Example #2 of "Click Publish...GAH"
Something you might know about me was another writing prompt the other day. I know, I know, I ranted about Don't Tell Me What to Write but still. It occurred to me at 11:00 pm the other night (as many things do) there is something that people probably don't know.
I love Project Runway.
(pause for gasps of shock)
I don't remember when I started watching it but it is safely stated as years ago. I do remember why: the Unconventional Challenge. This challenge is where they send them someplace crazy like the hardware store, or my favorite the candy store. (and I actually saw the winning dress!) They have to choose materials to make a dress or outfit. What people do with candy, zip-ties, party favors, or garbage bags are incredible. I'm amazed.
With my lack of eyesight, sewing will probably never be a skill I will have. I can't thread a needle. Can't as in Can't See, not Can't Want To. The lack of depth perception makes sewing ones of those exercises in frustration.
So I sit in rapt attention as these people make dresses in one day like it's nothing but a thing. Yes, they're stressed out but they still make something. I would just be under a table eating my hair.
I am impressed with their ability to just get lost in something. Remember that feeling? Just getting lost in something like playing with toys or coloring. I don't get that feeling anymore. My brain is just always going too fast; even when I'm writing.
I love watching to see what the judges like versus what I like. I know fashion is subjective, much like art. Sometimes they'll love something and I'm all WTF are you TALKING about!?! Or I will love something and they're all "Meh" about it.
This, however, when I say that I wouldn't wear most of what they create as I'm still a jeans and sneakers girl. Nor would I be interested in working in the fashion world. It seems so stressful.
I have also begun watching the Fashion Fund, where designers of all kinds (clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats! who wears hats!?!) compete to win a prize from all the Board of All Fashion Designers, including Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg. It seems like it's an incredibly difficult thing to do and, again, I'm impressed that people would willing sign up for this.
And then there's a new show that's the House of DVF. It is about Diane Von Furstenberg finding an "ambassador" for her company. It's interesting because she is looking for someone who has lots of different talents instead of just a pretty face. Also, I respect her for saying that she realizes that she might not be the best face for the company now. She's matter-of-fact about aging and I like that, especially from someone in a world that is all about the fresh new face.
So, yeah. Nerdy little me loves to watch fashion shows. Who knew?
25 November 2014
Click "Publish"...GAH
Written two weeks ago...
With our trip quickly approaching I have two different To Do lists going. One has to be completed on the day we leave. Simple things like close the curtains and the bedroom door.
The second one is stuff that has piled up over the past few months plus regular monthly errands. Special dog food, glasses adjusted from said special dog food eater, and two returns. The other day I bought two shirts, one fit perfectly and the other same style/different color shirt did not. How is that possible? The cashier says it happens all the time. I also bought a pair of jeans that were a little too big and reached my rib cage. And of course, these returns are from two different stores.
A fun detail is that three of these tasks required going to the mall. No one goes to the mall anymore, do they? Unless it's something like Christmas or back-to-school shopping. I was tempted to browse but I didn't have quite enough time. I think I need to go back. I can't remember the last time I walked through it. It could possibly be more than two years ago. I'm sure it looks the same but maybe there is a surprise there.
Instead I had a button sewn back on a pair of cords and a squeak investigated in a pair of dress shoes. The button was Free! and the shoe repair was $5.00. You have to love that. With my refunds from the returns I paid for the shoes and groceries and an iced mocha. That, my friend, is a good day.
With our trip quickly approaching I have two different To Do lists going. One has to be completed on the day we leave. Simple things like close the curtains and the bedroom door.
The second one is stuff that has piled up over the past few months plus regular monthly errands. Special dog food, glasses adjusted from said special dog food eater, and two returns. The other day I bought two shirts, one fit perfectly and the other same style/different color shirt did not. How is that possible? The cashier says it happens all the time. I also bought a pair of jeans that were a little too big and reached my rib cage. And of course, these returns are from two different stores.
A fun detail is that three of these tasks required going to the mall. No one goes to the mall anymore, do they? Unless it's something like Christmas or back-to-school shopping. I was tempted to browse but I didn't have quite enough time. I think I need to go back. I can't remember the last time I walked through it. It could possibly be more than two years ago. I'm sure it looks the same but maybe there is a surprise there.
Instead I had a button sewn back on a pair of cords and a squeak investigated in a pair of dress shoes. The button was Free! and the shoe repair was $5.00. You have to love that. With my refunds from the returns I paid for the shoes and groceries and an iced mocha. That, my friend, is a good day.
Oh, Hi
We just returned last night from our race in Vegas. It went really well, the friend that Kevin crews for placed third out of twenty cars and set all his personal best goals. Huge success.
There are, of course, lots of stories to tell. I'm just sending up a flare that we're home safe and tired. Also, that I've miserably failed at NaNoBloMo. This was as I figured. But: reasons.
There are, of course, lots of stories to tell. I'm just sending up a flare that we're home safe and tired. Also, that I've miserably failed at NaNoBloMo. This was as I figured. But: reasons.
15 November 2014
Don't Prompt Me
One of the NaNoBloMo post suggestions was "Write about a skill you possess that someone else might not have". As I am complete rubbish at anything domestic, I was skeptical of this topic and ignored it.
Then I realized that I used to be a licensed pyrotechnician and I could write about that. But the nuts and bolts of it are actually kind of boring and I've written about it before. So, a synopsis: it's hard, dangerous work for little pay but the crowd noise makes it worth it. I still miss doing it and would do it again in a heartbeat but I was outvoted. (Stupid democracy)
The other topic would be the racecar but that is all kinds of boy talk that most people think is boring. Something surprising about it is I've learned a lot about physics and geometry over the years. This is the Universe's joke on me after all my complaints about those topics while in school.
The other thing I could think of is this, the writing. Explaining something like this is difficult as it's a personal and individual thing. It's like explaining how one breathes, you just do it. I guess I could best explain it as I try to write like I talk. Thus explaining the run-on sentences, random punctuation, spaces, and capitalizations.
The nonconformist in me hates writing prompts a little bit. I Write What I Want! It's like having a writing assignment in school sometimes. Once we were instructed to journal once a week for the entire quarter. This was before this sort of thing was cool and normal. To be honest, I forgot all about it. (I know, you're surprised.) So when the teacher reminded us that it was due in a few days, I had to figure something out quickly.
So, I wrote an essay on why I didn't journal. Totally got an "A".
Yeah, not much has changed with me.
Then I realized that I used to be a licensed pyrotechnician and I could write about that. But the nuts and bolts of it are actually kind of boring and I've written about it before. So, a synopsis: it's hard, dangerous work for little pay but the crowd noise makes it worth it. I still miss doing it and would do it again in a heartbeat but I was outvoted. (Stupid democracy)
The other topic would be the racecar but that is all kinds of boy talk that most people think is boring. Something surprising about it is I've learned a lot about physics and geometry over the years. This is the Universe's joke on me after all my complaints about those topics while in school.
The other thing I could think of is this, the writing. Explaining something like this is difficult as it's a personal and individual thing. It's like explaining how one breathes, you just do it. I guess I could best explain it as I try to write like I talk. Thus explaining the run-on sentences, random punctuation, spaces, and capitalizations.
The nonconformist in me hates writing prompts a little bit. I Write What I Want! It's like having a writing assignment in school sometimes. Once we were instructed to journal once a week for the entire quarter. This was before this sort of thing was cool and normal. To be honest, I forgot all about it. (I know, you're surprised.) So when the teacher reminded us that it was due in a few days, I had to figure something out quickly.
So, I wrote an essay on why I didn't journal. Totally got an "A".
Yeah, not much has changed with me.
11 November 2014
Job Search Adventures, continued
Seriously?
Reception/ Front Desk (Downtown Bellingham)
compensation: salary + bonus
10 November 2014
What Kind of Cake?
Kevin and I are known to communicate in hyperbole and superlatives. I swear if someone overheard some of our conversations they would think that we'd either gone insane or about to conduct a gun duel.
Kevin's mom often calls to ask if we want dinner or dessert. Often, Kevin will say something along the lines of "I don't know, Mom. Surely really doesn't like your cooking." He says it so convincingly too. His mom, who is really sweet, always seems to accept it on face value. As if he would ever say it and mean it. As if I would ever say it, aloud.
Last night, his mom phoned to ask if we would like some cake. She had some Red Velvet cake last week so Kevin asked if was the week old cake or something new. This was a half genuine question because she's had strokes and sometimes sh*t happens. (example: biscuits and gravy with blueberry biscuits or serving cold pork and beans with tacos)
I didn't hear her response so when Kevin asked if I wanted some cake, I sincerely said I didn't want week-old cake. Kevin repeats what I said and adds "She's such a bitch, Mom."
I was tearing up, I was laughing so hard. For once, I was serious.
Kevin's mom often calls to ask if we want dinner or dessert. Often, Kevin will say something along the lines of "I don't know, Mom. Surely really doesn't like your cooking." He says it so convincingly too. His mom, who is really sweet, always seems to accept it on face value. As if he would ever say it and mean it. As if I would ever say it, aloud.
Last night, his mom phoned to ask if we would like some cake. She had some Red Velvet cake last week so Kevin asked if was the week old cake or something new. This was a half genuine question because she's had strokes and sometimes sh*t happens. (example: biscuits and gravy with blueberry biscuits or serving cold pork and beans with tacos)
I didn't hear her response so when Kevin asked if I wanted some cake, I sincerely said I didn't want week-old cake. Kevin repeats what I said and adds "She's such a bitch, Mom."
I was tearing up, I was laughing so hard. For once, I was serious.
This Week's Edition of I'm a Total Liar
Remember when I said that I had way too many Halloween decorations? Then I bought the little ghost bobblehead because he asked to come live at my house? Well, then I bought a jack o'lantern bobblehead because: Jack O'Lantern bobblehead.
Look at this happy little family:
And then today, things were on sale! Things that I've been resisting for a month now. But for $3.00, I can find room for this guy:
I'm sure I can decorate them for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well.
Look at this happy little family:
 |
| I'm impressed that they're not in compromising situation courtesy of Kevin |
And then today, things were on sale! Things that I've been resisting for a month now. But for $3.00, I can find room for this guy:
 |
| C'mon, He LIGHTS up! |
08 November 2014
Future Operator
Kevin has a pretty dangerous job and I don't often hear stories about what he does. The rule usually is I don't hear about sketchy jobs until they are done, if at all.
Today though was different.
He was running a loader that has a bucket that a small convertible will fit in. A customer came in with a truck and trailer needing material. He had a little boy with him who was having the best day ever seeing all these big boy toys.
After Kevin talked to the dad about what was needed, Kevin explained that the trailer would need to be backed up.
The dad picked up the little boy and put him in the trailer to ride while he backed up a little bit while
Kevin climbed up into the loader to wait.
Once he was up there he looked down to see the boy looking concerned. Seeing Kevin looking at him the boy sternly raised his hand to him, signaling him (appropriately) to wait.
Kevin motioned backed Okay but the boy continued to signal until his dad stopped and got him down.
Kevin loaded the trailer while the little boy watched and nodded. When he finished and pulled along the trailer, he spotted the boy again.
He was giving Kevin an enthusiastic Thumbs Up.
Kevin climbed down to talk with the dad. He laughed and said "Okay, that was one of the cutest things I've ever seen" and he explained what happened.
The boy nodded while Kevin told the story. Kevin told him "You were safe, weren't you? You did a good job!"
Can you imagine? Best day ever. For both boys perhaps.
Today though was different.
He was running a loader that has a bucket that a small convertible will fit in. A customer came in with a truck and trailer needing material. He had a little boy with him who was having the best day ever seeing all these big boy toys.
After Kevin talked to the dad about what was needed, Kevin explained that the trailer would need to be backed up.
The dad picked up the little boy and put him in the trailer to ride while he backed up a little bit while
Kevin climbed up into the loader to wait.
Once he was up there he looked down to see the boy looking concerned. Seeing Kevin looking at him the boy sternly raised his hand to him, signaling him (appropriately) to wait.
Kevin motioned backed Okay but the boy continued to signal until his dad stopped and got him down.
Kevin loaded the trailer while the little boy watched and nodded. When he finished and pulled along the trailer, he spotted the boy again.
He was giving Kevin an enthusiastic Thumbs Up.
Kevin climbed down to talk with the dad. He laughed and said "Okay, that was one of the cutest things I've ever seen" and he explained what happened.
The boy nodded while Kevin told the story. Kevin told him "You were safe, weren't you? You did a good job!"
Can you imagine? Best day ever. For both boys perhaps.
07 November 2014
Dawning Realizations
Remember that scene in Say Anything where they are talking about being married after Lloyd and Diane have sex? Where they talk about how everything is going to change and the one friend says something along the lines of Years from now you'll be walking along and think "We've had sex."
I wondered about that at the time, if a person would think that. Of course, I didn't think of it again until many (too many, frankly) years later when I watched the movie again.
I am unsure if the statement is true or not. I do know that there are moments when it just hits that We Are Married. Right now. Married. I chose this guy. This great guy chose Me.
So, no, I haven't thought that specifically but I've had similar trains of thoughts. That dawning realization of "This is my life right now."
Thankfully, these are mostly happy realizations and not I Need A Good Alibi realizations.
I wondered about that at the time, if a person would think that. Of course, I didn't think of it again until many (too many, frankly) years later when I watched the movie again.
I am unsure if the statement is true or not. I do know that there are moments when it just hits that We Are Married. Right now. Married. I chose this guy. This great guy chose Me.
So, no, I haven't thought that specifically but I've had similar trains of thoughts. That dawning realization of "This is my life right now."
Thankfully, these are mostly happy realizations and not I Need A Good Alibi realizations.
05 November 2014
Immediate Gratificaton for the Win
You know what is strangely satisfying? Power washing. Talk about immediate gratification.
Kevin was trying to get about three thousand things done over the weekend. With the time change, he has very little daylight hours available now. It's dark when he leaves and comes home. This leaves weekends, some of which he works Saturdays.
He began powerwashing our deck and I stepped out to see what was happening. OMG, it's like the best thing ever. Just spray it and it looks new! Must.To.Do.It.
I offered to help and Kevin was reluctant. Not because he was doubting my skills but because we have The Deal. The Deal being that I am responsible for the inside of the house and he is responsible for the outside of the house. This fell into the Outside of the House category.
But the need to get things done in a limited period of time won him over.
I washed the deck until the Seahawks game started. Then Kevin and I went inside to watch. At half-time, we took turns washing. The instant gratification pleases Kevin as well. Paired with his guilt of sharing chores, there was a bit of a struggle of whose turn it was.
But the game came back on and by the end, it was pouring down rain and getting dark.
Yesterday morning I returned to this most pleasing task. It was sprinkling and due to storm later in the day so I sucked it up and went outside. I put on one of Kevin's work sweatshirts, which was bright orange and a little water-resistant. A little. By the end, water resistant could be defined as "it has a hood." I'm sure I was quite a sight, with my orange sweatshirt, red LL Bean slip-ons, purple headphones, and soaking wet.
I did enjoy having my headphones in and listening to my music. I keep downloading music on my phone but not listening because I'm home all day. (usually I listen to music like this at work) I'm sure my in-laws appreciated the singing along and possible dance moves, if they happened to come outside.
I only did the floor of the deck, which is quite large. It wraps around the corner of our house. I considered doing the railing but, rain, and the railings are hard. I'm not so much tall so it's more suited for Kevin. On a selfish note, the spindles would be frustrating because there are four sides to many, many of them.
This is where I say a task such as this, while satisfying, also has big potential of triggering the ocd. Because you see your progress instantaneously and it triggers the Do All The Things part of the ocd.
Thus, the not having sense to come in out of the rain.
It just looks so nice. I want to continue but I know that I'll just be frustrated at the difficulty level. And soaking wet. And my hands, omg, my hands were so cramped.
As a treat, I took the puppy to the coffee stand and we both got treats. Then we snuggled with the blanket and watched television. We might have napped but you can't prove anything.
Behold:
Kevin was trying to get about three thousand things done over the weekend. With the time change, he has very little daylight hours available now. It's dark when he leaves and comes home. This leaves weekends, some of which he works Saturdays.
He began powerwashing our deck and I stepped out to see what was happening. OMG, it's like the best thing ever. Just spray it and it looks new! Must.To.Do.It.
I offered to help and Kevin was reluctant. Not because he was doubting my skills but because we have The Deal. The Deal being that I am responsible for the inside of the house and he is responsible for the outside of the house. This fell into the Outside of the House category.
But the need to get things done in a limited period of time won him over.
I washed the deck until the Seahawks game started. Then Kevin and I went inside to watch. At half-time, we took turns washing. The instant gratification pleases Kevin as well. Paired with his guilt of sharing chores, there was a bit of a struggle of whose turn it was.
But the game came back on and by the end, it was pouring down rain and getting dark.
Yesterday morning I returned to this most pleasing task. It was sprinkling and due to storm later in the day so I sucked it up and went outside. I put on one of Kevin's work sweatshirts, which was bright orange and a little water-resistant. A little. By the end, water resistant could be defined as "it has a hood." I'm sure I was quite a sight, with my orange sweatshirt, red LL Bean slip-ons, purple headphones, and soaking wet.
I did enjoy having my headphones in and listening to my music. I keep downloading music on my phone but not listening because I'm home all day. (usually I listen to music like this at work) I'm sure my in-laws appreciated the singing along and possible dance moves, if they happened to come outside.
I only did the floor of the deck, which is quite large. It wraps around the corner of our house. I considered doing the railing but, rain, and the railings are hard. I'm not so much tall so it's more suited for Kevin. On a selfish note, the spindles would be frustrating because there are four sides to many, many of them.
This is where I say a task such as this, while satisfying, also has big potential of triggering the ocd. Because you see your progress instantaneously and it triggers the Do All The Things part of the ocd.
Thus, the not having sense to come in out of the rain.
It just looks so nice. I want to continue but I know that I'll just be frustrated at the difficulty level. And soaking wet. And my hands, omg, my hands were so cramped.
As a treat, I took the puppy to the coffee stand and we both got treats. Then we snuggled with the blanket and watched television. We might have napped but you can't prove anything.
Behold:
 |
| One corner. Totally fun pushing the barbecue on a slippery surface. |
 | ||||
| Center section. Yep, totally powerwashed the little table too. |
 |
| Right corner. The light is darker because: RAIN. |
04 November 2014
Reasons I Shouldn't Cook
Subtitle: Things that Catch Fire
A. Towels
B. Potholders
C. Waxed paper
D. Paper Towels
E. Boxes
F. Food
This Seems Legit
In the latest chapter of Job Search Adventure, I received an offer for employment. You look to see if it's a good idea:
My
name is Brenda Palmigiano(Advocate for Deaf truckers) and i also do
Interior Designs, Decorations & Art collections with a large client
base and because of my job I'm constantly out of the State. My former
Personal Assistant just got married and moved to Canada. If you accept
my offer, I will need you to take charge of my errands, and will also have my mails/packages forwarded to a nearby post office where you can pick them from at your convenience.
Dear Applicant,
Thanks for
responding to the job post. I received your email with interest in the
position posted but unfortunately that position has been taken but I
have an offer for you if interested. I want to believe and hope I am
dealing with an honest, responsible person because I usually would not
hire anyone this way but I urgently need the services of a Personal
Assistant due to my very busy schedules.
All
errands will be in your city/town so it is not a must you have a car,
but if you do it might be a plus. When you get my mails/packages, you
will be required to mail them to where I want them mailed too. The
content of the packages will be business and personal mails. All
expenses and taxes will be covered by me and you are to work for just 2
days per week (4 hours daily). You will be doing this for 3 weeks until I
get back to town so we can formally meet and discuss about the
possibility of making this arrangement long term if I'm satisfied with
your performance.
How much will you charge per week? Am willing to pay $300 weekly including gas and others expenses. That is not a bad offer i presume! If you accept this offer please reply with the following details:
Again, non-specific "Dear Applicant" and the sketchy requirement to set up a messaging service contact. Then there's the big hourly wage for a job that doesn't require it. Mr Adam Diaz doesn't seem to exist on the interwebs.
Sigh.
Full
Name, Physical/Residential contact address, Apt #, City, State, Zip
Code, Cell number, Home number, Current Occupation and Available hours.
I
will be needing your service immediately, so once you send all this
information, i will make a back ground check on your details and will
get back to you within 24 hrs to let you know if you get the job and
also what your first assignment will entail. After that, I will request
your first week payment be mailed to you along with the pay to run
errands for me.
Kindly get back soon and have a nice day.
Thank you and God Bless!
So, Gmail flagged this as suspicious. It arrived at midnight on Halloween. "Dear Applicant" and Please send me all your pertinent information. Blindly receive and send packages.
What could possibly go wrong?
It is a real person, I checked. But she's from New York and the interwebs say nothing about interior design. I wonder if she knows this is happening? I'm not wading in though. I only kept the email for entertainment purposes.
AND THEN, in the same email thread I received:
Good Morning
Dear applicant, we apologize for the delay in response, as in regards to your resume that was forwarded to our head department for the Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, The Hiring Desk has reviewed your resume for the Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position and we believe you have the required qualifications to proceed.
This is a Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, Working hours are from 8am-3pm, Monday-Friday. The starting pay is $24.00 /hr for this Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, you are also expected to
come online through Yahoo Messenger during working hours.I want you to setup a yahoo messenger and if you have one already use it, add Mr adam diaz the Interview Manager and IM his on this ID (adamdiaz2014@yahoo.com)
asap for the interview/briefing and comprehensive job details.This is our first step to proceed further. he will be on online waiting for you. Interview Schedule date/time is From Monday to Friday (8am-5pm).
Best Regards
Again, non-specific "Dear Applicant" and the sketchy requirement to set up a messaging service contact. Then there's the big hourly wage for a job that doesn't require it. Mr Adam Diaz doesn't seem to exist on the interwebs.
Sigh.
03 November 2014
The Talk
Swistle had two interesting topics the other day: "Talking to kids about sex without religion"
and "Teenagers and Dating and Friends"
Not being a parent, I usually don't comment or think much about parenting posts but these really caught my attention. My first response to the sex and religion this was "One has nothing to do with the other." But I realize that is only relevant in my world. It very much relates in others worlds.
I was self-educated on the subject when I was a child. The class that everyone else had in the fifth or sixth grade was cancelled for some reason and they never rescheduled it. (at least that's how I remembered it) My parental talk was "You know about all that stuff, right?" One of many examples I can provide of being raised by wolves. Church, as I'm sure you're unsurprised, had no place in the house as well.
Swistle mentioned having books around for the kids to browse in case of any interest. I thought this was a great idea, giving kids an opportunity to learn in their own time and interest and greatly reducing embarrassment. One of the books listed was actually how I learned about "all that stuff", at a friends house nonetheless.
Having had issues, shall we call it, as a child and teen, sex wasn't big on my priority list. I did have the goal not to become an After School Special during high school. Also, I was in high school during the AIDS epidemic so sex was practically scary to contemplate. I remember a teacher saying that "Having sex with one person is actually having sex with all the people they've been with as well."
Yeah, that is a strong visual. Kept me out of trouble for awhile.
I didn't have many rules as a teen. I had a curfew of midnight but I'm not sure anyone was really paying attention. I began officially dating at almost sixteen but had done the group dating for a few years prior to that. Whether or not my parents were aware is a mystery. Teenagers are arrogant and self-centered so who knows if I'd even notice?
Luckily maybe, I emerged from my teens mostly unscathed. Well, let's try that again. Not unscathed perhaps. I was married at nineteen, almost exactly one year after graduation, to a psychopath. So, there's that.
Another perspective was one of my nieces mentioning something about having sex a while ago. I was aware that she was active and that her dad had provided the education. (give a shout out to single dads with daughters, I don't know how they handle that particular area) I told her to just be safe and don't make stupid choices.
The Nephew is pretty open about these things and I'm always impressed at his candor, even if it does make me wince every once in a while. He has one teen and a preteen right now so he will be living full-time in Hormone City here pretty quickly.
Kevin is very matter-of-fact: It's going to happen so best arm them with the tools and knowledge they need.
I think teens are likely to have some form of sex. This is not new behavior, it's been happning for generations. I think what has changes is education and the removal of shame.
Our friend, Angie, does have a strong faith and coincidentally, the subject came up. She said that she listed goals that she would like her daughter to accomplish in high school. (she'll be a freshman next year). The last one on the list was "Don't have sex until after high school."
I thought it was interesting that she acknowledged a) that it is a possibility and b) that she doesn't have an expectation of abstinence until marriage.
I think education and emphasizing safety and respect are the best tools. A parent can provide that to the best of their ability, regardless of religious beliefs. Everything else is up to the teen.
and "Teenagers and Dating and Friends"
Not being a parent, I usually don't comment or think much about parenting posts but these really caught my attention. My first response to the sex and religion this was "One has nothing to do with the other." But I realize that is only relevant in my world. It very much relates in others worlds.
I was self-educated on the subject when I was a child. The class that everyone else had in the fifth or sixth grade was cancelled for some reason and they never rescheduled it. (at least that's how I remembered it) My parental talk was "You know about all that stuff, right?" One of many examples I can provide of being raised by wolves. Church, as I'm sure you're unsurprised, had no place in the house as well.
Swistle mentioned having books around for the kids to browse in case of any interest. I thought this was a great idea, giving kids an opportunity to learn in their own time and interest and greatly reducing embarrassment. One of the books listed was actually how I learned about "all that stuff", at a friends house nonetheless.
Having had issues, shall we call it, as a child and teen, sex wasn't big on my priority list. I did have the goal not to become an After School Special during high school. Also, I was in high school during the AIDS epidemic so sex was practically scary to contemplate. I remember a teacher saying that "Having sex with one person is actually having sex with all the people they've been with as well."
Yeah, that is a strong visual. Kept me out of trouble for awhile.
I didn't have many rules as a teen. I had a curfew of midnight but I'm not sure anyone was really paying attention. I began officially dating at almost sixteen but had done the group dating for a few years prior to that. Whether or not my parents were aware is a mystery. Teenagers are arrogant and self-centered so who knows if I'd even notice?
Luckily maybe, I emerged from my teens mostly unscathed. Well, let's try that again. Not unscathed perhaps. I was married at nineteen, almost exactly one year after graduation, to a psychopath. So, there's that.
Another perspective was one of my nieces mentioning something about having sex a while ago. I was aware that she was active and that her dad had provided the education. (give a shout out to single dads with daughters, I don't know how they handle that particular area) I told her to just be safe and don't make stupid choices.
The Nephew is pretty open about these things and I'm always impressed at his candor, even if it does make me wince every once in a while. He has one teen and a preteen right now so he will be living full-time in Hormone City here pretty quickly.
Kevin is very matter-of-fact: It's going to happen so best arm them with the tools and knowledge they need.
I think teens are likely to have some form of sex. This is not new behavior, it's been happning for generations. I think what has changes is education and the removal of shame.
Our friend, Angie, does have a strong faith and coincidentally, the subject came up. She said that she listed goals that she would like her daughter to accomplish in high school. (she'll be a freshman next year). The last one on the list was "Don't have sex until after high school."
I thought it was interesting that she acknowledged a) that it is a possibility and b) that she doesn't have an expectation of abstinence until marriage.
I think education and emphasizing safety and respect are the best tools. A parent can provide that to the best of their ability, regardless of religious beliefs. Everything else is up to the teen.
On Fridays, We Wear Blue
I'm not a huge sports fan. I like baseball and could really enjoy hockey if I dedicated my attention.
Hahaha, like that's possible. I used to watch football but lost the taste for it.
Seattle sports teams are notoriously horrible. Every once in a while, a divisional championship is possible or even won. But like a bad sports movie, the teams seem to fold like a bad lawn chair. The exception is the WNBA team, The Storm, but sadly no one watches them play. Soccer is slowly gaining popularity but the Sounders get lost between baseball and football.
Then came the Seahawks. All of a sudden, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Suddenly, everyone is a fan. When they are playing, the neighborhoods are quiet. Everyone is watching or listening to the game. Even Kevin, who is not even a little bit a sports fan, will watch the game. Even our Canadian friends are huge fans, they consider the Seahawks their team.
Every Friday, "We Wear Blue" is a thing. If you go into a store, everyone has jerseys or t-shirts. Cars are decorated. It's kind of cool.
It's fun to be part of the 12th Man.
Hahaha, like that's possible. I used to watch football but lost the taste for it.
Seattle sports teams are notoriously horrible. Every once in a while, a divisional championship is possible or even won. But like a bad sports movie, the teams seem to fold like a bad lawn chair. The exception is the WNBA team, The Storm, but sadly no one watches them play. Soccer is slowly gaining popularity but the Sounders get lost between baseball and football.
Then came the Seahawks. All of a sudden, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Suddenly, everyone is a fan. When they are playing, the neighborhoods are quiet. Everyone is watching or listening to the game. Even Kevin, who is not even a little bit a sports fan, will watch the game. Even our Canadian friends are huge fans, they consider the Seahawks their team.
Every Friday, "We Wear Blue" is a thing. If you go into a store, everyone has jerseys or t-shirts. Cars are decorated. It's kind of cool.
It's fun to be part of the 12th Man.
01 November 2014
NaBloPoMo
Every November, thousands of bloggers commit to posting daily. I am going to participate and try to post every single day this month. As we're out of town later this month and I'm not bringing my laptop, this will be a little challenging. I will have to schedule a few posts, or cheat and throw up a photo or quote instead.
They say if you can do something for 30 days, it becomes an engrained habit. We'll just see about that.
There is also NaNoWriMo, which is writing a novel in thirty days but I think that it setting myself up for failure. Well, certain failure versus possible failure.
So, let's see how this goes, shall we?
They say if you can do something for 30 days, it becomes an engrained habit. We'll just see about that.
There is also NaNoWriMo, which is writing a novel in thirty days but I think that it setting myself up for failure. Well, certain failure versus possible failure.
So, let's see how this goes, shall we?
30 October 2014
Unbelievable
Unbelievable. I can't understand how this keeps happening again and again.
I've started this post a few times. I just cant EVEN wrap my mind around another school shooting, let alone one that isn't that far away from here. We know people that have children/siblings that attend and work at
the high school.
It's not a typical shooting, which I think makes it worse. It appears to be an impulsive act of a heartbroken teenager. It is an After School Special in the worst of ways.
Bottom line: there is no understanding this.
I've started this post a few times. I just cant EVEN wrap my mind around another school shooting, let alone one that isn't that far away from here. We know people that have children/siblings that attend and work at
the high school.
It's not a typical shooting, which I think makes it worse. It appears to be an impulsive act of a heartbroken teenager. It is an After School Special in the worst of ways.
Bottom line: there is no understanding this.
In 21 Days
We booked our trip to Vegas for next month. I really had reservations (unintentional pun!) about going with the whole being unemployed thing but I figured a few days away won't hurt anything other than our savings.
It will be a working vacation for Kevin because he will be crewing on our friends racecar. I'm pretty doggone proud of him, as he's grown into the guy that people seek him to help. With these new responsibilities, he has gained so much more knowledge and skills. I'm curious to see where these new talents take him in the future.
When he crews here at home I don't usually go with him unless we're racing as well. Instead, I cyber-stalk him and watch on the track video. In Vegas I will probably spend more time at the track than usual because otherwise I might not see him much. Also, I need photos! I do want to watch the racing too, especially since so many of our friends are racing, just not three solid days of it.
This is going to sound a little awful, but the very best time I had in Vegas was when it was just the boys and me. The boys went to the track and I slept in as long as I wanted, I went where I went and for as long as I wanted. I learned how to drive in Vegas proper instead of just the Strip. It was truly a vacation for me.
Last year, you might remember, I was super frustrated because a certain family member left her cane home because she "didn't want to deal with it". This same person needed me to go buy a cane 24 hours later because she couldn't walk. Also, she doesn't do any of the self care that is required when you have a major injury. (braces, proper shoes, CANE, rest, ice, limited mobility, none of it!) Copious amounts of complaining and needing accommodations, oh yes that she does.
So, i was hoping that she wouldn't go this year because she recently had another surgery for her injuries but alas, not so much. The Nephew and Fiance are going so I'm hoping that will alleviate much of the babysitting duties. Otherwise, I have fear of gunplay.
Next up is the other one. The other one who is neurotic and makes Eeyore look like Tigger. He doesn't trust anyone or anything. The sign says turn left to get to the place with the thing and he will question the sign. We began teasing him so much that he stopped this behavior, a little bit. Another example was we had been on the highway to the Grand Canyon for thirty minutes when he insisted that his GPS said we were going the wrong way. He muttered about it so much Kevin got off the highway, asked for directions, then got back into the van without saying a word and returned to the highway we were traveling on.
So, fun traveling companions, they are not. To add insult to injury, our BFF Mike isn't going this year so he won't be there to provide respite. I've seriously and sincerely considered drinking again just for this trip.
My plan is to spend more time than usual at the racetrack, even if it is sitting out in the rental car listening to the radio and racing and reading a book.
We have been there so much that we've seen all that we really want to see. I only have three things on my list this year: the Wheel, the Mob Museum, and taking Kevin up on the Eiffel Tower. The fact that two of these require heights is not lost on me. My plan is to go at night so one can't quite see how far up you are. I did the Eiffel Tower in the daytime and that was a big mistake so at night will be much better, for sure. We're going to do these the first day in town so the remaining days will be at my disposal.
I love the Titanic exhibit and have walked through it twice but I admit I might sneak another visit. We did all the CSI Experience exhibits so we don't need to do that again. I want to go to the Arts District too, I've only driven through. We need to go eat at the PepperMill. We keep saying we're going to then never do.
So, in three weeks I will have four days in Vegas to break the monotony that is my life right now. Essentially, I'm just relocating from the couch in our house to the couch/rental car in Vegas. Plus, maybe alcohol. Or counseling. Or both.
So, what's my point? a) we're going even though it's not the most grown-up thing for me to do. b) we're traveling with very challenging people. c)I'm hoping to spend my vacation reading books and watching mindless television.
Last year, I discovered the show Cold Justice,where they solve cold cases, but in real. I watched that every afternoon and many episodes of Castle. I would go upstairs and get a snack from one of the food court restaurants in the early evening so I wasn't stabby when the boys got back. I had books to read and a view of the mountains and crazy people jumping off the Tower. It was really nice. But the mornings were spent sightseeing with someone I didn't necessarily enjoy.
It will be a working vacation for Kevin because he will be crewing on our friends racecar. I'm pretty doggone proud of him, as he's grown into the guy that people seek him to help. With these new responsibilities, he has gained so much more knowledge and skills. I'm curious to see where these new talents take him in the future.
When he crews here at home I don't usually go with him unless we're racing as well. Instead, I cyber-stalk him and watch on the track video. In Vegas I will probably spend more time at the track than usual because otherwise I might not see him much. Also, I need photos! I do want to watch the racing too, especially since so many of our friends are racing, just not three solid days of it.
This is going to sound a little awful, but the very best time I had in Vegas was when it was just the boys and me. The boys went to the track and I slept in as long as I wanted, I went where I went and for as long as I wanted. I learned how to drive in Vegas proper instead of just the Strip. It was truly a vacation for me.
Last year, you might remember, I was super frustrated because a certain family member left her cane home because she "didn't want to deal with it". This same person needed me to go buy a cane 24 hours later because she couldn't walk. Also, she doesn't do any of the self care that is required when you have a major injury. (braces, proper shoes, CANE, rest, ice, limited mobility, none of it!) Copious amounts of complaining and needing accommodations, oh yes that she does.
So, i was hoping that she wouldn't go this year because she recently had another surgery for her injuries but alas, not so much. The Nephew and Fiance are going so I'm hoping that will alleviate much of the babysitting duties. Otherwise, I have fear of gunplay.
Next up is the other one. The other one who is neurotic and makes Eeyore look like Tigger. He doesn't trust anyone or anything. The sign says turn left to get to the place with the thing and he will question the sign. We began teasing him so much that he stopped this behavior, a little bit. Another example was we had been on the highway to the Grand Canyon for thirty minutes when he insisted that his GPS said we were going the wrong way. He muttered about it so much Kevin got off the highway, asked for directions, then got back into the van without saying a word and returned to the highway we were traveling on.
So, fun traveling companions, they are not. To add insult to injury, our BFF Mike isn't going this year so he won't be there to provide respite. I've seriously and sincerely considered drinking again just for this trip.
My plan is to spend more time than usual at the racetrack, even if it is sitting out in the rental car listening to the radio and racing and reading a book.
We have been there so much that we've seen all that we really want to see. I only have three things on my list this year: the Wheel, the Mob Museum, and taking Kevin up on the Eiffel Tower. The fact that two of these require heights is not lost on me. My plan is to go at night so one can't quite see how far up you are. I did the Eiffel Tower in the daytime and that was a big mistake so at night will be much better, for sure. We're going to do these the first day in town so the remaining days will be at my disposal.
I love the Titanic exhibit and have walked through it twice but I admit I might sneak another visit. We did all the CSI Experience exhibits so we don't need to do that again. I want to go to the Arts District too, I've only driven through. We need to go eat at the PepperMill. We keep saying we're going to then never do.
So, in three weeks I will have four days in Vegas to break the monotony that is my life right now. Essentially, I'm just relocating from the couch in our house to the couch/rental car in Vegas. Plus, maybe alcohol. Or counseling. Or both.
So, what's my point? a) we're going even though it's not the most grown-up thing for me to do. b) we're traveling with very challenging people. c)I'm hoping to spend my vacation reading books and watching mindless television.
Last year, I discovered the show Cold Justice,where they solve cold cases, but in real. I watched that every afternoon and many episodes of Castle. I would go upstairs and get a snack from one of the food court restaurants in the early evening so I wasn't stabby when the boys got back. I had books to read and a view of the mountains and crazy people jumping off the Tower. It was really nice. But the mornings were spent sightseeing with someone I didn't necessarily enjoy.
20 October 2014
A Little Happy
In the past month or so I've heard two stories from our friends that just give you faith in humanity again. With the news being so MUCH lately, I figured it was important to share something that makes us all warm and fuzzy inside.
Our friend is Vietnamese and returns home regularly. Each year she takes truckloads of coats, clothing, and blankets to leper colonies. Literal leper colonies. Any of her extra income goes back to charity not only in Vietnam but here as well.
Her mother is in her late eighties and her health is failing. They don't have care facilities where she lives so she is being cared for by family. On one of her trips, our friend showed her mother photos on her tablet. Her mom was fascinated with being able to see her successful American daughter and her life in the photographs.
So, my friend made a plan to post photos daily on the facebook and then her cousin shows her mother the pictures and updates. The cousin reports that this makes her mother very happy and gives her something to look forward each day. It makes her so happy, in fact, that she asked our friend to:
"Please write a thank you note to the company for letting her see photos of her daughter and family every day."
I know, right? How sweet is that?
(Oh, unrelated side note: The Nephew took one of the bigs to Hooters for his birthday. (I wasn't pleased) He posted a photo on the facebook, showing the big smiling with the waitresses. In the perfect example of "OMG my mom is on facebook", his great grandma posted a comment saying "Happy Birthday honey. Have fun!" )
Next story.
I keep bumping into our friend and her toddler daughter on Friday mornings at the grocery store. Julie made the joke that we would see each other next Friday too. Then she corrected herself and said that they were going on a trip.
Julie is originally from Mississippi. She makes regular trips home but it's difficult for her family to travel this way. Her grandmother is in her nineties and is about to begin living in an assisted living facility. She hasn't met some of her other grandchildren or any of the great grandchildren that live on this coast. Julie's mom had a great idea of renting a motorhome and bringing her to see everyone before she goes into the facility. She realized that the monthly cost of a facility would be equal to the rental so why not. Julie and her little one are flying out to travel here with them. (Julie's a CNA)
Isn't that a great idea? I mean, sure, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong but seriously, what a kind thing to do.
So, there you go. A little happy to lighten the mood.
Our friend is Vietnamese and returns home regularly. Each year she takes truckloads of coats, clothing, and blankets to leper colonies. Literal leper colonies. Any of her extra income goes back to charity not only in Vietnam but here as well.
Her mother is in her late eighties and her health is failing. They don't have care facilities where she lives so she is being cared for by family. On one of her trips, our friend showed her mother photos on her tablet. Her mom was fascinated with being able to see her successful American daughter and her life in the photographs.
So, my friend made a plan to post photos daily on the facebook and then her cousin shows her mother the pictures and updates. The cousin reports that this makes her mother very happy and gives her something to look forward each day. It makes her so happy, in fact, that she asked our friend to:
"Please write a thank you note to the company for letting her see photos of her daughter and family every day."
I know, right? How sweet is that?
(Oh, unrelated side note: The Nephew took one of the bigs to Hooters for his birthday. (I wasn't pleased) He posted a photo on the facebook, showing the big smiling with the waitresses. In the perfect example of "OMG my mom is on facebook", his great grandma posted a comment saying "Happy Birthday honey. Have fun!" )
Next story.
I keep bumping into our friend and her toddler daughter on Friday mornings at the grocery store. Julie made the joke that we would see each other next Friday too. Then she corrected herself and said that they were going on a trip.
Julie is originally from Mississippi. She makes regular trips home but it's difficult for her family to travel this way. Her grandmother is in her nineties and is about to begin living in an assisted living facility. She hasn't met some of her other grandchildren or any of the great grandchildren that live on this coast. Julie's mom had a great idea of renting a motorhome and bringing her to see everyone before she goes into the facility. She realized that the monthly cost of a facility would be equal to the rental so why not. Julie and her little one are flying out to travel here with them. (Julie's a CNA)
Isn't that a great idea? I mean, sure, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong but seriously, what a kind thing to do.
So, there you go. A little happy to lighten the mood.
16 October 2014
Demotivation
I have been home now for much longer than I had planned and it is depressing and demoralizing. To combat bad things from happening that naturally occur when you've had a sudden and unplanned major life change, I've crept back into old habits that I cultivated when I was home with broken bones. (like writing really, really long sentences)
I still keep a schedule, as if I were working. As Kevin leaves at 5:30 am, this leaves a lot, lot, lot of times on my hands. I have twelve hours to entertain myself.
To keep track of the days so I don't lose time, I assign specific tasks to specific days. Things like laundry, shopping, and cleaning. I am literally telling myself at 5:30 in the morning that today is Wednesday so there is laundry and vacuuming to do. Yes, I'm all up in the glamour here.
My new best friends Gilmore Girls and old best friends Greys Anatomy help pass the time well enough but one can't spend that much time with anyone without getting a little stabby. The internet actually becomes boring after awhile, go figure.
One of the recommendations for people battling depression is to have a pet. I've had dogs for the past 23 years and they do provide for a distraction. They need feeding and to go outside and come back in and to go outside and come back in (x infinity). They make a person get up in the morning and be somewhat active during the day.
Lucy is different than our other dogs. She requires one-on-one attention too. Our other dogs were hunters and security kinds of dogs that just wanted to monitor the goings-on outside. Lucy wants to play and have scritches. She wants to lay on your lap and sleep.
This is good, I love this about her. This is also bad because how in the world of sweet baby jesus are you supposed to get anything done when you've got a snuggly, warm puppy on your lap? In this case, she is a demotivator. There are simply few reasons to get up when a puppy is sleeping on you.
I know, you're thinking that a person can still read or use the laptop. Well, the trouble is that she resents both of those forms of entertainment. She requires the use of your lap and at least one of your arms and those items impinge on her use.
Yes, she is a dog. I can make her get down and I do. But, really, why would one do that? What kind of cold-hearted human would make a snuggly puppy move just so you can go to the bathroom or eat or write?
Yeah, I need to get over this. But, seriously:
I still keep a schedule, as if I were working. As Kevin leaves at 5:30 am, this leaves a lot, lot, lot of times on my hands. I have twelve hours to entertain myself.
To keep track of the days so I don't lose time, I assign specific tasks to specific days. Things like laundry, shopping, and cleaning. I am literally telling myself at 5:30 in the morning that today is Wednesday so there is laundry and vacuuming to do. Yes, I'm all up in the glamour here.
My new best friends Gilmore Girls and old best friends Greys Anatomy help pass the time well enough but one can't spend that much time with anyone without getting a little stabby. The internet actually becomes boring after awhile, go figure.
One of the recommendations for people battling depression is to have a pet. I've had dogs for the past 23 years and they do provide for a distraction. They need feeding and to go outside and come back in and to go outside and come back in (x infinity). They make a person get up in the morning and be somewhat active during the day.
Lucy is different than our other dogs. She requires one-on-one attention too. Our other dogs were hunters and security kinds of dogs that just wanted to monitor the goings-on outside. Lucy wants to play and have scritches. She wants to lay on your lap and sleep.
This is good, I love this about her. This is also bad because how in the world of sweet baby jesus are you supposed to get anything done when you've got a snuggly, warm puppy on your lap? In this case, she is a demotivator. There are simply few reasons to get up when a puppy is sleeping on you.
I know, you're thinking that a person can still read or use the laptop. Well, the trouble is that she resents both of those forms of entertainment. She requires the use of your lap and at least one of your arms and those items impinge on her use.
Yes, she is a dog. I can make her get down and I do. But, really, why would one do that? What kind of cold-hearted human would make a snuggly puppy move just so you can go to the bathroom or eat or write?
Yeah, I need to get over this. But, seriously:
14 October 2014
They Pay Cash
I had another job interview today. If nothing else, I am getting plenty of knowledge on different businesses. This is one that I knew I wouldn't take while sitting in the parking lot waiting for the interview.
One of the many things I do not enjoy about job search is the mystery of applying for jobs online. Many listings don't include the company name. I get why, they don't want a bunch of people crashing their gates, but it sure would be a little more helpful to know where you're applying. I mean, is it like this morning at a place that I wouldn't want to work? Or worse, at a place I've already worked?
On the flip side, the mystery could open up possibilities that a person wouldn't consider otherwise. This is what I tell myself anyway.
Just not today.
It was a job in a medical office when I applied. When they called, it was for a dermatologist office. When I pulled up, it was clearly a plastic surgery office. Shiny new office, discretely placed off the beaten path, smooth jazz playing in the background.
I already knew that I was So Not Interested. Then during the interview, the person listed a task of "Often accepting $1,000 payments, usually in cash."
Wait, what?
"Oh yes, they usually pay in cash."
"In cash because?"
"They don't want their husbands to know they've had...treatments."
This is where I imagined this:
I believe the person doing the interviewing knew I wouldn't be a good fit. At least I hope so.
One of the many things I do not enjoy about job search is the mystery of applying for jobs online. Many listings don't include the company name. I get why, they don't want a bunch of people crashing their gates, but it sure would be a little more helpful to know where you're applying. I mean, is it like this morning at a place that I wouldn't want to work? Or worse, at a place I've already worked?
On the flip side, the mystery could open up possibilities that a person wouldn't consider otherwise. This is what I tell myself anyway.
Just not today.
It was a job in a medical office when I applied. When they called, it was for a dermatologist office. When I pulled up, it was clearly a plastic surgery office. Shiny new office, discretely placed off the beaten path, smooth jazz playing in the background.
I already knew that I was So Not Interested. Then during the interview, the person listed a task of "Often accepting $1,000 payments, usually in cash."
Wait, what?
"Oh yes, they usually pay in cash."
"In cash because?"
"They don't want their husbands to know they've had...treatments."
This is where I imagined this:
I believe the person doing the interviewing knew I wouldn't be a good fit. At least I hope so.
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