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!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
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?
Ghettoesque...
Monday morning I will meet with the City Assessor who is "following up on my basement building permits: 3/4 bath and egress."
So in true fashion, I had joked with a friend about trying to "ghetto" my house before the visit so that my taxes didn't go up too much!
Maybe I shouldn't say things out loud, as sometimes, wishes do come true! In the past 24 hours, the city grass between the street and the sidewalk has been tore up for work. I thought it was for water line repair. Today I received a letter in the mail from the gas company about upcoming work (date tbd) to work on the gas lines from the main to the house which will cause trench and yard work (fortunately they will repair concrete and yards at city expense!). And then this afternoon a friend of mine called me as he was going by my house and inquired about a car out front and asked, "Are you dating anyone? There is a white car out front of your house."
So in true fashion, I had joked with a friend about trying to "ghetto" my house before the visit so that my taxes didn't go up too much!
Maybe I shouldn't say things out loud, as sometimes, wishes do come true! In the past 24 hours, the city grass between the street and the sidewalk has been tore up for work. I thought it was for water line repair. Today I received a letter in the mail from the gas company about upcoming work (date tbd) to work on the gas lines from the main to the house which will cause trench and yard work (fortunately they will repair concrete and yards at city expense!). And then this afternoon a friend of mine called me as he was going by my house and inquired about a car out front and asked, "Are you dating anyone? There is a white car out front of your house."
So how is this for ghetto? Now if I can only figure out what to do with the inside? I should really not say anything else, who knows what will happen!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
News: Investigative Reporting
I'm not a big fan of the news. I see enough negativity at work to last me; however, last night I was waiting on the final load of laundry to dry in the dryer so I was watching the 11p.m. news.
What a bad idea! I found myself tossing and turning all night long.
Why you ask?
What seemed like a five minute clip that I was revoltingly glued to the television was on BED BUGS!
I even checked my mattress before going to bed! Note to self, AVOID the news if I intend on functioning in the future. A couple hours of restless sleep is just not going to cut it for my 12 hour workday today!
Hope you slept well and the bed bugs didn't bite you in your dreams!
What a bad idea! I found myself tossing and turning all night long.
Why you ask?
What seemed like a five minute clip that I was revoltingly glued to the television was on BED BUGS!
I even checked my mattress before going to bed! Note to self, AVOID the news if I intend on functioning in the future. A couple hours of restless sleep is just not going to cut it for my 12 hour workday today!
Hope you slept well and the bed bugs didn't bite you in your dreams!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Green Be Gone: Greeting Grey
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| DK's Bedroom Before DK is the Ex-BF (of 2.5 years ago). He HATES painting. His bedroom is the only room in his house that I didn't paint for him since he's owned it. He and his dad painted it, although I admit I may have had some input on the color. The room ended up being Gumdrop or something similar and we thought it would go well with a new black and white comforter, black curtains, black and glass night stands and Ansel Adams framed pictures. It would have. Almost. IF they hadn't purchased it in a semi-gloss which made the color so obnoxiously hideous. That was...four years ago. Last summer while hanging out with DK on his jetski, I offered to help him repaint. Shortly there after he was involved in a relationship and I decided they could do it together! Unfortunately that relationship didn't work. Two weekends ago, some fifteen months later, I finally fulfilled my promise to help paint his bedroom. I'm not really sure why, and I may have thought several expletives while painting the room while he and T watched the UofM/MSU game! He did tape the room and cleared out the furniture! He also offered to get me things every twenty minutes or so! Seeing that DK is color blind, he didn't care what color to paint. I decided he needed something calming and neutral that wouldn't scare away any new girlfriend. I actually went with one shade lighter than what I had painted his living room, a light grey. I did ask for his help in rolling the second coat - which proved most disastrous as he really had no idea how to roll paint on a wall! I caught most of the running drips, but not all! But it looked so much better than before! |
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| DK's Bedroom After |
City Assessor Pays A Visit: But Who Really Pays?
Sunday night I went to grab the mail and noticed a pink tag on the ground on my porch. The tag had blown off the door and was from the City Assessor’s Office. Apparently, someone had been by the house on 10/14/10 to follow up on the basement remodeling due to the building permits.
I struggled for about half a second on whether or not I wanted to call and follow up. Afterall, I haven’t had a new assessment since I moved into my house in 1999. I know that with all the work I have done, my city taxes will go up. I’m not looking forward to an increase, but the market hits shouldn’t affect it too much!
I only hope they don’t notice the new furnace, new doors, new windows, new plumbing, new electrical, well and everything else! My goal…keep him focused on the ¾ bathroom addition and the egress window and keep my mouth shut! Wish me well!
I struggled for about half a second on whether or not I wanted to call and follow up. Afterall, I haven’t had a new assessment since I moved into my house in 1999. I know that with all the work I have done, my city taxes will go up. I’m not looking forward to an increase, but the market hits shouldn’t affect it too much!
I only hope they don’t notice the new furnace, new doors, new windows, new plumbing, new electrical, well and everything else! My goal…keep him focused on the ¾ bathroom addition and the egress window and keep my mouth shut! Wish me well!
Mini Vacation: Weekend Recap
The weekend went fabulously well. I definitely think there is something to be said for spending time with someone that you don’t really know. From experience, it just affords little expectations and the ability to really enjoy yourself while learning about the other person.
I was suppose to have Friday off after teaching late Thursday night. I’m beginning to enjoy teaching and have to say that a smaller group leads to some excellent conversations! Friday morning I had to do a home visit, which forced me out of the house earlier than I had anticipated and I was able to get all my errands done. I managed to pack and even left out the kitchen sink!
I grabbed AG to take him to his parents as it was on the way to my friend’s house. AG decided that being punctual was of little importance and we grabbed a late lunch and I was about 25 minutes later getting to MS’ house, which he wasn’t exactly ready to go, so it worked out well.
We met my parents and TS at the Library Pub in Novi and had a great time! We were really early compared to our company, so we had lots of time to kill and enjoyed the conversation. We headed to the hotel, Marriott in Southfield after dinner. The hotel was very nice, no complaints from me! We watched the movie Get Him to the Greek, which he enjoyed and I fell asleep.
Saturday we met for the Motor City Brew Tour in Southfield, two LONG miles due to construction from the hotel. Four other people were late due to traffic and going to the wrong location. We sat in the parking lot drinking River Red – American Amber Ale, German Kolsh, Sven/Ollie American IPA and Rocktoberfest. We finally pulled out of the parking lot at 11:50a.m. (50 minutes late!) and headed to Liberty St. Brewing.
Liberty St. Brewing is a cute brewery in Plymouth. We had pizza and each had two half-pints. MS and I shared, so we had four samples: Steamy Windows, Punkin Pie Ale, Naked Sunday and Red Glare. The Punkin Pie Ale was by far my favorite!
Our second stop was CJ’s Brewing in Commerce Township. We had pitchers and tapped coolers to sample a wide variety of beers and continued to drink until it was time to move to our final stop. Beers included: Smoked, Smoked & Oak, Golden Ale, American IPA, a chocolate Stout, Cherry Ale and a couple more! The Golden Ale and Cherry Ale were my favorites!
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| Copper Canyon - Southfield, MI |
The weekend went fabulously well. I definitely think there is something to be said for spending time with someone that you don’t really know. From experience, it just affords little expectations and the ability to really enjoy yourself while learning about the other person.
I was suppose to have Friday off after teaching late Thursday night. I’m beginning to enjoy teaching and have to say that a smaller group leads to some excellent conversations! Friday morning I had to do a home visit, which forced me out of the house earlier than I had anticipated and I was able to get all my errands done. I managed to pack and even left out the kitchen sink!
I grabbed AG to take him to his parents as it was on the way to my friend’s house. AG decided that being punctual was of little importance and we grabbed a late lunch and I was about 25 minutes later getting to MS’ house, which he wasn’t exactly ready to go, so it worked out well.
We met my parents and TS at the Library Pub in Novi and had a great time! We were really early compared to our company, so we had lots of time to kill and enjoyed the conversation. We headed to the hotel, Marriott in Southfield after dinner. The hotel was very nice, no complaints from me! We watched the movie Get Him to the Greek, which he enjoyed and I fell asleep.
Saturday we met for the Motor City Brew Tour in Southfield, two LONG miles due to construction from the hotel. Four other people were late due to traffic and going to the wrong location. We sat in the parking lot drinking River Red – American Amber Ale, German Kolsh, Sven/Ollie American IPA and Rocktoberfest. We finally pulled out of the parking lot at 11:50a.m. (50 minutes late!) and headed to Liberty St. Brewing.
Liberty St. Brewing is a cute brewery in Plymouth. We had pizza and each had two half-pints. MS and I shared, so we had four samples: Steamy Windows, Punkin Pie Ale, Naked Sunday and Red Glare. The Punkin Pie Ale was by far my favorite!
Our second stop was CJ’s Brewing in Commerce Township. We had pitchers and tapped coolers to sample a wide variety of beers and continued to drink until it was time to move to our final stop. Beers included: Smoked, Smoked & Oak, Golden Ale, American IPA, a chocolate Stout, Cherry Ale and a couple more! The Golden Ale and Cherry Ale were my favorites!
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| "Beer Goggles" that were passed around for the photo op! |
We ended the tour back at Copper Canyon in Southfield. We had seven pitchers of beer to sample! Beers included: Alt Ale, Devils Peak (American IPA), Porter, Java Stout, Roctoberfest, Rye IPA, and Northwest Gold. I purchased a bottle of some Apple Turner over beer from 2007 that was super YUMMY! We were the last to leave the brewery, since we had no time constraints as we were unable to get dinner reservations at The Whitney.
We then headed to Detroit to check in to the St. Regis hotel. The hotel was fine and the price was definitely right. By the time we checked out, only one elevator worked and we had issues with the shower pull, but I would stay again! We crashed when we got back to the room and never did eat dinner! We woke at 9:00p.m. and headed to the haunted house, Realm of Darkness in Pontiac.
The haunted house was a cluster F@#$ of disorganization. We were extremely disappointed. I do not find it even remotely scary to be screamed in the face by people I can’t understand that act like you can’t see them initially!
It was after midnight when we made it back to the hotel. Sunday was spent at Motor City Casino where I contributed a few dollars! Then off to Troy so MS could get a new Red Wing hat. We stopped in Howell for a late lunch at my favorite, Tomato Bros. where MS has now fallen in love with the breadsticks! We finished out the trip at the Tanger Outlet Mall where he found great deals at VanHeusen for shirts and ties. The drive back to his house was especially long as I felt like I had driven all around the state (I did!). I then had an hour to spend with MS at his house before AG got back to his parents for me to take him home.
My weekend finished as I got home after 9p.m. to a chilly 60 degree house! A great weekend! Hope you had a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mini Vacation
A couple of weeks ago I was really struggling with missed trips and vacations. A summer gone by too quickly and not enough fun occurring. I had talked with a friend of mine and we were both discussing our desire to get out of town. I told him if he ever wanted to go somewhere to let me know as I'm always looking for travel companions that have the financial means and time to travel. I didn't think much of it. Afterall, he and I had gone out twice, I wasn't interested in anything further. We've maintained an online friendship since.
The next day after that conversation, he emailed me and asked where I wanted to go for a getaway. We kicked around Chicago but one night in a hotel he thought was "cool" was $367 plus tax and parking. No Thank You. We decided to head the other direction, Detroit. We found a bus brewery tour that hits three breweries that we bought the last two tickets. A co-worker had advised of a special on http://www.restaurant.com/ that had their gift certificates 90% off and I managed to pick up $350 in gift certificates for $14.75. We plan on going to dinner at The Whitney in Detroit with our $50 gift certificate that cost under $2.00. So we are excited about a nice dinner at a reasonable cost! Then we plan on hitting one of the haunted houses in the area where he offered that I can hold his hand if needed (after a local haunted house last weekend, I'm afraid I might cry or worse at a real haunted house!)! We then hope to hit one of the casinos as he hasn't been to a casino in about a decade! I picked up a 3.5 star hotel in Detroit for $50 on http://www.hotels.com/ and a Marriott for Friday night for $40 on http://www.priceline.com/ - I LOVE naming my own price! Within two days of our initial discussion, tour tickets and hotels were purchased.
I am really excited about our getaway! We have lots of fun things planned and will get in town early enough on the Friday to enjoy dinner and hit the town before the morning beer tour. Since we made plans, we have talked on the phone once. ONCE. We have emailed, texted or instant messaged daily. I'm sure I'm not the easiest person to be around or travel with and wonder what type of travel companion he is. I wonder how this trip will turn out. Then again, my winter Christmas trip to Colorado turned out extremely well, so cheers to mini vacations! To new friends, new adventures, great times and great memories!
The next day after that conversation, he emailed me and asked where I wanted to go for a getaway. We kicked around Chicago but one night in a hotel he thought was "cool" was $367 plus tax and parking. No Thank You. We decided to head the other direction, Detroit. We found a bus brewery tour that hits three breweries that we bought the last two tickets. A co-worker had advised of a special on http://www.restaurant.com/ that had their gift certificates 90% off and I managed to pick up $350 in gift certificates for $14.75. We plan on going to dinner at The Whitney in Detroit with our $50 gift certificate that cost under $2.00. So we are excited about a nice dinner at a reasonable cost! Then we plan on hitting one of the haunted houses in the area where he offered that I can hold his hand if needed (after a local haunted house last weekend, I'm afraid I might cry or worse at a real haunted house!)! We then hope to hit one of the casinos as he hasn't been to a casino in about a decade! I picked up a 3.5 star hotel in Detroit for $50 on http://www.hotels.com/ and a Marriott for Friday night for $40 on http://www.priceline.com/ - I LOVE naming my own price! Within two days of our initial discussion, tour tickets and hotels were purchased.
I am really excited about our getaway! We have lots of fun things planned and will get in town early enough on the Friday to enjoy dinner and hit the town before the morning beer tour. Since we made plans, we have talked on the phone once. ONCE. We have emailed, texted or instant messaged daily. I'm sure I'm not the easiest person to be around or travel with and wonder what type of travel companion he is. I wonder how this trip will turn out. Then again, my winter Christmas trip to Colorado turned out extremely well, so cheers to mini vacations! To new friends, new adventures, great times and great memories!
Bandwidth & the Internet
I follow about 30 blogs. Of them, there are about 10 that I no longer have interest in reading; however, no matter how many times I try, I cannot delete myself from following. I follow the blogs in Google Reader and often read them throughout the day at work as well as Yahoo news.
I was recently informed that I am one of the top bandwidth users in my office. I was advised to immediately cease downloading movies, videos and music. I do not do any of those. I do however read blogs in Google Reader, check my yahoo email and follow the news. I was advised that anything "video" related uses bandwidth. All employees were advised to stop action and monitoring will be heightened.
As I value my job and the ability to pay my bills and maintain my lifestyle, I am ceasing all internet usage at the office unless work related. It is amazing how much time I try to kill when I don't have work, spending it online. I don't have internet access on my phone as I vowed I didn't want access 24/7 since I have a personal computer as well as internet access at work. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should as maintaining my job is far more income than the expenditure of internet on my phone per month! For now, I think that life will go on without frequent surfing of the internet. I'm not addicted to Facebook or blogs or even email, but I do wonder how I will pass the days of downtime while sitting at my desk. I've considered working out, but I can't get sweaty. I've considered reading, but the thought of getting "caught".
Any suggestions?
I was recently informed that I am one of the top bandwidth users in my office. I was advised to immediately cease downloading movies, videos and music. I do not do any of those. I do however read blogs in Google Reader, check my yahoo email and follow the news. I was advised that anything "video" related uses bandwidth. All employees were advised to stop action and monitoring will be heightened.
As I value my job and the ability to pay my bills and maintain my lifestyle, I am ceasing all internet usage at the office unless work related. It is amazing how much time I try to kill when I don't have work, spending it online. I don't have internet access on my phone as I vowed I didn't want access 24/7 since I have a personal computer as well as internet access at work. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should as maintaining my job is far more income than the expenditure of internet on my phone per month! For now, I think that life will go on without frequent surfing of the internet. I'm not addicted to Facebook or blogs or even email, but I do wonder how I will pass the days of downtime while sitting at my desk. I've considered working out, but I can't get sweaty. I've considered reading, but the thought of getting "caught".
Any suggestions?
Time & Travel
Tonight I was asked the question, "If you had one hour to do anything, without any worries, what would you do?"
Fortunately for me, I do have lots of hours of free time to do anything I want. I'm not an extreme risk taker or daredevil, so there aren't truly any "worries" that I would have. I am fortunate enough to have a job that I have both annual and sick leave to utilize when I need time off as well as built in babysitter when my son is with his dad.
The question I would prefer, "If I could go anywhere and money and responsibilities were not a factor, where would I go?"
I would love to go to Australia! I know it won't be my first travel locale due to finances, but it is definitely where I want to visit!
On a side note, AG had called last night and I didn't have a chance to call him back. I called him today and he told me about an educational opportunity of five weeks in London next year for 6 credits (which he doesn't need) for $10,000 and asked if I thought it was a good deal. Granted, I've been to London once, for 1.5 days. I loved it and would like to go back, for a few more days or maybe even a week. But five weeks? I suggested that after AG graduates this winter, he should consider actually traveling Europe. Explore tours and other vacation destinations that could afford him more traveling and opportunities for less. Tonight he called me and told me, "I agree with you." Then he asked me if he found a great European vacation, would I be game?
Unfortunately I told him "no". I would LOVE to go back to Europe. I would love to travel around without the constraints of a guided travel group. However, financially, it just isn't possible. I have been to Europe. I continue to pay off my basement bathroom. He doesn't plan on going until after January, which is going into a year of domestic travel as my son will be with me for both Christmas holiday and Spring Break. I didn't even regret saying "no", no matter how much I love to travel.
If you had one hour to do anything without worries, what would you do? If you could go anywhere for any length of time without financial concerns, where would you go?
Fortunately for me, I do have lots of hours of free time to do anything I want. I'm not an extreme risk taker or daredevil, so there aren't truly any "worries" that I would have. I am fortunate enough to have a job that I have both annual and sick leave to utilize when I need time off as well as built in babysitter when my son is with his dad.
The question I would prefer, "If I could go anywhere and money and responsibilities were not a factor, where would I go?"
I would love to go to Australia! I know it won't be my first travel locale due to finances, but it is definitely where I want to visit!
On a side note, AG had called last night and I didn't have a chance to call him back. I called him today and he told me about an educational opportunity of five weeks in London next year for 6 credits (which he doesn't need) for $10,000 and asked if I thought it was a good deal. Granted, I've been to London once, for 1.5 days. I loved it and would like to go back, for a few more days or maybe even a week. But five weeks? I suggested that after AG graduates this winter, he should consider actually traveling Europe. Explore tours and other vacation destinations that could afford him more traveling and opportunities for less. Tonight he called me and told me, "I agree with you." Then he asked me if he found a great European vacation, would I be game?
Unfortunately I told him "no". I would LOVE to go back to Europe. I would love to travel around without the constraints of a guided travel group. However, financially, it just isn't possible. I have been to Europe. I continue to pay off my basement bathroom. He doesn't plan on going until after January, which is going into a year of domestic travel as my son will be with me for both Christmas holiday and Spring Break. I didn't even regret saying "no", no matter how much I love to travel.
If you had one hour to do anything without worries, what would you do? If you could go anywhere for any length of time without financial concerns, where would you go?
Raise?
I know that I shouldn't complain, and I'm not. Everyday I'm thankful that I have a job. A very good job with excellent benefits. A job that I love, truly love, when I'm busy. Unfortunately I'm not nearly busy as I could hope or dream. Raises have been minimal, often times not getting a cost of living raise or anything at all over the years. I have had Banked Leave Time (getting paid for up to four hours less per week than worked which is then "banked" and used as vacation later) in the past and currently am experiencing two hours per pay period less.
I was happy to see that my raise was effective on my current pay check. I received a .75 cent pay raise. I have to admit after looking at my paycheck, I wonder if the raises would have been used better elsewhere.
Seriously, 80 hours at .75 nets.............$1.86.
Don't worry mom, I promise I won't spend it all at once!
I was happy to see that my raise was effective on my current pay check. I received a .75 cent pay raise. I have to admit after looking at my paycheck, I wonder if the raises would have been used better elsewhere.
Seriously, 80 hours at .75 nets.............$1.86.
Don't worry mom, I promise I won't spend it all at once!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Depression Screening Day 10/7/10: No Laughing Matter...But....
Shine from Yahoo posted an article which I read today, by Liz Brody on October 6, 2010, "6 Surprising Signs of Depression". They include, "1. Achy joints and other unexplained pain, 2. Gut reaction, 3. Diving into work, 4. Interviewing but not getting the job, 5. Paranoid thoughts and 6. Not being in the mood." For the entire article click here.
The article stated:
"These signs are some of the lesser-known symptoms of depression. which affects nearly 1 out of 10 Americans, according to CDC figures released just in time for National Depression Screening Day. Throughout the country today, October 7, you can get a free, anonymous mental health evaluation at one of 1,500 facilities or by taking a three-minute test online (click here to get started)."
I clicked on the "(click here to get started)" and it didn't work for me in Michigan and gave me a long list of errors. I recalled yesterday afternoon I had received an email at work with the subject, "NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY IS OCTOBER 7, 2010". I had deleted the email.
Today after reading the article on Shine, I decided I would recover the email from my trash and see what it said. The email read as follows:
"The...Employee Service Program invites you to take advantage of a free, anonymous depression self-assessment. Feeling good mentally is as important as feeling good physically, and learning to identify your moods and manage stress is important to your well-being.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, visit http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening (keyword “espmi”). Screenings for depression can also be completed by calling 1-800-887-5676 and using the touch-tone keypad to respond to pre-recorded questions. You will receive immediate customized feedback. Screenings are not a professional diagnosis, but point out the presence or absence of symptoms and provide referral information for further evaluation if needed.
There is no real health without mental health, so take advantage of the free, anonymous screenings and start feeling better."
I clicked on the attached link and this is where I was directed and the response I received:
"403 - Forbidden: Access is denied.
You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied."
All I can say at this point, I am glad that I do not believe that I am struggling with Depression. I can't even begin to imagine being depressed and attempting to take the necessary steps to anonymously self-screen on National Depression Screening Day to be denied not only once but twice!
Of course after laughing at the irony of my own situation, I did become rather upset for those that are struggling with Depression, especially undiagnosed Depression. So I decided to respond to the email that I received at work by saying the following:
I just wanted to thank you for the "invite" for the free screening.
I decided to take the free screen. Fortunately for me, I do not feel depression is an issue for me, I was more curious as to the actual screen. While it isn't Friday the 13th or April Fools Day, I do find it completely inappropriate and even humiliating for those that may consider that they actually have an issue and were seeking a confidential screen.
This is the response I received when I clicked on the assessment link:
403 - Forbidden: Access is denied.
You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied.
I even signed the email with all of my contact "signature" information. Pretty big step for me to actually address an issue that I wasn't faced with in person. So I was surprised when I received an immediate response with the subject:
"Item to Massmail was undeliverable, subject: Re: NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY IS OCTOBER 7, 2010"
The content of the email read as follows:
"User not on post office
Error = D101"
Wow. Really? This whole situation is no laughing matter and after all of that, I'm almost feeling Depressed by not being allowed access to free screens of Depression. I do hope that my experiences were isolated and anyone struggling with or suffering from Depression is able to receive the necessary help. I would definitely suggest using the phone number provided and I hope that you receive more than a busy signal or being put on hold indeterminately.
The article stated:
"These signs are some of the lesser-known symptoms of depression. which affects nearly 1 out of 10 Americans, according to CDC figures released just in time for National Depression Screening Day. Throughout the country today, October 7, you can get a free, anonymous mental health evaluation at one of 1,500 facilities or by taking a three-minute test online (click here to get started)."
I clicked on the "(click here to get started)" and it didn't work for me in Michigan and gave me a long list of errors. I recalled yesterday afternoon I had received an email at work with the subject, "NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY IS OCTOBER 7, 2010". I had deleted the email.
Today after reading the article on Shine, I decided I would recover the email from my trash and see what it said. The email read as follows:
"The...Employee Service Program invites you to take advantage of a free, anonymous depression self-assessment. Feeling good mentally is as important as feeling good physically, and learning to identify your moods and manage stress is important to your well-being.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, visit http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening (keyword “espmi”). Screenings for depression can also be completed by calling 1-800-887-5676 and using the touch-tone keypad to respond to pre-recorded questions. You will receive immediate customized feedback. Screenings are not a professional diagnosis, but point out the presence or absence of symptoms and provide referral information for further evaluation if needed.
There is no real health without mental health, so take advantage of the free, anonymous screenings and start feeling better."
I clicked on the attached link and this is where I was directed and the response I received:
"403 - Forbidden: Access is denied.
You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied."
All I can say at this point, I am glad that I do not believe that I am struggling with Depression. I can't even begin to imagine being depressed and attempting to take the necessary steps to anonymously self-screen on National Depression Screening Day to be denied not only once but twice!
Of course after laughing at the irony of my own situation, I did become rather upset for those that are struggling with Depression, especially undiagnosed Depression. So I decided to respond to the email that I received at work by saying the following:
I just wanted to thank you for the "invite" for the free screening.
I decided to take the free screen. Fortunately for me, I do not feel depression is an issue for me, I was more curious as to the actual screen. While it isn't Friday the 13th or April Fools Day, I do find it completely inappropriate and even humiliating for those that may consider that they actually have an issue and were seeking a confidential screen.
This is the response I received when I clicked on the assessment link:
403 - Forbidden: Access is denied.
You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied.
I even signed the email with all of my contact "signature" information. Pretty big step for me to actually address an issue that I wasn't faced with in person. So I was surprised when I received an immediate response with the subject:
"Item to Massmail was undeliverable, subject: Re: NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY IS OCTOBER 7, 2010"
The content of the email read as follows:
"User not on post office
Error = D101"
Wow. Really? This whole situation is no laughing matter and after all of that, I'm almost feeling Depressed by not being allowed access to free screens of Depression. I do hope that my experiences were isolated and anyone struggling with or suffering from Depression is able to receive the necessary help. I would definitely suggest using the phone number provided and I hope that you receive more than a busy signal or being put on hold indeterminately.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fortune Cookie Fodder
I had a fortune cookie today, just after my last post:
"You will find your horizons suddenly broadened."
Perspective
I'm finding that today, I am spending a lot of time putting things into perspective.
I was contemplating blogging about a recent dating debacle so to speak, but I'm not sure of the need. For one, I'm not sure that we were really "dating" and I didn't see any future with him, but maybe just someone fun to hang out with time and time again. We hadn't been intimate and my crystal ball was predicting a "friends with benefits" situation, which I just have no interest. Long story short, one of my longest and bestfriends TS had compared phone numbers of the guy with me to verify her inkling that he was one in the same. Sure enough, he was! He lives almost three hours away and managed to meet up and hook up with one of my bestfriends, one time. When I learned of this, I instant messaged and inquired and he wanted to know who she was, what she had told me and that it was before we had started seeing her. Funny thing, it was a week after we had met the second time that he met her!
Neither here nor there, but the image of what may have happened if one of the times I was hanging out with him and invited her to join us...is just, well I'm, well, speechless. Imagine how awkward that would have been, TS meet XX. They never talked again after that one time. Well, until the night I learned of their meeting where he texted her to see what she had told me. Funny thing, TS is on a different dating site than I was on when I met this guy. In all but one of her pictures, I am in them with her. They first started chatting online last winter. Do you think he was dumb enough to not put two and two together? Probably.
I'm glad that my dating debacle was just DUMB. I told him that "friendship runs far deeper than any man". His response, "whatever".
Today I received a call from the Ex-Bf (he seriously needs a new name since it's been 2.75 years, but who is counting?) that he almost got in a car accident, roommate lost his job, mutual friend of his and roommate committed suicide and he has court Monday for civil matters against his family. Then I receive a text a friend's shop was broken into and his work tools were stolen. The following text, a friend who thought he had potential to get a job was told, "really qualified but not at this time do we have a fit". My mom's old friend's wife committed suicide recently. One of my mom's dear friend's neighbor's 35 year old son passed away last night.
My thoughts and prayers are scattered today, praying for so many. It's about real life smacking you upside the head that really puts things into perspective.
I was contemplating blogging about a recent dating debacle so to speak, but I'm not sure of the need. For one, I'm not sure that we were really "dating" and I didn't see any future with him, but maybe just someone fun to hang out with time and time again. We hadn't been intimate and my crystal ball was predicting a "friends with benefits" situation, which I just have no interest. Long story short, one of my longest and bestfriends TS had compared phone numbers of the guy with me to verify her inkling that he was one in the same. Sure enough, he was! He lives almost three hours away and managed to meet up and hook up with one of my bestfriends, one time. When I learned of this, I instant messaged and inquired and he wanted to know who she was, what she had told me and that it was before we had started seeing her. Funny thing, it was a week after we had met the second time that he met her!
Neither here nor there, but the image of what may have happened if one of the times I was hanging out with him and invited her to join us...is just, well I'm, well, speechless. Imagine how awkward that would have been, TS meet XX. They never talked again after that one time. Well, until the night I learned of their meeting where he texted her to see what she had told me. Funny thing, TS is on a different dating site than I was on when I met this guy. In all but one of her pictures, I am in them with her. They first started chatting online last winter. Do you think he was dumb enough to not put two and two together? Probably.
I'm glad that my dating debacle was just DUMB. I told him that "friendship runs far deeper than any man". His response, "whatever".
Today I received a call from the Ex-Bf (he seriously needs a new name since it's been 2.75 years, but who is counting?) that he almost got in a car accident, roommate lost his job, mutual friend of his and roommate committed suicide and he has court Monday for civil matters against his family. Then I receive a text a friend's shop was broken into and his work tools were stolen. The following text, a friend who thought he had potential to get a job was told, "really qualified but not at this time do we have a fit". My mom's old friend's wife committed suicide recently. One of my mom's dear friend's neighbor's 35 year old son passed away last night.
My thoughts and prayers are scattered today, praying for so many. It's about real life smacking you upside the head that really puts things into perspective.
Monday, October 4, 2010
ArtPrize 2010
ArtPrize began in Grand Rapids, MI in 2009. In order to promote art in the community, an event welcomed artists from the area - far and wide - to display a wide variety of artistic talent and the opportunity to win $250,000. Wikipedia defines ArtPrize. For more information, also check out http://www.artprize.org/.
I have had the opportunity to explore ArtPrize both years. While clearly I am not an artist, I struggle with playing hangman and having to draw a stick figure, I am in awe at the amazing talent of the artists. Some artists have argued that the entries and even the Top 10 winners of ArtPrize are not the most talented, but as a society we need to accept that with the public texting and voting for their favorites, the most talented isn't always the winner.
Randomly, here are some pictures of my favorites or most interesting art that I liked. Some of them made the top 10. ArtPrize continues through October 10, 2010.
There are also pianos randomly throughout the city to enjoy making your own music. Several popular artists have also performed free concerts for the public. A great experience for all ages!
Randomly, here are some pictures of my favorites or most interesting art that I liked. Some of them made the top 10. ArtPrize continues through October 10, 2010.
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| Top 10: Young Kim - Salt & Earth (Salt & Clay) |
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| One of Many of the Fish Artwork on Display |
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| This "carpet" is made out of sand! |
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| Top 10: Wander Martich - Helping Mom One Penny at a Time (3D made of all pennies!) |
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| Picture made of 250,920 small balls! |
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| Top 10: Mia Tavonatti - Svelata (Stained Glass Mosaic) |
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| Gloria Kirk-Hanna: Fiber Four Seasons |
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| Nellie Durand: The Lake, made of Fiber |
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| One of my Favorites: Mosaic made of Crayons! |
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| Lori Hough: Giraffes made of Paper Mache |
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| 7000 Images created the Picture of the GR Symphony |
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| Schemm & Buteyn: When We Are Mammoths 2010 (Aluminum/Steel/Wood) |
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| Top 10: Bill Secunda - Dancing With Lions (1,000 pounds of cut nails) |
Top 10: Birks, Jensen - Steam Pig Experiment (3D, Sound)
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| Mannequin designed in beads |
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| Horses made of kitchen utensils |
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| Florence Truskowski: Sweet Magnolia (Torn Paper Collage) |
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| Top 10: Fredrick Prescott - Elephant Walk (3D) |
Top 10: David Spriggs - The Vision (2-3D Imagery)
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| Top 10: Chris LaPorte: Cavalry, American Officers, 1921 (2h Pencil on Paper) 800 hours and 8.5 months to complete this pencil drawing |
There were two other Top 10 features that I didn't photograph, taken from www.ArtPrize.org
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| Top 10: Paul Baliker - A Matter of Time (3D Wood Sculpture) |
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| Top Ten: Beili Liu - Lure/Wave, Grand Rapids (Lure/Forest) (3D Thread/Sewing Needles) |
There are also pianos randomly throughout the city to enjoy making your own music. Several popular artists have also performed free concerts for the public. A great experience for all ages!
Bean Dip Recipe
I have absolutely no idea what the true name is for my latest love! My mom made it sometime ago and everytime I see her, I crave the dip. She serves the dip with tortilla chips, which is great, but I prefer it by the bowlful with a spoon just as well!
Enjoy! Even T loves this and he isn't a big fan of beans or peas. The longer the dip refrigerates, the sweeter the taste as the sugar and vinegar mix.
Bean Dip
1 Can Black Beans (Drain & Rinse)
1 Can Black Eyed Peas (Drain & Rinse)
1 Can White Corn ("Shoe Peg" Drained)
1 Small Jar Pimentos (Drained)
3 Green Onions (Chopped)
1/2 Can Chile Tomatoes
3/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Hot Water
Mix all together. Refrigerate overnight.
Parent's "Puppy" - Family Addition
My parents lost their beloved dog Gump (Forrest Gump) earlier this year. He was a fantastic dog, a black lab. He was my son's "best friend" and truly loyal to my parents. With his passing, came much heartache. Gump will never be replaced, forever in our hearts, minds and memories.
My parents decided that they were missing the companionship of a pet and purchased a black lab puppy in early May, right from a lab breeder. Gump was about a year old when he "jumped" into my step-dad's car and forever became their dog. My step dad has never had a "puppy" and he has been enjoying the experiences of puppyhood and chewing and potty training. Despite my objections, the new puppy was named Bubba (Bubba Gump) to carry on the legacy.
My parents decided that they were missing the companionship of a pet and purchased a black lab puppy in early May, right from a lab breeder. Gump was about a year old when he "jumped" into my step-dad's car and forever became their dog. My step dad has never had a "puppy" and he has been enjoying the experiences of puppyhood and chewing and potty training. Despite my objections, the new puppy was named Bubba (Bubba Gump) to carry on the legacy.
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Bubba - May 9, 2010 (6 weeks old) |
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| Bubba - August 5, 2010 (4 months old) |
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| Bubba - September 25, 2010 (5 months old) |
Truly amazing how quickly puppies grow! A mere handful at six weeks and less than 6 months old he weighs 65 pounds! Not really a lap dog by any means, but still 100% puppy!
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