Happy Holidays! Hope that you and yours are having a fabulous holiday season!
Last week, we received (another year in a row) a Christmas card for our neighbors across the street with our address. I circled the address (thinking the neighbors would notify their friends of their correct address) and had my son run it across the street and put it in their mailbox.
Today, we received the card in the mail...AGAIN.
While mail courier service is dying and it has been suggested to mail back empty SASE envelopes from credit card companies to charge their dime as well as keep mailmen busy, that wasn't our thought for the Christmas card!
So my son ran it back across the street and put it back in their mailbox. This time they should get it as the mailbox has mail in it - too bad it is after Christmas!
Cheers! =)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
'Tis the Season to Give Thanks
'Tis the Season of Christmas. Christmas and holidays can be very difficult and stressful times. I am feeling absolutely fortunate and blessed. I do feel that I am never given more than I can handle, despite questioning and wondering the validity of that statement at times. I have a survivor mentality and personality and most of all the best mother and friend I could ever want or ask!
I am so very thankful for my mom and her husband. For their love, support and faith. For their selflessness and their unconditional love. For their acceptance and guidance and nurturance. For their ability to listen, console and advise. For their ability to be fabulous grandparents, parents and friends.
I am thankful for my health, my son, my employment, my sanity, my family and my friends to name a few. I know that silently I give thanks. I recognize who I am and the opportunities and experiences I have endured. The road less traveled, the road of speed bumps and the Sunday scenic drives along the path that often seems like a six-lane expressway.
At this holiday season, I feel blessed. I AM blessed.
I wish and hope for you: Wishing a blessed, safe and happy holiday season to you and yours!
Date Night Results 2010
Last week I posted about our Annual "Date Night" here. Here were our results from 2009. I definitely do better painting rather than trying to use some creative juices and mojo.
Without further ado, here is my frog toothbrush mug for the bathroom:
Yes, I am THIRTY - SIX. Not. SIX. I am the first to admit that my artistic talents were suppressed when I was in grade school but if you want to be reminded of my experience, read here. But date night isn't about the final product per se, it's about the fun, experience and memories created!
Without further ado, here is my frog toothbrush mug for the bathroom:
Yes, I am THIRTY - SIX. Not. SIX. I am the first to admit that my artistic talents were suppressed when I was in grade school but if you want to be reminded of my experience, read here. But date night isn't about the final product per se, it's about the fun, experience and memories created!
Father: Not a Eulogy, Not What I Wanted...Acceptance? Deliverance? Diatribe?
I've yet to find the words to express about my dad, my father, the man who shared a life with my mother and raised me. A man that I idolized and hoped to one day find in a partner. A man that when I was a Senior in High School shattered my world by treating me as an adult and confidant and disclosing information to a daughter that she should have never had to hear because he was divorcing my mom. Words that have left permanent scars and have me questioning every relationship I ever have.
When I was 19, I went to my aunt's house to celebrate Christmas. My dad stepped out of the room and came back with a check for me for Christmas. He spelled my name wrong. He was still hungover from the night before. He. Spelled. My. Name. Wrong. My dad also told me that as an adult I could choose to have a relationship with him and I knew where to find him.
When I was 22 years old, two years after graduating college, I found myself living with my boyfriend and pregnant. I was disappointed in myself. I was scared. I felt alone. I feared telling my parents, even though I graduated High School at 17 and other than the first summer after college, I never again lived with my parent(s). When I told my dad, he said, "I'm not surprised. What do you expect when you are shacking up with your boyfriend."
Maybe I should rewind...I've posted it before - the year of 1982. Sometimes, I think my mom makes excuses for my dad, his health and that he isn't the father and dad and man he once was. I want to believe that. I want to believe that. I try to keep low expectations to not be disappointed - but the truth is, I expect things from my dad, my father - in sickness - as I did in health. I was disappointed. I continue to be disappointed.
I believe my dad gave up on living when he reached 55 (and even before). He turned 64 this summer. He had outlived his paternal male relatives. He was on borrowed time and wanted to live life to the fullest. Forget to take the routine medication and injections for his diabetes. Eat and live and be merry. Or just eat whatever you want, move from bed to kitchen to couch and succumb to the illness. My dad has too many ailments to list - from diabetes, COPD, heart failure (heart functions at 11% - bypass, stints, catherizations galore), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
My dad remarried in 1999. I was invited to his wedding, but not included in a father-daughter dance. His wife and I have always had issues (she is a "welfare" recipient - never maintaining a job much longer than 6 months, feeling entitled for everyone to care for her, not being able to budget/finance/see reality but living in the moment of self-gratification). They have little relationship with my son. They rarely if ever call and never ask to speak with my son. Some years, when they have money for stamps - they may send a holiday gift or card. They don't call. We have visited them. The relationship is strained.
On Thanksgiving in 2008, I posted this. The relationship hasn't been the same. I stopped receiving her monthly calls that he was back in the ER and was dying. Sometimes I would get them, more often not. His wife would call my brother and then expect him to call or tell me (he has been "dying" and admitted to the hospital almost monthly for years). I had been deleted from her FB page. As hurt and upset as I was by everything, for my own sanity, I had to remove myself from the drama and the lies. I no longer received email updates and I would sometimes receive them third-handed from family members. My brother and I would share stories based on phone calls we each had had with my dad and/or his wife. My dad was always the most coherent when hospitalized and appropriately medicated. It was always the best time to talk to him. He almost seemed able to communicate and knew what he was saying.
This summer, I was informed that my dad needed a heart transplant (and had to get one before his 65th birthday, the deadline of transplants). Phone calls with his wife were always different. From them moving back to Michigan so she could live with her family while he recovered, to the following month having a transplant in Jacksonville Florida because her daughter got a job and was moving there from Michigan, to the next month when he was leaving Tampa after a doctor appointment to consider a transplant or VAD. I never heard where Tampa came into the picture. I still don't understand. Tampa is 4 hours from where they live. They have no friends or social support in Tampa or even in Florida (with the new exception of Jacksonville). My dad isn't healthy enough to drive himself and she can't legally drive. Why would she pick a hospital 4+ hours away? Why?
I supported her and her decision. I didn't understand it. Maybe she was ready for him to die. I can't be of any social support, neither can my brother - we live across the country. A week later, he was admitted into Tampa General for extensive testing to see if he was a candidate. After almost a week they couldn't get his sugar stabilized, and it was up in the 500 range. My aunt emailed me (and my brother) and said that she had seen him and she felt he was dying. If we wanted to see him alive, we needed to visit and do it soon. She had driven over from Texas to say her goodbye.
Of course I was recovering from my hammer to the face adventure. I hadn't heard anything from my dad or his wife. The email was news to me. I called my brother. He had heard from my dad's wife the night before that they also found a lump in his neck that they were biopsying (which was non-cancerous). We talked about the severity of the situation (having heard the Boy Who Cried Wolf so many times previously) and trying to understand. Having our Aunt there made the situation different - having a neutral non-threatening, non-manipulative voice to discuss his condition. I attempted to talk to hospital staff. Within 30 minutes of receiving the email, my brother and I had booked plane tickets and made arrangements and were going to be in Tampa that evening.
In the morning, we went to the hospital to visit our dad. He had no idea that we were coming. We spent two days at the hospital. We were part of a very difficult family meeting with the Social Worker and RN who informed us that because of lack of social support, transportation and financial issues - a transplant consideration was not possible. We accepted our fate. My brother gave my dad's wife his blessings to find housing in the retirement community they have moved from several times due to financial constraints. We broke the news to my dad that he was not a candidate for a heart transplant or a VAD. My brother and I had time with him, what we anticipated would be our last time with him. The IV he was on, was pumping his heart for him. Slowly, he was dying. His heart would cease. The good news, he was approved for Hospice with his IV and would be discharged later that week.
Without being at the hospital, I wouldn't have known what was going on (like the months my dad has lived without bathing because he battles depression and lack of motivation). His wife sent out mass emails while we were there - I had my aunt forward them. Her email after we returned home in summary was that the hospital and his children left him to die but that she is going to fight for her husband. He needs money and a transplant. Please send money or well wishes if you can't afford to send money. Of course I wasn't a recipient of those emails either.
I was lost. I felt paralyzed. I felt numb. I was there. I was in the hospital. What was going on? What were these emails that I purposely wasn't copied on (or emails for almost two years prior)? I'm a realist. I have become cynical. I'm not the only one. Is this her attempt to relieve guilt? To say she did everything? Or is this her way to raise money to fund her own hopes and dreams?
The next thing I know, Hospice is no longer coming daily, they come once a week and she has enlisted the assistance of a national transplant fund for fundraising. They have been denied a transplant in Jacksonville as well. The latest and last option, a transplant in Orlando. Orlando, 40 minutes from where they live. FORTY. MINUTES.
Sunday I spoke with my dad. He told me he has an appointment at the hospital in Orlando. He has no idea how long he will be there - if he will be admitted. Orlando has his file. He told me that they have received $2000 in donations but at $100 per transport (he's saying 4 a month AFTER the transplant) that the money will have little impact. This is their last chance at a hospital and transplant. Why wasn't Orlando their first option? Why was Tampa that was logistically impossible for them? During the conversation he told me that they were denied for mortgages in the retirement community (they would need two: one for an older trailer/home they will demolish and then one to build the new home on the property) - as he receives Social Security and she receives Disability. Why they need a new home, I don't understand. Why they can't live in the apartment you ask? Because she isn't a senior citizen and without his income of Social Security she couldn't live in the retirement community without his income. She needs to move in while he is alive. She has to. She refuses to talk to me. She hovers in the background on the phone and attempts to answer questions my dad is relaying because he doesn't know or care to know the answers. He does what he is told. He gets up when she tells him to and goes where he is taken.
Today in the mail, my son received a Christmas card. My son. Not my son and I. My son. I had had it. I called my dad again and asked what was going on. That I was hurt. That years ago when he said that I had to accept them as a package or not at all, that I did. That I have been respectful and civil and not received the same. That I am not notified of his health and happenings. That him calling back yesterday to ask for my email address that all of my email addresses have been the same for over seven years was ridiculous. He said he had no idea. He suggested I talk to her. After a good two minutes, she finally got on the phone. She was passive-aggressive.
I thanked her for my son's Christmas card. She told me my card would arrive in a few days. I then inquired that she had sent separate cards. She said she had - first time EVER. I then asked her why she wasn't copying me on emails and notifying me. She told me that she didn't have my email address. I told her that she did and they have been the same for seven years. She told me that I use my son as a pawn. I had no idea what she was talking about. She yelled that I don't allow him to talk to his grandparents. They have never called to talk to him and he has NEVER asked to call them. (They are not active grandparents and as close as he is to my mother - unless she calls him, he doesn't talk on the phone.) This woman then went on to say, "If you didn't know, your dad isn't well." I replied, "Oh really? I didn't know that. Maybe if you told me, I would know." She then started yelling more and I hung up on her.
I started to call my boyfriend back who had called during the conversation and I hung up after two rings. I sat in my basement stairwell and I sobbed. Sobbed uncontrollably. I cursed in my head. And when I collected myself, I dialed my mom. And when she got on the phone, I sobbed uncontrollably again and cursed. And while I sobbed and I cursed, his wife called me back. I let it go to voicemail.
This was the voicemail, "Hey X. Ok since you hung up on me. Uhhh...That's pretty mature. Umm...but besides the point. Do you have any idea what I'm going through? Do you have any idea? I hope you never ever have to find out because I know you don't care about your dad. You basically just kind of wrote him off. That's what you did. You came to Florida. It was a pity fuck trip. And you came there and you basically wrote him off. That's all you did. You never. You don't call your dad. You don't do anything for your dad. You don't even, you your, your mother. Or you could live here in Tallahassee and I'll guarantee that you would never see your dad. You wanna know why I don't keep you in the loop? Because frankly X, I'm sorry, Let me just let it all hang out BABY, don't stop calling your dad. I think you are a BITCH and so do a few other people I know. So whatever HONEY. Just a, your card is in the mail. You are going to get it. I didn't leave you out. I'm not that cruel. I'm not that big of a bitch. I'm really not. So ah you know. Go ahead and use T against us because I know you do. And ah whatever. Just keep in touch with your dad. Don't not keep in touch with him because of me but I know you've done that before, stupid things. He didn't spell your name right and you didn't talk to him for two years. That was kind of juvenile. But Ok, whatever."
My father is physically ill. He has been for a very long time. He doesn't call me. He doesn't call his grandson. He hasn't for over a decade. It's a fact of life. It just is. Many years ago, I accepted the fact that my dad is ill. That his life could have been different. It isn't. I don't want him to get a transplant. He doesn't deserve it. He gave up on his life over a decade, almost two ago. A heart is a sacred thing and should be given to someone that wants to live. Someone that deserves to live. As difficult as this is for me to acknowledge, my father is not that person. On a side note, less than four months ago my mother's sister was taken from this world due to cancer. Her husband has now been diagnosed with cancer. Tragic. They loved life and lived life. They deserve life. So many people do not and yet those are the ones that seem to feel entitled and receive the opportunities. Yes he is my father. Yes he was my dad. I am a taxpayer like you, I can see the big picture. Right or Wrong, I see it. I live it. I have accepted it.
Can I accept to move on? Can I accept that I may not be informed of his health? Can I accept that I may not be informed of his death?
I can only control what I can control and who I am. Sometimes the hardest thing to do...is to walk away. I've walked away before, but love and family and hope bring me back. I don't want to live in the negativity and the darkness and the lies. It is hard to turn your back on family...right now, I stand still and I wonder and I wait. Will fate decide for me?
When I was 19, I went to my aunt's house to celebrate Christmas. My dad stepped out of the room and came back with a check for me for Christmas. He spelled my name wrong. He was still hungover from the night before. He. Spelled. My. Name. Wrong. My dad also told me that as an adult I could choose to have a relationship with him and I knew where to find him.
When I was 22 years old, two years after graduating college, I found myself living with my boyfriend and pregnant. I was disappointed in myself. I was scared. I felt alone. I feared telling my parents, even though I graduated High School at 17 and other than the first summer after college, I never again lived with my parent(s). When I told my dad, he said, "I'm not surprised. What do you expect when you are shacking up with your boyfriend."
Maybe I should rewind...I've posted it before - the year of 1982. Sometimes, I think my mom makes excuses for my dad, his health and that he isn't the father and dad and man he once was. I want to believe that. I want to believe that. I try to keep low expectations to not be disappointed - but the truth is, I expect things from my dad, my father - in sickness - as I did in health. I was disappointed. I continue to be disappointed.
I believe my dad gave up on living when he reached 55 (and even before). He turned 64 this summer. He had outlived his paternal male relatives. He was on borrowed time and wanted to live life to the fullest. Forget to take the routine medication and injections for his diabetes. Eat and live and be merry. Or just eat whatever you want, move from bed to kitchen to couch and succumb to the illness. My dad has too many ailments to list - from diabetes, COPD, heart failure (heart functions at 11% - bypass, stints, catherizations galore), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
My dad remarried in 1999. I was invited to his wedding, but not included in a father-daughter dance. His wife and I have always had issues (she is a "welfare" recipient - never maintaining a job much longer than 6 months, feeling entitled for everyone to care for her, not being able to budget/finance/see reality but living in the moment of self-gratification). They have little relationship with my son. They rarely if ever call and never ask to speak with my son. Some years, when they have money for stamps - they may send a holiday gift or card. They don't call. We have visited them. The relationship is strained.
On Thanksgiving in 2008, I posted this. The relationship hasn't been the same. I stopped receiving her monthly calls that he was back in the ER and was dying. Sometimes I would get them, more often not. His wife would call my brother and then expect him to call or tell me (he has been "dying" and admitted to the hospital almost monthly for years). I had been deleted from her FB page. As hurt and upset as I was by everything, for my own sanity, I had to remove myself from the drama and the lies. I no longer received email updates and I would sometimes receive them third-handed from family members. My brother and I would share stories based on phone calls we each had had with my dad and/or his wife. My dad was always the most coherent when hospitalized and appropriately medicated. It was always the best time to talk to him. He almost seemed able to communicate and knew what he was saying.
This summer, I was informed that my dad needed a heart transplant (and had to get one before his 65th birthday, the deadline of transplants). Phone calls with his wife were always different. From them moving back to Michigan so she could live with her family while he recovered, to the following month having a transplant in Jacksonville Florida because her daughter got a job and was moving there from Michigan, to the next month when he was leaving Tampa after a doctor appointment to consider a transplant or VAD. I never heard where Tampa came into the picture. I still don't understand. Tampa is 4 hours from where they live. They have no friends or social support in Tampa or even in Florida (with the new exception of Jacksonville). My dad isn't healthy enough to drive himself and she can't legally drive. Why would she pick a hospital 4+ hours away? Why?
I supported her and her decision. I didn't understand it. Maybe she was ready for him to die. I can't be of any social support, neither can my brother - we live across the country. A week later, he was admitted into Tampa General for extensive testing to see if he was a candidate. After almost a week they couldn't get his sugar stabilized, and it was up in the 500 range. My aunt emailed me (and my brother) and said that she had seen him and she felt he was dying. If we wanted to see him alive, we needed to visit and do it soon. She had driven over from Texas to say her goodbye.
Of course I was recovering from my hammer to the face adventure. I hadn't heard anything from my dad or his wife. The email was news to me. I called my brother. He had heard from my dad's wife the night before that they also found a lump in his neck that they were biopsying (which was non-cancerous). We talked about the severity of the situation (having heard the Boy Who Cried Wolf so many times previously) and trying to understand. Having our Aunt there made the situation different - having a neutral non-threatening, non-manipulative voice to discuss his condition. I attempted to talk to hospital staff. Within 30 minutes of receiving the email, my brother and I had booked plane tickets and made arrangements and were going to be in Tampa that evening.
In the morning, we went to the hospital to visit our dad. He had no idea that we were coming. We spent two days at the hospital. We were part of a very difficult family meeting with the Social Worker and RN who informed us that because of lack of social support, transportation and financial issues - a transplant consideration was not possible. We accepted our fate. My brother gave my dad's wife his blessings to find housing in the retirement community they have moved from several times due to financial constraints. We broke the news to my dad that he was not a candidate for a heart transplant or a VAD. My brother and I had time with him, what we anticipated would be our last time with him. The IV he was on, was pumping his heart for him. Slowly, he was dying. His heart would cease. The good news, he was approved for Hospice with his IV and would be discharged later that week.
Without being at the hospital, I wouldn't have known what was going on (like the months my dad has lived without bathing because he battles depression and lack of motivation). His wife sent out mass emails while we were there - I had my aunt forward them. Her email after we returned home in summary was that the hospital and his children left him to die but that she is going to fight for her husband. He needs money and a transplant. Please send money or well wishes if you can't afford to send money. Of course I wasn't a recipient of those emails either.
I was lost. I felt paralyzed. I felt numb. I was there. I was in the hospital. What was going on? What were these emails that I purposely wasn't copied on (or emails for almost two years prior)? I'm a realist. I have become cynical. I'm not the only one. Is this her attempt to relieve guilt? To say she did everything? Or is this her way to raise money to fund her own hopes and dreams?
The next thing I know, Hospice is no longer coming daily, they come once a week and she has enlisted the assistance of a national transplant fund for fundraising. They have been denied a transplant in Jacksonville as well. The latest and last option, a transplant in Orlando. Orlando, 40 minutes from where they live. FORTY. MINUTES.
Sunday I spoke with my dad. He told me he has an appointment at the hospital in Orlando. He has no idea how long he will be there - if he will be admitted. Orlando has his file. He told me that they have received $2000 in donations but at $100 per transport (he's saying 4 a month AFTER the transplant) that the money will have little impact. This is their last chance at a hospital and transplant. Why wasn't Orlando their first option? Why was Tampa that was logistically impossible for them? During the conversation he told me that they were denied for mortgages in the retirement community (they would need two: one for an older trailer/home they will demolish and then one to build the new home on the property) - as he receives Social Security and she receives Disability. Why they need a new home, I don't understand. Why they can't live in the apartment you ask? Because she isn't a senior citizen and without his income of Social Security she couldn't live in the retirement community without his income. She needs to move in while he is alive. She has to. She refuses to talk to me. She hovers in the background on the phone and attempts to answer questions my dad is relaying because he doesn't know or care to know the answers. He does what he is told. He gets up when she tells him to and goes where he is taken.
Today in the mail, my son received a Christmas card. My son. Not my son and I. My son. I had had it. I called my dad again and asked what was going on. That I was hurt. That years ago when he said that I had to accept them as a package or not at all, that I did. That I have been respectful and civil and not received the same. That I am not notified of his health and happenings. That him calling back yesterday to ask for my email address that all of my email addresses have been the same for over seven years was ridiculous. He said he had no idea. He suggested I talk to her. After a good two minutes, she finally got on the phone. She was passive-aggressive.
I thanked her for my son's Christmas card. She told me my card would arrive in a few days. I then inquired that she had sent separate cards. She said she had - first time EVER. I then asked her why she wasn't copying me on emails and notifying me. She told me that she didn't have my email address. I told her that she did and they have been the same for seven years. She told me that I use my son as a pawn. I had no idea what she was talking about. She yelled that I don't allow him to talk to his grandparents. They have never called to talk to him and he has NEVER asked to call them. (They are not active grandparents and as close as he is to my mother - unless she calls him, he doesn't talk on the phone.) This woman then went on to say, "If you didn't know, your dad isn't well." I replied, "Oh really? I didn't know that. Maybe if you told me, I would know." She then started yelling more and I hung up on her.
I started to call my boyfriend back who had called during the conversation and I hung up after two rings. I sat in my basement stairwell and I sobbed. Sobbed uncontrollably. I cursed in my head. And when I collected myself, I dialed my mom. And when she got on the phone, I sobbed uncontrollably again and cursed. And while I sobbed and I cursed, his wife called me back. I let it go to voicemail.
This was the voicemail, "Hey X. Ok since you hung up on me. Uhhh...That's pretty mature. Umm...but besides the point. Do you have any idea what I'm going through? Do you have any idea? I hope you never ever have to find out because I know you don't care about your dad. You basically just kind of wrote him off. That's what you did. You came to Florida. It was a pity fuck trip. And you came there and you basically wrote him off. That's all you did. You never. You don't call your dad. You don't do anything for your dad. You don't even, you your, your mother. Or you could live here in Tallahassee and I'll guarantee that you would never see your dad. You wanna know why I don't keep you in the loop? Because frankly X, I'm sorry, Let me just let it all hang out BABY, don't stop calling your dad. I think you are a BITCH and so do a few other people I know. So whatever HONEY. Just a, your card is in the mail. You are going to get it. I didn't leave you out. I'm not that cruel. I'm not that big of a bitch. I'm really not. So ah you know. Go ahead and use T against us because I know you do. And ah whatever. Just keep in touch with your dad. Don't not keep in touch with him because of me but I know you've done that before, stupid things. He didn't spell your name right and you didn't talk to him for two years. That was kind of juvenile. But Ok, whatever."
My father is physically ill. He has been for a very long time. He doesn't call me. He doesn't call his grandson. He hasn't for over a decade. It's a fact of life. It just is. Many years ago, I accepted the fact that my dad is ill. That his life could have been different. It isn't. I don't want him to get a transplant. He doesn't deserve it. He gave up on his life over a decade, almost two ago. A heart is a sacred thing and should be given to someone that wants to live. Someone that deserves to live. As difficult as this is for me to acknowledge, my father is not that person. On a side note, less than four months ago my mother's sister was taken from this world due to cancer. Her husband has now been diagnosed with cancer. Tragic. They loved life and lived life. They deserve life. So many people do not and yet those are the ones that seem to feel entitled and receive the opportunities. Yes he is my father. Yes he was my dad. I am a taxpayer like you, I can see the big picture. Right or Wrong, I see it. I live it. I have accepted it.
Can I accept to move on? Can I accept that I may not be informed of his health? Can I accept that I may not be informed of his death?
I can only control what I can control and who I am. Sometimes the hardest thing to do...is to walk away. I've walked away before, but love and family and hope bring me back. I don't want to live in the negativity and the darkness and the lies. It is hard to turn your back on family...right now, I stand still and I wonder and I wait. Will fate decide for me?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Saturday Shaving - A First
T turned 13 in early Spring. Thirteen. In several months, he will be Fourteen. Yes, I know how to count and I know you do too. Bear with me, I'm trying to grasp the magnitude that my son is not just entering the phase of teenage years and leaving pre-adolescence behind. He will officially have survived his first teenage year. Anyway, I'm jumping the gun.
A sore subject for my son, his facial hair. He has had visible facial hair since he was approximately nine years old. So not cool for a nine year old. Unfortunately, T's father is a direct ancestor of a grizzly bear or Cro-Magnon Man. Truth be told, I'm probably not too far removed from my ancestors either.
A sore subject for my son, his facial hair. He has had visible facial hair since he was approximately nine years old. So not cool for a nine year old. Unfortunately, T's father is a direct ancestor of a grizzly bear or Cro-Magnon Man. Truth be told, I'm probably not too far removed from my ancestors either. For T's birthday I asked if he wanted a razor. He asked, "Do I need one?"
Saturday, T and I purchased his first razor. I actually didn't anticipate that he was going to want to use it immediately. I was wrong. So we had to run out to another store to pick up some shaving cream.
T picked out shaving cream and after shave. We headed home for his first shaving adventure. He lathered his upper lip with shaving cream. His hand unsteadily held the razor as he looked in the mirror getting ready to make his first shaving draw. Nervously, he made his first cut and then again and again. I took several pictures and offered advice of sticking his tongue into his upper lip to tighten the skin. And then...he nicked himself. Blood. Blood. More Blood.
Of course, it was my fault. I told him he didn't have to use more shaving cream if his face was still wet. He survived and actually didn't hold a grudge either.
On the drive to dinner, T reminisced on his shaving experience. He asked if he would now have to shave more than before. More than none? Yes, he will. A few hours later, T stated he wanted to shave again.
I wonder how long it will take for the initial excitement to wear off. I know I hate shaving.
Is the love-hate relationship of shaving different for men/boys and women/girls?
Lake Effect & Blowers Revisited
Sometimes, thinks seem to resurface as if time stands still. When it seems like time flies in the blink of an eye, I confirm why I enjoy blogging...because I can go back and read things I wrote and it is as if it were today. Somethings just don't change.
Living in West Michigan, I am blessed to live near the lake. For those of you that don't know, that's means I have the benefit of "Lake Effect". So in the summer, it is wonderful to be near Lake Michigan and yet in the winter, that means that the bi-polar Lake Effect is in full force and dumps some nasty snow in large quantities to punish those that enjoy the water.
I am the not so proud owner of two identical snow blowers with two completely different functioning issues. I continue to believe that my snow blowers are male, as posted here in 2008. In 2009 I posted about karma and snow and my issues with my snow blowers/throwers. This year I was able to get both up and running before the first snow fall.
Since yesterday, I have cleared the driveway FOUR TIMES. FOUR. TIMES. Granted, I had to switch blowers since the one decided that after one time, it needed to take a hiatus. I still smell like gasoline after I clear the driveway. The blower that decides to work doesn't shoot both directions and is temperamental and occasionally stalls.
I'm considering purchasing a new snow blower in the hopes that it will maintenance and hassle free; however, my step-dad gave me both as gifts and I don't want to offend him by replacing the two I have. I know that I am 36 years old, but sometimes convenience isn't worth the disappointment of a parent or the impending lecture that new isn't always better!
So for Christmas, I'm asking that "Lake Effect" share the love and snow with inland areas that have been less fortunate! Don't tell me I'm not greedy or bah humbug. Tis the season and I'm all about sharing!
Living in West Michigan, I am blessed to live near the lake. For those of you that don't know, that's means I have the benefit of "Lake Effect". So in the summer, it is wonderful to be near Lake Michigan and yet in the winter, that means that the bi-polar Lake Effect is in full force and dumps some nasty snow in large quantities to punish those that enjoy the water.
I am the not so proud owner of two identical snow blowers with two completely different functioning issues. I continue to believe that my snow blowers are male, as posted here in 2008. In 2009 I posted about karma and snow and my issues with my snow blowers/throwers. This year I was able to get both up and running before the first snow fall.
Since yesterday, I have cleared the driveway FOUR TIMES. FOUR. TIMES. Granted, I had to switch blowers since the one decided that after one time, it needed to take a hiatus. I still smell like gasoline after I clear the driveway. The blower that decides to work doesn't shoot both directions and is temperamental and occasionally stalls.
I'm considering purchasing a new snow blower in the hopes that it will maintenance and hassle free; however, my step-dad gave me both as gifts and I don't want to offend him by replacing the two I have. I know that I am 36 years old, but sometimes convenience isn't worth the disappointment of a parent or the impending lecture that new isn't always better!
So for Christmas, I'm asking that "Lake Effect" share the love and snow with inland areas that have been less fortunate! Don't tell me I'm not greedy or bah humbug. Tis the season and I'm all about sharing!
Monday Moving Muse
I haven't blogged about movies on a Monday since April 2008! Lately I haven't had much luck in movies, well lately meaning the greater part of the past two years. Saturday T and I went and saw Unstoppable at the theater and I found myself on the edge of my seat. Of course, I am a huge fan of movies based on actual events. T really enjoyed the movie as well and was googling to find out the actual details of the runaway train 777, with little success.
I am really hoping that my luck in movies has changed. Tonight I picked up Going the Distance, Knight and Day, and Eat, Pray, Love. I wanted to see all three movies at the theater but never got around to it.
If nothing else, maybe I can manage to stay awake and actually watch all three movies from beginning to end without falling asleep or turning it off! Baby steps...
I am really hoping that my luck in movies has changed. Tonight I picked up Going the Distance, Knight and Day, and Eat, Pray, Love. I wanted to see all three movies at the theater but never got around to it.
If nothing else, maybe I can manage to stay awake and actually watch all three movies from beginning to end without falling asleep or turning it off! Baby steps...
Date Night 2010
T and I had our annual "Date Night" this past Friday. Here was our date night in 2009. I picked up T from practice and we headed to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant. Dinner was the best we have had at that restaurant, EVER.
We then went to our painting location and met up with my girlfriend and her two kids so T could make my mom her Christmas gift. I was seriously like a kid in a candy shop. I was so excited by the latest trend of finger and thumbprint art and how I wanted to paint everything I saw, although completely hindered by a lack of artistic ability (as previously disclosed here.). I couldn't decide so I went with my free mug and another toothbrush holder for the bathroom. Of course I was running through every shower curtain I own (admitted obsession here) and wondered what theme and colors would work best.
I finally opted to paint thumbprint frogs, because I actually have frogs in my bathroom. Although not so obnoxious that they aren't all that obvious. I painted frogs of colors that would pull out colors in some of my shower curtains. I have to admit that I don't think the project was an epic fail, but definitely not as cute as I wished it would be. I'll find out the real truth, Friday.
T and I finished the night by returning back to the restaurant for dessert. I had the most fabulous peanut butter pie. So delish...the end to a fantastic date night!
We then went to our painting location and met up with my girlfriend and her two kids so T could make my mom her Christmas gift. I was seriously like a kid in a candy shop. I was so excited by the latest trend of finger and thumbprint art and how I wanted to paint everything I saw, although completely hindered by a lack of artistic ability (as previously disclosed here.). I couldn't decide so I went with my free mug and another toothbrush holder for the bathroom. Of course I was running through every shower curtain I own (admitted obsession here) and wondered what theme and colors would work best.
I finally opted to paint thumbprint frogs, because I actually have frogs in my bathroom. Although not so obnoxious that they aren't all that obvious. I painted frogs of colors that would pull out colors in some of my shower curtains. I have to admit that I don't think the project was an epic fail, but definitely not as cute as I wished it would be. I'll find out the real truth, Friday.
T and I finished the night by returning back to the restaurant for dessert. I had the most fabulous peanut butter pie. So delish...the end to a fantastic date night!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Snack Schedule Sarcasm
Tonight my son's undefeated team, lost. A true nail biter. Down to the last 1.6 seconds of the game and down by one point, they inbounded the ball. Time for one pass and a shot from under the basket. The ball circled around and around the rim, and fell out.
Truly a good game; however, some of the kids were just not playing their normal game. When we got home at about 6:45p.m., my son said he wasn't hungry. He didn't care what I made for dinner but he wanted it, "later".
After an allergy attack from putting blue lights (don't get me started Meijer was out of white lights) on my Christmas tree and my eyes begging to swell shut, I went into the bathroom to take out my contacts before they were permanently sealed in my eyelids. My son was taking a shower and we chatted more about the game.
He informed me that the double cheeseburger before the game probably wasn't a good idea. WHAT? I knew that as parents, we were responsible for bringing a snack as outlined in the handout at the beginning of the season. I assumed snacks were similar to every other sport he's played for the past...ten years...a drink and fruit snacks or fruit or chips or something to be given at the end of the game. WRONG.
Whose genius idea is that? If I didn't know better, I would have guessed that the snack was provided by the opposing team. Seeing that I am responsible for snacks the last game of the season - maybe I will get deluxe Jet's pizzas and a pudding filled cake and ice cream to be devoured BEFORE the game.
What a grand idea. Grand indeed.
Truly a good game; however, some of the kids were just not playing their normal game. When we got home at about 6:45p.m., my son said he wasn't hungry. He didn't care what I made for dinner but he wanted it, "later".
After an allergy attack from putting blue lights (don't get me started Meijer was out of white lights) on my Christmas tree and my eyes begging to swell shut, I went into the bathroom to take out my contacts before they were permanently sealed in my eyelids. My son was taking a shower and we chatted more about the game.
He informed me that the double cheeseburger before the game probably wasn't a good idea. WHAT? I knew that as parents, we were responsible for bringing a snack as outlined in the handout at the beginning of the season. I assumed snacks were similar to every other sport he's played for the past...ten years...a drink and fruit snacks or fruit or chips or something to be given at the end of the game. WRONG.
T informed me that snacks are eaten prior to the game. According to T he said that snacks are typically a little healthier: pb&j, ham sandwiches or something. Today, they were double cheeseburgers from Burger King! Not only that, they also had fruit snacks, a granola bar AND a drink. All of that before playing 4 - 6 minute periods of 8th grade basketball.
Whose genius idea is that? If I didn't know better, I would have guessed that the snack was provided by the opposing team. Seeing that I am responsible for snacks the last game of the season - maybe I will get deluxe Jet's pizzas and a pudding filled cake and ice cream to be devoured BEFORE the game.
What a grand idea. Grand indeed.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Teen Room Transformation
T turned 13 in March. He officially became a teenager. His bedroom (although I didn't take a before picture - and can't find one on my camera or computer) has been painted twice in the past 11 years. He continues to have the same bedroom furniture that he has had since he was 3. My mom had purchased the bedroom set: bunk bed, two dressers and a book shelf. They are excellent quality but I thought maybe it was time to upgrade. When T was 3, the bed was on the floor and then years later it moved up to the bunk, where he continued to sleep in his twin size bed.
I offered to repaint. I offered to add sports border. I offered to redo his trunk chest. I offered a new bed. I offered a new bedroom set. No, No, No, Well, No. I had purchased the full size bed for the guest room last year with the intention that it would be T's. A week ago Friday, I had T sleep in the bed to see if he wanted it or we could go bed shopping. T decided he liked the bed and it would be fine. He also decided he wanted the area rug from the living room for his bedroom floor. He wanted to keep the same colors and not have me repaint. Less work for me = Love it!
The weekend before Thanksgiving, I spent reorganizing the rooms. Always an adventure. I managed to take down the bunk bed and had T clear off the floor, bench and the tops of his dressers. The room was clear with the exception of the two dressers that I just moved to lay down the rug and moved into position. I put up the bunk in the spare bedroom. While not completely functional for guests, it can be appropriate for a foster child that may require respite.
The afghan was made by my grandmothers and I figured for now, it can cover the crazy fabric of the couch. I am still planning on organizing the closet and then the plan will be to put the dresser into the closet. That's the idea anyway. Then if other company come, I will put the aero bed underneath the bunk. Seeing that I seldom have overnight guests, I'm not too worried at this point, although I have also considered getting a twin size bed for under the bunk. Decisions...
I assembled his desk and added his new bedding last weekend for an early Christmas present. For less than $80, his room is officially transferred into a great room for him to enjoy through his teens! And the best thing, when he came home tonight and opened his closed door, he was surprised AND, HE LOVES IT!
I offered to repaint. I offered to add sports border. I offered to redo his trunk chest. I offered a new bed. I offered a new bedroom set. No, No, No, Well, No. I had purchased the full size bed for the guest room last year with the intention that it would be T's. A week ago Friday, I had T sleep in the bed to see if he wanted it or we could go bed shopping. T decided he liked the bed and it would be fine. He also decided he wanted the area rug from the living room for his bedroom floor. He wanted to keep the same colors and not have me repaint. Less work for me = Love it!
The weekend before Thanksgiving, I spent reorganizing the rooms. Always an adventure. I managed to take down the bunk bed and had T clear off the floor, bench and the tops of his dressers. The room was clear with the exception of the two dressers that I just moved to lay down the rug and moved into position. I put up the bunk in the spare bedroom. While not completely functional for guests, it can be appropriate for a foster child that may require respite.
 |
| Guest Bedroom |
Other than dropping the mattresses on my leg while wedging in the bed frame and pinching my index finger in the metal bed frame, I managed to move the bedrooms with little issue, well little blood. T and I went through both drawers and I made him try on everything. The following day, I went through and reorganized his closet. It is amazing how much room he really has!
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| Clean & Organized, For a Minute... |
We attempted to find a comforter set, but didn't find one that was quite right. He liked a queen size comforter at Meijer that was very grown up (which I purchased for him (or me) for Christmas) on the Saturday after Black Friday for a great steal! I noticed that he was sitting on the floor with his computer on his dresser. I asked T if he would like a desk, which he said yes. On Black Friday I purchased a desk that he had found online at Staples for a steal! Then I went to the hotel restore and grabbed a desk chair that the clerk discounted $10 as the height lever wasn't working! I picked up a great queen sized down alternative comforter set at Target for $24.99!
Vermont Travels & Karma
I previously posted about my upcoming Vermont non-Vacation here. Clearly my road trip was nothing like my cross country adventure of 2009 as posted on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4 or day 5.
Sunday night (during our disc adventure and errands) I stopped by my office and looked for my Lions Thanksgiving Day football squares and checked in for my Monday morning flight and printed off my boarding passes. My flight was at 11:30a.m. out of Southbend, Indiana. I had confirmed with my friend that Southbend was on the same time zone as Chicago, an hour behind Michigan.
Monday morning after taking T to school, I had plenty of time to freeze the chili I had made throughout the night in the crock pot. I finished packing my overnight backpack and picked up the house. I left the house with plenty of time. I stopped just shy of the Indiana border and fueled up the car so that my sister-in-law had a full tank. I also went inside and bought a couple of lottery tickets and two Sobe Life Waters. I realized I was overcharged and I waited in line for the .69 overcharge.
I walked back out to my car, with my $11 plus change crammed in my pockets. I noticed a silver PT Cruiser was still at a nearby pump. I was then approached by a man in his mid-thirties in a hoodie that resembled a guy I grew up with. He apologized for having to ask, but they had "puttered into the station on fumes and were trying to get to Michigan City" and he asked if I had any spare change. I reached in my pocket and left the change and handed him $11.00. He looked at it, dumbfounded and asked if I was serious. "Have a safe trip and holiday." And I thought to myself, Karma. If he was lying, Karma.
I continued on the way to Southbend and chatted on the phone with my mom. I decided I would grab a sub from Subway before arriving at the airport. I was surprised that my phone hadn't auto corrected the time. When I walked in Subway I inquired as to the time. 11:18a.m. OH. MY. WORD.
Apparently, Southbend is in the same time zone. There was no way I could get back the two miles, park the car and make my 11:30a.m. flight. NO. WAY. So I did what I do best, I ordered my foot long sub. I then drove to the airport, parked up front in short-term parking for my sister-in-laws convenience and I walked into the airport. I looked at the monitor and saw the dreaded "On Time" status for my flight, despite the rain. I walked up to the Delta counter and gave my boarding pass and asked to be booked on the next flight to Detroit as I had missed my plane. The agent asked which flight and then made a call. Fortunately for me, the plane was delayed and hadn't even boarded!
I made that flight and was delayed one hour and fifteen minutes. I was to have 1.5 hours of a layover in Detroit, originally. I walked the brisk walk of 31 gates and arrived at my gate with three minutes to spare before boarding. Karma.
On my flight to Burlington Vermont, I scratched off my lottery tickets. I won...$10. Karma. When I was approached by the flight attendant, she said, "You look like the daughter of a friend of mine." Ok. How does one respond to such a statement? She proceeded to say the name of the subdivision I grew up in (although when she said it, I didn't recognize it as my subdivision and clarified the town where I grew up) and she then announced the street I grew up on! She moved into the same subdivision I was raised, in 1978, and continues to reside in the same residence. She was unaware that my parents had divorced in 1992 and inquired of my family. Small world!
I called and reached my brother at the airport and when we found each other, his one arm was limp. He had spent three hours in the ER in the early morning as a sack in his elbow had erupted (and Wednesday the hospital confirmed he had an infection). He was on pain killers and was in severe pain and an isolating cast. My sister-in-law was still 45 minutes away stressing that my oldest nephew may have contracted HIV after finding a spoon and a hypodermic needle in the rental attic of a friend of hers. Oh the drama.
My niece had a rough night and I was kept awake by my brother trying to soothe her in the adjacent room singing This Old Man while my two nephews slept on the hide-a-bed in my room. My brother took my sister-in-law and niece to the airport at 4:30a.m. Tuesday morning and came back and slept. I was ready to go at 5:00a.m. but decided he needed to sleep. Finally at 6:30a.m., my brother and the boys woke and we packed up the vehicles and had breakfast. We were on the road at 7:30a.m. Other than trying to get through customs driving my brother's vehicle stock full of their personal belongings, the drive was uneventful. Getting into Michigan from Canada was a little more challenging as I was suppose to have an "itemized list". Fortunately, I was let through without having to have the vehicle searched. We arrived at my mom's, west of Detroit just before 9:00p.m. Two vehicles. Two children. Two adults. Safe and Sound.
So much better and less adventurous than my cross country adventure. There is definitely something to be said with traveling with your own family than someone else's family. And having karma on your side never hurts either!
Sunday night (during our disc adventure and errands) I stopped by my office and looked for my Lions Thanksgiving Day football squares and checked in for my Monday morning flight and printed off my boarding passes. My flight was at 11:30a.m. out of Southbend, Indiana. I had confirmed with my friend that Southbend was on the same time zone as Chicago, an hour behind Michigan.
Monday morning after taking T to school, I had plenty of time to freeze the chili I had made throughout the night in the crock pot. I finished packing my overnight backpack and picked up the house. I left the house with plenty of time. I stopped just shy of the Indiana border and fueled up the car so that my sister-in-law had a full tank. I also went inside and bought a couple of lottery tickets and two Sobe Life Waters. I realized I was overcharged and I waited in line for the .69 overcharge.
I walked back out to my car, with my $11 plus change crammed in my pockets. I noticed a silver PT Cruiser was still at a nearby pump. I was then approached by a man in his mid-thirties in a hoodie that resembled a guy I grew up with. He apologized for having to ask, but they had "puttered into the station on fumes and were trying to get to Michigan City" and he asked if I had any spare change. I reached in my pocket and left the change and handed him $11.00. He looked at it, dumbfounded and asked if I was serious. "Have a safe trip and holiday." And I thought to myself, Karma. If he was lying, Karma.
I continued on the way to Southbend and chatted on the phone with my mom. I decided I would grab a sub from Subway before arriving at the airport. I was surprised that my phone hadn't auto corrected the time. When I walked in Subway I inquired as to the time. 11:18a.m. OH. MY. WORD.
Apparently, Southbend is in the same time zone. There was no way I could get back the two miles, park the car and make my 11:30a.m. flight. NO. WAY. So I did what I do best, I ordered my foot long sub. I then drove to the airport, parked up front in short-term parking for my sister-in-laws convenience and I walked into the airport. I looked at the monitor and saw the dreaded "On Time" status for my flight, despite the rain. I walked up to the Delta counter and gave my boarding pass and asked to be booked on the next flight to Detroit as I had missed my plane. The agent asked which flight and then made a call. Fortunately for me, the plane was delayed and hadn't even boarded!
I made that flight and was delayed one hour and fifteen minutes. I was to have 1.5 hours of a layover in Detroit, originally. I walked the brisk walk of 31 gates and arrived at my gate with three minutes to spare before boarding. Karma.
On my flight to Burlington Vermont, I scratched off my lottery tickets. I won...$10. Karma. When I was approached by the flight attendant, she said, "You look like the daughter of a friend of mine." Ok. How does one respond to such a statement? She proceeded to say the name of the subdivision I grew up in (although when she said it, I didn't recognize it as my subdivision and clarified the town where I grew up) and she then announced the street I grew up on! She moved into the same subdivision I was raised, in 1978, and continues to reside in the same residence. She was unaware that my parents had divorced in 1992 and inquired of my family. Small world!
I called and reached my brother at the airport and when we found each other, his one arm was limp. He had spent three hours in the ER in the early morning as a sack in his elbow had erupted (and Wednesday the hospital confirmed he had an infection). He was on pain killers and was in severe pain and an isolating cast. My sister-in-law was still 45 minutes away stressing that my oldest nephew may have contracted HIV after finding a spoon and a hypodermic needle in the rental attic of a friend of hers. Oh the drama.
My niece had a rough night and I was kept awake by my brother trying to soothe her in the adjacent room singing This Old Man while my two nephews slept on the hide-a-bed in my room. My brother took my sister-in-law and niece to the airport at 4:30a.m. Tuesday morning and came back and slept. I was ready to go at 5:00a.m. but decided he needed to sleep. Finally at 6:30a.m., my brother and the boys woke and we packed up the vehicles and had breakfast. We were on the road at 7:30a.m. Other than trying to get through customs driving my brother's vehicle stock full of their personal belongings, the drive was uneventful. Getting into Michigan from Canada was a little more challenging as I was suppose to have an "itemized list". Fortunately, I was let through without having to have the vehicle searched. We arrived at my mom's, west of Detroit just before 9:00p.m. Two vehicles. Two children. Two adults. Safe and Sound.
So much better and less adventurous than my cross country adventure. There is definitely something to be said with traveling with your own family than someone else's family. And having karma on your side never hurts either!
Disc Disarray
A week ago Sunday, after a lazy day around the house, I decided T and I needed to run some errands. We needed to go to Blockbuster, Kohl's and my work. All said and done, errands that should have taken less than an hour. Should. Have.
Our first stop was Blockbuster. T opted to hangout in the parking lot and throw around his new flying disc, with distances up to a quarter of a mile. I had called my brother after leaving the house to talk about my pending trip out to Vermont and get the latest on my dad. I went into Blockbuster and swapped out movies. When I came out, still on the phone, T was forlorn. T had managed to lodge his disc in the one of two trees in the middle of the parking lot, over 20 feet in tree! Understanding the predicament, I got off the phone and decided that using a baseball in the car might knock the disc down.
After about 15 minutes, we managed to get the baseball stuck in the tree. For those of you that don't know me all that well, I have a slight fear of heights. So why in the world I thought it would be a great idea to climb the tree was unbeknownst to me! In minutes, I was in the tree, climbing and retrieved the ball. I spent many years of my childhood in trees, but several falls from ladders have made me height-skiddish. I embraced the tree and proceeded to shake it, to no avail. The disc didn't budge. I even tried to throw the ball at the disc while in the tree. Of course, not my smarter ideas. After sometime, I decided I should climb down from the tree, without the disc. This is where fear set in. Fear.
As I stood in the tree, about 6.5" in the air, I froze. Fear. I couldn't do it. I tried to psyche myself. I tried to calm myself. I tried to trick myself. I was even tempted to have T drive the car under the tree so I could jump on my new hood. Then, I realized I was a grown woman. 36 years old. I could do this. I maneuvered on to my stomach and stretched downward and jumped the remaining feet to the ground. Then, I began to shake. I realize I am no longer 6 or even 12. I shouldn't be climbing trees. Especially given that I am more than accident prone. Why was my 13 year old son not in the tree?
After another while, we again managed to get the ball stuck. All the while, we hit the disc and managed to lodge it a little more than initially. T climbed the tree, while I tried to give him instructions. He advised that I should have taught him Tree Climbing 101 in 2nd grade, not 8th grade! We were right back to where we started. Disc in the tree. We started tossing broken pieces of the parking lot and finally after discouraging onlookers from joining in our adventure, we gave up. An HOUR later.
An hour of our time, was definitely worth more than the $10 disc. Fortunately, after both of us climbing the tree, neither of us fell. T suggested we get an extension pole from Menards and retrieve the disc. After finishing our errands, we went to Menards.
The first sales associate directed us to the gardening section. Other than tree edgers, there was not an extension pole. I located a second sales associate and inquired about an "extension pole" to retrieve something in the tree about 20' high. He had no idea what we needed and called over a third sales associate. When I inquired about the "extension pole" he said they had them in the painting section at which time the second associate said, "Oh you meant an extension pole!". Ummm...Yeah. Needless to say, T mocked the associate the entire jaunt across the store to the poles.
Almost $40 later and a 24' extension pole extending the length of my Neon, we headed back to Blockbuster. Fortunately the disc was still lodged in the tree. We extended the pole as much as possible and found it to be rather unstable; however, we were able to retrieve the disc! Then a quick return back to Menard's to return our pole, less than 30 minutes later!
So our one hour of errands...turned into an adventure of 3.5 hours! Is anything simple?
Our first stop was Blockbuster. T opted to hangout in the parking lot and throw around his new flying disc, with distances up to a quarter of a mile. I had called my brother after leaving the house to talk about my pending trip out to Vermont and get the latest on my dad. I went into Blockbuster and swapped out movies. When I came out, still on the phone, T was forlorn. T had managed to lodge his disc in the one of two trees in the middle of the parking lot, over 20 feet in tree! Understanding the predicament, I got off the phone and decided that using a baseball in the car might knock the disc down.
After about 15 minutes, we managed to get the baseball stuck in the tree. For those of you that don't know me all that well, I have a slight fear of heights. So why in the world I thought it would be a great idea to climb the tree was unbeknownst to me! In minutes, I was in the tree, climbing and retrieved the ball. I spent many years of my childhood in trees, but several falls from ladders have made me height-skiddish. I embraced the tree and proceeded to shake it, to no avail. The disc didn't budge. I even tried to throw the ball at the disc while in the tree. Of course, not my smarter ideas. After sometime, I decided I should climb down from the tree, without the disc. This is where fear set in. Fear.
As I stood in the tree, about 6.5" in the air, I froze. Fear. I couldn't do it. I tried to psyche myself. I tried to calm myself. I tried to trick myself. I was even tempted to have T drive the car under the tree so I could jump on my new hood. Then, I realized I was a grown woman. 36 years old. I could do this. I maneuvered on to my stomach and stretched downward and jumped the remaining feet to the ground. Then, I began to shake. I realize I am no longer 6 or even 12. I shouldn't be climbing trees. Especially given that I am more than accident prone. Why was my 13 year old son not in the tree?
After another while, we again managed to get the ball stuck. All the while, we hit the disc and managed to lodge it a little more than initially. T climbed the tree, while I tried to give him instructions. He advised that I should have taught him Tree Climbing 101 in 2nd grade, not 8th grade! We were right back to where we started. Disc in the tree. We started tossing broken pieces of the parking lot and finally after discouraging onlookers from joining in our adventure, we gave up. An HOUR later.
An hour of our time, was definitely worth more than the $10 disc. Fortunately, after both of us climbing the tree, neither of us fell. T suggested we get an extension pole from Menards and retrieve the disc. After finishing our errands, we went to Menards.
The first sales associate directed us to the gardening section. Other than tree edgers, there was not an extension pole. I located a second sales associate and inquired about an "extension pole" to retrieve something in the tree about 20' high. He had no idea what we needed and called over a third sales associate. When I inquired about the "extension pole" he said they had them in the painting section at which time the second associate said, "Oh you meant an extension pole!". Ummm...Yeah. Needless to say, T mocked the associate the entire jaunt across the store to the poles.
Almost $40 later and a 24' extension pole extending the length of my Neon, we headed back to Blockbuster. Fortunately the disc was still lodged in the tree. We extended the pole as much as possible and found it to be rather unstable; however, we were able to retrieve the disc! Then a quick return back to Menard's to return our pole, less than 30 minutes later!
So our one hour of errands...turned into an adventure of 3.5 hours! Is anything simple?
Carpet Picture Post
I've been rummaging around trying to find "before" pictures and if I continue to look any longer, I'll never post! I can't seem to find any with the dining room rug.
Here are pictures of the new rugs that I purchased for my birthday:
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| Living Room Rug: Before |
Friday, November 19, 2010
Curtains to Carpet...Not yet...
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE shower curtains. Since adding the additional 3/4 bathroom, I've become slightly less obsessed with having to change the look of my one bathroom.
I did decide though, that for my birthday, I wanted to buy a new bathroom ensemble. Not just a discounted or clearanced curtain. I wanted to find a shower curtain that I LOVE and buy new rugs and everything.
Of course, I couldn't find a single shower curtain that I wanted to spend my money on. I did find a cute clearanced Halloween shower curtain for $3.50 that I purchased. I even, for the first time EVER, started looking for shower curtains online. On two different sites, I added a curtain into my cart to find that it wasn't in stock!
I was striking out miserably. Then, I recalled a large room rug that I found over the summer that I liked and considered buying it instead. I went to the store to see if they still had it. They did! I purchased a large area rug for my living room and a smaller rug to replace the rug under my kitchen table.
I love them both! They were a fabulous deal and they both fit into my car too! I was so excited by my birthday purchases, I was on cloud nine when I went into Jimmy John's to order my favorite sandwich and a pickle. When I moved toward the end of the counter, sitting at a booth was a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a while! He had texted me, "What are you ordering" when I hung up the phone but I never heard the text and saw him first!
What a great day and I absolutely LOVE the new look of the rugs. Maybe even more than a change of a shower curtain. Although, I have no intention of changing the rugs again anytime soon! I did however change out my shower curtain too as I was craving red. Win. Win.
I did decide though, that for my birthday, I wanted to buy a new bathroom ensemble. Not just a discounted or clearanced curtain. I wanted to find a shower curtain that I LOVE and buy new rugs and everything.
Of course, I couldn't find a single shower curtain that I wanted to spend my money on. I did find a cute clearanced Halloween shower curtain for $3.50 that I purchased. I even, for the first time EVER, started looking for shower curtains online. On two different sites, I added a curtain into my cart to find that it wasn't in stock!
I was striking out miserably. Then, I recalled a large room rug that I found over the summer that I liked and considered buying it instead. I went to the store to see if they still had it. They did! I purchased a large area rug for my living room and a smaller rug to replace the rug under my kitchen table.
I love them both! They were a fabulous deal and they both fit into my car too! I was so excited by my birthday purchases, I was on cloud nine when I went into Jimmy John's to order my favorite sandwich and a pickle. When I moved toward the end of the counter, sitting at a booth was a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a while! He had texted me, "What are you ordering" when I hung up the phone but I never heard the text and saw him first!
What a great day and I absolutely LOVE the new look of the rugs. Maybe even more than a change of a shower curtain. Although, I have no intention of changing the rugs again anytime soon! I did however change out my shower curtain too as I was craving red. Win. Win.
Cookie Irony
I've been terribly busy at work. I have been working every late night possible and a few extras as well. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, the reprieve around the holidays, almost. Last week, a day that our office was closed, I found myself working to accommodate a family. A family that has been nothing but difficult.
The moment after I knocked on the door, it was sprung open and loudly I was greeted with the fact that the woman had "over booked" and had to race out soon with two of the youth. She hovered while I tried to do my job and meet (interview) the youth individually. General conversations. She sat for about ten minutes with me and her husband before she had to bolt. I finished up the visit with the husband and left. I tried to address several of the serious concerns we (workers & myself) have with the family. I felt that I was appropriate and non-confrontational. Apparently, I wasn't.
Today I managed to do everything I could possible and procrastinated writing the report from my visit. I would write it after my lunch with MS. Lunch was pleasant and always good to see MS. He followed me after lunch as I showed him how to get to the local home improvement store and I made a mad dash into Subway to get three cookies. I was craving cookies - sugar/chocolate - something awful! I ate two on the drive back to my office.
In sorting through my notes and information to prepare my report, I noticed I had made a mistake. It had only been 10 months since I had been to the home, not a year as the first visit was "late". Therefore, I didn't realize that a video I can count for training, I had counted for the previous review. I called to inform the family that they needed six hours of training, not the four that I had thought and why. The woman went off on me about how she was sick and didn't want to discuss things now, but went on to say that she has issues with how I address things in the family. Apparently, "all hell broke loose" after I left the home. And apparently, by engaging their adult son in conversation (while the mom hovered around the corner outside the room eavesdropping) about his plans to join the military - that meant that I said he was not welcome in the home. That by restating to the family a rule of reporting within one business day any change in household composition, that enforced that her son was not welcome in the home (despite being informed in August that he would be joining the military in January/February and I was discussing the process). She went on beyond that (which I won't go into details)...to summarize that I don't do my job well and she had previously asked someone for a meeting that never happened. Really? Why not ask ME for a meeting? Have I mentioned how much I am bothered by incompetence and dishonesty/liars?
I was beyond irritated. I decided I needed to leave the office and cool down. Writing an emotional report is never a good thing, especially when Supervision (even when I ask for criticism and appropriateness) only looks for a random word typo in a report. I took the rest of the day off. MS was still in town and we were able to hangout until time to head to my son's basketball game. I wasn't in the best of moods, but it was nice to have company, even if I wasn't very talkative. While driving to meet up with MS, I finished my third cookie (I am getting to the point!).
Tonight, I logged into my work email account. I had an email from the clerical support that opens the mail that I had received a package. A package of cookies from Mrs. Fields! I have absolutely NO idea who they are from or why. If I had to guess, I have two people in mind that may have sent them (although we are not allowed to receive vendor gifts), but I could be completely wrong. I doubt that it is a late birthday gift sent to my work.
Again, just another example of how things completely happen for a reason. I was craving cookies - I bought some out of the blue. I left work after a bad experience with a family and had I stayed, then I would have been there to receive my cookies (I was actually still in the office when they arrived too!). Good thing I didn't get them at the time...I'm sure I would have eaten every last crumb! But what a fabulous surprise when I least expect it and definitely could use it!
The moment after I knocked on the door, it was sprung open and loudly I was greeted with the fact that the woman had "over booked" and had to race out soon with two of the youth. She hovered while I tried to do my job and meet (interview) the youth individually. General conversations. She sat for about ten minutes with me and her husband before she had to bolt. I finished up the visit with the husband and left. I tried to address several of the serious concerns we (workers & myself) have with the family. I felt that I was appropriate and non-confrontational. Apparently, I wasn't.
Today I managed to do everything I could possible and procrastinated writing the report from my visit. I would write it after my lunch with MS. Lunch was pleasant and always good to see MS. He followed me after lunch as I showed him how to get to the local home improvement store and I made a mad dash into Subway to get three cookies. I was craving cookies - sugar/chocolate - something awful! I ate two on the drive back to my office.
In sorting through my notes and information to prepare my report, I noticed I had made a mistake. It had only been 10 months since I had been to the home, not a year as the first visit was "late". Therefore, I didn't realize that a video I can count for training, I had counted for the previous review. I called to inform the family that they needed six hours of training, not the four that I had thought and why. The woman went off on me about how she was sick and didn't want to discuss things now, but went on to say that she has issues with how I address things in the family. Apparently, "all hell broke loose" after I left the home. And apparently, by engaging their adult son in conversation (while the mom hovered around the corner outside the room eavesdropping) about his plans to join the military - that meant that I said he was not welcome in the home. That by restating to the family a rule of reporting within one business day any change in household composition, that enforced that her son was not welcome in the home (despite being informed in August that he would be joining the military in January/February and I was discussing the process). She went on beyond that (which I won't go into details)...to summarize that I don't do my job well and she had previously asked someone for a meeting that never happened. Really? Why not ask ME for a meeting? Have I mentioned how much I am bothered by incompetence and dishonesty/liars?
I was beyond irritated. I decided I needed to leave the office and cool down. Writing an emotional report is never a good thing, especially when Supervision (even when I ask for criticism and appropriateness) only looks for a random word typo in a report. I took the rest of the day off. MS was still in town and we were able to hangout until time to head to my son's basketball game. I wasn't in the best of moods, but it was nice to have company, even if I wasn't very talkative. While driving to meet up with MS, I finished my third cookie (I am getting to the point!).
Tonight, I logged into my work email account. I had an email from the clerical support that opens the mail that I had received a package. A package of cookies from Mrs. Fields! I have absolutely NO idea who they are from or why. If I had to guess, I have two people in mind that may have sent them (although we are not allowed to receive vendor gifts), but I could be completely wrong. I doubt that it is a late birthday gift sent to my work.
Again, just another example of how things completely happen for a reason. I was craving cookies - I bought some out of the blue. I left work after a bad experience with a family and had I stayed, then I would have been there to receive my cookies (I was actually still in the office when they arrived too!). Good thing I didn't get them at the time...I'm sure I would have eaten every last crumb! But what a fabulous surprise when I least expect it and definitely could use it!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Educating - Don't Take MY Money....
My son doesn't like to spend his money. He also doesn't do well with gift cards or prepaid visa cards. He doesn't want either for Christmas; however, he would like to be present for clothes shopping. How does one do that with having it be a surprise and not be a gift card?
Clearly, my son and I have to do better at actually using his gift cards, especially ones like the visa that evaporate when you aren't using them! So last night, we made a point to use his remaining WalMart gift card from Christmas 2009 and an MC Sports card from March 2010.
If you ever wondered how to teach a child to count, turn it into terms of money. When very little, my son would separate change by size (quarter, nickle, penny, dime). Then he would count how many of each. Then he learned the value of money. IF he counted the value correctly (every month or so) he would keep the change (upwards to $30 accumulated in my car and purse as I didn't spend change when he was young so it would go into his bank!). He continues to excel in math to this day. Story problems you ask? Change them to money, no problem.
Well of course that was what I thought until tonight. Last night T bought a basketball on sale, a lighted disc and a disc that can throw up to 1/4 mile. His total: $42.37. His gift card was for $20. While standing in line, before our purchases were tallied, he said he would owe me $20. He heard the total. I gave him the receipt.
Tonight he handed me $20. I was on the phone. I laughed with my friend about how T shorted me $2.37. T commented, "Seriously Mom, $2.37?"
My response, "No problem. I was going to give you $5.00 for helping me rake the leaves tonight. But Seriously, why would you want $2.63?" Of course he wanted $5.00!
Quickly he said that he would pay me the difference, rationalizing that he hadn't taken into account the tax for his purchases. He quickly calculated that in his head, amounting to $2.40, which was exactly the amount of the tax charged, but he had rounded up the three .99 amounts to the even $1.00, which was the difference of .03. He counted out the change to give me the $2.37, at which point I handed him $3.00 and told him to keep it.
Isn't it amazing how much money matters more when it is YOUR money and not someone else's?
Clearly, my son and I have to do better at actually using his gift cards, especially ones like the visa that evaporate when you aren't using them! So last night, we made a point to use his remaining WalMart gift card from Christmas 2009 and an MC Sports card from March 2010.
If you ever wondered how to teach a child to count, turn it into terms of money. When very little, my son would separate change by size (quarter, nickle, penny, dime). Then he would count how many of each. Then he learned the value of money. IF he counted the value correctly (every month or so) he would keep the change (upwards to $30 accumulated in my car and purse as I didn't spend change when he was young so it would go into his bank!). He continues to excel in math to this day. Story problems you ask? Change them to money, no problem.
Well of course that was what I thought until tonight. Last night T bought a basketball on sale, a lighted disc and a disc that can throw up to 1/4 mile. His total: $42.37. His gift card was for $20. While standing in line, before our purchases were tallied, he said he would owe me $20. He heard the total. I gave him the receipt.
Tonight he handed me $20. I was on the phone. I laughed with my friend about how T shorted me $2.37. T commented, "Seriously Mom, $2.37?"
My response, "No problem. I was going to give you $5.00 for helping me rake the leaves tonight. But Seriously, why would you want $2.63?" Of course he wanted $5.00!
Quickly he said that he would pay me the difference, rationalizing that he hadn't taken into account the tax for his purchases. He quickly calculated that in his head, amounting to $2.40, which was exactly the amount of the tax charged, but he had rounded up the three .99 amounts to the even $1.00, which was the difference of .03. He counted out the change to give me the $2.37, at which point I handed him $3.00 and told him to keep it.
Isn't it amazing how much money matters more when it is YOUR money and not someone else's?
Timing & Timeframes
Right now is one of the busiest times of year for me. I have a lot of yearly evaluations to complete in a timely manner while dealing with the holidays and others schedules. Additionally, my ability to work nights is restricted due to hunting season for the next week and then Thanksgiving week.
At the beginning of November, I was finding that to complete Orientations in the evening with new families, for the first time EVER, I would be scheduling out to December. CRAZY. Doesn't bode well for the over achiever A personality, but I can't make schedules and times that don't exist! Fortunately, I have been able to juggle most everything somehow or another. I've managed to throw in the blanket on the tie blankets after making almost 20! I have been doing so many renewals that I have three reports yet to complete - which I hope to have done by the end of the week at the very latest, although I don't actually have deadlines other than my own self-inflicted ones!
In working with a family, they have one year to complete the licensing process. ONE. YEAR. Or...TWELVE. MONTHS. As a reminder, I had all my information completed in less than two, if that. One family I began working with last October, was having difficulty with the paperwork and doing some home improvements in their newly acquired home. They would email me initially every 1.5 months to say they were still interested in the process. Then I didn't hear from them for four months. Then in June, I receive an email that they are still very interested and what do they need to do. I email the wife back and tell her. No response.
That is, until TONIGHT. Almost five months later. She and her husband are still working on the paperwork and they need more prepaid return envelopes. Unfortunately for them, or for me, or for Uncle Sam or who knows who, their year, ended in October. Their enrollment is closed.
Technically I should complete another Orientation. Personally, I don't know why, since I can't imagine they will ever complete the entire process before I retire! I just can't imagine. I understand that life happens; however, in this line of work, timeliness and communication are a necessity! I can't imagine how long a return phone call would take if I called them for a placement...
At the beginning of November, I was finding that to complete Orientations in the evening with new families, for the first time EVER, I would be scheduling out to December. CRAZY. Doesn't bode well for the over achiever A personality, but I can't make schedules and times that don't exist! Fortunately, I have been able to juggle most everything somehow or another. I've managed to throw in the blanket on the tie blankets after making almost 20! I have been doing so many renewals that I have three reports yet to complete - which I hope to have done by the end of the week at the very latest, although I don't actually have deadlines other than my own self-inflicted ones!
In working with a family, they have one year to complete the licensing process. ONE. YEAR. Or...TWELVE. MONTHS. As a reminder, I had all my information completed in less than two, if that. One family I began working with last October, was having difficulty with the paperwork and doing some home improvements in their newly acquired home. They would email me initially every 1.5 months to say they were still interested in the process. Then I didn't hear from them for four months. Then in June, I receive an email that they are still very interested and what do they need to do. I email the wife back and tell her. No response.
That is, until TONIGHT. Almost five months later. She and her husband are still working on the paperwork and they need more prepaid return envelopes. Unfortunately for them, or for me, or for Uncle Sam or who knows who, their year, ended in October. Their enrollment is closed.
Technically I should complete another Orientation. Personally, I don't know why, since I can't imagine they will ever complete the entire process before I retire! I just can't imagine. I understand that life happens; however, in this line of work, timeliness and communication are a necessity! I can't imagine how long a return phone call would take if I called them for a placement...
Monday, November 15, 2010
Shopping @ Meijer & Crude...
Tonight, amidst the craziness of life, I found myself smack dab in the middle of Meijer. I had just finished a late home call and was running to the store to grab three things: milk, bread and applesauce.
Well we all know how that three things list works. In the midst of stock piling my cart trying to be mommy of the week without a reprieve of visitation due to deer hunting season, I ran into a friend of mine. We started chatting. My twenty minute jaunt from home call to home was turning into significantly longer.
The best part of the shopping experience, wasn't the grand check out total of $90 (you thought your part of the country was hit hard with inflation!) or saving of $25. Nope, hard to imagine I know, but...
While in the self-scan no limit checkout, I was hurriedly trying to scan and not get the voice bellowing about placing the item on the conveyor or backed up or not scanned items and hurrying to get out of there for the drive home, my personal space became encroached. I briefly looked up to see two heavier set cub scouts in blue uniforms with ties amidst trying to figure out the key in code for weighed green bell peppers, not unit price to no avail.
One of the boys said, "I like your hair." I replied "Thank you".
He then said, "What color is it?"
If I had an extra moment, I might have smacked the young lad; however, I replied, "What color do YOU think it is?"
At that point, his parents blabbered niceties and rudeness comments to the boys and shuffled them to another self-checkout line.
Wow...and I thought only free entertainment came at WalMart.
Happy Monday!
Well we all know how that three things list works. In the midst of stock piling my cart trying to be mommy of the week without a reprieve of visitation due to deer hunting season, I ran into a friend of mine. We started chatting. My twenty minute jaunt from home call to home was turning into significantly longer.
The best part of the shopping experience, wasn't the grand check out total of $90 (you thought your part of the country was hit hard with inflation!) or saving of $25. Nope, hard to imagine I know, but...
While in the self-scan no limit checkout, I was hurriedly trying to scan and not get the voice bellowing about placing the item on the conveyor or backed up or not scanned items and hurrying to get out of there for the drive home, my personal space became encroached. I briefly looked up to see two heavier set cub scouts in blue uniforms with ties amidst trying to figure out the key in code for weighed green bell peppers, not unit price to no avail.
One of the boys said, "I like your hair." I replied "Thank you".
He then said, "What color is it?"
If I had an extra moment, I might have smacked the young lad; however, I replied, "What color do YOU think it is?"
At that point, his parents blabbered niceties and rudeness comments to the boys and shuffled them to another self-checkout line.
Wow...and I thought only free entertainment came at WalMart.
Happy Monday!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Acceptance & Spinning Stops NOW
Last night if it hadn't been almost 2a.m., I might have actually posted about the remainder of my weekend. Sunday forward, but I didn't. Instead, I laid in bed consumed by how I couldn't get warm and I couldn't get my mind to stop racing.
Today, I'm in a very different position and again, I still can't blog, not yet.
What I can say, is that there are two things I'm not a fan:
Today, I'm in a very different position and again, I still can't blog, not yet.
What I can say, is that there are two things I'm not a fan:
* The fable: The Boy Who Cried Wolf
* Spinning (Amusement/Roller Coaster) Rides
This spinning roller coaster has to end. While I'm all about thrill seeking behavior, and Dramamine has proved my friend in combating motion sickness in the past, this ride, Dramamine will not assist. It is time that the fable is no longer effective. Reality has set.
It is time for me to exit the ride to my left. This is one spinning roller coaster that I am no longer going to ride.
Raker's Remorse...Rule to Read
My lawn has been overcome by leaves. Being out of town for several days didn't fare well for the accumulation of my small yard. I had anticipated either mowing or raking on Sunday and that didn't happen. Life happened. I also anticipated cutting the gas pipes to fit them in the garbage can. That didn't happen either. Life happened (and in such probably avoided some other pivotal handyman injury in the process!)
I have a little advice on raking. Clearly, without daylight savings time in effect, it gets much darker, much earlier, especially in Michigan.
Seeing that it wasn't until 6:30p.m. until I was able to start raking, I quickly found myself navigating my yard in the dark. I figured I would finish the back and side yard and save the front yard for Saturday. Of course once I got started, there really wasn't much stopping me; however, while raking in the dark may prove challenging, it is nothing compared to:
I have a little advice on raking. Clearly, without daylight savings time in effect, it gets much darker, much earlier, especially in Michigan.
Seeing that it wasn't until 6:30p.m. until I was able to start raking, I quickly found myself navigating my yard in the dark. I figured I would finish the back and side yard and save the front yard for Saturday. Of course once I got started, there really wasn't much stopping me; however, while raking in the dark may prove challenging, it is nothing compared to:
Raking in the dark with the rake upside down and the tines facing up!
TGIF, TGIF =) Have a great weekend!
Meijer Muse
I love Meijer. I have a Meijer credit card. I use it for almost everything (unless I have a department store card elsewhere). I noticed yesterday that they raised my limit 3+ times higher than my requested lowered limit. Sigh...
Increased love for Meijer occurred tonight. I learned that all pre-cut deli meat is 50% off an hour before deli closing! Clearly they don't advertise this, or I would have known! While I don't frequent the deli counter often and have no idea what the deli hours are, tonight we scored some serious sandwich fixings: salami, honey baked ham, mesquite bbq chicken and honey roasted turkey! Looking forward to some great sandwiches this weekend with cheese, lettuce and tomato...
Oh how I love my Meijer!
I love saving .05 on every gallon of gas at Meijer gas stations.
I love special sale days for Meijer card holders: 15% off G. Merchandise, 5% off Grocery. November 8, 2010 will be the next sale day!
Increased love for Meijer occurred tonight. I learned that all pre-cut deli meat is 50% off an hour before deli closing! Clearly they don't advertise this, or I would have known! While I don't frequent the deli counter often and have no idea what the deli hours are, tonight we scored some serious sandwich fixings: salami, honey baked ham, mesquite bbq chicken and honey roasted turkey! Looking forward to some great sandwiches this weekend with cheese, lettuce and tomato...
Oh how I love my Meijer!
Family Fun: No Vermont Vacation
So in the midst of the weekend recaps, I forgot to mention what was to be my next impromptu "vacation". Ok, so not a vacation by any means, but a trip out of town and out of the state of Michigan.
My brother and his family (wife and three children) will be moving with my brother's job across the country. At his request, I can't discuss his "witness protection" lifestyle - at least that is what he told the Walgreen's guy the other day! My mom had offered to fly out to help my brother and his family travel from Vermont back to Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday before being in his new state, halfway across the US. My mom had suggested that my sister-in-law and less than a month old niece fly home rather than drive the 13 hours back to Michigan.
I thought it was a brilliant idea that my mom offered to assist my brother and his family. I also recognized that the flight alone would be physically and mentally demanding on my mom let alone the drive back to Michigan. I have time that I can take off from work and after having T for 12 days or so in a row for hunting season, I decided maybe I should offer. I could take three days off of work and help them get back home. The idea came quickly and out of the blue. It seemed brilliant.
I called my brother and we caught up on everything going on with the family. I offered that I could fly out and drive back. My brother liked the idea better with me assisting than my mom (and fortunately my mom thought it was a great idea too when I suggested it, after the fact!). Apparently the flights back to Michigan were too much, so they thought my sister-in-law and the baby would just ride back. This all came to fruition on Thursday night 10/28. My brother said he would talk to his wife and let me know by noon Friday. After we got off the phone, I called my mom.
I could get a flight out to my brother's one-way for $200. My sister-in-law and the baby could fly into where I was flying out of for about $244 and take my car and go to her parents or my parents. She would be in a car, en route to her destination, three hours after departing the airport! I called my brother and left a message to tell him about the flight information.
On Friday, my sister-in-law called to say that they were taking me up on my offer; however, she would be "riding". They hadn't listened to my message and were unaware that she and the baby could fly back so reasonably. So in less than 24 hours, I had suggested assisting my brother and his family on the first leg of their cross country move and had purchased my ticket, done deal.
I'm looking forward to meeting my niece and seeing my nephews. I'll even be able to see Vermont, very briefly before our drive home through Canada. I surely hope that I don't forget my passport or it could be a very long journey indeed.
My brother and his family (wife and three children) will be moving with my brother's job across the country. At his request, I can't discuss his "witness protection" lifestyle - at least that is what he told the Walgreen's guy the other day! My mom had offered to fly out to help my brother and his family travel from Vermont back to Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday before being in his new state, halfway across the US. My mom had suggested that my sister-in-law and less than a month old niece fly home rather than drive the 13 hours back to Michigan.
I thought it was a brilliant idea that my mom offered to assist my brother and his family. I also recognized that the flight alone would be physically and mentally demanding on my mom let alone the drive back to Michigan. I have time that I can take off from work and after having T for 12 days or so in a row for hunting season, I decided maybe I should offer. I could take three days off of work and help them get back home. The idea came quickly and out of the blue. It seemed brilliant.
I called my brother and we caught up on everything going on with the family. I offered that I could fly out and drive back. My brother liked the idea better with me assisting than my mom (and fortunately my mom thought it was a great idea too when I suggested it, after the fact!). Apparently the flights back to Michigan were too much, so they thought my sister-in-law and the baby would just ride back. This all came to fruition on Thursday night 10/28. My brother said he would talk to his wife and let me know by noon Friday. After we got off the phone, I called my mom.
I could get a flight out to my brother's one-way for $200. My sister-in-law and the baby could fly into where I was flying out of for about $244 and take my car and go to her parents or my parents. She would be in a car, en route to her destination, three hours after departing the airport! I called my brother and left a message to tell him about the flight information.
On Friday, my sister-in-law called to say that they were taking me up on my offer; however, she would be "riding". They hadn't listened to my message and were unaware that she and the baby could fly back so reasonably. So in less than 24 hours, I had suggested assisting my brother and his family on the first leg of their cross country move and had purchased my ticket, done deal.
I'm looking forward to meeting my niece and seeing my nephews. I'll even be able to see Vermont, very briefly before our drive home through Canada. I surely hope that I don't forget my passport or it could be a very long journey indeed.
Weekend Recap Part II: Water Line & Lack of Linebacker
If you haven't read Part I yet, here is the recap. Long story short, my basement looks super fabulous and much less congested with non-functional potentially leaking gas lines!
Of course, I couldn't find myself doing nothing while Freddie worked diligently on beautifying my basement. I did attempt to stay out of his way by being upstairs, but he called me for assistance and then I decided I should be close by to help. We enjoyed several hours of conversation including his becoming a snobby foodie and his favorite dishes to cook as well as traveling. I worked on freeing up a couple of old galvanized water line pipes that were put through a cement wall and of course Freddie helped me! He commented on how I'm a "doer" and wondered if I got those skills from my father. He didn't forsee that there was anything that I wouldn't accomplish if I set my mind to it. I did tell him that I had my limits, which included not removing gas lines, but removing the asbestos duct work for the furnace years ago - that I was OK with!
After the water lines were removed, I noticed a copper flexible line was dripping water. The line went from my utility storage room through the laundry room and to the furnace. The line was not connected. I decided it would be great to remove it, although the line was secured by copper pieces nailed into the wood boards. I managed to free the line into the laundry area. Sitting on the top of the freezer, with a ladder in front of me, I took the hammer overhead to pry off one of the connectors (I'm sure there is a real word for those metal dohickie pieces!). Unfortunately, I lost my grip on the hammer and it came flying at me.
Right to my face. The claw end of the hammer punctured under my left eye, missing my eye by an inch! Then the hammer bounced to my lip and then onto the floor (although I have a nice bruise on my knee that I'm thinking it may have hit my knee in transit to the ground too!). Immediately my eye began to swell as tears surfaced. Immediate PAIN. I headed upstairs to see the damage. Quickly, both under the eye and the lip began to swell. My gum was bleeding but fortunately my tooth wasn't loose.
Being a boxer or a Domestic Violence victim was not part of the Halloween weekend! I immediately texted AG to tell him that due to my hammer mishap I would be canceling our plans to the Winery. He suggested I wear sunglasses and we go to the movies, which I declined as well. Although I would have been right in par for my holiday injuries with AG that I incurred biking with him on Memorial Weekend as posted here.
Freddie noticed immediately the bruising that was occurring on my face. He had heard something fall but hadn't heard a peep out of me, so hadn't realized I had managed to injure myself. I told him, "Unless I am dying, I won't say much!" He suggested a regime of icing, heat and then pressure to the pooling blood with frozen metal to alleviate the bruising and said I would be good to go by the evening. Unfortunately, I didn't feel so "good to go" and I stayed home, lights off and watching movies.
I did however, manage to remove the copper water line and the basement looks super! Freddie even suggested that I can now put in a drop ceiling. I'll pass on that, for now.
Of course, I couldn't find myself doing nothing while Freddie worked diligently on beautifying my basement. I did attempt to stay out of his way by being upstairs, but he called me for assistance and then I decided I should be close by to help. We enjoyed several hours of conversation including his becoming a snobby foodie and his favorite dishes to cook as well as traveling. I worked on freeing up a couple of old galvanized water line pipes that were put through a cement wall and of course Freddie helped me! He commented on how I'm a "doer" and wondered if I got those skills from my father. He didn't forsee that there was anything that I wouldn't accomplish if I set my mind to it. I did tell him that I had my limits, which included not removing gas lines, but removing the asbestos duct work for the furnace years ago - that I was OK with!
After the water lines were removed, I noticed a copper flexible line was dripping water. The line went from my utility storage room through the laundry room and to the furnace. The line was not connected. I decided it would be great to remove it, although the line was secured by copper pieces nailed into the wood boards. I managed to free the line into the laundry area. Sitting on the top of the freezer, with a ladder in front of me, I took the hammer overhead to pry off one of the connectors (I'm sure there is a real word for those metal dohickie pieces!). Unfortunately, I lost my grip on the hammer and it came flying at me.
Right to my face. The claw end of the hammer punctured under my left eye, missing my eye by an inch! Then the hammer bounced to my lip and then onto the floor (although I have a nice bruise on my knee that I'm thinking it may have hit my knee in transit to the ground too!). Immediately my eye began to swell as tears surfaced. Immediate PAIN. I headed upstairs to see the damage. Quickly, both under the eye and the lip began to swell. My gum was bleeding but fortunately my tooth wasn't loose.
Being a boxer or a Domestic Violence victim was not part of the Halloween weekend! I immediately texted AG to tell him that due to my hammer mishap I would be canceling our plans to the Winery. He suggested I wear sunglasses and we go to the movies, which I declined as well. Although I would have been right in par for my holiday injuries with AG that I incurred biking with him on Memorial Weekend as posted here.
Freddie noticed immediately the bruising that was occurring on my face. He had heard something fall but hadn't heard a peep out of me, so hadn't realized I had managed to injure myself. I told him, "Unless I am dying, I won't say much!" He suggested a regime of icing, heat and then pressure to the pooling blood with frozen metal to alleviate the bruising and said I would be good to go by the evening. Unfortunately, I didn't feel so "good to go" and I stayed home, lights off and watching movies.
I did however, manage to remove the copper water line and the basement looks super! Freddie even suggested that I can now put in a drop ceiling. I'll pass on that, for now.
I have to imagine that if ever I were to have a mugshot...it would look like this:
Of course this was shortly after the injury. The good coloring and swelling came later. I only hope that next time, I win!
Weekend Recap Part I: Gas Lines Removed
I'm trying to recap...because sometimes, it's just easier than living in the now. Although right now, I can't complain. So here's the recap from Thursday - Saturday mid-day...
Stay tuned for what I managed to do while Freddie worked on the gas lines and I had to be "handy" or onsite for an extra hand if needed. Never a dull moment. Dull...now that would have been favorable!
MS (he really needs a different name) had suggested that I "pack a bag" and spend the weekend with him last weekend. I wasn't sure if he was serious. Apparently he was, but that wasn't how the weekend quite unfolded. I scooted out of work a little early on Friday - after making another six tie blankets for foster kids - changing it up and making infant and toddler blankets too! I headed home and grabbed an overnight bag. MS had informed me a few nights earlier that his family "birthday celebrations" were going to be Saturday night at his mom's and I could hang out with him and his son until the birthday dinner. Not attend the birthday dinner.
Oh wait...random is my middle name. Time to back track even further. If you recall, the gas had been shutoff and on Thursday 10/30 the Semco Gas man was coming to relight my pilots. While I may have tried to light them myself (or blow my house up), I couldn't because the gas was actually OFF. So I finally met up with the gas man (I was running late and the 800# couldn't contact the dispatch and of course I missed him, but he left a message and anyway...) who was very polite. Since he was in the house, I inquired of the gas smell I have smelled for well, over a decade that I have owned my house. I realize I have a sensitive schnoz, and we haven't blown up yet. Even the gas man couldn't smell anything; however, he got his handy dandy tool from his truck which identified a minute leak from an old capped off gas line. He also wondered who did my furnace and why they connected the gas lines the way they did. Hmmm...
Long story short, he informed me twice of how my "husband or boyfriend" or "friend" could remove the old lines and fix the lines to the furnace to reduce the potential for gas leaks to three. Instead of the likely thirteen or something I had! He then offered to do it on the side for $50 and a couple hours. I took him up on that offer since "friends" and "projects" have failed miserably for me in the past. He said that Saturday would work for him and seeing that my weekend plans were crumbling with MS, it seemed like a great opportunity! AG and I had talked about doing something on Saturday if I didn't trek across state to touch base with TS who has been having some difficult times. Nothing at the time included a costume or Halloween adventure, at the time.
Friday night MS and I headed to Pasta Night at the Cascade Winery and had a great time sampling the wines. The pasta was a checklist that you could chose your own veggies, meat, pasta and sauce. It was accompanied by a glass of wine or beer, garlic bread and a mini brownie made with the dessert wine! All for $10 a person! Fabulous and if you are ever in the area of Grand Rapids, check it out! Saturday afternoon they had a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese event that AG and I had planned to attend. Planned.
Saturday morning I waited for Freddie to arrive at my house. 22 minutes late and no word, I was again wondering what it is with handymen not finding it handy to be on time or own a watch. He called shortly thereafter saying his pipe wrenches were missing and he would be on his way shortly. He arrived over an hour later. Very nice guy and he did a great job cleaning up all the old pipes in my basement. I would say that there had to be about 60' of old pipes removed. There is no more gas smell! After four hours, the job was complete and he maintained the same price. I paid him more, he deserved every dollar of it!
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| Old Gas Lines Removed (& a copper water line) |
Nothings & Neon
Where to begin? It seems like a lifetime ago since I posted last, and it was less than a week ago, well exactly a week ago. How quickly things change. How quickly perspectives change. I maintain that life happens for a reason and I am so particularly blessed.
While I was raised Catholic and I believe in God, I wouldn't say that I am a "believer" per se. Or maybe I should say that I am a "believer" but not a "preacher". I pray. I give thanks. I ask for guidance and assistance and help with the path that is chosen for me. I am afterall, a realist.
There is much that I want to post. So many words and emotions that are circling through my mind. So many thoughts. So many reservations. And in all of that, so many tears. Tears, that as they fill my eyes, I'm not ready for them to flow, again. Not yet. Not now.
While I was raised Catholic and I believe in God, I wouldn't say that I am a "believer" per se. Or maybe I should say that I am a "believer" but not a "preacher". I pray. I give thanks. I ask for guidance and assistance and help with the path that is chosen for me. I am afterall, a realist.
There is much that I want to post. So many words and emotions that are circling through my mind. So many thoughts. So many reservations. And in all of that, so many tears. Tears, that as they fill my eyes, I'm not ready for them to flow, again. Not yet. Not now.
So on a lighter note...I was so very excited to get my car back! It is amazing how much I truly missed it and have grown to love the stability and comfort of my little Nascar Neon...now new and improved. And oh so pretty =)
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| 10/30/2010: 9 years & counting |
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sunshine & Smiles & Summary....
I am sitting in my house, somewhat cold and avoiding a likely cold shower. I turned off the furnace yesterday as I was too lazy to reset the settings. It was just easier. Fortunately though, the gas was shutoff by the gas company for the work in the neighborhood, so wouldn't have mattered anyway. The house is 63 degrees, so nothing too terrible, not as bad as the cold shower. The pilots will be relit by the gas company later today.
The City Assessor came by and visited for a matter of 3.5 minutes, literally. He looked at the 3/4 bath for about two minutes and then looked at the egress window and recreation room. He said, "This is considered recreational space due to the ceiling. It is not living space." And then, he left. So, my taxes shouldn't be too affected.
My car is officially done, a day early! I have been driving a Toyota Yaris and for purposes of brevity (I know, really? ME?), I will never buy one! I'm looking forward to picking up MY car today! On a side note, JN confirmed that this paycheck has our longevity pay - so extra bonus for replacing my hood, no additional out of pocket expense!
I went to the ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) doctor the other day. Long story short - I felt dumb and was told I have "crusties". So I don't have some crazy malady but I was given a saline wash and a steroid to use. I did fill the prescriptions and they sit on my counter. I'm having a hard time accepting that I will have to stick something other than my finger up my nose. I realize they aren't doing me any good in their boxes on the counter, but this is going to take me time to take this leap! Until then, the side affects of the deviated septum: crusties, pain/irritation, sore throat (due to mouth breathing at night) and irritated ears will prevail.
While at the ENT, he inquired about my thyroid. He was the specialist I saw years ago to follow up with my nodule/goiter. I hadn't been called back for a recheck since 8/2008. So in about an hour, I will have a follow up ultrasound to see that everything is maintaining.
I took yesterday off as surprisingly, I have been working a lot of late hours. I have even made seven tie blankets for foster kids and plan on making one daily until I just can't tie anymore (a project at work that all the fleece was purchased - they just need people to make them! So I have been literally "tying one on!)! I spent the day with MS. We had a great time and I really enjoy his company! I left him to meet JN for drinks and appetizers. I haven't seen her in a while and while I wasn't looking forward to leaving MS, I had a great time catching up with JN. She asked if MS and I were "Just hanging out or dating." I'm declining any other options to hang out with anyone else because I only want to date MS, but that didn't really answer the question.
Then there at dinner, MS texted me, "Miss me yet? Lol, just wanted to make you smile :)" I accidentally hit reply without sending anything. So I sent the following, "Oops sorry about no comment. I was rendered speechless =) I do miss you!"
And his response, that in this morning makes me shudder with happiness instead of shivering with chills in the coolness of my house...
"Miss you too, can't stop thinking about you. I am falling for you BIG TIME, prob already fallen just don't want to admit is yet :) "
Sigh...Can't wait to see him again...and what a fantastic feeling!
The City Assessor came by and visited for a matter of 3.5 minutes, literally. He looked at the 3/4 bath for about two minutes and then looked at the egress window and recreation room. He said, "This is considered recreational space due to the ceiling. It is not living space." And then, he left. So, my taxes shouldn't be too affected.
My car is officially done, a day early! I have been driving a Toyota Yaris and for purposes of brevity (I know, really? ME?), I will never buy one! I'm looking forward to picking up MY car today! On a side note, JN confirmed that this paycheck has our longevity pay - so extra bonus for replacing my hood, no additional out of pocket expense!
I went to the ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) doctor the other day. Long story short - I felt dumb and was told I have "crusties". So I don't have some crazy malady but I was given a saline wash and a steroid to use. I did fill the prescriptions and they sit on my counter. I'm having a hard time accepting that I will have to stick something other than my finger up my nose. I realize they aren't doing me any good in their boxes on the counter, but this is going to take me time to take this leap! Until then, the side affects of the deviated septum: crusties, pain/irritation, sore throat (due to mouth breathing at night) and irritated ears will prevail.
While at the ENT, he inquired about my thyroid. He was the specialist I saw years ago to follow up with my nodule/goiter. I hadn't been called back for a recheck since 8/2008. So in about an hour, I will have a follow up ultrasound to see that everything is maintaining.
I took yesterday off as surprisingly, I have been working a lot of late hours. I have even made seven tie blankets for foster kids and plan on making one daily until I just can't tie anymore (a project at work that all the fleece was purchased - they just need people to make them! So I have been literally "tying one on!)! I spent the day with MS. We had a great time and I really enjoy his company! I left him to meet JN for drinks and appetizers. I haven't seen her in a while and while I wasn't looking forward to leaving MS, I had a great time catching up with JN. She asked if MS and I were "Just hanging out or dating." I'm declining any other options to hang out with anyone else because I only want to date MS, but that didn't really answer the question.
Then there at dinner, MS texted me, "Miss me yet? Lol, just wanted to make you smile :)" I accidentally hit reply without sending anything. So I sent the following, "Oops sorry about no comment. I was rendered speechless =) I do miss you!"
And his response, that in this morning makes me shudder with happiness instead of shivering with chills in the coolness of my house...
"Miss you too, can't stop thinking about you. I am falling for you BIG TIME, prob already fallen just don't want to admit is yet :) "
Sigh...Can't wait to see him again...and what a fantastic feeling!
Friday, October 22, 2010
How to Embrace Ghettoesque....
This morning as T was getting ready for school, I reminded him that I would be chauffeuring him to school. Due to the car accident yesterday and the inability to open the passenger front door, he will have to sit in the back seat.
T grumbled. He is so embarrassed that he has to sit in the backseat. I told him it will only last the weekend and he almost begged that we have absolutely nowhere to go this weekend. I told him we might have the movies, shopping and a haunted house. He sighed heavily.
This was the continued conversation that ensued after pulling down the driveway:
Me: "Think of it this way: How cool is it that you get chauffeured around?"
T: "I feel like such a little kid! Drrr...."
Me: "Just think of it as a Nascar Neon Limo!"
T: "Right Mom (eyes rolling). This Neon is so not big enough to be a Limo!"
Me: "Think about how cool you are that you no longer want to be seen sitting in the front seat next your Mom! Now if only we can find the remote to the radio, you can change the channel from the backseat!"
T: "So Mom? Where is the off button to silence you?"
Me: "Adolescence My son. It was when you turned 13. You no longer hear me. What?"
T: (laughing) "What? Yeah, that's a good one mom. Yeah, THAT'S FUNNY!"
Happy Friday!
T grumbled. He is so embarrassed that he has to sit in the backseat. I told him it will only last the weekend and he almost begged that we have absolutely nowhere to go this weekend. I told him we might have the movies, shopping and a haunted house. He sighed heavily.
This was the continued conversation that ensued after pulling down the driveway:
Me: "Think of it this way: How cool is it that you get chauffeured around?"
T: "I feel like such a little kid! Drrr...."
Me: "Just think of it as a Nascar Neon Limo!"
T: "Right Mom (eyes rolling). This Neon is so not big enough to be a Limo!"
Me: "Think about how cool you are that you no longer want to be seen sitting in the front seat next your Mom! Now if only we can find the remote to the radio, you can change the channel from the backseat!"
T: "So Mom? Where is the off button to silence you?"
Me: "Adolescence My son. It was when you turned 13. You no longer hear me. What?"
T: (laughing) "What? Yeah, that's a good one mom. Yeah, THAT'S FUNNY!"
Happy Friday!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tenth Anniversary That Isn't...
Today would have been my ten year anniversary. TEN. YEARS. I thought today about all of the things that I wanted to say in my blog. How ten years ago, on Sweetest Day, I was married. I have now been divorced for almost 6.5 years.
I logged into my blog and searched to see if I had blogged about my anniversary before. I thought that I had, but I couldn't recall the details. I had, two years ago, near my eighth anniversary, I blogged this. I was brought somewhere, years ago, somewhere that I hardly recognize when I read it. Somewhere I am completely not today.
I celebrated Sweetest Day weekend this year with a very sweet man. Someone that I adore his affection, intelligence and company. Someone that I had no idea that going into the weekend would be anything even remotely affectionate or romantic, but a weekend spent forgetting about Sweetest Day and having fun with someone that also wanted to have fun! I have no animosity toward the Hallmark holiday. It hasn't been forever plagued and haunted for me.
This morning I left for work on time as we had "the big dogs" in the office and were requested to be punctual. I had 7 minutes to travel the three miles. SEVEN. MINUTES.
A mile from home, I turned and headed on a two lane, one-way street westbound. I was in the left lane when a van in the right lane proceeded to turn...LEFT. Turned RIGHT. INTO. ME. I did my best to slam on the brakes and turn to the left - but a curb and the side of her Freestar prevented me from avoiding the accident. Surprisingly, I was in good spirits. I found it comical. I called 911. I left a message for my boss that I wasn't going to be in on time and then I called my insurance.
Life happens.
My car is still driveable. I had to laugh at the woman, the other driver that thought that we were on a two-way street. When I was almost free to go, I wished her a better day. She said, "Thanks. So I was just realizing, I was at fault, wasn't I?"
I went to get an estimate on the repairs of my car. $1670. I was thankful that I didn't try to save a few dollars when I considered increasing my deductibles and getting rid of rental car coverage. The accident wasn't my fault so the deductible is waived and a rental car replacement will save me up to $600. Worth the few dollars in the insurance premiums! My hood is rusting so I asked how much it would cost to replace, since there was no hood damage. So for less than $400, I will have practically a new front car! The car will go in the shop on Monday and will take four days. Unfortunately, after my son got in the car today, he couldn't open the door to get out! He'll just have to sit in the backseat through the weekend (another ghettoesque moment).
I would say today was a great day! I have made the best of an accident and am looking forward to my car looking pretty and new for a GREAT DEAL.
Some would argue that ten years ago I made a mistake of getting married. Some would also argue that today, I made the mistake of leaving on time for work and getting hit.
Today, my accident will cause me far less grief, agony, heartache and money than my marriage and subsequent divorce. Surprisingly, I don't regret ever getting married. Everything happens for a reason. Today was another reminder of my anniversary. I have survived both and I am a better person!
I just researched the gift that is considered for a Ten Year Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum.
Ironic? How is it that on my would-be 10th wedding anniversary my gift to myself, with the assistance of someone out of my control, results in metal car replacement?
Who says you can't still reap the rewards and gifts of marriage without being married?
I logged into my blog and searched to see if I had blogged about my anniversary before. I thought that I had, but I couldn't recall the details. I had, two years ago, near my eighth anniversary, I blogged this. I was brought somewhere, years ago, somewhere that I hardly recognize when I read it. Somewhere I am completely not today.
I celebrated Sweetest Day weekend this year with a very sweet man. Someone that I adore his affection, intelligence and company. Someone that I had no idea that going into the weekend would be anything even remotely affectionate or romantic, but a weekend spent forgetting about Sweetest Day and having fun with someone that also wanted to have fun! I have no animosity toward the Hallmark holiday. It hasn't been forever plagued and haunted for me.
This morning I left for work on time as we had "the big dogs" in the office and were requested to be punctual. I had 7 minutes to travel the three miles. SEVEN. MINUTES.
A mile from home, I turned and headed on a two lane, one-way street westbound. I was in the left lane when a van in the right lane proceeded to turn...LEFT. Turned RIGHT. INTO. ME. I did my best to slam on the brakes and turn to the left - but a curb and the side of her Freestar prevented me from avoiding the accident. Surprisingly, I was in good spirits. I found it comical. I called 911. I left a message for my boss that I wasn't going to be in on time and then I called my insurance.
Life happens.
My car is still driveable. I had to laugh at the woman, the other driver that thought that we were on a two-way street. When I was almost free to go, I wished her a better day. She said, "Thanks. So I was just realizing, I was at fault, wasn't I?"
I went to get an estimate on the repairs of my car. $1670. I was thankful that I didn't try to save a few dollars when I considered increasing my deductibles and getting rid of rental car coverage. The accident wasn't my fault so the deductible is waived and a rental car replacement will save me up to $600. Worth the few dollars in the insurance premiums! My hood is rusting so I asked how much it would cost to replace, since there was no hood damage. So for less than $400, I will have practically a new front car! The car will go in the shop on Monday and will take four days. Unfortunately, after my son got in the car today, he couldn't open the door to get out! He'll just have to sit in the backseat through the weekend (another ghettoesque moment).
I would say today was a great day! I have made the best of an accident and am looking forward to my car looking pretty and new for a GREAT DEAL.
Some would argue that ten years ago I made a mistake of getting married. Some would also argue that today, I made the mistake of leaving on time for work and getting hit.
Today, my accident will cause me far less grief, agony, heartache and money than my marriage and subsequent divorce. Surprisingly, I don't regret ever getting married. Everything happens for a reason. Today was another reminder of my anniversary. I have survived both and I am a better person!
I just researched the gift that is considered for a Ten Year Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum.
Ironic? How is it that on my would-be 10th wedding anniversary my gift to myself, with the assistance of someone out of my control, results in metal car replacement?
Who says you can't still reap the rewards and gifts of marriage without being married?
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