31 October 2011
29 October 2011
News & Notes
I've become addicted to Good Morning America. I'm now officially middle-aged. Although I think it might have to do with this face:
Eighteen days until I'm on vacation. Only eighteen days! I'm more excited about not being at work than going to Las Vegas. Although I'm not to the making obsessive packing lists just yet. I feel that coming on really soon though. I won the Best Packing Award Ever last time because we had an complete change of clothing when we had the emergency layover in Portland.
I am loving, loving, loving our new 4Runner! This is the nicest vehicle I've ever owned, for sure. Electric everything, sunroof, all the fun stuff. It is funny how everyone knows someone who has a 4Runner and/or loves them themselves. I'm surprised by the love for a vehicle that is 17 years old.
I just finished watching the Joan Rivers documentary. Even if you are not a fan...or don't even know who she is...watch it. I cried about halfway through it. She has been through so much in her life and is only seen as a caricature. It's heartbreaking.
My mother-in-law gave me a Kohl's giftcard. I am not a fan of this store. I am not sure why but it makes me particularly stabby. I think it's because they proclaim to have such great deals when all they do is take higher priced items and mark them down to a regular price.
It took me an hour to find anything that I really wanted. I bought a .5 oz bottle of Escape for our trip, a pair of underwear, and two sparklies:
Kevin likes them but wondered why I didn't buy our last initial. Sigh. I hate him (not really) because now I have to go back. (:-D
The Best Buy issue has since been resolved. The promised giftcard arrived today, I exchanged the incorrect unit, bought the new one, and managed to save some money in the long run.
Interesting fun fact: half the staff at Car Toys (local car audio shop) used to work at Best Buy. They told me that their employee discount is up to 50%, depending on the item. So the 10% discount the manager offered specifically sucks.
I have a staff retreat on Monday morning. Okay, how many of you groaned? I know, right? Who does these things anymore? We're a staff of five, two of which are new and three of which who don't particularly enjoy each other. I know, that's the intention of a retreat but a relationship of nearly five years isn't going to be dramatically changed in a three hour retreat. This isn't Lifetime Television.
If your my friend on the facebook then you've seen this but I'm sharing it here as well because Oh. My. Gah. Click through, you won't regret it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtawDJtcRg8&feature=player_embedded
Eighteen days until I'm on vacation. Only eighteen days! I'm more excited about not being at work than going to Las Vegas. Although I'm not to the making obsessive packing lists just yet. I feel that coming on really soon though. I won the Best Packing Award Ever last time because we had an complete change of clothing when we had the emergency layover in Portland.
I am loving, loving, loving our new 4Runner! This is the nicest vehicle I've ever owned, for sure. Electric everything, sunroof, all the fun stuff. It is funny how everyone knows someone who has a 4Runner and/or loves them themselves. I'm surprised by the love for a vehicle that is 17 years old.
I just finished watching the Joan Rivers documentary. Even if you are not a fan...or don't even know who she is...watch it. I cried about halfway through it. She has been through so much in her life and is only seen as a caricature. It's heartbreaking.
My mother-in-law gave me a Kohl's giftcard. I am not a fan of this store. I am not sure why but it makes me particularly stabby. I think it's because they proclaim to have such great deals when all they do is take higher priced items and mark them down to a regular price.
It took me an hour to find anything that I really wanted. I bought a .5 oz bottle of Escape for our trip, a pair of underwear, and two sparklies:
The Best Buy issue has since been resolved. The promised giftcard arrived today, I exchanged the incorrect unit, bought the new one, and managed to save some money in the long run.
Interesting fun fact: half the staff at Car Toys (local car audio shop) used to work at Best Buy. They told me that their employee discount is up to 50%, depending on the item. So the 10% discount the manager offered specifically sucks.
I have a staff retreat on Monday morning. Okay, how many of you groaned? I know, right? Who does these things anymore? We're a staff of five, two of which are new and three of which who don't particularly enjoy each other. I know, that's the intention of a retreat but a relationship of nearly five years isn't going to be dramatically changed in a three hour retreat. This isn't Lifetime Television.
If your my friend on the facebook then you've seen this but I'm sharing it here as well because Oh. My. Gah. Click through, you won't regret it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtawDJtcRg8&feature=player_embedded
26 October 2011
Quote of the Day
Amy Moore, great grandmother, circa 1940's
A recorded past is no more than a bygone present composed of the footprints made by human beings actually going somewhere but not knowing (in any extended sense), and certainly not revealing to us, how, they came to be afoot on these particular journeys.
~Michael Oakeshott, On History
25 October 2011
Vizzini Said "Go Back to the Beginning"
We have had some pretty great successes in racing. We've won races and championships. We've broken records. We've raced with the big boys in Vegas.
As high as the highs can be, the lows can be brutal. This season was an all-time low. We fought gremlins all season, we got a late start, we just couldn't get our sh*t together.
Every season we begin with high hopes and big plans. This season was just like all the others except one change: the series in which we competed. We returned to our home track and felt like all was right with the world again.
The universe had other plans for us though, as it often does. We struggled. We had issues where we've never had issues before. I kept telling Kevin "It's just our turn." We've seen it with other racers before. It's just our turn to have problems. It wasn't our turn to set the world on fire, it was our turn to catch fire. (true story)
Our friend Mig cuts to the chase, as he always does. "You need to start with the simple stuff." And so we are. Everything is packed & put away. Racing plans are on the shelf until the new year.
Come January we will start again. We will make a new plan and try it again.
I guess this applies to real life. When things aren't going well, take a step back. Start with the simple stuff and work your way forward. Make a plan.
Most importantly: start again.
24 October 2011
The One Where I Lose My Mind
Kevin and I both have Sirius in our vehicles. We also have it set up so that we can listen in the house and the shop. With our recent vehicle do-si-do, we had to switch our systems. As mine has an antenna problem and Kevin's has a display problem, we decided to buy a new receiver so that we were good to go again.
We went to Best Buy on Saturday, against my better judgement to buy a new one. We talked to a young kid (aren't they all, these days?) who then referred us to the installer, who happens to be a girl.
Disclaimer: as a girl that lives in boy world, I get it. I get that it's difficult so I try to be open-minded. That being said, 85% of the time: it's a disaster.
Continue...
She pointed out which receiver to buy, indicating that it said XM because Sirius was being bought out by them. We were skeptical as they just merged into one company and we hadn't heard anything about it. We're both Howard Stern listeners and he is a major stockholder yet he had said nothing. But why would she make it up? So we bought it, actually not that expensive all told.
Kevin spends an hour Sunday morning taking out the old system and installs the new one. He has me call Sirius to activate the new receiver, which has always been very easy.
This is where Sirius says I can't do it. Because it's an XM receiver and not a Sirius one. I told him about the "merger" and he is completely surprised by this news. Go figure. I had that sinking feeling that a mess was about to begin.
I called Best Buy to complain. First I get just whoever answered the phone then I get a "manager". I explained what had happened and that Sirius was Completely Surprised about this merger that the installer said was happening.
The manager assured me that the installer was probably right because Sprint once sold their cellular tower but didn't tell their customers that their service was changing until after the fact.
Did you understand that? I was momentarily befuddled. WTF is she talking about?
So I asked her "You're telling me that an installer in NW Washington State knows more than a customer service rep at that Actual COMPANY?" She continued to defend her. Clearly no progress was to be made. My guess? They're friends.
She essentially told me that we were out of luck, implying that we should have known better and there was nothing that can be done on behalf of Best Buy.
We could return it but that the receiver we needed is $70 more. $70 MORE.
When I began to lose it, she offered a WHOPPING 10% discount. 10 Whole Percent!!!!
This is where sarcasm comes into play. "That's about, what? $10-15 dollars? that's RIDICULOUS! Your EMPLOYEES receive a better discount than that." She offered that the discount will pay the taxes on the new receiver.
Oh, very well then, you'll pay the Taxes! That's just so helpful, I don't know why I'm still mad. She mentioned that of course Best Buy couldn't sell us a more expensive receiver at the cheaper price. (*cough* bullsh*t* ahem) I told her that I didn't expect that but I did expect her to make an effort as the installer/cashier sold us the incorrect receiver based on a make-believe story.
She, foolishly, stuck to the 10% discount.
I told her that she had just guaranteed that I won't be a Best Buy customer again and she didn't respond. Not at all.
I did the mature and reasonable thing and hung up with a curt thanks.
I called Sirius back to ensure that I didn't get a bad customer service rep. I didn't. Imagine that. They did clarify that they are going to sell new receivers that aren't provider specific but that there was, in fact, no buy-out.
Not to be thwarted, I looked up Best Buy on the interweb and found the 1-800 customer service number. Now I'm on a roll. Time to get my bitch on.
I got a wonderful guy named Will who was audibly surprised at the managers behavior. He scoffed at the 10% discount and was incredulous at the defense of the installers mistake. He too questioned the knowledge of an installer from podunk nearly Canadians versus the actual Sirius company.
Thanks to Will, there is an $80 gift card on the way to us right now to cover the difference in cost of the receivers with huge apologies on behalf of the company.
The best part? The installer/cashier wrote her name on the receipt and encouraged me to complete an online customer service survey!!! *happy hand clapping*!! I am going to have Such A Good Time! Perhaps I'll just provide a link to this.
We went to Best Buy on Saturday, against my better judgement to buy a new one. We talked to a young kid (aren't they all, these days?) who then referred us to the installer, who happens to be a girl.
Disclaimer: as a girl that lives in boy world, I get it. I get that it's difficult so I try to be open-minded. That being said, 85% of the time: it's a disaster.
Continue...
She pointed out which receiver to buy, indicating that it said XM because Sirius was being bought out by them. We were skeptical as they just merged into one company and we hadn't heard anything about it. We're both Howard Stern listeners and he is a major stockholder yet he had said nothing. But why would she make it up? So we bought it, actually not that expensive all told.
Kevin spends an hour Sunday morning taking out the old system and installs the new one. He has me call Sirius to activate the new receiver, which has always been very easy.
This is where Sirius says I can't do it. Because it's an XM receiver and not a Sirius one. I told him about the "merger" and he is completely surprised by this news. Go figure. I had that sinking feeling that a mess was about to begin.
I called Best Buy to complain. First I get just whoever answered the phone then I get a "manager". I explained what had happened and that Sirius was Completely Surprised about this merger that the installer said was happening.
The manager assured me that the installer was probably right because Sprint once sold their cellular tower but didn't tell their customers that their service was changing until after the fact.
Did you understand that? I was momentarily befuddled. WTF is she talking about?
So I asked her "You're telling me that an installer in NW Washington State knows more than a customer service rep at that Actual COMPANY?" She continued to defend her. Clearly no progress was to be made. My guess? They're friends.
She essentially told me that we were out of luck, implying that we should have known better and there was nothing that can be done on behalf of Best Buy.
We could return it but that the receiver we needed is $70 more. $70 MORE.
When I began to lose it, she offered a WHOPPING 10% discount. 10 Whole Percent!!!!
This is where sarcasm comes into play. "That's about, what? $10-15 dollars? that's RIDICULOUS! Your EMPLOYEES receive a better discount than that." She offered that the discount will pay the taxes on the new receiver.
Oh, very well then, you'll pay the Taxes! That's just so helpful, I don't know why I'm still mad. She mentioned that of course Best Buy couldn't sell us a more expensive receiver at the cheaper price. (*cough* bullsh*t* ahem) I told her that I didn't expect that but I did expect her to make an effort as the installer/cashier sold us the incorrect receiver based on a make-believe story.
She, foolishly, stuck to the 10% discount.
I told her that she had just guaranteed that I won't be a Best Buy customer again and she didn't respond. Not at all.
I did the mature and reasonable thing and hung up with a curt thanks.
I called Sirius back to ensure that I didn't get a bad customer service rep. I didn't. Imagine that. They did clarify that they are going to sell new receivers that aren't provider specific but that there was, in fact, no buy-out.
Not to be thwarted, I looked up Best Buy on the interweb and found the 1-800 customer service number. Now I'm on a roll. Time to get my bitch on.
I got a wonderful guy named Will who was audibly surprised at the managers behavior. He scoffed at the 10% discount and was incredulous at the defense of the installers mistake. He too questioned the knowledge of an installer from podunk nearly Canadians versus the actual Sirius company.
Thanks to Will, there is an $80 gift card on the way to us right now to cover the difference in cost of the receivers with huge apologies on behalf of the company.
The best part? The installer/cashier wrote her name on the receipt and encouraged me to complete an online customer service survey!!! *happy hand clapping*!! I am going to have Such A Good Time! Perhaps I'll just provide a link to this.
22 October 2011
Hot Wheels
The other day I posted a picture to the facebook showing my odometer that reads over 344,000 miles. I love my truck and really never wanted any other vehicle. Well, other than my little romantic dalliance with the Chrysler 300 in Vegas.
I have an unnatural attachment to the vehicles I drive. I'm not sure why. I had another Toyota years ago that we sold to buy the truck that tows the racecar. I was so sad about it that the new owner brought me a rose when they came to pick it up.
(I know, right? How sweet is that?)
Kevin drives a Mustang. This is his third one. And his least favorite. Also: I hate it. He's been making noise about selling it for about a year. To my frustration, however, every time I mentioned putting it up for sale there were plenty of reasons not to. But now it has enough miles on it and a few issues that threaten to become problems that we need to sell it.
Kevin didn't want to sell it without fixing a few of the issues. I kept saying that we should just sell it with full-disclosure and move on. But he's just too honest of a guy to do that. He would feel guilty forever for selling something that had issues, full disclosure or not.
Then one of his workers had a Ford Ranger for sale that Kevin wanted to buy. We went around & around about selling the Mustang to buy it versus getting a loan. I am Anti-Car Loan in a big way. (Understanding, of course, that they are a necessary evil)
Also, I imagine my father haunting me for the rest of my life over owning a Ford. He being a Ford lover and me: not so much.
So, discuss, discuss, discuss and a month goes by. I finally resign myself to driving a Ranger with a car loan. We put tires on the car, we plan on replacing the windshield & have an appointment at the shop. I research car loans vs. personal loans and discover the joys of rebuilding credit. (Major Illness & radiation treatment plus unemployment = unhappy credit reports)
It's fine. It's just a truck and I need to not be a brat. When in swoops Luis, another one of Kevin's staff. His hobby is buying vehicles, fixing them up and reselling them.
He has a Toyota 4runner, which I have always coveted. It's white just like mine and Luis will trade for the Mustang. Hooray!!! All problems solved.
I have to trust Kevin completely that it's something I would like as his work is too far away for me to go see before the weekend. He took the Mustang to work on Friday with the title to trade. This is a trust exercise for sure.
He calls at 7:15 am to tell me that he's not bringing the white one home because it wasn't what he wanted. BUT he would be bringing home a burgundy one that is in much better shape. Still a straight-across trade.
Are you exhausted yet? I am.
He brought it home last night and I love it. It's a change for me because it's an automatic and I'm used to a shift stick. Kevin was teasing me mercilessly to stop using the imaginary clutch. Also, I keep trying to use the non-existent column shift instead of the one on the floor.
Fast forward (not really) to this morning. We had plans of going to the wallyworld to buy floor mats & seat covers. It was taking Kevin forever to leave.
Turns out, my father-in-law wanted to buy the white 4runner for my brother-in-law because it was such a good deal. (My b-i-l drives our old piece of sh*t Honda car that is way past it's expiration date.)
Now we're meeting Luis to get the white 4runner so there are two 4runners in the neighborhood. It's what all the cool kids are doing now.
Because the truck is used, it needs a few things of course. We went to the wrecking yard, we went to Schmucks (auto part store, rhymes with) twice, and the wallyworld. And Best Buy. New carpet, new seatcovers, oil change, Sirius receiver, antenna and now we're broke. (:-D
I have an unnatural attachment to the vehicles I drive. I'm not sure why. I had another Toyota years ago that we sold to buy the truck that tows the racecar. I was so sad about it that the new owner brought me a rose when they came to pick it up.
(I know, right? How sweet is that?)
Kevin drives a Mustang. This is his third one. And his least favorite. Also: I hate it. He's been making noise about selling it for about a year. To my frustration, however, every time I mentioned putting it up for sale there were plenty of reasons not to. But now it has enough miles on it and a few issues that threaten to become problems that we need to sell it.
Kevin didn't want to sell it without fixing a few of the issues. I kept saying that we should just sell it with full-disclosure and move on. But he's just too honest of a guy to do that. He would feel guilty forever for selling something that had issues, full disclosure or not.
Then one of his workers had a Ford Ranger for sale that Kevin wanted to buy. We went around & around about selling the Mustang to buy it versus getting a loan. I am Anti-Car Loan in a big way. (Understanding, of course, that they are a necessary evil)
Also, I imagine my father haunting me for the rest of my life over owning a Ford. He being a Ford lover and me: not so much.
So, discuss, discuss, discuss and a month goes by. I finally resign myself to driving a Ranger with a car loan. We put tires on the car, we plan on replacing the windshield & have an appointment at the shop. I research car loans vs. personal loans and discover the joys of rebuilding credit. (Major Illness & radiation treatment plus unemployment = unhappy credit reports)
It's fine. It's just a truck and I need to not be a brat. When in swoops Luis, another one of Kevin's staff. His hobby is buying vehicles, fixing them up and reselling them.
He has a Toyota 4runner, which I have always coveted. It's white just like mine and Luis will trade for the Mustang. Hooray!!! All problems solved.
I have to trust Kevin completely that it's something I would like as his work is too far away for me to go see before the weekend. He took the Mustang to work on Friday with the title to trade. This is a trust exercise for sure.
He calls at 7:15 am to tell me that he's not bringing the white one home because it wasn't what he wanted. BUT he would be bringing home a burgundy one that is in much better shape. Still a straight-across trade.
Are you exhausted yet? I am.
He brought it home last night and I love it. It's a change for me because it's an automatic and I'm used to a shift stick. Kevin was teasing me mercilessly to stop using the imaginary clutch. Also, I keep trying to use the non-existent column shift instead of the one on the floor.
Fast forward (not really) to this morning. We had plans of going to the wallyworld to buy floor mats & seat covers. It was taking Kevin forever to leave.
Turns out, my father-in-law wanted to buy the white 4runner for my brother-in-law because it was such a good deal. (My b-i-l drives our old piece of sh*t Honda car that is way past it's expiration date.)
Now we're meeting Luis to get the white 4runner so there are two 4runners in the neighborhood. It's what all the cool kids are doing now.
Because the truck is used, it needs a few things of course. We went to the wrecking yard, we went to Schmucks (auto part store, rhymes with) twice, and the wallyworld. And Best Buy. New carpet, new seatcovers, oil change, Sirius receiver, antenna and now we're broke. (:-D
20 October 2011
Quote of the Day
Last night I was sitting on the couch watching television when I heard someone, not Kevin, come in the backdoor. It was Girl Little.
She came into the kitchen, circled the island while saying "I have something for you" and slapped the refrigerator.
She brought over her first ever school picture. Apparently, she had already learned that those live on the refrigerator.
I told her thank you and that the picture makes me very happy. "It does?" she asks with wonder. I gave her a hug & kiss and assured her that of course it did.
Without further discussion, she leaves. Her mission complete. That's our Girl Little, always on the move.
Even though we can't see it well there, I will probably not move it. I just love that it's a five-year-old's level and exactly where she put it.
She came into the kitchen, circled the island while saying "I have something for you" and slapped the refrigerator.
She brought over her first ever school picture. Apparently, she had already learned that those live on the refrigerator.
I told her thank you and that the picture makes me very happy. "It does?" she asks with wonder. I gave her a hug & kiss and assured her that of course it did.
Without further discussion, she leaves. Her mission complete. That's our Girl Little, always on the move.
Even though we can't see it well there, I will probably not move it. I just love that it's a five-year-old's level and exactly where she put it.
18 October 2011
Too Damn Early
Kevin's alarm goes off at 5:15 every morning and he's out the door about fifteen minutes later. (yes, I know, we hate him)
For the longest time I went back to bed after he left. Then I started over-sleeping because I am so burnt-out so I made a drastic change. I began staying up until it was time to get ready for work.
Historically I give myself the least amount of time between awake & leaving for work because I will get distracted and next thing I know, I am late. Not so much recently though.
I am also surprised to report that I have yet to take someones life or fall asleep at work.
After Kevin leaves I do a few chores to make sure I stay awake. I start/finish laundry, I start/finish dishes, I make the bed. I have to wait until the blankets aren't still warm from us or Game Over. I'm so going back to bed.
After that I sit on the couch and catch up on the dvr. I drink coffee and have breakfast. I chill. This morning is the first morning that I actually took a little snooze.
I am also surprised to report that this has helped my stabby mood at work. I have yet to understand why but it has. Also, I am so tired by 9:00 pm that I am not staying up until all hours.
I tried once to bring the laptop over and convince myself to write but it's just too effing early for anything good to come of that. I was all caught up on my social media that morning however.
So, that's what I'm up to. How about you? What do you do in the morning before work?
For the longest time I went back to bed after he left. Then I started over-sleeping because I am so burnt-out so I made a drastic change. I began staying up until it was time to get ready for work.
Historically I give myself the least amount of time between awake & leaving for work because I will get distracted and next thing I know, I am late. Not so much recently though.
I am also surprised to report that I have yet to take someones life or fall asleep at work.
After Kevin leaves I do a few chores to make sure I stay awake. I start/finish laundry, I start/finish dishes, I make the bed. I have to wait until the blankets aren't still warm from us or Game Over. I'm so going back to bed.
After that I sit on the couch and catch up on the dvr. I drink coffee and have breakfast. I chill. This morning is the first morning that I actually took a little snooze.
I am also surprised to report that this has helped my stabby mood at work. I have yet to understand why but it has. Also, I am so tired by 9:00 pm that I am not staying up until all hours.
I tried once to bring the laptop over and convince myself to write but it's just too effing early for anything good to come of that. I was all caught up on my social media that morning however.
So, that's what I'm up to. How about you? What do you do in the morning before work?
16 October 2011
Adventures in Shopping
I usually do all my shopping on Saturday mornings. This Saturday I was not fit to be around other humans so I stayed home. So, I went on Sunday feeling like I had already started out on the wrong foot.
I went to Target first. I am still on the quest for another one of those towels, which still haven't been in stock. So that's frustrating. This would be known as a #firstworldproblem I guess so I need to get over it.
It's time to begin planning packing the suitcases for Vegas (30 days!!!!) so I'm making sure we have enough socks and all that for the trip. Thus I am aimlessly wandering through Target. Again. Still. Always. Whatever.
They've recently remodeled to include groceries and frankly, I'm a little disappointed in how small the addition is. There are a few things that are less expensive than Freds so I threw random items in the cart as I went along.
This is the first day that I have my spiffy new RedCard from Target and boy how lucky am I that I had it. Do any of you have the redcard? Is it worth it? I only signed up because it's not credit and I can donate to the kids school.
I spotted my high school BFF's mom as I was leaving so we stopped to say hello.
"How are you?" she asks.
"I'm good, thanks" I reply.
"So, you're well" she says.
I laughed, "Yes, I am Well."
Nearly 25 years later and I'm still a teenager with poor grammar to her. (:-D
Next I went across the street to JCPenneys to exchange a shirt (too big!!! hooray!)
I decided to get some underwear for the trip. I actually found what I wanted (multiple pairs of black...stores don't carry it, look next time. Also: #firstworldproblem)
I went to the cashier and viola...no cash card. No checkbook. Panic. Panic and frustration. I still had one more stop to make. Luckily I had just gotten cash back at Target so I was good to go with this purchase.
But I still needed to buy a part for our lamp that Kevin was rewiring. GAH.
I assumed that the lamp part was going to be less than $6.72 so I braved it and stopped to buy the part.
Kevin is great at sending pictures (or the actual part) when he sends me for stuff. I stood in the aisle with my cell phone comparing the picture with everything that was on the shelf. Finally I had to accost a gentleman to question him as what I was looking at didn't match what I was looking at, if you will.
After that, I think I totally could have gone on a date. I really shouldn't trust strangers as much as I do.
I was a little worried that I nothing left but $1.62 but I was fairly confident that I hadn't been pick-pocketed or dropped it in the parking lot. I tend to be on the scatterbrain side when it comes to my cash card. It's been washed more times than necessary. It's been left at a restaurant, at work, in Canada. Usually though, it's in some unglamorous place like my jeans or sweatshirt. I knew better than to call Kevin to search. First: he would panic. Second: he would dump my stuff all over the desk, which I was already planning to do so why should he get the fun?
The checkbook I vaguely remembered writing bills at work so I assumed it was in my bag. Double word score for me: it also held my license. It's a good thing that I didn't get pulled over and even better that Kevin bought a State Patrolman's coffee this morning at the coffee stand. (double good karma)
All's well that ends well. My checkbook was in my bag, my cash card was in my purple sweatshirt, and I bought most of what I needed at Target.
I went to Target first. I am still on the quest for another one of those towels, which still haven't been in stock. So that's frustrating. This would be known as a #firstworldproblem I guess so I need to get over it.
It's time to begin planning packing the suitcases for Vegas (30 days!!!!) so I'm making sure we have enough socks and all that for the trip. Thus I am aimlessly wandering through Target. Again. Still. Always. Whatever.
They've recently remodeled to include groceries and frankly, I'm a little disappointed in how small the addition is. There are a few things that are less expensive than Freds so I threw random items in the cart as I went along.
This is the first day that I have my spiffy new RedCard from Target and boy how lucky am I that I had it. Do any of you have the redcard? Is it worth it? I only signed up because it's not credit and I can donate to the kids school.
I spotted my high school BFF's mom as I was leaving so we stopped to say hello.
"How are you?" she asks.
"I'm good, thanks" I reply.
"So, you're well" she says.
I laughed, "Yes, I am Well."
Nearly 25 years later and I'm still a teenager with poor grammar to her. (:-D
Next I went across the street to JCPenneys to exchange a shirt (too big!!! hooray!)
I decided to get some underwear for the trip. I actually found what I wanted (multiple pairs of black...stores don't carry it, look next time. Also: #firstworldproblem)
I went to the cashier and viola...no cash card. No checkbook. Panic. Panic and frustration. I still had one more stop to make. Luckily I had just gotten cash back at Target so I was good to go with this purchase.
But I still needed to buy a part for our lamp that Kevin was rewiring. GAH.
I assumed that the lamp part was going to be less than $6.72 so I braved it and stopped to buy the part.
Kevin is great at sending pictures (or the actual part) when he sends me for stuff. I stood in the aisle with my cell phone comparing the picture with everything that was on the shelf. Finally I had to accost a gentleman to question him as what I was looking at didn't match what I was looking at, if you will.
After that, I think I totally could have gone on a date. I really shouldn't trust strangers as much as I do.
I was a little worried that I nothing left but $1.62 but I was fairly confident that I hadn't been pick-pocketed or dropped it in the parking lot. I tend to be on the scatterbrain side when it comes to my cash card. It's been washed more times than necessary. It's been left at a restaurant, at work, in Canada. Usually though, it's in some unglamorous place like my jeans or sweatshirt. I knew better than to call Kevin to search. First: he would panic. Second: he would dump my stuff all over the desk, which I was already planning to do so why should he get the fun?
The checkbook I vaguely remembered writing bills at work so I assumed it was in my bag. Double word score for me: it also held my license. It's a good thing that I didn't get pulled over and even better that Kevin bought a State Patrolman's coffee this morning at the coffee stand. (double good karma)
All's well that ends well. My checkbook was in my bag, my cash card was in my purple sweatshirt, and I bought most of what I needed at Target.
Accent Vlog...Sideways Version
The ever so lovely Swistle and Du Wax Loolu both posted Accent Vlogs. Firstly, it's was wonderful to hear their voices and secondly I immediately wanted to do it.
I don't have a video camera beyond my phone but I prevailed. I managed to do it with the first take without the dog barking or Kevin starting the racecar or something else to goof it up.
So of course the video loaded sideways. Video on my cell phone defaults to quicktime and because I refuse to upgrade, y'all need to tip your head and/or monitor. (lucky those of you who have laptops!!)
A few notes...
I need to trim my bangs.
I need to sit still. Sorry for the movement.
I meant to say "They all passed when I was a child" regarding my grandparents.
If you look closely, Swistles blog is on the laptop when I spin the phone around.
When did I get a lisp? I have a bit of allergies going on so I'm blaming that. I can't imagine I've lived my whole life without knowing I have a lisp.
Alrighty then...here we go...tag you're it....
I don't have a video camera beyond my phone but I prevailed. I managed to do it with the first take without the dog barking or Kevin starting the racecar or something else to goof it up.
So of course the video loaded sideways. Video on my cell phone defaults to quicktime and because I refuse to upgrade, y'all need to tip your head and/or monitor. (lucky those of you who have laptops!!)
A few notes...
I need to trim my bangs.
I need to sit still. Sorry for the movement.
I meant to say "They all passed when I was a child" regarding my grandparents.
If you look closely, Swistles blog is on the laptop when I spin the phone around.
When did I get a lisp? I have a bit of allergies going on so I'm blaming that. I can't imagine I've lived my whole life without knowing I have a lisp.
Alrighty then...here we go...tag you're it....
15 October 2011
Quote of the Day
“People do not always make breakthroughs because they refused to quit. Sometimes they make them because they know when to quit. When they realize that enough is enough, that old patterns aren't serving them, that it's time to repack their bags.”
— Richard J. Leider
11 October 2011
Don't Be A Smart Ass
Pulling out of my parents driveway yesterday I noticed the road sign that is for their road. I still can't believe that it's the name of the road.
Quite a few years ago, the county required that their driveway become a private road instead of a driveway and needed a name. My parents were actually quite excited about this. As the oldest homeowners on the road, they were chosen to pick the name.
They didn't want to use their last name because it wasn't just their road. They considered using the name of the old man that lived there before them, which I thought was kind of sweet.
But they weren't satisfied so they were making a list of characteristics of the neighborhood, the lake, the area. They even called all of us kids to get our input.
As my mom was listing all the options, ideas, etc. I mentioned that I remember my eldest brother scaring the ducks and mudhens away. He used to wait for them to drift into the cove and shore in their big groups. Then he would whip back the drapes to scare them away. As a very young child I thought this was HYS.TER.ICAL. As an adult, I thought this was a funny representation of my childhood: my brother being an obnoxious kid.
Meanwhile, I also mentioned that we used to ice skate most winters (thanks for taking that away climate change) and that the lake was always busy in the summer.
A few week later my mom calls to let me know what they choose. I was waiting, anticipating a nice name like Tucker's Lane (the old man preceding them). Nope.
Coots Cove Lane.
(Coots are kind of a mudhen.)
While it's lovely, I suppose, that they honored the memory, I could just imagine the neighbors surprise and dismay upon hearing that they had to change their address to that.
Lesson learned: Don't be a smart ass
Quite a few years ago, the county required that their driveway become a private road instead of a driveway and needed a name. My parents were actually quite excited about this. As the oldest homeowners on the road, they were chosen to pick the name.
They didn't want to use their last name because it wasn't just their road. They considered using the name of the old man that lived there before them, which I thought was kind of sweet.
But they weren't satisfied so they were making a list of characteristics of the neighborhood, the lake, the area. They even called all of us kids to get our input.
As my mom was listing all the options, ideas, etc. I mentioned that I remember my eldest brother scaring the ducks and mudhens away. He used to wait for them to drift into the cove and shore in their big groups. Then he would whip back the drapes to scare them away. As a very young child I thought this was HYS.TER.ICAL. As an adult, I thought this was a funny representation of my childhood: my brother being an obnoxious kid.
Meanwhile, I also mentioned that we used to ice skate most winters (thanks for taking that away climate change) and that the lake was always busy in the summer.
A few week later my mom calls to let me know what they choose. I was waiting, anticipating a nice name like Tucker's Lane (the old man preceding them). Nope.
Coots Cove Lane.
(Coots are kind of a mudhen.)
While it's lovely, I suppose, that they honored the memory, I could just imagine the neighbors surprise and dismay upon hearing that they had to change their address to that.
Lesson learned: Don't be a smart ass
10 October 2011
How Does $9.69 turn into $65.98?
I remembered that I had a random JCPenney gift card in my bag the other day. I thought it had only $3-ish on it. I thought about what I could bother going into the store for and decided that I wanted another new hand towel for the bathroom. A patterned one, not a solid color. Target didn't have any more towels like the one I bought the other day so I was in problem solving (panic) mode.
So, I went to the store on the way to my moms as a mood defense. If I got a prize prior to going to my moms, perhaps it will go more smoothly. What I didn't think of is: Columbus Day sales.
I looked at all the towels and was unimpressed. This is where I say that I am underwhelmed by their home goods section. They rarely have anything that I like.
They had leftover Christmas decorations on sale. I am proud to say that I avoided it. I did cast a few sneaky glances their way. But I couldn't look myself in the eye if I bought Christmas decorations on October 10.
I realized that I need long sleeve shirts. So I wandered over to that section. Nothing really called out to me until from the corner of my eye I spotted zippered hoodies. I want another black hoodie because I can't wear my Vegas one to work. They were on sale! 50% off so $15 each. I also wanted a red one so I got it with the effed up logic of buy one, get one free.
Then just as I was getting ready to leave I spotted Henley shirts on sale as well. Guess how much? That's right: 50% off. I bought a purple one, a purple & black one, and a blue one.
This is why I avoid JCPenney. I tend to overshop there. It's also why I don't have a credit card there anymore. It's like a bookstore to me: I have no self control. This is how a $9.69 hand towel turns into $65.98 worth of clothing.
So, I went to the store on the way to my moms as a mood defense. If I got a prize prior to going to my moms, perhaps it will go more smoothly. What I didn't think of is: Columbus Day sales.
I looked at all the towels and was unimpressed. This is where I say that I am underwhelmed by their home goods section. They rarely have anything that I like.
They had leftover Christmas decorations on sale. I am proud to say that I avoided it. I did cast a few sneaky glances their way. But I couldn't look myself in the eye if I bought Christmas decorations on October 10.
I realized that I need long sleeve shirts. So I wandered over to that section. Nothing really called out to me until from the corner of my eye I spotted zippered hoodies. I want another black hoodie because I can't wear my Vegas one to work. They were on sale! 50% off so $15 each. I also wanted a red one so I got it with the effed up logic of buy one, get one free.
Then just as I was getting ready to leave I spotted Henley shirts on sale as well. Guess how much? That's right: 50% off. I bought a purple one, a purple & black one, and a blue one.
This is why I avoid JCPenney. I tend to overshop there. It's also why I don't have a credit card there anymore. It's like a bookstore to me: I have no self control. This is how a $9.69 hand towel turns into $65.98 worth of clothing.
09 October 2011
Random Item of the Day
This chair used to be my paternal granfathers. I remember sitting in this chair as a child, usually while reading books. Even now I enjoy sitting in it to read or watch television. It's in our bedroom so it doesn't get used often. As it's probably about sixty years old, it's for the best.
I want to get it refurbished someday but the last time I checked into it, it was going to be crazy expensive. I wouldn't dream of attempting it it myself with the tuck & roll upholstery. It's actually in really good condition other than the wear on the armrests. I would have it recovered with period correct fabric and probably in a dark forest green. The rosy pink isn't bad but not my style.
06 October 2011
Habits
Kevin is a charming guy. He's never met a stranger in his life. A phrase that I heard Dennis Quaid use once was "He's always running for mayor." It's a clever way to describe him. The nice thing is that he has no agenda and is just a genuinely friendly guy. People just naturally react positively to him.
One of the most impactful things I have learned from him is his way of approaching people or situations. He tries to remember and use people's names, he looks them in the eye, he shakes their hand if appropriate. He makes them feel like they've just met their best friend.
Being around someone who is gregarious and positive tends to wear off on you. Without realizing it, you tend to pick up some of their mannerisms. I realized this while we were at the racetrack last weekend. Watching him work just made me realize that I have learned so much from him when it comes to dealing with people.
I've found myself being reminded of Kevin when I say something to a client or donor. I've picked up a few of his habits. Or if I'm anticipating a potentially tense situation, I try to think of how he would handle it. Usually he is just direct and often presents the issue to the person as being part of the solution instead of part of the problem. He really should have been a lawyer.
It's funny how people can teach us without even realizing or intending. Sometimes others habits can become your own habit.
One of the most impactful things I have learned from him is his way of approaching people or situations. He tries to remember and use people's names, he looks them in the eye, he shakes their hand if appropriate. He makes them feel like they've just met their best friend.
Being around someone who is gregarious and positive tends to wear off on you. Without realizing it, you tend to pick up some of their mannerisms. I realized this while we were at the racetrack last weekend. Watching him work just made me realize that I have learned so much from him when it comes to dealing with people.
I've found myself being reminded of Kevin when I say something to a client or donor. I've picked up a few of his habits. Or if I'm anticipating a potentially tense situation, I try to think of how he would handle it. Usually he is just direct and often presents the issue to the person as being part of the solution instead of part of the problem. He really should have been a lawyer.
It's funny how people can teach us without even realizing or intending. Sometimes others habits can become your own habit.
05 October 2011
Sparks
Yesterday's quote was prompted by a friends facebook post. It's one of my favorite quotes, easily in the top ten. For those of you who missed it: It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.~ Ben Franklin
It just gives me a visual for a feeling (or is it an impulse?) One spark can fan into a fire. A spark is easily extinguished, a fire not so much. The more sparks you allow, the more fire is created. The more fire, the higher the difficulty in containing all the sparks.
Temptation is a spark.
Here's the thing: how do you define temptation? Is it physical? spiritual? mental? The actual definition is this:
noun
It just gives me a visual for a feeling (or is it an impulse?) One spark can fan into a fire. A spark is easily extinguished, a fire not so much. The more sparks you allow, the more fire is created. The more fire, the higher the difficulty in containing all the sparks.
Temptation is a spark.
Here's the thing: how do you define temptation? Is it physical? spiritual? mental? The actual definition is this:
temptation
1. the act of tempting; enticement or allurement.
2. something that tempts, entices, or allures.
3. the fact or state of being tempted, especially to evil.
Temptation is actually all of the above listed. Temptation is the urge to feel, taste, hear, see. It's also a need. It is also a feeling. It's complicated and complicating.
It is the urge to take that bite of cupcake, that drink of alcohol, that first inhale, or that first touch It is the urge to say the negative thing instead of the positive. It is the need to buy that new sparkly instead of save. It is the urge to fight instead of pacify.
We encounter temptation every day. Some days it is intense, others it is subtle. Along that same line, sometimes giving into temptation is harmless. Have that cupcake, but exercise later. Other times, it is devastating. Allow that touch or take that first hit and life as you know it is all over with.
Temptation is a spark. It's all about how you control it. It can momentarily light a room or it can burn it down.
04 October 2011
Quote of the Day
It is easier to suppress the first desire
than to satisfy all that follow it.
~ Ben Franklin
than to satisfy all that follow it.
~ Ben Franklin
The Reset Button
I have been driving past the University regularly. School is just starting up again so I've seen plenty of arriving freshmen, with brand new WWU sweatshirts or clothing stating who they used to be in high school.
Freshman really do stand out in the crowd. I have enjoyed watching the nervousness of the kids moving in, the stoic expressions of the parents, and the weariness of the returning students. It's like watching a live version of Circle of Friends.
I didn't do the going away to college thing so everything I know is second-hand or speculation. People watching is one of my favorite sports, in case you hadn't picked that up yet. I love making up stories in my head as I see the different kids on campus.
Like the quote says: youth is wasted on the young. Or maybe it's a good thing that they don't fully recognize the opportunities that lie ahead of them. I can see where that could be paralyzing as well.
I think it would be equally exciting and terrifying to go away to college. I wish a little bit that I did the college thing instead of the married thing. It just seems like it would be one of the few - if not the only - opportunity to press the reset button on your life. You can completely start all over; choose who you want to be by leaving all the previous conceptions of you behind.
Freshman really do stand out in the crowd. I have enjoyed watching the nervousness of the kids moving in, the stoic expressions of the parents, and the weariness of the returning students. It's like watching a live version of Circle of Friends.
I didn't do the going away to college thing so everything I know is second-hand or speculation. People watching is one of my favorite sports, in case you hadn't picked that up yet. I love making up stories in my head as I see the different kids on campus.
Like the quote says: youth is wasted on the young. Or maybe it's a good thing that they don't fully recognize the opportunities that lie ahead of them. I can see where that could be paralyzing as well.
I think it would be equally exciting and terrifying to go away to college. I wish a little bit that I did the college thing instead of the married thing. It just seems like it would be one of the few - if not the only - opportunity to press the reset button on your life. You can completely start all over; choose who you want to be by leaving all the previous conceptions of you behind.
02 October 2011
News & Notes
We finished our race season today and it suuuucccckkkeeeedddd. This was simply not our season. Gremlins plagued us all season. However, we spent time with our friends and that is never a waste of time.
Work is settling down a bit. There's still a bit of toe-stepping and awkwardness but so far, so good. Now that I'm on the other side of it, I am amazed and relieved. Mostly relieved.
45 days until we leave for Vegas. Our tickets are purchased and our time off is scheduled. I am so ready. So. Ready.
Are there any new shows that I should be watching? I actually enjoy PanAm. It's kind of cheesy but in a good way. Kevin watched The Playboy Club and it's not as awful as one would think. We both loved Two Broke Girls the first episode then we were a little meh about the second one.
I have a tiny rant about television though. It concerns me that some of the shows that everyone says are SO GREAT are also so dark, violent, and well, dark. Meth addiction, gangs, zombies, vampires. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed PanAm, it's fluff. It's set in the 60's and life just seemed more simple. I guess I just don't need all the darkness in my head.
I don't like the swiffer mop at all. But the commercials entertain me. I like the lonely guy that hangs out at the space bar and the cowgirl. It's just very clever how they've turned dirt into likable characters.
I'm nearly done with a book that I've alternately loved and disliked. It's set in Seattle so that's good. It has multiple characters and that usually makes me happy. I guess, maybe, it just needed a stronger editor. It's called Broken for You, by Stephanie Kallos.
Another week is starting soon so I must away. Kevin is working 6:00 am to nearly 6:00 pm right now so we're both a little worn around the ages. Okay, he more than me but still. 5:15 am comes early.
Have a good week y'all. Or as the local weatherman says "Make it a great day"
Work is settling down a bit. There's still a bit of toe-stepping and awkwardness but so far, so good. Now that I'm on the other side of it, I am amazed and relieved. Mostly relieved.
45 days until we leave for Vegas. Our tickets are purchased and our time off is scheduled. I am so ready. So. Ready.
Are there any new shows that I should be watching? I actually enjoy PanAm. It's kind of cheesy but in a good way. Kevin watched The Playboy Club and it's not as awful as one would think. We both loved Two Broke Girls the first episode then we were a little meh about the second one.
I have a tiny rant about television though. It concerns me that some of the shows that everyone says are SO GREAT are also so dark, violent, and well, dark. Meth addiction, gangs, zombies, vampires. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed PanAm, it's fluff. It's set in the 60's and life just seemed more simple. I guess I just don't need all the darkness in my head.
I don't like the swiffer mop at all. But the commercials entertain me. I like the lonely guy that hangs out at the space bar and the cowgirl. It's just very clever how they've turned dirt into likable characters.
I'm nearly done with a book that I've alternately loved and disliked. It's set in Seattle so that's good. It has multiple characters and that usually makes me happy. I guess, maybe, it just needed a stronger editor. It's called Broken for You, by Stephanie Kallos.
Another week is starting soon so I must away. Kevin is working 6:00 am to nearly 6:00 pm right now so we're both a little worn around the ages. Okay, he more than me but still. 5:15 am comes early.
Have a good week y'all. Or as the local weatherman says "Make it a great day"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)