Self Employment

Overall, I'd have to say that self employment totally sucks. Number one, it is difficult to round up work to support yourself. Number two, once said job is located and secured, then completed, it is difficult to secure payment. Now, both my husband and myself are self-employed. As a real estate agent in California, it is extremely difficult to find sellers, much less buyers with the government cracking down on the qualifications. My husband is a contractor. Also, a difficult arena of work. Now, my husband finally managed to land a job, and finish it. He finished it last Friday. It would have been finished a day or two earlier, except the weather didn't cooperate and allow the paint to dry.--side note... He finally finished the job last Friday. As of today, a Saturday (and a week later) he still hasn't been paid. As the spouse of a self employed person, would it be asking the world to pay when the job is completed. As of today I am overdrawn on my bank account. Not through any fault of my own.... The work has been done, and it's a week later.... and still no paycheck. Self employed people are not rich. My husband happens to have a couple of other jobs lines up down the road.... but we need you to pay when the job finishes. We don't have that padded bank account.... We are the little people.... The kids' getting food, diapers, milk, etc. depends on you paying us upon completion of the job. Nowadays, even the big people need to get paid. Economic times and all..........

My Job

So, I have finished my temp position at Macy's and have met a variety of people, all of whom I have enjoyed (except for the occasional obnoxious customer). Everyone has a story at to why they they are working. No one is trying to mooch of society, but all has a desire to earn their income. I have to totally admire that kind of commitment. Not all are earning their paycheck, and yes, if I were their boss, I would totally have fired them a long time ago. That being said, they all have compelling stories for being on the job and all really need the income. My job may have ended, and theirs are continuing, and I wish them all the best.

Hmmm

Have you ever been at a crossroads in your life and at an utter loss as to which one to pick... That's kind of where I'm at... Don't ask my dear sister, because I too, am at an utter loss....

Final Day

Today is my official day at Fossil. No offense, but the happy holidays ended before today. Today, people were cranky and irritable. I am sorry, but I wear a badge that says "visitor". That means I cannot use the the cash registor. I cannot do returns, exchanges or purchases. I would love to help you but I don't work at Macy's. Your yelling at me and screaming at me to find someone to help them does not help the situation. I am limited by the amount of Macy's salespersons who are on the floor as you are. Please do not scream or yell at me. I cannot help you any more than you are. I can call a manager as well as you are. Everyone is hampered by budget cuts. Please stop yelling at me. That being said... I am happy to have earned my first few paychecks in several years....

Tide is Changing

Go figure, it worked (at least so far). I was able to channel the Ames Factor for good for someone else, and today all I've received is good news. My husband made the eligibility list for a job in Southern California. Turns out I'm making 1.50 more per hour than I was told. My paycheck came in time to pay the dentist bill. And the $10 Target gift card came for my son. All good things today. Hope it holds.

Ames Factor - The Sequel

I, along with the majority of unemployed people, am actively looking for a job. One position I made it to #13 on an eligibility list. And that's for a job I'm actually qualified for, one in my field. I have another oral board next month. Yet, it was Saturday I was offered a job. One I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm selling Fossil watches at Macys, and have no idea what I'm doing. Ironically I am selling a lot of them. Now they want to keep me on after the holidays. Unfortunately, it's only Saturdays and Sundays, which interfere with the Sunday meetings I go to. Why...why...why??? Oh yeah, Ames Factor....lol

Murphy's Law

Murphy has a law... I hate that guy Murphy. Because of him I have a factor...lol. I went back to work in about 5 years... haven't even received my first paycheck and well, it's already prespent. Go figure. Ames Factor... my husband's tooth got infected. Not only was he in too much pain to work, he needs to have it extracted. So, today we're going to the dentist. Almost my entire paycheck, which is somewhere in the mail, I'm hoping is already winging its way over to me. Couldn't I have the money for like 5 minutes?? Ames Factor

Fortune Cookie

Last night I got a fortune cookie, with the "fortune" saying "You will soon be crossing great waters". Wow, I'm going to England...visit my husband's great great grandfather's country and well, maybe visit my sister. No, wait... I'm going to Hawaii to drink mai tais and relax on the beach. Then I remembered the Ames Factor... it rained last night... I'm probably going to cross a flooded road...lol

Lipstick

The above picture is of my daughter. Guess what she discovered -- oh yes, that's my lipstick. She was a little overeager in her application. It even doubled as her eyeshadow.

Casket Outlet

I was riding the shuttle into work over the weekend and since I didn't have to pay attention to the road (and not getting lost) I was able to look at the shops. One store tucked away in a strip mall is a place called the Casket Outlet. Now somehow, that just seems wrong. Seems like the final purchase for a loved one could be a worth a little more. Or could you maybe rename the store to something a bit more fitting. "Sorry we couldn't sell these, so we're practically giving them away" just doesn't seem appropriate for a casket. But that's just me.

Macy's

I am not a Macy's shopper. I wear more casual clothes than Macy's can provide, and well, my budget cannot afford Macy's prices. Yet here I am working in a Macy's store. This store is huge. It is three stores... has two escalators and an elevator. It has two mall entrances... on each level. Oh yeah, and at the other end of the mall, there's another Macy's-for men's and home furnishings. Good grief! That's a lot of Macy's stuff. Now I am getting paid to well, basically, stand around. I don't work for Macy's and so cannot ring stuff up. I did figure out how to do price checks, which isn't in my job description, at least relieves the monotony of just standing around. So I spend my hours just chit chatting with the other employees. Turns out 90% of the employees also don't feel like they are the "Macy's target demographic". In talking with the other women, turns out that with what they make, they cannot even afford to shop in the very store they work at. Interesting....

Black Friday

Black Friday is probably the worst day of the year for those not shopaholics. It is the start of the holiday season and that day seems to start earlier and earlier. Gilroy and Milpitas malls opened at midnight. Valley Fair opened at 5. And people are there waiting! I read in the paper that one husband couldn't even get into the mall and after an hour of driving the parking lot finally went home. I am not a die hard shopper, but even I know not to send in a rookie on a day like Black Friday. I thought the holiday season was supposed to be marked with good will, happy thoughts, good cheer, etc. Wake up and smell the hot cocoa. I was trying to find a simple parking space in the mall lot and learned a valuable lesson. These women will take you out. They are on a mission and nothing will stand in their way. Horns are honking, drivers are yelling, hand gestures are given, people walking to and from their cars are practically fighting for their lives to avoid these maniac women whipping around the parking lot looking for a space. Give me a break people. Is there something you need that urgently that you lose all sense of civility. The sad thing is one Wal Mart employee died opening the doors to the store. He was trampled by the stampede of crazed shoppers. Get a grip... nothing is that important. So if you can avoid shopping on the crazy Black Friday I would totally advise doing so. You'll save your sanity.

The Hardest $20 I Ever Made

Friday was my first day of work in, well, quite a few years. It was one of the worst days of my life. I was so stressed about over sleeping that I barely slept at all that night. Add to it my husband decided to let our son sleep in bed with us (don't ask because I don't know why either). So there was four of us in the bed, of course I didn't sleep, I'm hugging the side of the bed for dear life to keep from falling out. But I digress.... I have to be at the store at 9:00, so I have my son's alarm clock set for 6:50. (It is a Buzz Lightyear clock, and will definitely wake the dead). I'm up and running and getting everything ready for my first day of work. I'm out the door at 8:10 to drive to a place that is no farther than 15 minutes away. Plenty of time.... Um, sure... Jump into the car and realize there's no gas. Drive to the gas station and put in $20. Ok, still plenty of time. Driving on the freeway and am amazed at what few cars are on the road. Driving.... driving... Oh yeah, remembered the newspaper said that it would be a bad shopping day and my exit could back up so take the exit before. So I jump off on that exit. It might have helped if I read further in the article - the one that said what roads to take to get me to the mall. Now I am driving aimlessly and helplessly up and down streets. "Oh I've heard of that street"... so I take that one. It is now 8:40 and I am totally lost in San Jose or it could have been Santa Clara-I have no idea. I am now starting to panic and am just driving and am getting more lost trying to backtrack the way I think I came. Then, like a miracle I ended up on the back doorstep of the mall. How do I know this? Well, #1 there was the looming sign, but also #2 I now know where every car that should have been on the road ended up. I am now stuck in the parking lot of a mall on Black Friday. It was ugly. (Another blog). I am trapped in the mall, and since I am not familiar with that parking lot ended up going in circles. Now my boss calls. I am practically crying because it's already been a long day. She says to go to another location and the mall will provide a shuttle. So after driving in circles some more I manage to get out of the mall parking lot. I drive to the University and wait for the shuttle. I was just so relieved to be out of that mess. Take the shuttle to the mall, wade through hundreds of angry, tired and zoned out shoppers, and arrive at Macy's. I finally managed to clock in at 9:30. Yes, that short drive took me an hour and a half. Oh wait... the day gets better.... I have never worked retail before so I didn't realize that standing for so long in heeled shoes, can... well... basically make your feet hurt. I ultimately had to wade into the mall and buy shoes. Well, I got lost in Macy's and ended up going out the wrong door. (I knew I passed the shoe store going into Macy's). I am frantically trying to find the shoe store and end up half way through the mall. My foot is now bleeding and two layers of skin were off. Oh, turns out the mall is double sided. I was on the parallel side. (Now, I always suspected that I was living in a parallel universe from everyone else, I just don't know if I felt better having it confirmed). By now I am in so much pain, I can barely walk. I limp over to the store and plop down on the seat. The manager felt so bad for me that she brought shoes to me. My 10 minute break had pretty much come and gone (probably while I was lost in Macy's) so I didn't have the luxury of being picky. I was also in too much pain to care. So I make my purchase ($25.50) and limp back to work. Lunch time comes around and off to the food court. Fortunately I was smart enough this time to ask for directions before I left my counter. I think the clerks just took pity on me because I had gotten lost again in Macy's looking for the bathroom. Got lunch ($6.04). Back to work.... Finally, the day comes to an end and I wait for the shuttle to take me back to the car.... oh by the way, I was getting off and on at the wrong stop and was having to hike much further than necessary. Yes!! Back at my car, where I just sat, enjoying the silense and waiting for my feet to stop throbbing. Ready to drive back to the house when I remembered, yes, you knew it was coming.... I have no idea how to get back from my current location. Call on the cell phone to the husband and he gave me directions. When I found the freeway I was ecstatic. Finally! My day was over. Or so my fried brain thought... I took the freeway in the wrong direction and ended up two towns away. Had to get off the freeway and turn back around. I finally managed to get back home at about 6:30 (an hour and a half after my shift ended). I was alseep by 9 to do it again the next day. Very long day for a mere $20.

Being a Victim

Things happen to us in life, the good-the bad-the ups and the downs... When we had our son 10 years ago my husband and I made a choice for me to not work, but to be a stay at home mother, at least until he reached the age he could go to school. Well Kindergarten has come and gone, and I'm still a full time stay at home mother, and let's add another child to the mix. When you don't earn income, speaking from my experience, you don't feel like you have an equal say in where the income that DOES come in gets spent. I know they say that to pay someone to do all of the work a wife and/or mother does would equal hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet society does not promote that view by the husband. If he is earning an income, he gets the say in well, pretty much everything... Not any more...
We watch police dramas on tv and I want to yell at the small mousy woman to get out of her abusive situation. Last Tuesday the physically abused woman went back to her husband because she couldn't make it on her own, only to be killed by him that night. Stupid woman, why did she go back to him?? That's what we all think. Get a spine and take control. Easier said than done of course...
Today I am taking back control of my life. I am in a situation I don't like... No I am not abused, but sometimes we find ourselves becoming a victim of circumstance. Now you can either stay the victim or pick yourself up and move on. I think by not having outside interests, by not working outside the home it leaves you with too much time to dwell on the negative. Things are always bad and with nothing to replace the negative with positive the negative becomes larger than life. I know my husband is in that place as well. Yeah, it's real exciting around here... both of us obsessing on what we can't do, haven't accomplished, regrets, etc. I do not want my children to grow up knowing only negativity.
It is ironic I have come to this great epiphany on a day of Thanksgiving. Although I personally, do not celebrate the holiday, it did strike me as a major irony. Because I do have things to be thankful for. I have to wonderful children who have their whole lives in front of them, I have a supportive sister who lets me rant and rave. I have a friend, who has a similar situation, but found a part time job and now has a more positive outlook on life. And I do have a husband of almost 17 years. Right now he is in a really bad place and I feel like I'm getting sucked into the vortex. I think if I can climb out so can he. The more I dwell on the negative the more I feel like I'm being swallowed by the quicksand. The more I flail and flounder around the quicker I get sucked back in. I need to find the rope and just pull myself up.
So no more being a victim. I'm going to start the new year in a new place - if not physically at least metaphorically. I'm going to have a job and hopefully be in school... I'm going to be all that I can be... but I draw the line at joining the military...lol. Next year is going to be a great year and it starts today!!

Cinnamon Rolls

Today we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I asked my daughter if she wanted cinnamon rolls and bacon and her face just lit up. We don't have it that often because, frankly, we'd all be over 300 pounds. But as I am watching my daughter dig in, cinnamon goo everywhere and a look of total bliss on her face it caused me to think about parenting and food. My son will ask for a cookie or piece of chocolate in the morning. Of course my response is... "no!! it's way too early". And the policy in the house is - no soda before 11. Of course he always tries to push the envelope. Going back to cinnamon rolls.... Why is a cinnamon roll ok, but well, cookies are not? Why are danish pastries ok, but cakes are not? Why are donuts ok, but not pie? Does it have to be deep fried and covered in a glazed frosting for it to be acceptable for "morning fare"? I would never let my kids eat chocolate so early in the morning, yet there are chocolate chip muffins. Same with soda. Why is Diet Soda unacceptable, yet out comes the coffee and tea and in goes spoonfuls of sugar? Things that make you go hmmmm...

Picky Picky

When I was in the fourth grade I never passed health inspection. I was a nail biter. My parents tried everything, and yes, by the way, you can acquire a taste for that bitter stuff they put on nails to deter nail biting. It wasn't until I couldn't wear nail polish unless I stopped biting that I was motivated to quit cold turkey. Never bit my nails again. I grew long nails, to the point that people commented on them, how nice they were, etc. (Not claws, but long enough people thought they were fake). Now, while I stopped chewing my nails, I became a picker. I picked at the skin all around them. I'd work a loose piece of skin or cuticle until it became red and well, just extremely painful. Yes, I'm sure Dr. Phil would have a field day with me. I've seen him talk to "cutters" and yes, I am aware I demonstrate the same controling tendencies and probably have similar reasons for my pickings. This has recently come to my attention, well as late as well, now... I am sitting here with a bandaid on my finger. And yes, it hurts to type. Funny thing is I've come full circle. I had a snag on my nail, and well, being the obsessive compulsive person that I am I had to even it out, which led to more unevenness, which led to more picking, which left me with a way too short and now throbbing finger. I had a bird who picked at her legs and chewed her toes until they were bloodied and open. You could see her actual legs, beyond the skin. She would pick and poke and blood would be everywhere. The vet said she had behavior issues and she ended up wearing a cone. Yes, she wore a collar around her neck to prevent her from getting to her legs and feet. People would tease us and call her Radar, but hey, we did get good tv reception... lol. I used to shake my head and go "what an idiot of a bird", but now I can relate. It is difficult to explain... but now I'm wondering how I'll look in a collar. Hope I can accessorize......

Being Polite

Ok, this so does not make sense to me. We went to a friend's house for dinner on Monday. She bought 2 tri tips (meat) for all of us (it's us and the 2 of them). She had bread, green beans and salad and of course, the tri tip. Now we ate in the kitchen so I was able to monitor this. Out of the two tri tips she cooked, if we barely ate one I'd be shocked. Yet, today, I made tri-tip. I had beans, and potatoes as well as bread. My husband and son ate almost the entire slab of meat by themselves. What happened to being polite and it spilling over into every day life. I got well, a couple pieces of meat, a couple pieces of bread and like 3 potato wedges...lol. Not like I needed any more. But let me tell you, it was a far cry from our friends' house on Monday. My son ate like 2 pieces of meat (and he's a meat a holic) and said "I'm full". I make the same meal and he's scavenging for leftovers. Go figure!! Sorry auntie... it wasn't boiled....lol

Simple Things I Miss

Today I had to give the dog a bath. Why? Well, no one else will do it. This house is sooo, not dog friendly. I had to use the bathtub. Now, is that sanitary? Probably not, but I have no choice. Our dog is not large by any means, but she's not a toy poodle either. I am trying to maneuver her around, get her wet, soaped up, and keep myself at least somewhat dry. I am thankful that no one was around to see this amusing disaster. This makes me miss my home and the simple things I took for granted. Like a sink in the laundry room. It was the perfect size for a dog and I am not having to fold myself in half to accomplish this most basic of tasks. Wash, blowdry, voila!! a clean dog. Here... heck no!! I am crippled from bending over, trying to keep the dog still, why? well, she has a whole tub in which to roam and wander off. Wandering off means leaving the line of spraying water, which then means she does that doggie shake to get rid of the excess water. Yes, I'm sure you know where I am headed with all of this... What used to be a relatively simple and painless chore has turned into a morning of mopping up wet floors, cleaning the bathroom, etc. Oh yeah, and right after she was bathed and blown dry, what did she do? She led me to the garage door so she could go outside so she could um, have some privacy. And here's the best part - it's pouring down rain. Bleeping, bleeping, bleeping day......

Singing

The family was driving in the truck last night coming home from dinner at a friend's house. Instead of the radio, we were listening to my son's ipod. Now he has maybe 15 songs on there, and they run the spectrum. One song comes on, husband hits skip. Then another song comes on. With a flick of the wrist the volume goes, well ..... UP. Now, the three of us are singing at the top of our lungs. The two year old has her hands over her ears and is going "too loud, too loud." Next song, same artist, same volume... then the last song (before we reached the destination). By that time I guess she figured, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em". She was swaying back and forth and clapping along. So now there's four of us screeching along. Just to let you all know, there's a reason we haven't been discovered. And to the artist, whose songs we murdered, "sorry"....

Girlie Girl

My two year old has turned into a girlie girl. She was not into dresses and well, girlie stuff. Boy, has that changed! I used to have to practically sit on her to get her into a dress. She would scream, "I do not like that!!" as I am dressing her. Neighbors ran for cover...lol. Now, when we go shopping she goes, "oooh, pretty" when looking for clothes. And she definitely has her own opinions. The one thing she does still hate is having her hair brushed. But with her curly hair, I'm sure it is painful. I tried nail polish the other day, thinking after one swipe she would go, "I do not like that, get it off." Boy was I wrong. I did one nail and she held her hand out for more. Pretty soon I had both of her hands done. And she wasn't done. She wanted the toes too. I had to stall her until the next day because it was her bed time. First thing when she woke up, she held her toes out. "Polish, polish toes." So she now has become a girlie girl. She loves to dress up, hold her baby and now, have her nails and toes done.

Fossil

Today I received my training on how to size a watch. I am now an official holiday employee of Fossil Watches. I got my tour of the watch department, what I can and cannot sell. On Friday morning (yes, black friday), I start at Macy's in Valley Fair selling Fossil Watches. Not only do they have their own brand of watches, they also sell under DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Armani. Most are extremely high end and well, basically something I couldn't justify as an expense. Well, let's face it, pretty much anything at Macy's is out of my league...lol. I get to start at 9:00 am. Of course, I'll have to leave here at about 6 to find parking. So, for the next 4-5 weeks I'm a Fossil Watch selling fool. Try saying that three times fast..... Yeah!! I've joined the ranks of the employed. Good feeling!

Love Hate Relationship

That's the kind of relationship I have with my computer. My laptop has been my link to the world especially when I am trying to get my daughter to sleep. I plug in the laptop and get caught up. But my laptop decided to die on me. Not good timing. I now have sporadic access to another computer, but I need more frequent access. I am looking for a job and trying to find a college to attend. Yeah.... great timing. Ames Factor again rears its ugly head.

2-1

That's Junior's new boxing record. Last night he had another fight and won by a KO in the second round. Yeah!!! Good for him!! He's hooked up with a new promoter and really likes working with him. Apparently this promoter has promised him more fights in a shorter period. Now, me I don't know if that would be something I would look forward to. Hmmm, oh goody, I get to fight somebody next month and possibly get battered and bloodied. This comes from a bookworm and growing up nerdy. My philosophy is more along the lines of "kill 'em with kindness". So we'll see what the future holds for him. Hopefully good things.

Do You Know The Way....?

No, not to San Jose, but to SoCal???? Have you heard the expressions about being careful what you overhear, it can't be anything good, and similar sentiments??? Well, today I got slapped in the face with the reality of those thoughts - and it makes me need to come up with a viable and realistic plan to move back to SoCal (good-bye Peter's Bakery....so sad). Anyway, I was looking for a coupon that I had on an email and I needed to print it. I don't have a printer and so forwarded my email to my mothers (who wasn't home). I then logged on to her computer and opened my email to her...yes, I'm sure you see where I'm going with this. Didn't realize she had a whole file on well, .... me. Now, I have files with various names all with funny or well, keeper, emails from those named people. Was that file filled with my emails to her???? Heck no!!! It was all files (and current, up to yesterday) ABOUT me. Am I happy??? That would be a resounding NO!!!! I was trashed, bashed, and basically tossed to the garbage. And it was all done, while she smiled at my face. Not a happy camper. I need to get out of her house, like yesterday. Any suggestions on moving.... in this economy.... I'm up for them. I am so angry (basically, an understatement) I can barely look at her. Which is a problem, since I am staying with her. So we are holed up in a bedroom, with two kids as hostages (lol). 4 of us and a dog... yes, an interesting picture. It would be hilarious if I wasn't living it.... ugh.... I need to move to Jamaica instead, except even they don't have enough rum to get me through this.... My poor ulcer...I need to come up with a name for it, because it is definitely becoming a vocal part of the family...

Drake and Josh

My daughter will be 3 next month. She is wayyy older beyond her years. She loves "Tana" (Hannah Montana), "Coey in House" (Corey in the House), "Cody" (Zach and Cody), Carly (iCarly) and "Josh" (Drake and Josh). All of the previously mentioned tv shows are well, a bit above her age level. We took her to the movies for the first time and as soon as she entered the movie theater she started looking for Drake and Josh. Why???? Because Josh (and Drake for a couple episodes) works at a movie theater. I am trying to learn from my mistakes with my son about crossing the line between reality and fantasy. How to explain to a 2 year old???? Um, it's Josh's day off??? It was hilarious though. Her face - so serious - "Josh"?? Kids-gotta love 'em. They can definitely leave you rolling with hysterics.

Movies

Yesterday was a milestone.... our daughter's first trip to the movies. We took both kids to see Madagascar 2. My 10 year of course, if a veteran of the movies, but, well the two year old...not so much. She is a bit...well, um, busy. We had wanted to take her to the movies, but she is never in neutral long enough to attempt it. Being a fan of Madagascar, we thought we'd try it for the sequel. She did really well; better than I thought. If there hadn't have been so many dang movie trailers we would have done much better, but well, we're working with a narrow time period people, don't mess it up. About halfway through she lost interest and I thought I was going to have to spend the rest of the movie wondering whether Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman were ever going to escape the wilds of Africa. Fortunately, her interest picked up and we managed to make it through the entire movie....YEAH!!!! She made it!!!

On a more positive note I now have a lifelong seat at the Century theatures at the Great Mall. I know that because I PAID A FORTUNE. We bought 4 tickets (2 adult and 2 children) and it came to $35.50 for a 2:10 showing. What is this something I can will to my kids??? $10.25 for one seat for not even 2 hours - I don't think so. This is now my lifelong seat. And, well... let's not go into theater pricing for food.......

Women Over 40

Here is Andy Rooney's take on women over 40. Since I am now over 40 I need all the positives I can get.

-As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

-A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

-If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

-Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

-Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

-Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.

-Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

-Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Human Decency

I'm glad to see that human decency will prevail. As I had mentioned earlier, I do not feel that California's Proposition 2 is/was/should have been a political issue. It still passed. Animals now need to be treated humanely. That should have been a no brainer, but it still took normal, every day people to vote to force those animal abusers into having some common decency. Go figure, if you are making money off of the animals, wouldn't it be in your best interests to take care of them. Apparently not. Well now you all have to. I am glad to see that no matter how much of a downward spiral the world seems to be going down, there are those out there who do have compassion for the animals who depend on us to look after them. It took millions of dollars for and against this issue to force the humane treatment of these animals. Too bad those caring for the animals weren't born with that gene. Would have been a lot easier. If you have no emotions for animals, maybe you should find another line of work.

Baking

Yeah, I got to bake cookies today!! If anything can cheer me up, it's cookies. Well, not really cookies, but the dough. The weather has been bad, my mood has been down, so what else is there but baking?? Oatmeal cookies were Monday, yesterday were Banana Nut Muffins and Orange Walnut Breat (now those two were for my mother who can't eat anything with flour) and today it's Chocolate Chip. Realizing how much baking I've done makes me go "no wonder you're not losing weight", except 1/2 wasn't mine and was given away, the oatmeal was for my husband, and the chocolate chip was for my son and me. Now you all know why I don't bake that often. Cookies, since no one seemed to want to get me a cake to drown my sorrows in....oh well, not that I need it anyway. Back to the oven..........

Education

As the work force tightens up and the competition for the few open positions narrows, I have come to realize the added importance of higher education. I was on a local college website looking at their on-line classes and calculating in my head the cost. While the fees to enroll in the college come to around $50, it is the per unit price per class that will kill you. Of course, the books become a whole other subject.... Junior college, is of course much cheaper and a good place to start on the accummulation of units/credits. For me to get the 24 credits for a major in accounting (let's not cover the lesser courses), it would cost $480. The bulk of the cost is the units. Interesting allowance they have at this school for those still in public school. Any student attending K-12 can enroll in the college and the per unit fees are waived. A child can enroll in the college for about $22. So aside from the $22 and the books, their higher education is free. It could be a great opportunity down the road for those who are interested. Of course they are limited to 7 credits per semester (and PE doesn't count), but over 3 semesters it sure can add to a great savings.

Too Close to Home

Ok, I'm watching Jay (yes, Jay, he's still got some months left), and here come the political ads. I am not into politics but there are two initiatives that have caught my attention. One is Prop 8, the gay marriage (yes, let's all guess where I stand on that), and the other is Prop 2. In my opinion neither are actual political stances. One is pretty much spelled out in the Bible, and the other one involves animals. Now, second to children, animals are my passion. They are helpless creatures at the mercy of people; meaning adults. The proposition on the ballot is involving (to simplify as I really have no idea) animals for human consumption and their humane treatment. Hens for their eggs, cows, chickens and pigs for well, thsemselves.... While the commercials are horrifying, and well, basically makes me want to go vegetarian (and I tried that, but am not into beans, eggs, tofu, or well, let's face it...vegetables so I starved)... I just noticed where the clip was from. The inhumane treatment, which was at the forefront of the news and the like was taken from the town next to us. I would like to know how, specifically, how to open a home for children (i.e. foster children, orphans, etc) and combine it with an animal sanctuary. I happen to know that there is land out in that area... basically farm areas, open lots, etc... Not generalities, as I get bogged down in the legalities of stuff. What can be done to help not only the children, but also the animals; those who cannot speak up for themselves. By combining the two, you are not only helping both as separate entities, but you are helping the generation of children look beyond themselves and help those who also cannot speak for themselves...teaching compassion for others. It is a win/win situation for both. How difficult and how expensive would it be. Helping the children and helping the animals.... there has to be a way to combine the helping. I know it's out there..... These images just horrify me, muchless the kids who watch (yes they run earlier in the day as well). I have to be able to do something for both.... I saw the People's Court today which involved a pure bred Pit Bull and it's breeding and health issues. Harvey Levin (the lawyer) pleaded with people to adopt from a shelter. He said an adopted animal would never forget. As an owner of many a shelter adopted animal I totally agree. All of my adopted animals are eternally grateful. They know where they've been and don't want to go back. By helping those forgotten animals... and yes, even some of the forgotten children, it starts a chain of positive events that can only benefit them, but ourselves as well. I'm not really good with conceptual ideas, but once I'm given a direction I'm much better at following the path and going from there.

Hello????

I believe that would be a wake up call to me. And I don't know how long this blog will be up, but we'll see. I had a brief discussion with my sister this afternoon and I was pretty much put in my place. Now, I am not saying that as a bad thing. I have had many hours to re-evaluate my advice to her, and I have pretty much realized that I am giving her advice I should have applied myself a long, long time ago. She is at a crossroads in her life (but has pretty much figured out which way to travel). I want her to go down road A, but she has found road B to be the better route. While I may disagree, (as only an older sister can do), I had to analyze why I wanted her to take road "A". I have spent a lof of time today trying to figure out her choices.... you know the analogy.... walk a mile in my shoes...blah, blah, blah.... My only hope is for her to be happy and not to make the same compromise decisions I have made.... Apparently, I am superimposing my life on her as I have come to realize. I made many choices in my life out of bending to other people's opinions and not standing up for my own life, and I want her to be able to be free to make her own choices. While I may not agree, disagree, or even have say, I have to let her make her own decisions and sit quietly by (or well, not that quietly, but I'll try). We all have to live our own life, for good, for bad, or for the ugly. It has made me analyze my own life's decisions, and well, I don't know how well I've done, but at least I am the one who made them. I have to live with the consequences, as we all have to. I may look back with many regrets, and yes, I probably would have made a hundred different decisions, but the two things I can never regret are my two children. For them, I have to thank God.... without Him I never would have had them, and for that I am forever grateful. So I realize that we do make a lot of our decisions based on how it would impact our children. While we can't live our lives for our children, whatever we do in life does impact them. Great!!! Something else we can screw up.... All we can do is...do our best, pray for it to work out, and hunker down, and hope our kids won't need years of therapy overcoming our shortcomings....

Are You Kidding Me???

Ok, so my husband is a tv addict. So we watch not only a lot of tv, but lots and lots of commercials. There are two that drive me insane. One is where a woman is talking to the female symbol on the bathroom door. Excuse me, but if you are talking to the outline of a woman, you have a lot more problems than some bladder control issues.... The other is for some sort of deodorant. It shows a woman trying to avoid white marks on her "little black dress". One way of avoiding those telltale signs is to dive from a high rise building head first into her dress. Or the other way is to use this deodorant. As the woman is pitching, face first, downward into her dress, the words "don't try this at home" appears. Hello, do you think any sane woman would do this???? Give me a break. I am really hoping that women, worldwide, have a lot more brain cells than that. Right now, those two commercials, aside from the typical political ones, are driving me crazy. Give the women of the world a few more brain cells.... the political ones, well, that's a whole other blog....

STAR Testing

My son got his STAR testing results back (a little earlier, but we are dealing with forwarded mail), and I found out I am not that bad of a teacher. Since this was a 5th grade test, he was tested on Language Arts, Math, and Science. He scored a "proficient" in Language Arts. To be honest, I am thrilled as that is his worst and least favorite subject. Proficient in this context is considered above average. Math he was way above average. In one area he got 100%. Since he is home schooled I am extremely stoked because, well, with me as a teacher I didn't expect much, especially in Math. He did really well and I am so proud of him. The interesting part was Science. He scored a "basic". He was lower in that subject than both of the others. What makes this interesting is that was the one subject I actually sent him to class for. His school has "on-site" classes you can take. I signed him up for Science because that is an area I am not comfortable teaching. A bit too complicated and lab oriented. So, ironically, the one subject he actually went to school for, is the one subject he scored the worst in. I taught the other two and he scored above average, and way above average. I do have to give credit to him because he is very smart, but overall, I'd say...apparently homeschooling hasn't ruined him. Let's not delve into the social aspects... This is a purely academic related post. He had been stressing since he took the test for his results and is extremely relieved about his scores. I am just relieved that the low areas were not something that could be laid at my feet. My inadequacies as teacher are numerous and I need all the comfort I can get.

Football

Well, my beloved 49ers lost another game yesterday and are now at 2-4. My husband's team, the Raiders, also lost yesterday, continuing another losing season for both our teams. Now, I can hear my sister groaning as she reads this, because, well, she is sports challenged, but I believe she can relate in another area. The 49ers started going downhill when it's original owner, Eddie Debartalo, was no longer in charge. He had a genius on staff who worked out budgets, salary caps, recruiting, you name it, he could pull it off. Add in the wizard of a coach, Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig (now I'm all nostalgic) and you have a winning combination. Winning seasons with some SuperBowls thrown in. Eddie owned the business of the 49ers, but he took it beyond just business. He had a true passion and love for the game and the team itself. When he lost control of the business, his sister took over to keep it in the family. She doesn't know what to do with a football team, and since it's a "man's sport" she gave it to her husband to run. He has no vision or passion for the sport. It is purely business. I believe if you have a passion for something, add in the business sense and you can't help but become profitable. Without that passion the business becomes just that - working for the business. I wish the leage would allow Eddie to come back and restore the team to its former glory. With the passion and drive it could be led to great things. With the Raiders, lose Al Davis and you have a great start to turning the team around. I know nothing about defensive strategy, offensive strategy and special teams. I just see a lack of qualified leadership at the top and it trickles down the line. If you are leading a company or business get passionate about it. You can only benefit the company in the end.

The Tudors

Well, I finished the first season of the Tudors. I have to say I am pretty happy to not have been born in that time period. Although the clothes are beautiful, people didn't seem to live long enough to enjoy them. Medical science was obviously not that well developed. Couple that with the fact that, well, if you ticked off anyone important in the realm...people just had short life spans. And wow, did they have deep dark pits in their souls to be able to come up with such gruesome ways to execute people. It seems that the ones who had the most fun in that time were the noblemen. The ladies were back in their homes while the men were partying at the castle.... and of course enjoying the services of the young ladies-in-waiting. So, I got a crash course in history. I have to say I don't remember studing about that era much while I was in school. If they veered off into "artistic liberties" I would probably be unaware of it. So I got to just sit back and enjoy the series without having to compare it to history. It was quite graphic in a lot of ways. I don't know how some of those people could sleep at night #1 those who were really back in those days who plotted the demise of innocent people for their own gain and #2 the actors who had to reinact the scenes. It would seem that only Charles Brandon and King Henry got the well, we'll call them fun, scenes. I saw the intro to episode 10 (the season finale) and could not figure out what King Henry was doing. I had to shut the dvd off as I was interrupted and so ended up having to reload from scratch. There was that intro again... This time I was like... hold it, nah, can't be. So I rewind it- and rewatch. Then I burst out laughing. Yep, he must have had a fun time filming....lol And to think they get paid for that "fun". Now I have been on a few movie sets and I know it's awkward with the many worker bees on the sets, but when I see the finalized production I don't think of that and just laugh. It was not a funny movie, but well, my mind goes in those directions. I did like the movie, but a little too graphic (violence wise) for my tastes. I am very squeamish. Yes, I will be looking forward to season 2, if only to see who keeps their necks attached to their bodies.

He Did It Again

Have you ever known someone who tries to cut corners? My step-father is like that, only he ends up botching it so badly it becomes a total disaster. He is the ultimate cheap skate. They have lived in their home since 1984, but it was originally built in 1979. He is very proud of the fact that they haven't put any money into the home, other than a new roof. Put in money, means pay someone to do the work. He put his own tile in (um, yeah), and the ultimate was the kitchen counters. Not tile, not granite, it's well, I don't know what it is. It's something my husband brought from a job site that apparently caught his fancy. It's like white butcherblock. He installs it himself and well, there's a huge seam right down the middle. (He couldn't have lined it up in like a corner, or not so obvious location). And of course, the seam continues to separate. He weatherproofed his deck, and patched rotted out wood, and let's not even discuss what they call a gazebo. He also converted their master bedroom into a "studio". Have you ever seen a kitchen sink in place of a bathroom sink. Instead of a low basin, it's a deep tub. Not a pretty sight.Now, with the economy being the way it is, he may be cutting satellite tv. He watched a Youtube video on how to make your own antennae and get tv. Sure enough, that was his project today. To test it, he disconnected the satellite. Not only did he mess up the tv, he shut down the internet. Good lord, I need to move...... I have to say that I am pretty happy to not be inheriting this house because when I think of how much money it would take to repair what he's done, well, I don't have that kind of cash.

Feeling Old

Nothing reminds you of your age than applying for a job. I had an appointment to interview today at a restaurant. Having two children and daycare issues, I'm having to think beyond traditional 9-5 work, let's try outside the box work. Now I had an appointment, but this restaurant is hiring from the ground up so they have an off-site hiring facility that is open from 10-5 and walk-ins are welcome. As I am sitting there I am reminded of my age. This would be due to the fact that everyone who is also applying cannot be beyond 25 (and that's stretching). I want to say I have the maturity and life experience rather than just years on them. But if this is the demographic this restaurant is trying to hit I'm rather doomed. Thinking young does not erase those um, we'll call them laugh lines, nor take away the creeping gray. Eesh, and I was happy with deluding myself. Welcome to reality!

America's Got Talent

Well, I just finished watching the finale of America's Got Talent and am so disappointed. I personally have nothing against the season's winner, but opera is just not my thing. I don't know how someone can sustain an audience in Vegas while singing opera. Eli, the runner up, has not only the voice, but plays piano as well. But the biggest disappointment was the #3 contestant. Nothing But Stringz was by far the most talented. These are 2 talented young people who play violins. But they play violins with an attitude. On top of that, they write their own music. These two guys could have gone in an entirely different direction with their lives, but they poured their talent into their music. I think their mother is to be congratulated. She did a great job with those two kids. I hope Eli and Nothin' but Stringz get agents. I'd hate to hear the end of those two acts. They are extremely talented. Look them up on youtube. You'll be amazed at their talent.

Solution To Financial Crisis

I was watching Jay Leno on Monday and his guest was Russell Crowe. Now, Russell Crowe is not a US Citizen, for which he's probably grateful considering the financial crisis that is going on here. He did come up with a solution to the financial crisist though. I have to say that I tend to like his solution. The population of the US at this point in time is about 300 million, and Congress is trying to pass a $700 billion bailout. His solution is, instead of using all of that bailout money to fix a problem the system created and have the taxpayers pay for it, is give each person $1 million. That would stimulate the economy. I am pretty sure the American public would get behind that one. Sure beats the stimulous package they did earlier. $300 per person, with loopholes so you can't even the entire amount. I definitely like the Russell Crowe solution. People would have money to buy up the foreclosed homes, thus saving the banks. Not charity for them. They get the properties off their books and now have money in their coffers. Neighborhoods won't look pathetic. Businesses wouldn't go under. So, Congress, I hope you were watching Jay. There is a solution out there. With it being an election year, imagine how many votes you'd get for a proposition like that.

A Raise??

As an ordinary, middle-class citizen I can stretch a dollar if I need to. I can tighten the belt even more, although I think I'm already a size 2 (financially, not physically). So, it boggles my mind that someone can't live on $17.5 million per year. That's what the Queen of England makes per year, and she now wants a raise. You have got to be kidding me. Now it's hard enough to comprehend the fact that she can't survive on that, especially since she only has herself to support. The hubby and kids each have their own salaries. What makes it more difficult to comprehend is for her to get a pay raise is, the taxpayers have to pay for it. Her income is dependent on taxes. Like times aren't tough enough with ordinary people scraping to get buy, now they are going to have to shell out more money so she can get - as Jay Leno says "dowdy handbags." I don't think a quarter of her citizens even make 1% of her annual income, yet they are expected to pay her more? Go figure.... Nice job if you can get it.

Growing Up Too Early

When my son was 2 his girlfriend was Kim Possible and Bubbles (of the Powerpuff Girls). He loved cartoons and watched Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story for years and years. He liked Scooby Doo, even through kindergarten and first grade, to the point that he wrote them letters. He wrote letters to a lot of cartoon characters, to the point that he really thought they were real. He wrote Kim Possible and asked her to go out with them. And I hated to disillusion him so I answered back. He had some major reality issues, but it was a young and innocent time. We always had cartoons on. It wasn't until he was older that he started moving on to Nickelodeon. He moved to Zach and Cody, Phil of the Future, and other Disney channel shows and from there it is now Drake and Josh, iCarly, and of curse the new Zach and Cody show that will start Friday. Unfortunately, my daughter is skipping all the cutesy cartoons. Now she watches PBS kids and likes DragonTales, Clifford and Curious George, but her first requests are for "Josh" and "Carly". She is into the teen shows already. I saw Brooke Shields on Jay Leno (yes, Jay) and she was saying how her 5 year old daughter loves the Jonas Brothers. My toddler is going to be old beyond her years. I have a feeling we're going to have issues in the future.

Kinesthetic Learning

While on the subject of education and learning I have to give a big thanks to my younger and apparently, much brighter sister. She figured out that my daughter is a kinesthetic learner. My son is totally audio and I was trying the same stuff that worked so well with him on her. Now that I have been enlightened on various learning styles my daughter is flourishing. Turns out she knew a whole lot more than she let on. My mother is amazed and says that while my son was verbal at her age, she talks circles around him. Of course, she's a girl, and well, ask my husband about women and their ability to talk...lol

Schools - Again

Tomorrow I am doing something I had sworn I wouldn't do--change my son's school - Again! Now I researched schools over the summer and planned to put him into a school that would enable him to settle in throughout his junior high school years. (Can't believe I am saying junior high). But, the school I thought would work is failing miserably. So tomorrow, he and I will be walking around the corner and signing him up there. This means more work will fall onto me because the public school system will only take him if he is on "independent study". As a side note this is bad timing because a temp agency called and are sending my resume out for an available position. Great, I don't know what to root for at this point...but I digress. Schooling-unbelievable that I have to do this. But it is for my son's long term educational benefit. He is a little too smart for his own good, and I don't mean that in a good way. First off he doesn't like on-line schooling. He loves to surround himself with the books and watch them shrink as he works his way through his day. The way this on-line school works is take the assessment first. If you pass it with a 90% or more you can skip all of the lessons. One test and voila! you are done. Guess what, my son has "mastered" all of his lessons at 100%. Sounds great, sounds like a genius. But - no...... There's a minor loophole. Once you take the assessment and hit "submit" the test will give you the results. It gives you all of the answers you gave, if they were right and if not, what the right answer is. Then he goes back out and retakes the test... We talked about it yesterday and I said well that's all fine and dandy but he's not learning anything. He said he's learning how to memorize. His first month into junior high school and he's figured out how to get around the system. Should I be worried about high school???

Celebrities (In General)

Late last night I was on the Henry Cavill fan website. Now, let me clarify, I am not a fan, and while that sounds bad, it's only because I have never actually seen his work. I have a distant, fringe and very minor knowledge of him and was just being nosy. It was 1:00 am and I wasn't up to cerebral stuff. Anyway, just to read forum posts you have to join. Great, just to be nosy I had to join a fan website...never done that before. So, I'm reading about Henry's engagement being debunked and all kinds of speculation about his current and past girlfriends, whether she's from New Zealand, one of the two blondes he's posing with, or even his co-star in his upcoming movie or even if he is gay or not. Now the engagement rumor came from an obscure (sorry, no offense) blog, which was referred to by the "debunker". I had found out recently that people actually have "alerts" so they will know whenever anything referring to selected celebrities get posted and I thought it was crazy that anyone would do that. I mean isn't there anything more important to learn about. But I digress... apparently it's true. How else would that reference show up on this celebrity fan forum? Good Lord people, get a life!!! At one in the morning I was zoning out and just waiting for the caffeine to wind down so I can go to sleep so mindless surfing of the internet didn't seem too crazy. In the light of morning I realize that people do this all the time. With the endless posts analyzing who his girlfriend is/was/could be/should be, if he looks better in a suit/short hair/long hair, etc I have to admit that I feel quite sorry for the fellow. References were made that he is quite private and is keeping his love life under wraps. Well, duh!
I had noticed the same dissecting of another person's love life on his fan's website (I have only been to 2) and I have to tell you that I really feel sorry for celebrities. They have no privacy and are under constant scrutiny. It is difficult enough to be scrutinized from every angle while on a set filming, much less having it done to you just posing for regular fan photos. The other fan site actually has people who notice how many times the singer actually wears a certain type of shoe on stage...I mean give me a break! Shoes people!! Please put your energies to more worthwhile endeavors and realize that while their careers put them in the public eye speculating on every little thing they do only will make them more reclusive...and wary and distrustful of people. That is so not fair to them. Privacy is a good thing.
I will admit to celebrity lusting when I was younger. I was going to be Mrs. George Michael....don't know how I went so wrong with that one...lol I bought every teen magazine with his photo in it and collected everything he was remotely attached to. But I grew out of it!!!

My son wants to get into the industry as well and the lack of privacy is the one thing I am concerned about. Please, just let the people live their lives without constant scrutiny, and psycho analysis of every little pose, smile (fake, real, happy, etc), piece of clothing, shoes worn, etc. Women, please, if you're that bored, volunteer or get a worthwhile hobby. Celebrity stalking, even if from a distance, is NOT a hobby. Just because someone was born with a pretty face or a special ability doesn't make them any different from your next door neighbor or co-worker. Introduce yourself to your neighbor... or better yet, make them a cake and bring it over... Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all did that.... And you never know who may have moved in next door, could be the future love of your life... Don't miss out because you were so busy obsessing over the unattainable.

Clothes Shopping

Today I had finally reached the end of my clothing wardrobe and finally went clothes shopping. And yes, I came home as I do every time, with absolutely NOTHING. I either need to be a pygmy or a twig for these clothes to fit me, and I am neither. Not one skirt or dress that wouldn't um, barely cover the basics. So, let's look at tops. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I am a bit overdeveloped in certain areas. A large would fit fine, except it can't get over those areas. Material stretches to the point that I think the shirt is in pain and will start calling for help at any moment. So we move to an extra large. Well, yes, it covers fine up top, but now I look pregnant because it just hangs down. So for all of you out there considering an enhancement, and yes I mean you...:)...think about the long reaching effects. You can never shop normally again. You will leave the stores frustrated, aggravated, and once again, clothesless. All the sit ups in the world will not reduce them. Just remember, the clothes hang from the outermost parts... think about it. And my wardrobe remains the same...again... Well, tomorrow is another day.

38DD

I don't quite know how to react to the 38DD. Let me backtrack..... I went shopping for a piece of apparel that only women would really require. Hence the 38DD. Yes, I'm sure men are not to disappointed at such dimensions, but speaking from a woman's perspective I'm not overly thrilled. Thanks Mei, for stating (even before knowing the actual figures) that I'm "full-figured". It is extremely disconcerting to realize I'm quite the size I am. I am in the phase of my life where I'd really like to lose some weight. I've come to realize that no matter how much weight I actually lose I'll always be in a large or extra large size, due to the bust line. It starts at the top and drops down. I can try to squeeze into something smaller after I've lost a few pounds (which I have actually done), yet the buttons up top are screaming bloody murder. It's very disappointing to lost 5+ pounds and not a thing has changed in the upper area. A friend of mine is contemplating breast enhancement. I am looking for the reduction. Unfortunately, she is not willing to meet me half way....lol. Men think larger is better, but speaking from the woman's perspective it's not all that great. Hmmm, think I've figured out where the back ache is coming from. And my mother, a 34B, is extremely confused. Of course, my husband is taking full credit...all I want is to be a size Medium. Here's hoping that someday my dream will come true..... it's only one of many, but at least one would work for now..........

Rats

Tonight is the first night back into the bedrooom, and needless to say I'm pretty jumpy. A couple nights ago not only did I hear them I also saw them, rats partying in my bedroom. Now, I know they are supposed to be sacred in India, but well, the fact is, I'm not in India, and I'm not so pleased to be sharing my space with them. I moved in with my son who is 10. He was not overly thrilled but adjusted for the two nights. Now, let's imagine a queen mattress, holding a 10 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, one adult and the dog. That's right 1 +1+1+1= no sleep. The last time I had any kind of interaction with a rat was when I was 19 years old and working for a grocery store. I needed to bale some bread (and before Mei writes in to say how much the refugees could have used the food, let me acknowledge right now that I totally agree with her). (Grocery stores just dump expiring food into the dumpster). I threw back the cover and some very large rodents jumped out. Now, let's reflect, I'm 19 and really, really blonde. I was told that my screams brought people running from the other side of the store. All I know is that the janitor came running and told me later that the problem was taken care of. Where is my janitor now that I need him. I am ahem, a few years older, and hopefully infinitely wiser, but I still have to admit, that sharing such a confined space with the rodent population is not something I am really into doing right now. I'm hoping that they are not coming to avenge their family. I've heard that payback is a bitch, but really, do you all have that long a memory.....Here's to cats and traps. I'm hoping they do their job....in a big way.

Super Power

Last week I filled out an ultimate survey. One of the questions was "if you had a superpower what would it be." I believe I answered something like knowing what was in the future. After thinking on it for a while, I need to change my answer. I want my superpower to be - making people happy. Without going into politics, the founding fathers created the Constitution with the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, so many people in the world are unhappy. If I could wave my magic want I would make people happy. Can you imagine what a great place this would be. The world would be so different. Happiness - sounds simple, and is something we all want to have, yet so few people I know (and yes, that includes me) are happy. Now I am not saying that we all wallow in unhappiness, but the stresses, pressures, and just everyday life gets in the way of allowing us the opportunity to just sit back and enjoy the happinesses in our life. So for any of you of who are unhappy, I just wish I could make things better for you and fix it. To those I know, know I am thinking about you and wishing you good thoughts. To others, please accept my wishes for a better for you. And if all else fails, find a good bartender...

One Decade Down

Hard to believe...my baby turned 10 today. A totally new chapter begins in our lives today. No longer a child, now in double digits. A pre-teen... Soon he will no longer have child issues. He'll have more complicated problems for me to solve. Those that aren't as easily solved by a kiss and an I love you. Although, knowing him, he'll always take them. Now agewise, I could technically have older children, but I don't. So having a ten year old makes me feel old. He's been a great child so far; I can only pray that it continues. So, as we move into the next decade of his life, one probably with the most changes, I say "strap on your seatbelts, it could be a bumpy ride." 10 years, junior high, he's growing up fast. Wish you could stop time and just keep them your "baby" forever. You want to shelter them and protect them from any hurts that of course come with growing up. All you can do is be there and guide them. Hope I do a good job.

Lightbulb Moment

Have you ever had one of those lightbulb moments? Today I had one. I was on the phone with my husband and he made a statement. Things finally clicked in my head as to where he was coming from. When you haven't been around someone for a few weeks it is difficult to comprehend things via short phone conversations. Especially when he and I are constantly surrounded by people. And, by the way, I hate that bluetooth stuff. Makes him sound like he's in a wind tunnel and I miss probably 50% of what he's saying. After he made his statement, which was in reality not big and momentus, just a passing comment, I finally got it. I had been wondering what he had been thinking and planning. He had not been brought up to speed on new developments and had been working on things from a different angle... Guess there is a parallel universe. We're travelling in the same direction only parallel to each other not with each other. Hopefully we can get back on the same planet and be able to be on the same track (even the same town would be good right now). Oh well, just one of those odd moments when you finally go "I got it". It may be that you don't agree, disagree or even understand it. You just got insight into another person's line of thought. Just getting that is enough for me...

Too Bad

Do you have any idea how much I would love to say "Too bad, you had your chance?" They are pushing the two year old, Sarah, away. She cannot go into their room unless she is very quiet. That's the quiet room. Now it's extending to other areas of the house. She cannot be two. She has to use her quiet voice all the time, even outside. Whenever they see a photo of David they get all excited, but not so with Sarah. She got so excited when her grandmother came home from work, even falling off the bed to go and see her. She was greeted with "you need to use your quiet voice". A little while later Sarah was going to be taken outside to ride her bike. It took longer to dress her than the time she spent on her bike. She was brought back in and I was told that she wouldn't play with her while she was in this mood. They then swapped her for the 10 year old. I would love to tell them as we are leaving to move across country, "too bad, you had your chance to get to know her." She is such a loving and sweet child and they are missing out. I don't think across country is far enough...

Line in the Sand

Where do you draw the line? My two kids and I are staying with my parents for a good part of the summer (or shorter I hope). My parents have now taken to overstepping their grandparent role and are assuming the parental role with my kids. They have decided to study for meetings with my son. Last week we hadn't prepared for a Tuesday night meeting. After we came back my son was asked about it. He looked confused when she asked if he had been prepared. She said she would take over the studying with him. I interjected and said I didn't have the material, remember we are just visiting. She basically ignored me and said we'll address it next week. Today she came in from playing outside with my daughter. She didn't like the way my two year old interacted with her and said she would no longer play with her. I think it took me longer to get her dressed than the whole time she played. Instead, while I am putting my daughter down for a nap they snag the son and decided to prepared for the meeting with him. That is so not your place. But how do you intervene when you are in their house? How and where do you draw the line in the sand? I was not given the material to go over the info for tonight. That's how they are using it to get around me. Driving me crazy... How do I put a stop to this?

Positive Side

On the plus side, I am now having some undivided attention with my daughter. Because I can't leave her at her grandparents she now comes everywhere with me. I heard her in trouble again because she was looking at stuff in the driveway and rearranging things. (They were having a garage sale). I gathered up my purse and bundled her into the car and off we went. Took her to the mall and we spent about 3 hours together. She was sweet and as good as can be. We ate pizza and I even got her an ice cream cone. So, her grandparents' loss is totally her gain (and mine too). We had so much fun together. Earlier I had let her ride her bike across the street to the park, so today we had lots of one-on-one time. And she totally thrives on it. My son would rather hang out here and be doted on. As he is older and quieter he is the doted on favorite. But with Sarah having her own attention, even if it is from her mom, she is coming into her own. Good for her, she deserves it.

Shhhhhh!

I don't think I've ever heard shhhhh, or be quiet, don't, or stop it as much in the past two weeks (only 2 weeks, seems so much longer) as I have in the last few years put together. It's interesting because my two year old doesn't seem to have the tantrums she used to (hopefully she's totally outgrowing them), but her loudness comes from excitement or arguing with her brother. Yet she is staying in a house that is to be "quiet". I hear them talking to her telling her she needs to be quiet or she'll be sent outside-not just the room, but the house. (Who says that to a toddler?) She can't upset their kitty. If Lilah gets upset she'll run outside. Now I know the pecking order over here, the kitty, the 10 year old, then the 2 year old. How do you tell a two year old she has to be quiet all the time? It's like telling her not to be 2. Driving me insane. I found a place to watch Junior's fight, and ended up having to take her with me. I had gone downstairs and was leaving, but heard that "be quiet" lecture again. Sure enough she was banished out of the room and the door locked behind her. She was standing in the hall all by herself. Her grandfather was on his computer totally oblivious to her. I listened to the interaction as the quiet lecture continued after the door was again opened. Within a few seconds she was banished outside again. Of course she's yelling and banging on the door. Her brother is safely inside, while she is locked, yes locked, out. I put an end to the whole thing by saying I'm just taking her with me. And it was so much better for her. "Grandma" Vicky even watched cartoons with her at her house. Sarah loved having the attention. Just let her be 2 and stop stifling her. If it's loud because she's screaming in anger or because of a tantrum that's one thing, but because she's enjoying life, give me a break.

Junior

Tomorrow (or today), Wednesday the 16th my nephew has his first televised fight. He was supposed to have his second match last Friday, but his opponent never showed up. Unfortunately, that cancelled the entire boxing line up. Apparently they needed 18 rounds. Junior fights 4 and with his opponent a no show they were only at 14, so all the matches of the night were scratched. I know nothing about boxing; this is what I'm told. Junior is supposed to be a rising star so another promoter snagged him for a fight for tomorrow. It's at Pechanga Casino in Temecula and happens to be aired on the FSN. No, he's not the main attraction. I am getting a crash course in boxing, so what I do know is the main fight is last, with a few lead-ins ahead. There are a total of 5 fights. Junior is in the Welterweight Division. I had to pick this up from the Pechanga site. He is the TBA since he was just added after his fight was cancelled. Unfortunately, my parents don't get FSN, so I am going to see if I can see it at a friend's house. My parents are very anti-boxing so I can't even tell them why I'm going to try to get out of the house. I am not a boxing fan, but I am a fan of my nephew. Of course the fights start at 5:30, but aren't aired until 8:00, so I'm sure I'll hear the results before. Junior is 1-0, his opponent is 3-0. If Junior doesn't do so well, at least I can be prepared. He has trained hard and once he found out this match is being televised has stepped it up. He doesn't want to look bad in front of such an audience. As a loyal aunt, I'm going to have to watch the fight. I do hope he does well, I'd hate to see him all bloodied up. So, hopefully I'll find a venue to watch my nephew, but no, I'm not bringing the kids. Blood, guts, and gore isn't something I want them to get a crash course in. Guess I'll have to say I'm out for a "spa" evening...

Jealous

Yes, I am jealous of my husband. Just booked his flight back home. He gets to leave this madness tomorrow. Help!!! Take me with you!!! Take me anywhere but here...

Rumors

Just to let anyone know, if you are going to talk about people and spread rumors can you at least get the facts straight. Or at least one of the facts right. It's interesting how people I haven't spoken to in years seem to know so much about me and my family's lives. Yet they are 100% wrong. Not one factual statement...Ever heard of the motto,"if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." I think these people just like to hear themselves talk.

Using Children

My son is a very naive, innocent and trusting 9 year old. Why do people see the need to pump him for information. I walk by the room and hear his grandmother asking all kinds of questions about us and our lives, my husband's family, our friends, etc. He is so trusting he just talks away. Then we hear about it later. Why do people do that. If you want to know something ask me. I'll probably tell you it's none of your business; hmm, guess that's why they ask an innocent 9 year old. Drives me crazy...Any thoughts on how to put a stop to it.

Adapting or Not

We have been staying with my parents for 4 days now. Rumor has it they have a cat named Lilah. I have yet to see her. It is because of Lilah that my pets are banished. I have two cats who are 13 years old, totally indoors, declawed and "people" oriented. They both take a nap with my daughter and follow her around the house. Now, my parents didn't want Lilah upset about the visiting kitties so my cats are banished to the patio room and back yard. Back yard!!! These cats haven't been outside a day in their life in the 13 years we've owned them. One cat is so lonely she tries to follow anyone around who happens to go outside. The other cat is hiding in a cabinet. This patio room is not very big. It is long, but narrow and is also used as a storage room. My husband and I had to get away and so spent the day together (with the kids, of course). Got home to the news that the one cat went next door and the two dogs had him trapped. The neighbor's dogs hate cats. Great, let's let two old, declawed cats loose. One of the next door dogs even came under the fence and got into my parents yard. Do I see trouble on the horizon...oh yeah! The sad thing is our dog can't do anything to protect the cats. Lady likes the cats and they get along great, hence the lack of fear in the cats around dogs. You see, our dog has been banished to the side yard. Not the garage, not the back yard...the narrow walkway of a side yard. All concrete and garbage cans. When she is not in the side yard she has to be in her crate in the upstairs bedroom. She can't be in the backyard because, according to my father, she could "pee" and burn his grass. She can't be in the house because their invisible cat, Lilah, is terrified of dogs. I feel so bad for these pets. You look into their eyes and all your see is confusion. They are used to being with us 24/7 and now are banished. Our two-year old is just as confused. She is having a hard time going to sleep without her kitties. I am hoping our "vacation" will be cut short. We can see trouble on the horizon and are worrying about how our son will take it if something happens to one or both of the cats. They are too old to have to worry about running for their lives. They should be able to live out the rest of their lives in comfort; they've earned it. What's ironic is the invisible cat used to be wild. She can take care of herself outside, mine can't. Or at least let the dog out to protect his sisters...

Priorities

Why is it that people place more emphasis on "things" rather than people. As I write this my two year old daughter is sleeping (after 2 hours of fighting it), but she is sweating profusely. Her hair is all wet, her face is damp...and she is just wearing a t-shirt. The reason is her grandparents refuse to turn on the air conditioning. They live the majority of their day in their master bedroom. In there, they have a heater, a/c, microwave, etc. So there is no need to heat and/or cool the rest of the house. We are dying here. Nope, the temperature has to stay at a certain level or they pay more in utilities. It's midnight and my son is still awake because he is hot too. You are also not allowed to use any electricity from noon to 6:00 pm. Yes, I was told that as I was waiting for clothes to come out of the dryer. They are on a special plan to reduce costs. Nothing can be run during those hours. Great!!! Yesterday, my husband set up the slip n' slide for the kids to play in the backyard. It was hot... Their grandfather was indignant because it could burn the grass. He didn't want it set up. My husband put it up not knowing it would become a major issue. They didn't play long, let's put it that way. We also brought a small pool, guess they won't be using that either. Grass is a thing. Let the kids be kids. What else are they going to do...stay in a hot house staring at the walls because they can't watch tv or play video games. It's too hot to play outside. Yeah, it starts to cool down in the evening, but hey, that's when you can turn stuff on again...except the air conditioning...

Siliac

Siliac is a very food limiting disease. My mother developed this about two years ago. Apparently it is something you are born with, but it remains dormant until something triggers it. People with siliac cannot eat anything with gluten. My mother cannot have anything with flour, wheat, oats, barley, rye and stuff like that. She can't even drink regular beer. It is amazing what food products have gluten in them, even soy sauce. She has to read all food labels. I made pizza tonight and had to be creative for her. Made her pizza on tortilla shells. Just think of all the foods you are no longer able to eat-cakes, cookies, bread, pizza. She had been extremely thin from this disease, but now her body hoards whatever she eats. She eats lots of salads (minus the croutons). She is so sensitive that she brought her own bread to a restaurant, but the crumbs from the other breads got on it and she got sick. She ordered rice noodles at a restaurant but it's cooked in the same water as other stuff, so she can't eat there any more. Very restrictive diet. And the sad thing is - it's genetic. Great. The things I can look forward to. Not a bright future for someone who loves to bake. I have my own health issues and have to be careful of what I eat, let's just add that in. There's many a day I live on saltines when my ulcer flares up. No flour products...oh dear.

Regression and Guilt

And so it begins...We are visiting my parents, with my husband leaving in two days (and yes, he is counting). When we brought stuff in, the changes they made to their house made us very suspicious. Kind of like they were expecting our visit to be more long, long term than what it is. Sure enough, it was brought up today. About missing the kids, keeping family together, helping each other out, etc. Maybe we could live here with them indefinitely. It would mean so much to them to be with their grandkids. Why do I have the feeling this is going to be a long summer?

And why is it that I, a perfectly normal adult seem to regress when I am around them. Years of conditioning I guess. Hate to make waves, easier to give in, who knows. Today I ended up making pizza for the whole group. Tomorrow they are having company and I am catering it. Enchiladas for 12. I really have no idea how it happened. Although the fact that I hate my mother's cooking may have something to do with it. (She is also on a special diet for her health and so she eats some bizarre things). The deal starts with "if you cook, I'll clean the kitchen". Yeah, right...she wanders off and plays with the grandkids. Trust me I've walked away but the dishes don't budge...for days. It finally drives me crazy enough to just do them. Can't deal with dishes piled up. It's easier to just get them over with. So I've reverted back to the cooking and cleaning person again. I told them after Saturday I'm not cooking any more. I eat very little and there's no reason for me to cook. At least I put them on notice. If I live on salad I get the benefits of no cooking, no cleaning and hey, maybe I'll lose some weight. Maybe eating healthier will help my backbone get stronger. I made a start tonight, let's hope it continues.

A First

Today was the first day my husband and I ate a meal in a restaurant without the kids. We had eaten without our oldest son, but never without our 2 year old. Not because we didn't want to, but she is quite a handful and people just don't seem to volunteer to watch her. We have found it's just easier not to eat out at all. Fighting with her is more work than the meal is worth. But today she had grandparents (well, one at least) who were willing to take her on. We are not the outdoorsy type, but their grandmother is. She played ball with them, took them for a walk to the park, and all around wore them out. We got out for 2 1/2 hours, and when we got back it was naptime. Kids were so worn out, although the oldest will never admit it. He doesn't take naps, but he sure crashed at night. We had a nice lunch, picking a place the kids would not like. Usually, if we do eat out, it's at a place they enjoy the food. So yeah!!! we got to have a nice relaxing and civilized meal. Hope it doesn't take 2 1/2 years to have another one.

In The Blink of an Eye

The Bible says that "time and unforseen occurrence" can befall all of us. Tonight we were witness to how true that statement is and how quickly things can happen. We were coming from visiting my sister-in-law at her home. Now, her family knows all too well how quickly situations change. Her husband was in a major automobile accident, leaving him in a comatose state. In the blink of an eye their lives changed dramatically. My family and I were driving down the freeway to our home, and going at a nice pace, when all of a sudden this motorcycle came up on the right and passed us. My husband estimated his speed at about 120 mph. He passed us like we were standing still. I made the comment that he's going to cause an accident. After he passed us he began weaving around cars. He was obviously in a hurry to get somewhere. But unfortunately, he never made it to his destination. All of a sudden there was a puff of smoke and he was laying in the middle of the freeway. Everyone started pulling over. We backed up and my husband got out to check on the rider while I pulled out my cell phone. After spending quite a while on hold with 911 (don't have an emergency on a Saturday night, you'll be on hold a long time), the paramedics, fire trucks, highway patrol swarmed the area. There was a young man who lost his life tonight. He clipped a car, causing him to lose control of his bike, and then he was run over by a semi that was travelling right behind him. A motorcycle vs. a semi...not a good scenario. My husband saw the motorcycle driver and he probably won't sleep tonight. This young man had many people shaking their heads, with the big rig driver just shaking all over. In a split second his life was over. My husband and I have been talking and find that it's so sad. Tonight a mom is going to be told that her young son didn't survive. Where was he going in such a hurry? Who was he going to see, or where was he coming from? Who did he leave behind? Now we'll never know the answers, but we do know that someone will be receiving a knock at their door. It's the knock that no one wants to answer. Take your time. It's better to get where you're going a little late, than to be in such a hurry you won't get there at all.

And Then There Was One

dog that is. Seems like our place is shrinking. We lost Oliver on Saturday, now here it is Wednesday and we have rehomed our dog, Princess. Now, Oliver was totally unplanned, but we have been wanting to find a home for Princess off and on for a while. Since we are moving this weekend, we became a bit more proactive in our search. A family came by last night and off Princess went. Now, Princess was (is) a sweet dog, but Lady really wanted to be an only puppy. While my two year old had another meltdown at losing another pet, Lady is walking around the house going "Princess who?". There was quite a bit of sibling rivalry with Lady and Princess, so much so that they constantly growled and barked at each other to get our undivided attention. One on one they were great, but together, ugh! So Lady is now the queen bee and is loving it. If the people come back with Princess I think Lady would block the door. But, I think Princess will have a good home. They have a 6 year old and a 2 year old and a chihuahua. No competition with another Eskimo. So, good for you Princess, you deserve to be able to rule your own roost, so to speak. So, now we are down to 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 bird. Things are simplifying over here, so much so that now I'm eyeing the bird... I like not having to be responsible for so many bodies. We could actually fit into an apartment now...as long as it's not a studio...

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad day for our family. Our cat of 11 years, Oliver, had to take a permanent nap. Now Oliver is not our oldest cat, nor was he the kids favorite, but he was my special kitty. One cat loves my husband and son, and the other loves both my kids (or anyone who will hold her). Oliver was only my cat. He was rescued at about a week old when his mom abandoned him. Of course she did, he was suffering from respiratory infection and would never have survived unless someone intervened. It was interesting because I was actually trying to catch his sibling, but because he was so weak and sick he couldn't move. I took him home, then the vet. After dropping a lot of money and coming home with lots of medication Oliver came home to stay with us. It was only supposed to be a temporary thing because we had two cats. But, after weeks of bottle feedings, potty training, socializing, etc. he became a member of the family. Oliver even went to work with me, and being a temp at the time, was a big thing. He would ride to work in my lap. After a while he became my baby, and ultimately started a power struggle over my affections. Oliver thought he was my baby first, yet my husband thought I was his wife first. It was funny to see these two males posturing for dominance. Whenever my husband would walk in the room, Oliver would hiss at him and come over to me. Then, whenever my husband saw Oliver in the room, he would come up to me to give me a hug. After a while they reached an uneasy truce, and while they never did get along, they at least could tolerate each other. But, at the end, even my husband felt sorry for him. Oliver had sudden kidney failure and could no longer eat, drink, or use the cat box. He was slowly starving to death. My husband even commented that he looked like a concentration victim. As much as I love Oliver I don't want to see him suffer and so for him, we put him down. I will miss you tremendously. Even my two year old has been asking "where's Olver". My son has taken it hard as well. So from your family, I'm sorry and I'll miss you...

Stress and Depression

It seems like the body goes into shock...great things happen at the same time you are facing a depressing life changing moment. It is difficult to continue putting on a happy face when you are doing something you SOOOOO do not want to do. We are having to move from Southern California back to Northern California. We moved into an area where the economy plummeted, and just cannot survive here. I am in real estate and with every other home in foreclosure that's not doing well, and my husband is a contractor, yeah...that's doing well... Having to uproot and move away is not my first, second, or even third choice. Now let's add in the emotional impact of my husband telling his family we are moving away from them. To say they took it badly is quite the understatement. Now, I know you cannot make decisions to please other people, but when you already don't want to go, it doesn't help. My husband is their only support and it comes at a time when they need it the most. After taking his comatose brother-in-law for a hospital visit, he had to break the news to his sister that he won't be able to help her anymore as we won't be living near by. Of course she took it badly, but surprisingly so did her kids. All cried and pleaded for us to stay. We have been not only their main support, but their only support. Junior needs someone in his corner, literally, as he has another boxing match scheduled in a few weeks. It is just sad when they are offering everything they have, and even what they don't have, to try to keep us here. It is difficult to put a positive spin on it with others, when you are so not into it yourself. I am now exploring all kinds of options to see if I can pull off a miracle....I'm having a flashback to the song..."All I need is a miracle...." Will try my best....

Kudos

As a proud parent I have to acknowledge my son's accomplishment. He was just promoted to the 7th grade. The school has officially agreed to promote him. He has worked very hard, giving up his summer vacation, weekends, and school breaks to cram two years into one. That makes it two years that he has skipped according to the school system. He has never skipped a grade, but has done all the work. Nothing has been handed to him, he's worked hard for all his achievements. Congratulations!!!! Glad you enjoyed your cake and I'm sorry that's all we did for you. It all happened so quickly that we were unprepared. Thankfully you're a very understanding child. You are definitely the light of my life and I am grateful for you.

Endless Gratitude

I was born an only child. I have lived as an only child for more years than I care to acknowledge. About 5 years ago God brought a sister into my life. It's amazing that for not knowing me for 3/4 of my life, she totally understands me. We come from different parts of the world by birth and had two polar opposite upbringings, yet she understands me and I'd like to think I understand her. She is always patient, even when I call to rant, rave, or just ramble. The kids love talking to "Auntie" and she takes the time to even listen to a 2 1/2 year old. Now you haven't heard rambling until you've heard a 2 1/2 talk. If you knew the demands on her time, you would understand the depths of my gratitude. Many people are vying for her time, input, two cents worth (she's worth way more than 2 cents), advice, and recommendations, yet she takes the time to listen to me, even when I have hairbrained ideas. Not on purpose, of course, they make total sense to me... I hope her children recognize what a wonderful mother they have as I recognize what a great sister and aunt she has become to me. Lots of love and know I always wish the best out of life for you. Go for the gold, not the silver and/or bronze.

Congratulations

I have to send out a big congrats to my nephew. He has had a lot happen to him in the last five months. In January his father was in a major car accident, leaving him comatose. Junior has stepped up to the plate, shouldering more responsibility than any 22 year old should have to. He quit his job to run the restaurant, taking over for his dad. He now works there 6 days a week, working way more than 8 hours a day. In his off time (which is very little), he practices for his other career. Junior has spent the last several years preparing to be a boxer. Last Friday he had his first professional match. He knocked out his opponent in 1 minute 19 seconds. Now, I am not a big fan of boxing, although I did watch all of the Rocky movies, but I do support him. As a young Hispanic from the LA area, he could have gone in all kinds of wrong directions (yes it's a stereotype, but I've seen the kids he used to hang out with). He did start onto a wrong path, but got back on track. I never realized what a disciplined sport it is. He works out 3 hours a day, watches what he eats and doesn't drink or do drugs. He did so well in his match there is already talk of him having another bout in a couple of months. Hopefully I will be able to say he went 2-0, but for now he is 1-0 in his professional debut. Congratulations Junior. Your dad would be really proud of you. You've got a good head on your shoulders.

Ideas

Where do some ideas come from? Jerry Seinfeld asked how someone could look at a horse and think "hey, I could make glue from that". They are not related in any way, shape or form. Jerry's idea works on other things as well. Let's take a pine tree. Juniper berries are the berries that grow on pine trees. Now, who in their right mind would stare at a juniper berry, growing innocently on it's tree, and think "hey, I can make gin with that. And yet, that's where gin comes from...a juniper berry. What about barley. Barley is a cereal grain. What farmer, tired after a hard day of work plowing his barley field, comes into his house, and says, "dear, boil the barley because I'm thirsty". And yet someone had the bright idea to mix barley with yeast, call it a wort, let it ferment and have it come out beer. Apparently, I am not that far-sighted. Grains are for cereal and bread. Yeast is to make breads and other baked products. And a wort is, well, let's not go there. Add all those ingredients and it sounds pretty unappetizing, yet people guzzle it down because it's called "beer". Go figure.

Holding Pattern

I am an extremely impatient person. I hate waiting. Especially when it comes to things that could affect me and/or my family. I don't think I am a control freak, because I know that others can make decisions that can and will affect me and mine. It's waiting for things to happen that causes you to ultimately be at the mercy of other's time frames that drives me crazy. Other people's time frames are not yours and your priorities are not theirs. We are waiting to hear about not one but two potential job opportunites for my husband, but that's what we are doing...waiting. Will we move east or north. I'd love to say west, but that would only leave Hawaii, and well, there's nothing there. At this point I'm willing to take whatever comes in first, regardless of long term ramifications just so I can stop this waiting game. I want to be in charge of my own destiny, so how can I make that happen? How can I take control of my life and/or the situations that could affect me long term. Any ideas?

Stress

Sometimes I think the only thing that keeps me together is stress. Now I have always been a stressed person. I worry about anything and everything. Of course I learned from my doctor many years ago that apparently being stressed has its benefits. I had a permanent injury that could have been much worse had I not suffered from stress. The tension and bunched muscles in my back prevented my back injury from being a major catastrophe. My doctors were happy I was suffered from stress. Stress and caffeine...my two major vices. That being said, sometimes I do worry about really important things. I worry about my family and my friends. I want everyone to be happy and wish I could make it happen for them. I guess my vices could be much worse. I do have other vices but that's for another blog.

Bartending

I have a new admiration for bartending. I thought it was an easy job until I started taking the course. I had no idea how much work was involved. Not back breaking work, but a head full knowledge. You have to know the recipes to hundreds of drinks by memory, know what glass they go in, what garnish to use, etc. And do it all with a smile on your face while making it look effortless. With that being said Iam glad I am taking the course. It will make my next couple of months bearable. I can create drinks (and trust me I'll need lots of drinks) and I can say that it is practice for work. Sometimes time and distance can lull you into a false sense of security. All it takes is an email to remind you why you moved to Southern California. So, I am glad I chose bartending. Turns out it's great timing. I think I'll be doing lots of experimenting in the near future with new drinks...and of course tasting my concoctions. Hopefully it will make the time pass quickly. Maybe I'll have some great new recipes I can take to Celebration...

Luh Up

Why is it that children learn the words first that you don't want them to learn at all? It is said that children are sponges, and I can see that. They copy everything you do and say. Just yesterday my two year old responded to me and had me speechless. It's amazing to hear yourself in a two year old. She had taken out all the movies that I had so painstakingly organized alphabetically and piled them up on the floor. I told her to pick them back up and put them away. The response I got was "Okay woman, sheesh." She takes words that she hears at various times and puts them together in random order that has you hysterical. She loves to tell everyone around her to "Be Quiet" or "Luh Up". Now we don't use that phrase in our house. I could not figure out where it came from and so we blamed Gordon Ramsey. If she starts calling people "Donuts" we'll all be in trouble. He has other interesting adjectives and adverbs but that's a whole other blog. But she was watching Racing Strips and then started singing "Luh Up" over and over again. Then it triggered in my head. A horse just said that. Then today I heard it again. Now why would they say that in a children's movie. It is difficult to tell her not to say that when she hears it (talk about hearing it from the horse's mouth). Anyway, out of the mouth of babes.... but I don't think that's what was meant by that expression.