Last night I received a message on my home phone from the Service Link associated with my mortgage company stating that there was a problem with my paperwork and that they had to "reject vesting for the mortgage." What?
The message went on to explain (and hack the pronunciation of my last name) that I failed to sign the documents correctly. When the closer came to my house, he read a disclosure statement saying that I had to sign as A B C formerly known as A B D. Mind you each of my names, first middle and last have seven letters. Since I refinanced when I was married six and a half years ago, I now have to sign as formerly known as or FKA, A B D - which that last name was only six letters. So in summary, my full birth name is 21 letters and my married name was 20 letters and then add three letters for the FKA that's a signature of 44 letters! Do you think the signature line was that long? NO. To make matters worse, the name UNDER the signature line was typed A C. Not, A B C FKA A B D.
So yeah. Apparently now the documents were sent UPS overnight last night and I have to sign them correctly and fax them back and overnight them back. LL has assured that while this will add frustration and additional work to the lender, it will only affect me personally by adding a day or few of interest into the closing costs. Let's hope that's the reality.
I'm still not trusting the online hotel reservation system either. When I booked the room, it included 14 days of parking at the hotel as part of the park and go package. When I received the confirmation number, I verified the reservation at HolidayInn.com and saw that the rate was $30 less and showed only free overnight parking. I just called the travel company and they assured me that they have a contract with the hotel that includes the 14 days of parking and the rate difference includes taxes and parking. I'm fine with the price difference, I just want to be sure that our hotel truly includes the parking - the main reason for staying overnight in the hotel in the first place!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Movies
I haven't watched many movies as of late. Last night JC and I watched Role Models. We watched the theatrical version and I can't imagine what the unrated version had to offer. We both enjoyed the movie and laughed a lot, although I'm very glad that I didn't allow my 12-year old son to watch it!
T and I attempted to watch Open Season 2 this morning. The DVD was so scratched up that we had a difficult time getting it to play. When we finally did, I fell asleep within the first 15 minutes. T became so frustrated with the skipping of the movie that after 50 minutes he turned it off.
Tonight T and I went and saw Knowing. T had been talking about seeing this movie for a month or two before it opened this weekend. I didn't know anything about it and don't recall seeing any of the previews either. I was more than pleasantly surprised during the movie. T and I both jumped a few times during the movie. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the ending, but we both found the movie to be engaging and entertaining.
T and I attempted to watch Open Season 2 this morning. The DVD was so scratched up that we had a difficult time getting it to play. When we finally did, I fell asleep within the first 15 minutes. T became so frustrated with the skipping of the movie that after 50 minutes he turned it off.
Tonight T and I went and saw Knowing. T had been talking about seeing this movie for a month or two before it opened this weekend. I didn't know anything about it and don't recall seeing any of the previews either. I was more than pleasantly surprised during the movie. T and I both jumped a few times during the movie. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the ending, but we both found the movie to be engaging and entertaining.
Spring Break - Florida
The rest of the week, outside of purchasing, parenting and working was engulfed with planning and making arrangements for Spring Break. With the warmer Michigan weather, I was no longer in the mind frame of skiing (although it actually SNOWED today!) and wasn't up for driving across country to ski. T and I had been looking at condo options but none of them were really warm and I wasn't feeling energized to spend days in the car driving with T roundtrip without being warm!
Mom offered again for us to come to Florida. I'm really anti-Florida, only because I feel fried out on Florida. A few years back the Ex-Bf and I went as well as TS and I. T hasn't been to Florida in 7 years. I also invited JC to join us for some of the vacation and he hasn't been to Florida since he was 7!
It seems like ages ago when we had to make plans and arrangements with live people. When you had to use a landline (pre-cell phone) and actually talk to someone and when that didn't cost extra money to have the personal attention! After a few days of searching for good airfare rates, I finally found something that fit our schedule (T would have flipped if I had pulled him out of school for his half day and ruined his perfect attendance!) and we come back in time to see JC participate in his first off road race of the season. I booked the airfare and we were on our way. I then searched for a park and fly out of Chicago online and then made some calls to learn that online is definitely less expensive. I linked to a site through Trinity (Triune) Travel and booked a room for $40 less, but then I feared that maybe the site wasn't legit. I did receive my hotel confirmation number and plan to confirm with the hotel tomorrow just to be sure it's valid. My credit card hasn't been charged yet, but that could be due to the weekend. Mom also suggested that I get a rental car since JC would be accompanying us. I thought that $190 for 5-days seemed like a lot. I was sooo wrong!
The following day when searching online for rental cars, the $29 per day rate at Payless and Advantage was no longer available! Rates were starting at $65 per day! I about died! It didn't help that I had learned my lesson the night before in booking JC's flights of two one way tickets as he's using multi-cities that I shouldn't expect rates to remain! I booked his return flight first and had to book it on Orbitz as Northwest wouldn't allow us to book online without being a rewards member, but allows you to get all the way to the end before learning this! I had another internet browser open with the flight out on our flight and when I went back to put in the payment information, the screen refreshed. In the less than 30 minutes it took to get through the purchasing of the return flight, the rates for our flight had gone up $80! JC tried to call the airline and it was even higher! So I booked him at the lesser flight two hours earlier. We are hoping that maybe T and I can fly standby, but if not, we will only be a few hours behind him in our arrival.
I attempted to purchase a rental car for a couple days with no success on priceline. Since I couldn't make any other changes to the reservation then the price, dates and car selection, I had to wait 24 hours. I did this for two days and nothing. Weekly rates before surcharges were up to $600 plus! I finally changed the dates to a rental for the entire week rather than 5 days with JC returning it on his way back home. I was greeted with an acceptance on priceline for the week of a standard car of $34 per day! While it was $5 more per day and two days longer than I really need it, we now have a car! My mom had offered one of her cars, but seeing that it's her winter car, I figured it would be best that we have our own sturdy, reliable means of transportation.
Today my issue was luggage. I do not have two suitcases that are carry on sized. I have a rolling duffel bag and duffel bags, but only one small suitcase with wheels. I would prefer not to check a bag to have to wait in line to check the bag and wait for it on the carousel as well. Tonight T pulled out all of his clothes and I went through them all. His clothes are all ready, I just have to pack them into something as well as his back pack. My suitcase and back pack is packed minus toiletries.
It's nice to be making progress, although I feel like after the crazy week of San Francisco, refinancing, t.v. and digital camera shopping (and returning!) and planning Spring Break that I need another vacation! I guess I shouldn't complain, I did spend the weekend laying low trying to regroup!
Mom offered again for us to come to Florida. I'm really anti-Florida, only because I feel fried out on Florida. A few years back the Ex-Bf and I went as well as TS and I. T hasn't been to Florida in 7 years. I also invited JC to join us for some of the vacation and he hasn't been to Florida since he was 7!
It seems like ages ago when we had to make plans and arrangements with live people. When you had to use a landline (pre-cell phone) and actually talk to someone and when that didn't cost extra money to have the personal attention! After a few days of searching for good airfare rates, I finally found something that fit our schedule (T would have flipped if I had pulled him out of school for his half day and ruined his perfect attendance!) and we come back in time to see JC participate in his first off road race of the season. I booked the airfare and we were on our way. I then searched for a park and fly out of Chicago online and then made some calls to learn that online is definitely less expensive. I linked to a site through Trinity (Triune) Travel and booked a room for $40 less, but then I feared that maybe the site wasn't legit. I did receive my hotel confirmation number and plan to confirm with the hotel tomorrow just to be sure it's valid. My credit card hasn't been charged yet, but that could be due to the weekend. Mom also suggested that I get a rental car since JC would be accompanying us. I thought that $190 for 5-days seemed like a lot. I was sooo wrong!
The following day when searching online for rental cars, the $29 per day rate at Payless and Advantage was no longer available! Rates were starting at $65 per day! I about died! It didn't help that I had learned my lesson the night before in booking JC's flights of two one way tickets as he's using multi-cities that I shouldn't expect rates to remain! I booked his return flight first and had to book it on Orbitz as Northwest wouldn't allow us to book online without being a rewards member, but allows you to get all the way to the end before learning this! I had another internet browser open with the flight out on our flight and when I went back to put in the payment information, the screen refreshed. In the less than 30 minutes it took to get through the purchasing of the return flight, the rates for our flight had gone up $80! JC tried to call the airline and it was even higher! So I booked him at the lesser flight two hours earlier. We are hoping that maybe T and I can fly standby, but if not, we will only be a few hours behind him in our arrival.
I attempted to purchase a rental car for a couple days with no success on priceline. Since I couldn't make any other changes to the reservation then the price, dates and car selection, I had to wait 24 hours. I did this for two days and nothing. Weekly rates before surcharges were up to $600 plus! I finally changed the dates to a rental for the entire week rather than 5 days with JC returning it on his way back home. I was greeted with an acceptance on priceline for the week of a standard car of $34 per day! While it was $5 more per day and two days longer than I really need it, we now have a car! My mom had offered one of her cars, but seeing that it's her winter car, I figured it would be best that we have our own sturdy, reliable means of transportation.
Today my issue was luggage. I do not have two suitcases that are carry on sized. I have a rolling duffel bag and duffel bags, but only one small suitcase with wheels. I would prefer not to check a bag to have to wait in line to check the bag and wait for it on the carousel as well. Tonight T pulled out all of his clothes and I went through them all. His clothes are all ready, I just have to pack them into something as well as his back pack. My suitcase and back pack is packed minus toiletries.
It's nice to be making progress, although I feel like after the crazy week of San Francisco, refinancing, t.v. and digital camera shopping (and returning!) and planning Spring Break that I need another vacation! I guess I shouldn't complain, I did spend the weekend laying low trying to regroup!
Refinancing
In addition to the television and digital camera purchases this past week, I was busy with the refinancing of the house and planning Spring Break. I was bothered by the paperwork of the refinancing on my house and the actual closing costs, so when the closer came out on Thursday evening I had many questions. He had another appointment so he left, while I was talking to the mortgage company on the phone. After a long conference call with two employees, I felt comfortable with moving forward on the refinance. The closer came back and I signed the paperwork, but had three days to cancel.
LL advised me that the closing costs were far too high with my credit rating and the amount of the loan. She advised that I look at other lenders. I checked online and couldn't find much that was different than what I offered. In addition the woman on the phone from my mortgage company said that she was quoting 4.8% that day, .5% higher than my rate. I talked with someone from QuickenLoans and he stated that my closing costs were comparable and he advised that I stick with my current refinance. I also stopped into my bank and sat down with the mortgage lender and learned that my closing costs were actually lower, significantly, than what he could have offered me and he said that my great was good and that I had gotten a good deal.
So after it was all said and done, I can rest easy being comfortable with my decision to lower my rate 2% and reduce my loan to a 15-year fixed rate, 5 years lower than what my pay-off was on my 30-year fixed rate. In addition, my monthly payment will increase less than $45 per month. I also don't have to make a payment for April and get a few hundred dollars back. So paying April and putting the money back into the mortgage, I'll be so much closer to getting it back to where I was before the refinance!
LL advised me that the closing costs were far too high with my credit rating and the amount of the loan. She advised that I look at other lenders. I checked online and couldn't find much that was different than what I offered. In addition the woman on the phone from my mortgage company said that she was quoting 4.8% that day, .5% higher than my rate. I talked with someone from QuickenLoans and he stated that my closing costs were comparable and he advised that I stick with my current refinance. I also stopped into my bank and sat down with the mortgage lender and learned that my closing costs were actually lower, significantly, than what he could have offered me and he said that my great was good and that I had gotten a good deal.
So after it was all said and done, I can rest easy being comfortable with my decision to lower my rate 2% and reduce my loan to a 15-year fixed rate, 5 years lower than what my pay-off was on my 30-year fixed rate. In addition, my monthly payment will increase less than $45 per month. I also don't have to make a payment for April and get a few hundred dollars back. So paying April and putting the money back into the mortgage, I'll be so much closer to getting it back to where I was before the refinance!
Television
Upon my return home from San Francisco, the television continued to decline. As the television is a great sense of livelihood for my son - ESPN in the morning, Disney channel after school, reality t.v. in the evening, Wii and movies, it was inevitable that it would need to be replaced...NOW.
Monday night was consumed with the gym and baseball practice, so television shopping happened on Tuesday. We started off at Sam's Club then ABC and then finally Best Buy. I was in one of my moods by the time I got to Best Buy that as long as the sales person was decent, I would have bought the store just to be done and home. Unfortunately, service was terrible and it took a while to get someone to help me, at which time I already had the Ex-Bf on the phone looking up ratings and details on the t.v.'s and I had my mind almost determined. The kid, I mean sales person wasn't very helpful, but since I have no intention of becoming a blue ray owner, he said that the Samsung 40" t.v. that I was interested in was a good choice. I LOVE the fact that it comes on a rotating stand!
Picking out the t.v. seemed to be the easy part. I finally succumbed to getting a Best Buy card for 18 months same as cash. After filling out the insanely small boxes on the application I was asked for my i.d. which I joked I didn't have, and didn't have. Despite two picture id's, four credit cards, business cards and insurance cards, they would not give me a credit card. So, I charged it to my credit card and off I went to pull up my car. When getting in the car, there was my other purse with my i.d.! So I went back in to credit it back and then get the credit card. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I asked to keep my application. The sales girl said that they could shred it, so I said that was fine. But when she dropped it into the desk, I didn't hear it shred. She informed me that an outside shredding company picked it up to shred later. NO. I made management unlock it and give me back my application - which proved beneficial since I needed it for the credit card afterall. I'm really not always that difficult!
The guy that brought the t.v. out to my car was afraid it wouldn't fit, but with a good sturdy hand on the car door, I made it fit! It took longer than I anticipated to assemble and get the t.v. to work. I couldn't find the screws at first for the base and then I couldn't get the dish to work. After many phone calls to the Ex and no success, I gave up on the t.v. for the evening and hoped that a call to the Geek Squad could remedy the situation. In cleaning up, I happened to come across the satellite brochure and realized I had the settings set to "cable" instead of "antennae"! Success!
Monday night was consumed with the gym and baseball practice, so television shopping happened on Tuesday. We started off at Sam's Club then ABC and then finally Best Buy. I was in one of my moods by the time I got to Best Buy that as long as the sales person was decent, I would have bought the store just to be done and home. Unfortunately, service was terrible and it took a while to get someone to help me, at which time I already had the Ex-Bf on the phone looking up ratings and details on the t.v.'s and I had my mind almost determined. The kid, I mean sales person wasn't very helpful, but since I have no intention of becoming a blue ray owner, he said that the Samsung 40" t.v. that I was interested in was a good choice. I LOVE the fact that it comes on a rotating stand!
Picking out the t.v. seemed to be the easy part. I finally succumbed to getting a Best Buy card for 18 months same as cash. After filling out the insanely small boxes on the application I was asked for my i.d. which I joked I didn't have, and didn't have. Despite two picture id's, four credit cards, business cards and insurance cards, they would not give me a credit card. So, I charged it to my credit card and off I went to pull up my car. When getting in the car, there was my other purse with my i.d.! So I went back in to credit it back and then get the credit card. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I asked to keep my application. The sales girl said that they could shred it, so I said that was fine. But when she dropped it into the desk, I didn't hear it shred. She informed me that an outside shredding company picked it up to shred later. NO. I made management unlock it and give me back my application - which proved beneficial since I needed it for the credit card afterall. I'm really not always that difficult!
The guy that brought the t.v. out to my car was afraid it wouldn't fit, but with a good sturdy hand on the car door, I made it fit! It took longer than I anticipated to assemble and get the t.v. to work. I couldn't find the screws at first for the base and then I couldn't get the dish to work. After many phone calls to the Ex and no success, I gave up on the t.v. for the evening and hoped that a call to the Geek Squad could remedy the situation. In cleaning up, I happened to come across the satellite brochure and realized I had the settings set to "cable" instead of "antennae"! Success!
The Ex-Bf had told me that he had a coupon for a gift card at Best Buy for $50 for spending over $500 and $100 for over $1000. He dropped it in the mail, which arrived on Thursday. I went back to Best Buy to see if they would honor it like they said that they would. In fact they did although they had to return and charge the t.v. yet again and gave me $100 gift card! The t.v. was less than that, but with the warranty, I guess they felt I was entitled. Just in case they changed their mind, I purchased a digital camera - the Nikon CoolPix S560 and a 4Gb memory card.
Have I mentioned how I know absolutely nothing about electronics? The following day at Sam's Club I saw a Nikon CoolPix S610 for $20 less than Best Buy so I purchased it thinking that higher numbers must mean better. I realized once I compared the two that the 610 only offers 4x zoom instead of 5x but has a 3.0 LCD screen compared to the 2.7. Seeing that my last camera was 5.0 megapixels, 4X zoom - but not widescreen, and an LCD of 1.5 - either way, I figured I couldn't go wrong! So back to Best Buy I went to return the camera - which I needed to do anyway since I failed to realize that putting it on the Best Buy card would affect my interest free credit card and I ended up with the memory card, a camera case and a $65 gift card.
I have to say that T and I are both happy with the television. After Spring Break I actually plan on upgrading to HD satellite as well!
San Francisco, California
JN and I went to San Francisco from 3/18 - 3/22. It was an amazing trip that had us on the go each and every day for a minimum of 15 hours per day with some even approaching the 24 hour mark. Despite the 3 hour time change, we tried to fit in as much as possible.
The trip started with a bang. I was flying out several hours before JN and we planned to meet at the hotel upon her arrival. We stayed at the Hyatt on Fisherman's Wharf - purchased at a great price on priceline.com. The employees were rather standoffish in my opinion, I gathered since we had purchased the room online. At the local airport, I went through security and arrived at my gate to get my seat assignment when I heard my name on the overhead speaker to return to security for a lost item. I scanned my being and realized I had left...my suitcase on the scanner of the security! Sigh, only me.
The flight was overbooked from Chicago to San Francisco and United was taking volunteers to be confirmed on the next flight out. The exact flight that JN was on! I quickly volunteered my seat and with a new free roundtrip voucher in hand and another year to book a trip, I meandered around the airport and finally rested at my gate. I was awoken by a chatty elderly man that wanted to show me his magic die trick and then proceeded to tell me his lifelong story - grandkids, employment, celebrities, etc. - until JN arrived and we left him to grab a bite to eat.
The trip started with a bang. I was flying out several hours before JN and we planned to meet at the hotel upon her arrival. We stayed at the Hyatt on Fisherman's Wharf - purchased at a great price on priceline.com. The employees were rather standoffish in my opinion, I gathered since we had purchased the room online. At the local airport, I went through security and arrived at my gate to get my seat assignment when I heard my name on the overhead speaker to return to security for a lost item. I scanned my being and realized I had left...my suitcase on the scanner of the security! Sigh, only me.
The flight was overbooked from Chicago to San Francisco and United was taking volunteers to be confirmed on the next flight out. The exact flight that JN was on! I quickly volunteered my seat and with a new free roundtrip voucher in hand and another year to book a trip, I meandered around the airport and finally rested at my gate. I was awoken by a chatty elderly man that wanted to show me his magic die trick and then proceeded to tell me his lifelong story - grandkids, employment, celebrities, etc. - until JN arrived and we left him to grab a bite to eat.
We arrived in San Francisco and I think we were both thankful to be together to navigate around the terminal and the city. We took the air train from the concourse and then took the BART and then a taxi to the hotel. JN being the social butterfly that she is had an engaging conversation with the taxi driver who shared with us a wealth of knowledge. Like, the economy in California isn't very good. Needless to say, we were shocked!
JN and also learned after the first night that the Hyatt has a window shade on the window. I think with the traveling we were both pretty exhausted and didn't pay much attention other than the fact that the sheer curtains allowed everyone to see in!
Thursday morning we were up early and hit the hotel gym. We then ventured to Alcatraz to learn that pre-purchasing your tickets is more than recommended! Fortunately, the next availability was on Saturday, when we would still be in San Fran since that was one of the places I wanted to see the most. We purchased the City Pass, which I highly recommend. It provided us with unlimited transportation around the city on the cable cars and the bus lines, which we used frequently but never quite managed to perfect in our few days. We visited China Town, the Science Museum (See Wet Pringle Fish below!) and the Cheesecake Factory. In typical my style we managed to wait for the elevator going down at the Science Museum without ever hitting the down button. Seriously, sometimes I wonder how I've made it this far in life!
Thursday we purchased tickets for the comedy/drama theater of Love, Humiliation and Karaoke at Tix, the half-off ticket center. JN's aunt was coming into town, so we thought she would like to go too. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the theater, we were greeted by staff who told us that show ended two weeks prior. We were able to pick up our money from Tix. With the change in plans, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up, (wake up as in my case - nothing a good shower couldn't help!) and then went out to check out the local bars. We ended up in a bar that offered free beer and well drinks until 10:30p.m. For the three of us, it was more than odd, but we had a few nonetheless and the absolute worst kamikazee shot EVER. We then headed over to the Red Dragon, where we spent the remainder of the evening with her aunt, getting her drunk and watching her float around the dance floor in true 60's flower child fashion. I had to retrieve her from the bathroom and we managed to get her tucked in her hotel bed cradling the newly rinsed out garbage can!
JN and I then headed out again, this time in search of the Dirty Martini. We never found that bar, but we found an Irish Pub where we greeted by a few hoodlums, I mean guys, on the way in. The guy that took an interest chatting with me called himself "Kermit" while JN's guy went by his "God-given name, Socrates". No joke, his story, not mine. Socrates professed his love to JN while oggling her rack while Kermit rambled on to me about his apprenticeship plumbing position, his income and his stint in prison. Fabulous. I have to say that Kermit got the hint of NO much sooner than Socrates but he kept talking since his buddy was engaged in professing his undying desires to get to know JN better in four days. I had to laugh when I heard JN say rather loudly, "I WILL NOT SLEEP WITH YOU!" Of course later she joked around about Kermit and asked where he did time and that she would so sleep with someone that did time in Leavenworth. As if.
Friday JN's aunt took us to the Golden Gate Bridge. I have to say, I don't have a clue why it's called the Golden Gate. I'm baffled. I didn't see anything gold. The bridge is red, technically it's called International Orange in color and I didn't see a gate, but what do I know anyway. We visited several different wineries, most that were free as her aunt is in the industry and owns her own winery. We visited Sterling, which a cable car takes you to the top of the mountain. The view was breathtaking although the service left much to be desired. We were passing time before our tour of the Castle of Love! What a fabulous tour of the castle (torture chamber below), one I would also highly recommend ! I even liked a great majority of their wines with Fantasia being my favorite.
Saturday we went to Alcatraz first thing in the morning. I enjoyed the Rock although I have to say that I was more moved by Pearl Harbor in so many ways. We spent the rest of the day using our City Pass and went to the aquarium which was a major disappointment! We also went to the Museum of Modern Art and another art museum.
Sunday was spent traveling home and losing the three hours in the time change. I'm still not sure that I've managed to recover from our lack of sleep, but then again, who has time to catch up?
Almost 2 Weeks Later
It's amazing how the time has flown since I last blogged and yet it seems like years ago. I miss blogging. I really truly do. Like exercising, blogging is my gateway to sanity, in some odd and insane way. Blogging is the mental and emotional release whereas exercise is the physical release. Both can actually be equally as rewarding to me, both that I have neglected for the most part for the past two weeks. Not to say that I haven't thought of both, almost non-stop and yet I've done little to make the time to actually do either, not to the extent that I would like.
I've pretty much given up on the Biggest Loser. I believe tomorrow may be the final weigh in. Last week I missed the Monday weigh in due to being off-site at a training. On Tuesday I weighed in and was down 3.6 pounds. Of course as you know, I'm sure it was a complete fluke, especially given JN and my whirlwind San Francisco getaway. I'm sure this weekend of laying low eating Jet's pizza and massive quantities of movie theater buttered popcorn (we even took a refill for the road!).
I've pretty much given up on the Biggest Loser. I believe tomorrow may be the final weigh in. Last week I missed the Monday weigh in due to being off-site at a training. On Tuesday I weighed in and was down 3.6 pounds. Of course as you know, I'm sure it was a complete fluke, especially given JN and my whirlwind San Francisco getaway. I'm sure this weekend of laying low eating Jet's pizza and massive quantities of movie theater buttered popcorn (we even took a refill for the road!).
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Magnificent Monday
Have you ever had one of those days that when you thought that the worst was inevitable only to find out that you couldn't be more wrong?
My Monday was magnificent. It turns out that my car issues were not transmission related, torque converter related or anything of the like. An "old fashioned tune up" of spark plugs and wires did the trick! My car runs fabulous and my pocket book (in my mind) is far heavier than I imagined dreading the cost of the car repair upwards in the thousands, in reality was less than $140. Cha ching!
In scheduling my mortgage payment for April, I decided to do some research into refinancing. There are definitely days when I will sell my house, home and soul for the right price, seriously and I suppose yesterday was one of those days! My current mortgage rate is 6.375% and I last refinanced in 2002, leaving 23 years 6 months on the 30 year fixed mortgage with a balance equivalent to 20 years 4 months. I decided I would look into a refinance to a 15 year fixed rate. I was more than ecstatic to here what my credit score was and that I could refinance at a fixed rate of 4.375%, only raising my monthly rate by a mere $30 per month after rolling in the points and closing costs. Done Deal!
JC and I met after work and ventured out to roller blade. Neither of us had been on blades in two years and with my clumsibility I had some reservation, especially right before leaving for vacation to San Francisco. Fortunately, we both fared well without incident and managed to blade about 9 miles! It was great getting outside and enjoying the 60 degree weather, the sun, exercise and each other. Does it get any better?
Then after a fabulous dinner and some quick shopping, we stopped back at my house for a few minutes. JC looked at my electric fireplace and disconnected a box from the back (which the cord plugged into) - related to the remote control access and the fireplace turned on immediately with heat! Fabulous!
Magnificent Monday...
My Monday was magnificent. It turns out that my car issues were not transmission related, torque converter related or anything of the like. An "old fashioned tune up" of spark plugs and wires did the trick! My car runs fabulous and my pocket book (in my mind) is far heavier than I imagined dreading the cost of the car repair upwards in the thousands, in reality was less than $140. Cha ching!
In scheduling my mortgage payment for April, I decided to do some research into refinancing. There are definitely days when I will sell my house, home and soul for the right price, seriously and I suppose yesterday was one of those days! My current mortgage rate is 6.375% and I last refinanced in 2002, leaving 23 years 6 months on the 30 year fixed mortgage with a balance equivalent to 20 years 4 months. I decided I would look into a refinance to a 15 year fixed rate. I was more than ecstatic to here what my credit score was and that I could refinance at a fixed rate of 4.375%, only raising my monthly rate by a mere $30 per month after rolling in the points and closing costs. Done Deal!
JC and I met after work and ventured out to roller blade. Neither of us had been on blades in two years and with my clumsibility I had some reservation, especially right before leaving for vacation to San Francisco. Fortunately, we both fared well without incident and managed to blade about 9 miles! It was great getting outside and enjoying the 60 degree weather, the sun, exercise and each other. Does it get any better?
Then after a fabulous dinner and some quick shopping, we stopped back at my house for a few minutes. JC looked at my electric fireplace and disconnected a box from the back (which the cord plugged into) - related to the remote control access and the fireplace turned on immediately with heat! Fabulous!
Magnificent Monday...
Monday, March 16, 2009
T's Birthday
T will be turning twelve this week. Twelve. Where in the world has time gone? I'm beginning to feel really guilty that I selfishly scheduled my trip to San Francisco during his birthday. Initially it was the only time I thought that I could not miss baseball and use my free round trip ticket and if we celebrated before, it would be OK.
I'm beginning to second guess that, but it's a done deal.
Friday night T and I celebrated by going to his favorite restaurant, a Japanese hibachi restaurant where he has gone for his birthday for the past five years or so. Afterward, we went to a local paint a pot where he painted a dog and I painted a baseball bank for him. Then we went home and hung out and I gave him his Wii gifts. We then played the Wii Outdoor Challenge together and enjoyed each other's company.
Saturday I had invited JA and her family over to play games in the evening along with JC. It wasn't for T's birthday, just a mere coincidence. I did make a delicious carrot cake at T's request and we sang Happy Birthday and JA's family and JC had both bought gifts for T. It was more than expected. T wrote thank-you's and thanked them for coming to his party. Poor Kid. It wasn't a party. I had asked if he wanted a party or something special and he came up with nothing. I just thought a game night was in order, so maybe it's a good thing that he had fun if he considered it "his party".
T knows that I will be going out of town, but didn't really realize that it would be during his birthday. He is less than enthused to be staying with his dad for five nights. While this is definitely less than my Europe trip, he seems to still have issues with me going away. Saturday night after company left, JC, T and I played the Wii until about 1a.m. when I finally sent T to bed. He woke up about 6:30a.m. and then went back to bed after using the bathroom when I heard him sobbing. This is something T has done for years. I think he works himself up so that I'll come to him, rather than coming to me.
I went in his room and he said, "I had a horrible nightmare!" between uncontrollable sobs. Not really knowing if I should ask him about it or not, I did ask if he wanted to talk about it. He went on to say, "My dad shot you!"
Poor kid. I tried not to laugh. Clearly I know that his dad isn't fond of me, but that he would even show the remote amount of energy to dislike me and shoot me? Yeah, that's unlikely that he would exert undue attention to something so meaningless to him. Regardless, T was distraught. Maybe I'm oblivious or naive. But after all they are dreams for a reason, right? T fell back asleep and slept in late Sunday morning. He must have needed it!
***On a side note of dreams. The other night I dreamt that JC was a manufacturer and dealer of narcotics. I found out as I came in his house to clean up from yard work and was greeted at the back door by six narcotics officers. JC was at work. Bizarre. Even worse, that morning I read in the paper about a drug raid that had occurred the night before on a college campus and a young man had been shot. Odd. Coincidence? Are dreams really more than the subconscious?
I'm beginning to second guess that, but it's a done deal.
Friday night T and I celebrated by going to his favorite restaurant, a Japanese hibachi restaurant where he has gone for his birthday for the past five years or so. Afterward, we went to a local paint a pot where he painted a dog and I painted a baseball bank for him. Then we went home and hung out and I gave him his Wii gifts. We then played the Wii Outdoor Challenge together and enjoyed each other's company.
Saturday I had invited JA and her family over to play games in the evening along with JC. It wasn't for T's birthday, just a mere coincidence. I did make a delicious carrot cake at T's request and we sang Happy Birthday and JA's family and JC had both bought gifts for T. It was more than expected. T wrote thank-you's and thanked them for coming to his party. Poor Kid. It wasn't a party. I had asked if he wanted a party or something special and he came up with nothing. I just thought a game night was in order, so maybe it's a good thing that he had fun if he considered it "his party".
T knows that I will be going out of town, but didn't really realize that it would be during his birthday. He is less than enthused to be staying with his dad for five nights. While this is definitely less than my Europe trip, he seems to still have issues with me going away. Saturday night after company left, JC, T and I played the Wii until about 1a.m. when I finally sent T to bed. He woke up about 6:30a.m. and then went back to bed after using the bathroom when I heard him sobbing. This is something T has done for years. I think he works himself up so that I'll come to him, rather than coming to me.
I went in his room and he said, "I had a horrible nightmare!" between uncontrollable sobs. Not really knowing if I should ask him about it or not, I did ask if he wanted to talk about it. He went on to say, "My dad shot you!"
Poor kid. I tried not to laugh. Clearly I know that his dad isn't fond of me, but that he would even show the remote amount of energy to dislike me and shoot me? Yeah, that's unlikely that he would exert undue attention to something so meaningless to him. Regardless, T was distraught. Maybe I'm oblivious or naive. But after all they are dreams for a reason, right? T fell back asleep and slept in late Sunday morning. He must have needed it!
***On a side note of dreams. The other night I dreamt that JC was a manufacturer and dealer of narcotics. I found out as I came in his house to clean up from yard work and was greeted at the back door by six narcotics officers. JC was at work. Bizarre. Even worse, that morning I read in the paper about a drug raid that had occurred the night before on a college campus and a young man had been shot. Odd. Coincidence? Are dreams really more than the subconscious?
Luck of Three's
If bad luck (if it weren't for bad luck, I might have no luck at all) comes in threes, I surely hope I have all three.
I've been having some issues with my car lately. It seems a little rough in starting and then in automatically shifting gears, as if it is having issues in over drive. But trust me, I'm no mechanic. JC even asked if I had put in fluids. Fluids? What are those? Seriously, I do not believe that my car's issues are related to fluids or lack thereof.
On Friday as I was pulling into the office a light began to flash on the dash. I looked it up and it was the Malfunction Indicator Light. Go figure. I knew that! I could completely tell that my car was malfunctioning, why was what I didn't know! The shop couldn't get it in until Monday, so I drove with caution. Actually, the car did fine as long as I didn't try to drive over 50mph, at which point the indicator light began flashing consistently until the speed lowered.
Saturday night while jumping rope on T's new Wii Outdoor Challenge game, the t.v. screen began to vertically waver. We all thought maybe we were delusional or it was the game. Sunday, the t.v. picture decided to just shut off while the t.v. remained silent but on. In turning the t.v. off and then on, it would occasionally stay on for a few minutes, once even for a few hours before shutting off again.
Last night we went to the basement to watch t.v. rather than deal with the plagued t.v. upstairs. I went to turn on the electric fireplace to warm the basement to find that it didn't turn on. I checked the outlet, the extension cord, the direct cord - nothing. No heat, no color, no nothing. JC's comment online, "Did you turn it on?" Trust me, had he been there, I'm not sure what I would have said or done to him. Thank God for hiding behind a computer screen!
So I'm hoping that there is my power of three. Especially in a few days since I leave for San Francisco for a mini vacation! If those are the worst three things, I'll take it. While I would prefer not to have any of the issues, it could certainly be worse, much worse. Then again, I haven't heard from the shop what is exactly wrong with my car and what the financial damage would be! Then in just over two weeks, it's time for Spring Break.
Good thing I had a tax refund this year!
I've been having some issues with my car lately. It seems a little rough in starting and then in automatically shifting gears, as if it is having issues in over drive. But trust me, I'm no mechanic. JC even asked if I had put in fluids. Fluids? What are those? Seriously, I do not believe that my car's issues are related to fluids or lack thereof.
On Friday as I was pulling into the office a light began to flash on the dash. I looked it up and it was the Malfunction Indicator Light. Go figure. I knew that! I could completely tell that my car was malfunctioning, why was what I didn't know! The shop couldn't get it in until Monday, so I drove with caution. Actually, the car did fine as long as I didn't try to drive over 50mph, at which point the indicator light began flashing consistently until the speed lowered.
Saturday night while jumping rope on T's new Wii Outdoor Challenge game, the t.v. screen began to vertically waver. We all thought maybe we were delusional or it was the game. Sunday, the t.v. picture decided to just shut off while the t.v. remained silent but on. In turning the t.v. off and then on, it would occasionally stay on for a few minutes, once even for a few hours before shutting off again.
Last night we went to the basement to watch t.v. rather than deal with the plagued t.v. upstairs. I went to turn on the electric fireplace to warm the basement to find that it didn't turn on. I checked the outlet, the extension cord, the direct cord - nothing. No heat, no color, no nothing. JC's comment online, "Did you turn it on?" Trust me, had he been there, I'm not sure what I would have said or done to him. Thank God for hiding behind a computer screen!
So I'm hoping that there is my power of three. Especially in a few days since I leave for San Francisco for a mini vacation! If those are the worst three things, I'll take it. While I would prefer not to have any of the issues, it could certainly be worse, much worse. Then again, I haven't heard from the shop what is exactly wrong with my car and what the financial damage would be! Then in just over two weeks, it's time for Spring Break.
Good thing I had a tax refund this year!
Biggest Loser Week #Who Really Cares?
I've completely given up on losing weight. I'm more than beyond frustrated. I'm sick and tired of chicken and veggie omelets. I've managed to either injure my left wrist or accumulate some form of carpal tunnel in the past week or two (I actually plan on going to get it checked out as 5# lifting is becoming unbearable - when I find the time). I've also consistently managed to gain weight. What happened to losing 25 pounds in 2-3 months if I haven't lost anything in a month?
So yeah...bah humbug. I've successfully only managed to gain .6 pounds from last week with only two workouts and a heavy dosage of stress. So considering, it could be worse.
So yeah...bah humbug. I've successfully only managed to gain .6 pounds from last week with only two workouts and a heavy dosage of stress. So considering, it could be worse.
Weather
In Michigan, weather can be so bizarre. With the official first day of Spring, March 20, quickly approaching, it feels as if Spring is already here! This past weekend, with the sun out in all it's glory, everyone was out and about to enjoy. Only in Michigan will you see people relishing in the warm weather in shorts and t-shirts in a mere 40 degrees. Yes, 40 degrees. In Florida you will see people in snowsuits in 40 degrees, but not in Michigan!
Sunday was a beautiful day with the weather in the low 50's. It was a great day for raking the yard and making way for the new growth of flowers and grass. Lets hope that snow and frost are gone for the season!
With the weather and my recent car issues, I decided to assemble my "in seconds" bike rack, which only took about 15 minutes! I was rather impressed and managed to not only put my bike on it, but park in the garage as well!
This morning after dropping my car off at the shop, I rode my bike the 1.4 miles to work. I have to admit that 13mph into the headwind at 41 degrees is more than refreshingly cold! On the flip side though, but the time I'm done at work, it should be 60 degrees and a comfortable ride!
Sunday was a beautiful day with the weather in the low 50's. It was a great day for raking the yard and making way for the new growth of flowers and grass. Lets hope that snow and frost are gone for the season!
With the weather and my recent car issues, I decided to assemble my "in seconds" bike rack, which only took about 15 minutes! I was rather impressed and managed to not only put my bike on it, but park in the garage as well!
This morning after dropping my car off at the shop, I rode my bike the 1.4 miles to work. I have to admit that 13mph into the headwind at 41 degrees is more than refreshingly cold! On the flip side though, but the time I'm done at work, it should be 60 degrees and a comfortable ride!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blockbuster BS
Blockbuster online is the equivalent of Netflix although likely a bit more expensive with the added advantage of exchanging mail-in movies in-store. I became a Blockbuster online member back in...'07 or so when I first broke up with the Ex-Bf and decided I had the time and desire to regroup and catch up on the endless amounts of movies that I had "missed out on" over the years. Needless to say, while I did watch HUNDREDS of movies, I'm not sure that I really missed much, except for the SAW Series.
I'm pretty sure I've blogged about the issue in the past, how Blockbuster went and personally attacked the avid movie watchers by jacking up membership prices and changing the unlimited in-store rentals to specific quantities at still elevated prices. I dealt with it. I went with the slight increase and the five in store exchanges per month. I never quite could figure out when the in-store exchanges expired as they changed it a few times too. (Always changing to keep us guessing!)
I've been contemplating whether or not to discontinue my membership. It isn't the issue of the money. I could care less. It's just the matter of not actually making the time or having the desire to watch said movies. There aren't any movies that I have to see. Although cost comparison, the monthly fees have been equivalent to four movie rentals per month. Without the membership, I wouldn't rent that many movies, but with the membership, even on a slow month I watch at least double that. Although Spring/Summer is almost here and my desire to stay inside to watch a movie becomes less and less. I also liked keeping the membership to log all the movies I have seen, since the memory fails me and I will likely rent movies repeatedly without realizing until a third of the way through, that I have seen it. Unfortunately for me, Blockbuster decided to then delete rental histories prior to December '07, thus wiping out more than half of my history (aka memory - am I sensing a lawsuit?).
So I've had two mail-in movies, for quite some time, since early February. I finally managed to watch ALL three of them within the past 24 hours! Here's the latest (although it could be more than a month old since I've been lazy with my membership):
Last night I went to exchange two of the movies in-store. When checking out the clerk told me that they were due back "at my convenience." WHAT? REALLY?
Thinking this new phenomenon was rather odd and of course too good to be true, I logged back into Blockbuster online to read about the memberships and account. When I first logged in I was happy to see that my in-store rentals were actually listed. I have wanted this for a while, so that I would know which movies I rented in-store, but I rated them for my own benefit regardless. Mind you, I also figured that this new "change" must have a catch...Catch indeed...
In store rentals are now counted as part of your rentals. So whereas my three movies at a time could sometimes be six if I didn't return the in-store by the time the new ones were mailed out, I now will only ever have three movies at a time. And. That. Sucks.
Not that I'm a movie freak or anything. But I am a planner of sorts. I rented movies last night with the knowledge that I would be watching them with my son. Tuesday is American Idol and Biggest Loser night and Wednesday nights he is with his dad. So we will watch them this weekend. I also assumed as in the past, that by Wednesday's mail, I would have two of my movies that I could watch that evening. So not the case. So now, I have to either make time to watch these movies or go without movies - and then those will be the only movies we will have for the weekend.
I HATE CHANGE (good, bad or indifferent...it always takes time to adjust). So I'm thinking now might be the best time to cancel my membership and that way I won't have to adjust to anything except for NOT being a member. And THAT I can definitely handle.
I'm pretty sure I've blogged about the issue in the past, how Blockbuster went and personally attacked the avid movie watchers by jacking up membership prices and changing the unlimited in-store rentals to specific quantities at still elevated prices. I dealt with it. I went with the slight increase and the five in store exchanges per month. I never quite could figure out when the in-store exchanges expired as they changed it a few times too. (Always changing to keep us guessing!)
I've been contemplating whether or not to discontinue my membership. It isn't the issue of the money. I could care less. It's just the matter of not actually making the time or having the desire to watch said movies. There aren't any movies that I have to see. Although cost comparison, the monthly fees have been equivalent to four movie rentals per month. Without the membership, I wouldn't rent that many movies, but with the membership, even on a slow month I watch at least double that. Although Spring/Summer is almost here and my desire to stay inside to watch a movie becomes less and less. I also liked keeping the membership to log all the movies I have seen, since the memory fails me and I will likely rent movies repeatedly without realizing until a third of the way through, that I have seen it. Unfortunately for me, Blockbuster decided to then delete rental histories prior to December '07, thus wiping out more than half of my history (aka memory - am I sensing a lawsuit?).
So I've had two mail-in movies, for quite some time, since early February. I finally managed to watch ALL three of them within the past 24 hours! Here's the latest (although it could be more than a month old since I've been lazy with my membership):
Last night I went to exchange two of the movies in-store. When checking out the clerk told me that they were due back "at my convenience." WHAT? REALLY?
Thinking this new phenomenon was rather odd and of course too good to be true, I logged back into Blockbuster online to read about the memberships and account. When I first logged in I was happy to see that my in-store rentals were actually listed. I have wanted this for a while, so that I would know which movies I rented in-store, but I rated them for my own benefit regardless. Mind you, I also figured that this new "change" must have a catch...Catch indeed...
In store rentals are now counted as part of your rentals. So whereas my three movies at a time could sometimes be six if I didn't return the in-store by the time the new ones were mailed out, I now will only ever have three movies at a time. And. That. Sucks.
Not that I'm a movie freak or anything. But I am a planner of sorts. I rented movies last night with the knowledge that I would be watching them with my son. Tuesday is American Idol and Biggest Loser night and Wednesday nights he is with his dad. So we will watch them this weekend. I also assumed as in the past, that by Wednesday's mail, I would have two of my movies that I could watch that evening. So not the case. So now, I have to either make time to watch these movies or go without movies - and then those will be the only movies we will have for the weekend.
I HATE CHANGE (good, bad or indifferent...it always takes time to adjust). So I'm thinking now might be the best time to cancel my membership and that way I won't have to adjust to anything except for NOT being a member. And THAT I can definitely handle.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Four Winds Casino
Saturday evening, JC and I went to Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI. JC and I had talked about going to the casino a week or so ago and with the ongoing downpour of rain, it seemed like a great idea. JC grabbed some rolled coins and put them in a plastic bag and pretty much willed the money away as we headed out the door for another of our firsts in the relationship.
As I was driving, I was curious as to when the last time JC had actually been to the casino. He said it had been a few years. Then I asked, "Do you know that the machines don't take coins anymore?"
I swear he gave me the complete deer in the headlight look. I wasn't positive about this, but told him that the slot machines now take bills and then give you a ticket to take from machine to machine. I did suggest that he could cash in his coins when we got there, which is exactly what we did. Mind you, my coin rollings from a month or so ago, where 100% accurate and to the amazement of the casino employer who reported that she had never had anyone give her the exact amount that they claimed. Yes, I really am that anal.
The casino was fun. I think that JC could have spent even longer there than the five hours we spent. We were both up and down. I usually set myself for a $100 loss limit, but with my first $20 I was up over $150, so I played with that all night. I managed to lose it all and was down $30 when I realized that my players card had $10 free instant credit and in playing with that I hit $60 in quarters. I then moved over to pennies and hit $100 and a few other decent wins. I walked away from the casino having won $110, so it was a great night although I was more than exhausted on the way home, especially from my attempts at partying like a rock star the night before! JC lost $10, so he was pretty happy that he didn't lose as much as he had planned either.
At one point in the casino, I walked away from JC to see if there was an opening on a progressive Press Your Luck machine. A woman was just leaving, at which point I sat down. I saw JC looking for me at which point I stood up and was flailing my arms, all for not. Talk about reminiscent of our first date, when he couldn't find me right in front of him. Somethings never change...but it will always make us remember and laugh!
As I was driving, I was curious as to when the last time JC had actually been to the casino. He said it had been a few years. Then I asked, "Do you know that the machines don't take coins anymore?"
I swear he gave me the complete deer in the headlight look. I wasn't positive about this, but told him that the slot machines now take bills and then give you a ticket to take from machine to machine. I did suggest that he could cash in his coins when we got there, which is exactly what we did. Mind you, my coin rollings from a month or so ago, where 100% accurate and to the amazement of the casino employer who reported that she had never had anyone give her the exact amount that they claimed. Yes, I really am that anal.
The casino was fun. I think that JC could have spent even longer there than the five hours we spent. We were both up and down. I usually set myself for a $100 loss limit, but with my first $20 I was up over $150, so I played with that all night. I managed to lose it all and was down $30 when I realized that my players card had $10 free instant credit and in playing with that I hit $60 in quarters. I then moved over to pennies and hit $100 and a few other decent wins. I walked away from the casino having won $110, so it was a great night although I was more than exhausted on the way home, especially from my attempts at partying like a rock star the night before! JC lost $10, so he was pretty happy that he didn't lose as much as he had planned either.
At one point in the casino, I walked away from JC to see if there was an opening on a progressive Press Your Luck machine. A woman was just leaving, at which point I sat down. I saw JC looking for me at which point I stood up and was flailing my arms, all for not. Talk about reminiscent of our first date, when he couldn't find me right in front of him. Somethings never change...but it will always make us remember and laugh!
Ping Pong Tournament
Saturday morning was the ping pong tournament. JC and I showed up right on time, for the behind schedule individual match of my son. He crushed his pool, only to be defeated in the semi-finals. He was more than disappointed, but his lack of practicing and the Ex-Bf's going easy on him when they play didn't help matters.
I introduced JC and the Ex-Bf and all seemed to go fine. JC gave me space and on one occasion he and the Ex-Bf were even carrying on a conversation. I knew this was a huge feat for the Ex-Bf, one because he isn't that outgoing and two this was the guy that I chose to date, over him. (JC on the other hand is very social. Friday night he joined me to a work going away party and socialized well and even seemed interested in my co-workers and REMEMBERED their names too!)
In the "Dad and Son" doubles, they won their pool without any problems, but quickly lost the next match of the pool winners. The "son" of that team was 40! The next pool winner was a father-daughter team and the daughter was in her early 20's and they were great. So needless to say, no trophies for T this year, finishing third in both venues.
After the tournament, JC and I went and picked up his car from the night before. We then went our own ways for a bit, at which point I called the Ex-Bf to see how he was doing. Regardless that it's been 14 months since we broke up, I really am not one to rub things in the face of other's. We talked for a while and he was glad to have met JC and felt that he would be more comfortable in the future coming to T's other sporting events now having met him. He admitted that it was a little difficult. I wasn't sure how much he was sugar coating his minor enthusiasm about the day, but I had to take it at face value for what it was, what it is.
This morning I was greeted by a message on my work phone from the Ex-Bf from Saturday night. He finally admitted that it was difficult to see me near JC watching them play. He also said that more than anything he's been staying away as he doesn't want to contribute to my relationships failing by his attempts to destruct them. For that, I appreciate it and hope that he truly means it.
I introduced JC and the Ex-Bf and all seemed to go fine. JC gave me space and on one occasion he and the Ex-Bf were even carrying on a conversation. I knew this was a huge feat for the Ex-Bf, one because he isn't that outgoing and two this was the guy that I chose to date, over him. (JC on the other hand is very social. Friday night he joined me to a work going away party and socialized well and even seemed interested in my co-workers and REMEMBERED their names too!)
In the "Dad and Son" doubles, they won their pool without any problems, but quickly lost the next match of the pool winners. The "son" of that team was 40! The next pool winner was a father-daughter team and the daughter was in her early 20's and they were great. So needless to say, no trophies for T this year, finishing third in both venues.
After the tournament, JC and I went and picked up his car from the night before. We then went our own ways for a bit, at which point I called the Ex-Bf to see how he was doing. Regardless that it's been 14 months since we broke up, I really am not one to rub things in the face of other's. We talked for a while and he was glad to have met JC and felt that he would be more comfortable in the future coming to T's other sporting events now having met him. He admitted that it was a little difficult. I wasn't sure how much he was sugar coating his minor enthusiasm about the day, but I had to take it at face value for what it was, what it is.
This morning I was greeted by a message on my work phone from the Ex-Bf from Saturday night. He finally admitted that it was difficult to see me near JC watching them play. He also said that more than anything he's been staying away as he doesn't want to contribute to my relationships failing by his attempts to destruct them. For that, I appreciate it and hope that he truly means it.
Pre-Ping Pong & The Ex-Bf
This past weekend was the annual ping pong (table tennis tournament). Again, the Ex-Bf and my son were playing in the "Dad and Son" competition while each also played in their individual respective categories.
The Ex-Bf came over last Thursday to practice with T. They hung out for a few hours while I was working and then grocery shopping. The Ex stayed for dinner, which was really the only conversation that he and I had. Then I watched them play ping pong for about 10 minutes before I retreated to watching American Idol. The Ex-Bf left about ten minutes later.
I had called JC immediately after speaking with the Ex and I agreed that he could come over so he and T could practice ping pong. I felt it important to communicate and share with JC, regardless of our issues with the ex-in-laws and communication. He was glad that I told him and said he was fine with it.
However, there was some obvious tension on the phone when I spoke with JC later that night and he felt I was "short" with him. I was in the middle of playing spades and riding the stationary bike while talking to him, sharing all of five minutes of dialogue I had had with the Ex-Bf the entire evening. More than anything, I will not let the Ex-Bf cause any relationship problems for me, those I will manage to have solely on my own!
The Ex-Bf came over last Thursday to practice with T. They hung out for a few hours while I was working and then grocery shopping. The Ex stayed for dinner, which was really the only conversation that he and I had. Then I watched them play ping pong for about 10 minutes before I retreated to watching American Idol. The Ex-Bf left about ten minutes later.
I had called JC immediately after speaking with the Ex and I agreed that he could come over so he and T could practice ping pong. I felt it important to communicate and share with JC, regardless of our issues with the ex-in-laws and communication. He was glad that I told him and said he was fine with it.
However, there was some obvious tension on the phone when I spoke with JC later that night and he felt I was "short" with him. I was in the middle of playing spades and riding the stationary bike while talking to him, sharing all of five minutes of dialogue I had had with the Ex-Bf the entire evening. More than anything, I will not let the Ex-Bf cause any relationship problems for me, those I will manage to have solely on my own!
Biggest Loser Week #9
I'm up .6 pounds from last week. Not too terrible considering that I completely didn't plan my wardrobe this morning in light of my weigh in. I've managed to wear the heaviest sweater and jeans I own. So, I suppose all in all, I should be glad I didn't gain 4 pounds!
I have to admit that I can't wait for the weigh-in's to be done. While being held accountable is one thing, I'd prefer to monitor my ups and downs on my own - as only I truly should know about my pop tart indulging! While it would be nice to win the monetary rewards for 1st-3rd places, I'm more than positive I won't be winning anything.
I have to admit that I can't wait for the weigh-in's to be done. While being held accountable is one thing, I'd prefer to monitor my ups and downs on my own - as only I truly should know about my pop tart indulging! While it would be nice to win the monetary rewards for 1st-3rd places, I'm more than positive I won't be winning anything.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Michigan Facts
THIS IS MICHIGAN....
Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.
Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.
Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.
Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.
Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and Magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.
Colon is home to the world's largest manufacturer of magic supplies.
The state Capital with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.
Although Michigan is often called the Wolverine State, there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, one was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)
Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.
The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939.
The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.
Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.
In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.
The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.
Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan University. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was the first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach Scientific Agriculture.
The largest village in Michigan is Caro.
Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.
Gerald R Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States. He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.
The painted turtle is Michigan's State Reptile.
The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes rise 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris the official State Wildflower.
Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later,
the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.
The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, open-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.
Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.
Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.
Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.
The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge a reality, who thought the name (Detroit-Windsor International Bridge) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like ideas and ideals.
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights. Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.
Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of Inland waters; and 38,575 square miles o f Great Lakes water area.
Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the Alleghenies and the Rockies.
Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries..
Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to Tax-paid high school education.
Four flags have flown over Michigan -- French, English, Spanish and United States.
Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan's inland seas.
The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.
The 19 chandeliers in the Capital in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York. Weighing between 800-900 pounds a piece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.
The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.
The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.
In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.
In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.
Grand Rapids is home to the 24-foot Leonardo Da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.
The State Motto (written in Latin) translates to: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, Look about you."
Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.
Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.
Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.
Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.
Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and Magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.
Colon is home to the world's largest manufacturer of magic supplies.
The state Capital with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.
Although Michigan is often called the Wolverine State, there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, one was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)
Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.
The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939.
The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.
Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.
In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.
The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.
Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan University. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was the first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach Scientific Agriculture.
The largest village in Michigan is Caro.
Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.
Gerald R Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States. He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.
The painted turtle is Michigan's State Reptile.
The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes rise 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris the official State Wildflower.
Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later,
the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.
The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, open-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.
Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.
Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.
Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.
The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge a reality, who thought the name (Detroit-Windsor International Bridge) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like ideas and ideals.
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights. Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.
Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of Inland waters; and 38,575 square miles o f Great Lakes water area.
Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the Alleghenies and the Rockies.
Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries..
Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to Tax-paid high school education.
Four flags have flown over Michigan -- French, English, Spanish and United States.
Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan's inland seas.
The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.
The 19 chandeliers in the Capital in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York. Weighing between 800-900 pounds a piece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.
The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.
The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.
In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.
In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.
Grand Rapids is home to the 24-foot Leonardo Da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.
The State Motto (written in Latin) translates to: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, Look about you."
Monday, March 2, 2009
Biggest Loser Week #8
To my surprise, I lost an additional .8 pounds this week. That was even after eating a full cheddar herb bagel and some fruit - completely void of my meal plan - prior to the late-morning weigh in.
I suppose that I shouldn't complain, since afterall it wasn't a weight gain. However, I clearly would like for it to have been a bigger loss considering how much I really am trying to follow the meal plan and workout routine. Although I do admit that I ate more than half of a large vegetarian pizza between Friday and Saturday as well as a huge serving of fried french fries yesterday skiing. So, all in all, I'll take a loss, regardless of how small!
I suppose that I shouldn't complain, since afterall it wasn't a weight gain. However, I clearly would like for it to have been a bigger loss considering how much I really am trying to follow the meal plan and workout routine. Although I do admit that I ate more than half of a large vegetarian pizza between Friday and Saturday as well as a huge serving of fried french fries yesterday skiing. So, all in all, I'll take a loss, regardless of how small!
Misunderstanding or Misinformed?
On our way home from skiing early yesterday evening, I sat behind the wheel as JC sat in the passenger seat. I reveled about the great weekend, chilled to the bone from the fourteen degree weather and the ungodly windshield factor and high winds as we skied. I eagerly awaited for the heat to course through my body and for the blood to begin circulating again downwards to my toes.
I was happy. I was content. We had a great weekend. My son and JC had gotten along well and I enjoyed watching the two interact. I was feeling content in the relationship. I. Was. Content.
JC has neighbors that live very close to him. They talk throughout the day. They invite him over to dinner. They take care of his dogs when he is gone from home for too long or out of town. They take the garbage down to the street together. They plow each others driveways. They ask him if he needs things from the store. In some ways, I'm envious of his close relationship with his neighbors; however, I've never been one to rely or need anyone so close, so helpful, so convenient.
On Saturday when we left JC's home, he called the neighbors to tell them he was leaving and was somewhat evasive that he "might not be home" when "Mom" brought the groceries by. He called them "Mom" and "Dad". I knew that he said that they were like his parents, but that was the first that I had ever heard him call them that, he had always referenced them by their first names. I knew that he was close to his neighbors and I just chalked it up to being friendly neighbors.
On Sunday, "Dad" had used the two-way on the Nextel to call JC and JC called him back when we were on the drive home. From the conversation I gathered that he had invited JC over for dinner. JC went on to explain that they invite him to dinner almost every night. That they had taken him "under their wing" per se, especially after the divorce, and seeing that it was just "Mom and Dad" next door they often cooked for an "army". He also said that they shop weekly for an army as well. Then he said, "You should have seen them for Y2K?" WHAT?
Y2K? Ok, that was in preparation for 1/1/2000. He and his wife (ex-wife) built their house in 2001. I'm not stupid.
So I said, "What? You knew your neighbors before you built your house?"
JC: "Well, um yeah. Remember I told you when we were first dating, my neighbors are my ex-in-laws."
If I could have run, I would have. If I could have vomited, I may have. If I could have cried, I would have. If I could have done anything, I would have. What I did do, was I put on my sun glasses and continued the drive home. I did not cry. I did not say anything. When he asked if this was "OK", a barrage of thoughts went through my mind (Was this OK? What the...? What can I say? Whom am I to say? How often does he see HER? What, how, who, when...?) I was too overwhelmed by this flood of information. This click of sorts of information that began as I put two and two together.
Because what I do recall him saying early on after we met was that his ex's in-laws lived nearby and they still kept in touch. Not that he practically shared a driveway with his ex-wife's parents. Not that his ex wife's parents still grocery shop and cook for him and treat him and consider him their son, and them his parents.
I was happy. I was content. We had a great weekend. My son and JC had gotten along well and I enjoyed watching the two interact. I was feeling content in the relationship. I. Was. Content.
JC has neighbors that live very close to him. They talk throughout the day. They invite him over to dinner. They take care of his dogs when he is gone from home for too long or out of town. They take the garbage down to the street together. They plow each others driveways. They ask him if he needs things from the store. In some ways, I'm envious of his close relationship with his neighbors; however, I've never been one to rely or need anyone so close, so helpful, so convenient.
On Saturday when we left JC's home, he called the neighbors to tell them he was leaving and was somewhat evasive that he "might not be home" when "Mom" brought the groceries by. He called them "Mom" and "Dad". I knew that he said that they were like his parents, but that was the first that I had ever heard him call them that, he had always referenced them by their first names. I knew that he was close to his neighbors and I just chalked it up to being friendly neighbors.
On Sunday, "Dad" had used the two-way on the Nextel to call JC and JC called him back when we were on the drive home. From the conversation I gathered that he had invited JC over for dinner. JC went on to explain that they invite him to dinner almost every night. That they had taken him "under their wing" per se, especially after the divorce, and seeing that it was just "Mom and Dad" next door they often cooked for an "army". He also said that they shop weekly for an army as well. Then he said, "You should have seen them for Y2K?" WHAT?
Y2K? Ok, that was in preparation for 1/1/2000. He and his wife (ex-wife) built their house in 2001. I'm not stupid.
So I said, "What? You knew your neighbors before you built your house?"
JC: "Well, um yeah. Remember I told you when we were first dating, my neighbors are my ex-in-laws."
If I could have run, I would have. If I could have vomited, I may have. If I could have cried, I would have. If I could have done anything, I would have. What I did do, was I put on my sun glasses and continued the drive home. I did not cry. I did not say anything. When he asked if this was "OK", a barrage of thoughts went through my mind (Was this OK? What the...? What can I say? Whom am I to say? How often does he see HER? What, how, who, when...?) I was too overwhelmed by this flood of information. This click of sorts of information that began as I put two and two together.
Because what I do recall him saying early on after we met was that his ex's in-laws lived nearby and they still kept in touch. Not that he practically shared a driveway with his ex-wife's parents. Not that his ex wife's parents still grocery shop and cook for him and treat him and consider him their son, and them his parents.
Mondays
I sit here on this Monday morning in melancholy. Sad that the weekend happenings are over and another Monday is enveloped me. A Monday morning that brings a new weigh in that a few hours have postponed the inevitable, another weight gain.
A Monday morning reveling in experiences, moments and words shared. Memories...
A Monday morning reveling in experiences, moments and words shared. Memories...
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