or I should say won't come up with a figure. I've asked since before the project started. I just wanted to pay and have it done. I have the other quote and recently called the paint store to ask for painter rates, so I roughly have an idea, roughly. I have no idea how many hours he's actually put in and I don't know his hourly rate. He says if times weren't tough, he wouldn't charge me at all. He wants me to pay what I think is fair. I've asked him what he would charge someone else and he says that's not fair. He thinks he'll tell me what he'll charge me, he just can't come to terms with it. Somehow, I'm not seeing that this is a win-win situation, regardless. Can friendships remain intact when business is involved?
Then there is the issue of my recent weekend getaway to Cedar Point. Several discussions were made about estimations of costs and expenses of the weekend, prior to the weekend. I paid for everything and itemized the expenses down by what everyone owed during the weekend. Two of three paid me immediately. One has not. At the end of the weekend in parting ways, it was asked how much was owed and the amount was told. And that was that. No word of when it would be paid or why it wasn't being paid.
I've been assured that I will be paid. That it wasn't a matter of the person not having the money, but not carrying around that kind of cash. Huh? If you know that there are expenses to a weekend away and that the expenses are being split, why wouldn't you have money to cover what you think it would be?
Again, it's my money. It's not that I can't pay my bills or put food on the table without this person paying their share; however, it's a matter of principle that someone would take advantage of another person and their money and not respect them enough to pay when the service was complete or give an explanation as to why they can't or didn't pay.
Maybe my roots of evil run deeper than I can fathom in regard to money. Maybe I've been taken advantage of far too many times - footing the bill, paying more than my share, getting IOU's that aren't repaid. Why is it that some people feel it's acceptable to be irresponsible and/or inconsiderate of other's and their money or their time?
Maybe I'm a person reincarnate from the depression. Yeah that's it.
And I believe that Elvis is still alive and unicorns can fly.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Park-n-Ride Apology
Friday morning I was picking JN up at a Park-N-Ride in Lowell, outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan for our weekend affair at Cedar Point. Already a good half hour behind schedule, I drove directly to the Park-N-Ride.
Approaching the Park-N-Ride from the exit ramp, I noticed a silver vehicle (JN's car) stopped in the first aisle of the parked cars facing the entrance. I pulled into the lot and pulled right up to her front end to startle her and to let her know that we were finally there!
To my surprise, the dark haired woman WAS NOT JN! OOPS!
In my defense though, the car was the exact same make AND model as JN's. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure the woman wasn't amused!
After locating JN parked at the back of the lot, I drove back by the woman on the way out and was tempted to apologize for my mere immaturity and to explain the obvious mistake. But I figured I had done enough.
Ms. Park-N-Ride, my deepest apologies!
Approaching the Park-N-Ride from the exit ramp, I noticed a silver vehicle (JN's car) stopped in the first aisle of the parked cars facing the entrance. I pulled into the lot and pulled right up to her front end to startle her and to let her know that we were finally there!
To my surprise, the dark haired woman WAS NOT JN! OOPS!
In my defense though, the car was the exact same make AND model as JN's. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure the woman wasn't amused!
After locating JN parked at the back of the lot, I drove back by the woman on the way out and was tempted to apologize for my mere immaturity and to explain the obvious mistake. But I figured I had done enough.
Ms. Park-N-Ride, my deepest apologies!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Anniversary
In a couple days, it will have been my eight year anniversary. Wedding anniversary.
How long ago that seems. A lifetime ago. How young and naive. How much I feel that I've changed, matured, grown and learned. Yet sometimes, just as equally naive.
Maybe it's the hardened, calloused core that develops when we learn that we've been wronged. When we have been lied to, deceived, disrespected, disappointed. Learning to love again and accept, life's greatest challenge.
To move on knowing that everyone is different. Every relationship is different. I AM different.
By sheer happenstance, we were married on Sweetest Day. It happened to be an available weekend at both the church and the reception hall. It honestly wasn't until months after the date had been picked that I learned of the Hallmark coincidence. Like my parents, they were married on Valentine's Day. After their divorce I always wondered, silently, how subsequent Valentine's were shared with other partners. Did they remember? Did they wonder? Did they wish? Always knowing and hoping that the new partner was a better situation, but where did their thoughts take them on that day?
The other day I had a dream about my ex-husband. I was running, hiding and attacking. I was fighting back. I was restraining from the guilt and fear that my attacks may kill him before he killed me, although he wasn't affected by my defenses. I've never had such a vivid, morbid dream. I woke (neither of us were killed by each other or anyone else).
Maybe subconsciously the anniversary is bringing him back into my mind. Memories and threats of the evolved relationship. Threats of my safety and of my sanity. Threats that I was changed. That I may never be the same trusting person I once was. That I may never be in a healthy relationship or desire the mere thought of marriage. That no longer will love be enough in any future relationship, ever.
Memories, unfortunately they aren't always good. It's learning life lessons and becoming a better person from the experiences we live. And it's hoping that one day, we may not be permanently scarred on specific days, Hallmark Holidays or otherwise, from things gone wrong.
It's about learning and letting go.
How long ago that seems. A lifetime ago. How young and naive. How much I feel that I've changed, matured, grown and learned. Yet sometimes, just as equally naive.
Maybe it's the hardened, calloused core that develops when we learn that we've been wronged. When we have been lied to, deceived, disrespected, disappointed. Learning to love again and accept, life's greatest challenge.
To move on knowing that everyone is different. Every relationship is different. I AM different.
By sheer happenstance, we were married on Sweetest Day. It happened to be an available weekend at both the church and the reception hall. It honestly wasn't until months after the date had been picked that I learned of the Hallmark coincidence. Like my parents, they were married on Valentine's Day. After their divorce I always wondered, silently, how subsequent Valentine's were shared with other partners. Did they remember? Did they wonder? Did they wish? Always knowing and hoping that the new partner was a better situation, but where did their thoughts take them on that day?
The other day I had a dream about my ex-husband. I was running, hiding and attacking. I was fighting back. I was restraining from the guilt and fear that my attacks may kill him before he killed me, although he wasn't affected by my defenses. I've never had such a vivid, morbid dream. I woke (neither of us were killed by each other or anyone else).
Maybe subconsciously the anniversary is bringing him back into my mind. Memories and threats of the evolved relationship. Threats of my safety and of my sanity. Threats that I was changed. That I may never be the same trusting person I once was. That I may never be in a healthy relationship or desire the mere thought of marriage. That no longer will love be enough in any future relationship, ever.
Memories, unfortunately they aren't always good. It's learning life lessons and becoming a better person from the experiences we live. And it's hoping that one day, we may not be permanently scarred on specific days, Hallmark Holidays or otherwise, from things gone wrong.
It's about learning and letting go.
Cedar Point Weekend
Cedar Point is located in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point advertises as "America's Roller Coast" and the "Best Amusement Park in the World!" Anyone not familiar with Cedar Point should check it out at http://www.cedarpoint.com/.
Growing up on the east side of the State of Michigan, Cedar Point was only 2.5 hours drive away. It was somewhere that I typically went at least once a year. Cedar Point was also the frequent destination for teenagers after prom and during summer vacations. In addition to the roller coasters there is also a water park, separate from the amusement park. The park itself boasts numerous water rides, although several you must be prepared to be drenched and walk around the park like a wet zombie for a while.
For the first time that I can ever remember, I went to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point. The park is decked out in Halloween decorations and has many Halloween and haunted house attractions. We booked a cabin (which we highly recommend and would do again in a heartbeat!) right on Cedar Point property and walking distance into the park (although a shuttle van was only a phone call away!). The cabin slept six, we had four adults and were comfortable, six adults may be congested.
Since I had my son, eleven years ago, I find myself less tolerable of motion. I've always had a backseat car sickness, but moreso after childbirth with additional issues with spinning, whirling and falling. A few years ago I went to Cedar Point for the first time in several years. Every year I go to the sister park of Cedar Point, Michigan Adventure which is much smaller, closer and more kid friendly. Michigan Adventure boasts, "Two Parks for the Price of One!" My son and I love it mainly for the water park. I struggled with the motion sickness so much that after a trip to Michigan Adventure, I ended up vomiting.
This year I decided to go to Cedar Point prepared with my new found love of Dramamine! What a miracle!
The first ride of the weekend was the Magnum XL-200. Maybe since it was getting dark and the Dramamine was in full force, it didn't seem too bad. I didn't have any of the normal anxiety symptoms of sweaty palms, increased heart beat, ball in the pit of the stomach. I felt nothing. I felt nothing so much, that I couldn't even scream! And, that was OK. I was completely able to enjoy rides!
Growing up on the east side of the State of Michigan, Cedar Point was only 2.5 hours drive away. It was somewhere that I typically went at least once a year. Cedar Point was also the frequent destination for teenagers after prom and during summer vacations. In addition to the roller coasters there is also a water park, separate from the amusement park. The park itself boasts numerous water rides, although several you must be prepared to be drenched and walk around the park like a wet zombie for a while.
For the first time that I can ever remember, I went to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point. The park is decked out in Halloween decorations and has many Halloween and haunted house attractions. We booked a cabin (which we highly recommend and would do again in a heartbeat!) right on Cedar Point property and walking distance into the park (although a shuttle van was only a phone call away!). The cabin slept six, we had four adults and were comfortable, six adults may be congested.
Since I had my son, eleven years ago, I find myself less tolerable of motion. I've always had a backseat car sickness, but moreso after childbirth with additional issues with spinning, whirling and falling. A few years ago I went to Cedar Point for the first time in several years. Every year I go to the sister park of Cedar Point, Michigan Adventure which is much smaller, closer and more kid friendly. Michigan Adventure boasts, "Two Parks for the Price of One!" My son and I love it mainly for the water park. I struggled with the motion sickness so much that after a trip to Michigan Adventure, I ended up vomiting.
This year I decided to go to Cedar Point prepared with my new found love of Dramamine! What a miracle!
The first ride of the weekend was the Magnum XL-200. Maybe since it was getting dark and the Dramamine was in full force, it didn't seem too bad. I didn't have any of the normal anxiety symptoms of sweaty palms, increased heart beat, ball in the pit of the stomach. I felt nothing. I felt nothing so much, that I couldn't even scream! And, that was OK. I was completely able to enjoy rides!
Between Friday and Saturday, we tackled the Magnum, Millennium Force, Wicked Twister, Corkscrew, Gemini, Wild Cat, Ferris Wheel, Sky Ride, Mean Streak, Iron Dragon, Raptor and most importantly the Top Thrill Dragster. The Blue Streak is the oldest roller coaster in Cedar Point (1964), however the line was over an hour so we skipped it. The Mean Streak is the largest wooden roller coaster and is a horrible experience. The 1.25 hour wait was almost two hours and the ride itself is rickety, rough and even painful. Two of the group tackled the MaxAir, but Dramamine or not I couldn't do the spinning and forward/backward motion. The Top Thrill Dragster is the fastest and highest roller coaster reaching 410ft. and speeds of 120 miles. The ride lasts a mere 17 seconds. The line for the Mantis was also 2 hours so we bypassed that as well. We also didn't go on the Power Tower, which is an adult version/combination of the Frog Hopper and the Demon Drop. The Wicked Twister, an intense Motion Ocean ride with a kick was pretty fun too with only a wait of 30 minutes. Friday night was definitely less crowded than Saturday!
All in all it was a wonderful weekend of fun and friends! Definitely plan on making it an annual trip!
Serenity
Fall colors and cooler nights...Lapping water against the shore...Colorful setting sun in the distant sky...Serenity...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
9 Things I Hate About What People Say
This was forwarded in an email and it was too good to not share, although much of the foul language has been omitted.
1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time. I know where my watch is pal, where is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?
2. People who are willing to get off their butt to search the entire room for the T.V. remote because they refuse to walk to the T.V. and change the channel manually.
3. When people say "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too." Damn right! What good is cake if you can't eat it?
4. When people say "It's always the last place you look." Of course it is. Why would you keep looking after you've found it?
5. When people say while watching a film "Did you see that?" No Loser, I paid $12 to come to the cinema and stare at the floor.
6. People who ask "Can I ask you a question?".... Didn't really give me a choice there, did ya sunshine?
7. When something is "new and improved!" Which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it, couldn't be new.
8. When people say "Life is short." What the hell? Life is the longest thing anyone ever does!! What can you do that's longer?
9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?" If the bus came would I be standing here?
Electile Dysfunction
Electile Dysfunction: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Pumpkin Preparations
In the midst of all of the work this weekend around the house we did manage to have some fun! We had my son's sporting events, hours of shopping, crafting and bonding with mom/grandma.
Our last project of the weekend was carving pumpkins. We had carefully selected our pumpkins (yeah, that one looks good!) and had cleaned them out Sunday morning. T was still in emotional turmoil from Washington's loss in the final seconds that he only half-heartedly worked on his pumpkin with grandma.
Grandma on the other hand, was going to town on her pumpkin! With her trace-out sheet of a werewolf (I think!) she had carved the majority of it; however, I noticed that she failed to cut out a couple of accent cuts (oops!). In attempting to add the additional cuts, she broke the head off!
In great grandma style, she attempted to "fix" the great pumpkin by using a handful of toothpicks and candle wax. Here was her ghoulish result:
Our last project of the weekend was carving pumpkins. We had carefully selected our pumpkins (yeah, that one looks good!) and had cleaned them out Sunday morning. T was still in emotional turmoil from Washington's loss in the final seconds that he only half-heartedly worked on his pumpkin with grandma.
Grandma on the other hand, was going to town on her pumpkin! With her trace-out sheet of a werewolf (I think!) she had carved the majority of it; however, I noticed that she failed to cut out a couple of accent cuts (oops!). In attempting to add the additional cuts, she broke the head off!
In great grandma style, she attempted to "fix" the great pumpkin by using a handful of toothpicks and candle wax. Here was her ghoulish result:
Unfortunately, it didn't remain together. I was able to keep it together, although some of the wax fell off the pumpkin.
As evening quickly approached, it was time for grandma to head home, but not before a fall family photo!
After grandma left, I carved my pumpkin and T finished his. Here is the happy family of pumpkins (werewolf, scared face and castle):
And then it was OVER
Today was NOT a good day for football. The survivor football pool had six people remaining. Five bet on Washington and one on New Orleans. So much for going with the odds favorites as an upset left Washington with a two-point loss.
T is ultimately bummed, although he's by far not the only one. A 49-yard field goal with two seconds left!
Maybe next year.
It was also the Regional/Sectional Punt, Pass, Kick competition. Not that my son really bothered to practice or anything since qualifying a month ago, but the weather was fabulous in the high 70's. Seeing that they didn't tally the scores at the competition, knowing how he really fared is just a best guess. However, we do know that he didn't win.
T gave a valiant effort and I would have to say that for not practicing and not playing football for the past two years, he still does quite well. Although I wouldn't say that the competition is a fair representation of youth athletes in the area as very few actually complete, in our town at least. I would guess that T finished in the top three, although the first place qualifier is the only one that has a chance to compete at Ford Field for the state competition. The winner by a longshot had T beat by about 60' or so. He blew everyone out of the water.
Maybe next year.
T is ultimately bummed, although he's by far not the only one. A 49-yard field goal with two seconds left!
Maybe next year.
It was also the Regional/Sectional Punt, Pass, Kick competition. Not that my son really bothered to practice or anything since qualifying a month ago, but the weather was fabulous in the high 70's. Seeing that they didn't tally the scores at the competition, knowing how he really fared is just a best guess. However, we do know that he didn't win.
T gave a valiant effort and I would have to say that for not practicing and not playing football for the past two years, he still does quite well. Although I wouldn't say that the competition is a fair representation of youth athletes in the area as very few actually complete, in our town at least. I would guess that T finished in the top three, although the first place qualifier is the only one that has a chance to compete at Ford Field for the state competition. The winner by a longshot had T beat by about 60' or so. He blew everyone out of the water.
Maybe next year.
Early Birthday Present
My birthday is in November. I'm really not that into birthdays and holidays (despite that you may think it's all about ME!).
Every year my mom tries really hard to get me a really applicable and/or cool birthday present - and I might say that she always suceeds! As my mom is currently in town, we have been spending the weekend together hanging out, shopping and physically exerting ourselves.
This year, I'm super excited to be the proud new birthday recipient of....
A RECIPROCATING SAW!!!!
It's true, another gift that I can use. I've already used the gift. It has given me hours of pleasure of cutting up the back fence into pieces. While a chain saw may have been quicker, it wouldn't have been as much fun and physical exerting!
Initially installing the "easy tool-less" blade was slightly tricky, but four tries later we figured it out! I did manage to slightly reshape (err bend) the blade, but it seemed to cut even better!
The fence is all piled into small manageable pieces for either fire wood or for disposal. With all the cutting and the hammering of nails for safety, I've managed to mangle my right hand with three open blisters and a fourth where the skin remained in tact.
Every year my mom tries really hard to get me a really applicable and/or cool birthday present - and I might say that she always suceeds! As my mom is currently in town, we have been spending the weekend together hanging out, shopping and physically exerting ourselves.
This year, I'm super excited to be the proud new birthday recipient of....
A RECIPROCATING SAW!!!!
It's true, another gift that I can use. I've already used the gift. It has given me hours of pleasure of cutting up the back fence into pieces. While a chain saw may have been quicker, it wouldn't have been as much fun and physical exerting!
Initially installing the "easy tool-less" blade was slightly tricky, but four tries later we figured it out! I did manage to slightly reshape (err bend) the blade, but it seemed to cut even better!
The fence is all piled into small manageable pieces for either fire wood or for disposal. With all the cutting and the hammering of nails for safety, I've managed to mangle my right hand with three open blisters and a fourth where the skin remained in tact.
Probably didn't help the hand much that I then joined my mom and son in a three hour craft project including using the hands and beads!
Fisher Price Fall
The last few days have been physically gruelling, to say the least. Most due to many hours of labor intensive work around my house and the couple exercise classes thrown in for punishment.
But, me in my glorious issues fashion managed to do something stupid (yes, it really does happen!). I learned the hard way that my favorite (and only) Fisher Price plastic picnic table is not sturdy enough to withstand my weight on an uneven surface (house grate) while painting!
Yes, it's true.
The ladder just seemed too far away, so the picnic table seemed like a prime option to reach a few extra feet on the house columns for painting. It worked well for four columns on the back of the house! Then, moving around to the driveway side, (of course knowing that I shouldn't be standing on it!) I stood on it to reach up.
BAD IDEA!
In an instant, the table folded and buckled, plummeting (work with me here!) sliding partially through the large side of the grate gap thrusting me forward against the concrete house! Left hand full of off-white paint flew flat against the green wall while the right hand with brush in tow buckled and braced against the newly painted off-white column. And in the midst of it all, I managed to hit my left calf into something, likely the side of the concrete column leaving a large welt.
I should have known better!
Fortunately, the table wasn't broken, it had just come apart. The house paint was touched up. And I'm still nursing my physical wounds and pride. Fortunately, no one was around to see it - so what do I do? I share my stupidity with you!
But, me in my glorious issues fashion managed to do something stupid (yes, it really does happen!). I learned the hard way that my favorite (and only) Fisher Price plastic picnic table is not sturdy enough to withstand my weight on an uneven surface (house grate) while painting!
Yes, it's true.
The ladder just seemed too far away, so the picnic table seemed like a prime option to reach a few extra feet on the house columns for painting. It worked well for four columns on the back of the house! Then, moving around to the driveway side, (of course knowing that I shouldn't be standing on it!) I stood on it to reach up.
BAD IDEA!
In an instant, the table folded and buckled, plummeting (work with me here!) sliding partially through the large side of the grate gap thrusting me forward against the concrete house! Left hand full of off-white paint flew flat against the green wall while the right hand with brush in tow buckled and braced against the newly painted off-white column. And in the midst of it all, I managed to hit my left calf into something, likely the side of the concrete column leaving a large welt.
I should have known better!
Fortunately, the table wasn't broken, it had just come apart. The house paint was touched up. And I'm still nursing my physical wounds and pride. Fortunately, no one was around to see it - so what do I do? I share my stupidity with you!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Never Enough
Do you ever feel like sometimes what you do, accomplish or who you are is just never enough? Enough for yourself, enough for someone else?
Whether at work, at home or in our personal relationships, it seems like there are always people that never seem to be satisfied with what is, who we are or what we do.
In many ways I would say that I am my toughest critic. I expect a lot of myself and can easily become frustrated or disappointed when I fall short of reaching my potential or what I had planned to do. Most often my to do list isn't realistic or I manage to do a bunch of other things not on my list.
It feels that no matter what, I always have people in my life that I find are very condescending to me and my efforts. That I'm always falling short. Whether this is some preconceived belief of my own or something that I have learned from childhood, I can't really say.
Maybe it's the inherit need to please. To be accepted. To be valued. To be worthy. To be praised. To be loved.
But what it ultimately boils down to...I am only one person. Accept me for who I am and what I'm capable of doing and achieving or don't accept me at all.
And think twice before asking someone, "Is that all...?"
Whether at work, at home or in our personal relationships, it seems like there are always people that never seem to be satisfied with what is, who we are or what we do.
In many ways I would say that I am my toughest critic. I expect a lot of myself and can easily become frustrated or disappointed when I fall short of reaching my potential or what I had planned to do. Most often my to do list isn't realistic or I manage to do a bunch of other things not on my list.
It feels that no matter what, I always have people in my life that I find are very condescending to me and my efforts. That I'm always falling short. Whether this is some preconceived belief of my own or something that I have learned from childhood, I can't really say.
Maybe it's the inherit need to please. To be accepted. To be valued. To be worthy. To be praised. To be loved.
But what it ultimately boils down to...I am only one person. Accept me for who I am and what I'm capable of doing and achieving or don't accept me at all.
And think twice before asking someone, "Is that all...?"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chocolate Ice Cream
Passing along a little forwarded humor:
A man approached an ice cream van and said, "I'd like two scoops of chocolate ice cream, please."
The girl behind the counter replied, "I'm very sorry, sir, but our delivery didn't come this morning. We're out of chocolate."
"In that case," the man continued, "I'll have two scoops of chocolate ice cream."
"You don't understand, sir," the girl said. "We have no chocolate."
"Then just give me some chocolate," he insisted.
Getting angrier by the second, the girl asked, "Sir, will you spell 'van,' as in 'vanilla'?"
The man spelled, "V-A-N."
"Now spell 'straw,' as in 'strawberry.'"
"OK. 'S-T-R-A-W.'"
"Now," the girl asked, "spell 'stink,' as in 'chocolate.'"
The man hesitated and then looked confused as he replied, "There is no stink in chocolate."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you!" she screamed.
A man approached an ice cream van and said, "I'd like two scoops of chocolate ice cream, please."
The girl behind the counter replied, "I'm very sorry, sir, but our delivery didn't come this morning. We're out of chocolate."
"In that case," the man continued, "I'll have two scoops of chocolate ice cream."
"You don't understand, sir," the girl said. "We have no chocolate."
"Then just give me some chocolate," he insisted.
Getting angrier by the second, the girl asked, "Sir, will you spell 'van,' as in 'vanilla'?"
The man spelled, "V-A-N."
"Now spell 'straw,' as in 'strawberry.'"
"OK. 'S-T-R-A-W.'"
"Now," the girl asked, "spell 'stink,' as in 'chocolate.'"
The man hesitated and then looked confused as he replied, "There is no stink in chocolate."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you!" she screamed.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Investment Advice
As everyone is more than well aware, the stock market sucks (which is a complete understatement). I've completely run out of Kleenex at my office as I go through a box everytime I get the nerve to check how much my 401k has lost. Good thing I'm still young, or I might really have a reason to be concerned. For now, I love the idea of throwing my money out the window (although I wish I could enjoy seeing it blowing freely from the wind and my exhaust as I drive away without a care in the world!).
Today I received an email with the best financial advice for 2009 yet, so without further ado I share with you (even sharing in the RED):
For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks!
Watch for these consolidations in 2008:
1) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R. Grace Co. Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.
3) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.
4) Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa
5) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.
6) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.
7) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants.
8) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!
And finally...
9) Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name: TittyTittyBangBang
HAPPY INVESTING!
Today I received an email with the best financial advice for 2009 yet, so without further ado I share with you (even sharing in the RED):
For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks!
Watch for these consolidations in 2008:
1) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R. Grace Co. Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.
3) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.
4) Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa
5) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.
6) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.
7) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants.
8) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!
And finally...
9) Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name: TittyTittyBangBang
HAPPY INVESTING!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Traverse City
Mr. Date and I returned home from a long weekend in Traverse City, Michigan. We were able to do some sightseeing, which included scenic drives of the color tour, hiking the dunes, seeing two lighthouses, wine tasting, gambling and relaxing. 
Fall weather is always questionable in Michigan and the weather was a little on the chilly side, in the low 60's during the day and much cooler at night. It didn't rain too hard any of the time we were there, but it would have been nice to have late Indian Summer weather.
Remarkable for me, it was the first time that I can remember going on a vacation (of any duration) with a significant other and not wanting to be home and as far away from him as possible. There wasn't even a brief moment of the trip that I had wished I had a noose or the ability to jump off a nearby cliff (of course if there was a cliff!). I'm not sure why I didn't have that lurking feeling of a need to escape, a need to be alone...and I'm OK with that!
On Friday we did the winery tours of Old Mission Point. We managed to hit 6 of the 7 wineries. We skipped 2 Lads Winery, since it was slightly out of our way and we heard that as it was the newest winery it only had one wine to sample. Seeing that was the last winery to hit, we were pretty much wined out. Actually after the third winery, I was finding that I couldn't remember what the wines tasted like and which ones I really preferred. All in all, we each sampled 36 wines. My favorites (I think) were a semi-dry '06 Riesling and a sparkling cherry wine. I'm hoping that when I do open the bottles, that they are as good if not better than I remember! I had several others that I enjoyed, but not sure that I could enjoy a glass let alone share a bottle! I did feel that when wine tasting along with others that were older, that we seemed to be discriminated against. Our samples were often smaller and the service was less personal.
We also tried our luck at the casino on Friday. I called T to make sure he made it home from school and to check in. In doing so, I threw in a couple quarters into a quarter slot machine. I don't know what I hit, but it started clinking and racking up, finally totaling $115.00. Not that I didn't manage to spend the majority of it on other machines, but it was pretty entertaining to see how much I won and that T was good luck. I should have kept him on the phone the entire time, maybe I would have hit it big. I did see a lady win $600 on the penny slots, so that was pretty cool.
Saturday in Traverse City was Happy Apple Days. We were rather disappointed that it didn't appear to be a festival or any great event. There were a few bushels of baskets in local store fronts that were for the picking while you shopped. The local fire department was celebrating National Fire Prevention Day where the crowds were able to take rides on the old fire engine and the kids received free fire hats and stickers. Tomato Bros & Greek Salad
I love the Greek salad dressing at a local establishment near where I grew up. Nothing compares. There are several restaurants by the same owner: Tomato Bros., Gus', and Highland House (may even be a few others).
Whenever I head back "home", I am always sure to stop by one of the restaurants and grab a large Greek salad (serves 10-12) and bread sticks. Sometimes we dine in and add a pizza to the order, always making sure that there is plenty of salad to last throughout the weekend.
Comfort food, is there anything in the world quite like it?
Lingering Smells
Maybe it's true with all of our senses, that more often than not the negative experiences seem to linger the longest. Why is that? Is it our inherent need to savor the negativity?
As a Social Worker, I often found myself in not so pleasant home environments. For the past two years, I have been removed from the field for the most part. A part that I often do miss. Not that I miss witnessing first hand neglect or abuse, but the ability to be an active part of change. To embrace the opportunity to actually make a difference, however minute. Today I had the opportunity to step back into the worker role...and into the home of a "cluttered house". For me, "clutter" is as much to clutter as my "paradise resort" was to paradise, rather paradoxyl.
My co-worker and I had the fortunate opportunity to be escorted outside the residence for our long interview/home call. This allowed us to get a great majority of the crisp fall air pungent with cigar like unfiltered cigarettes and a mixture of aromatic stench seeping from the windows above. At the end of the visit, we had been given permission to enter the residence and observe it's current "cluttered" condition.
To say the home was appalling would be an understatement. Not only was wading through the small walkways and observing the living conditions memorable enough, the stench was enough to seep through every pore of our being and permeate us throughout. The drive back to the office with the windows down did little to alleviate us of the stench.
I was fortunate to come home and be able to enter my clean house. To take a long hot shower. To cleanse my nostrils and rid myself of the odor. While the smell continued to linger for me, it wasn't on my clothes, it wasn't on me.
The smell was in me. I can still smell it. Why if I had gone to a beautiful home with fresh baked cookies will those wonderful smells not remain?
Why?
As a Social Worker, I often found myself in not so pleasant home environments. For the past two years, I have been removed from the field for the most part. A part that I often do miss. Not that I miss witnessing first hand neglect or abuse, but the ability to be an active part of change. To embrace the opportunity to actually make a difference, however minute. Today I had the opportunity to step back into the worker role...and into the home of a "cluttered house". For me, "clutter" is as much to clutter as my "paradise resort" was to paradise, rather paradoxyl.
My co-worker and I had the fortunate opportunity to be escorted outside the residence for our long interview/home call. This allowed us to get a great majority of the crisp fall air pungent with cigar like unfiltered cigarettes and a mixture of aromatic stench seeping from the windows above. At the end of the visit, we had been given permission to enter the residence and observe it's current "cluttered" condition.
To say the home was appalling would be an understatement. Not only was wading through the small walkways and observing the living conditions memorable enough, the stench was enough to seep through every pore of our being and permeate us throughout. The drive back to the office with the windows down did little to alleviate us of the stench.
I was fortunate to come home and be able to enter my clean house. To take a long hot shower. To cleanse my nostrils and rid myself of the odor. While the smell continued to linger for me, it wasn't on my clothes, it wasn't on me.
The smell was in me. I can still smell it. Why if I had gone to a beautiful home with fresh baked cookies will those wonderful smells not remain?
Why?
Heartwarming Humor
Somethings are too good not to share...Happy Monday!
In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.
The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.
Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day. Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Brookfield Zoo with his teenage son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, and then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs, and slammed his stupid ass against the railing, killing him instantly. Probably wasn't the same elephant.
This is for all the people who send me heart-warming crap.
In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.
The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.
Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day. Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Brookfield Zoo with his teenage son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, and then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs, and slammed his stupid ass against the railing, killing him instantly. Probably wasn't the same elephant.
This is for all the people who send me heart-warming crap.
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