Make no mistake, this is a rant. I just want to say lots of bad words. Some people just have to suck the goodness and light out of everything. Why must you desire to make everyone else as miserable as you are? I cannot and will not respond with anger because that just fuels the negativity. I must respond with kindness and love because only goodness can conquer this pit of despair. So hard, because I just want to explode!!
Hippity hoppity, Easter's on its way!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
End of Summer thoughts...
Well, My 1st and 2nd 5K races are under my belt. Not to pat myself too hard, but Yay, Me! Looking for more! Also, David and I might try to do a mini-Tri in the spring. Insane? Yes! Doable? Probably!
In other news about me, I'm up to page 90 in my book. Looking forward to the day when the first draft (roughy rough though it is) is done and I can begin the arduous task of editing.
The kids and I went to Beechwood the other day for a hike. Wow. I know where the dust jacket photo will be taken! Seriously, it was so familiar, and almost magical. Sounds silly, maybe? But it felt really real. It was like stepping back in time. I bet Algonquin will feel much the same.
The summer is dwindling rapidly, but what a great summer it's been, huh? Plenty of heat, a little sun, ocean, lobster, beer, family, friends, camping, s'mores, etc. BooYah!
Looking forward to Seabreeze, the Fair, Clambake, more camping, and a wonderful fall. And, of course, another hot spell of weather...
In other news about me, I'm up to page 90 in my book. Looking forward to the day when the first draft (roughy rough though it is) is done and I can begin the arduous task of editing.
The kids and I went to Beechwood the other day for a hike. Wow. I know where the dust jacket photo will be taken! Seriously, it was so familiar, and almost magical. Sounds silly, maybe? But it felt really real. It was like stepping back in time. I bet Algonquin will feel much the same.
The summer is dwindling rapidly, but what a great summer it's been, huh? Plenty of heat, a little sun, ocean, lobster, beer, family, friends, camping, s'mores, etc. BooYah!
Looking forward to Seabreeze, the Fair, Clambake, more camping, and a wonderful fall. And, of course, another hot spell of weather...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Missing My Brother Today
Grief is one of those weird things. You think you're okay and out of the f'ing blue, it hits you like a ton of bricks.
Banner year - Dad's been gone 20 years. 20 years. That's enough to blow my mind. But Bruce has been gone 10 years. 10. It just doesn't seem that long.
They've both missed so much.
At least Bruce got to be at my wedding. But neither got to see or meet my beautiful boys. They didn't get to see the kids grow up. They never met Ellie.
And Debbie and the kids are out of our lives and that is the saddest part. So much hurt and pain that can't be undone. That SUCKS.
Looking at old pictures today and I felt like I was being kicked in the gut. Because Bruce was alive and so happy.
And I am just SAD.
Banner year - Dad's been gone 20 years. 20 years. That's enough to blow my mind. But Bruce has been gone 10 years. 10. It just doesn't seem that long.
They've both missed so much.
At least Bruce got to be at my wedding. But neither got to see or meet my beautiful boys. They didn't get to see the kids grow up. They never met Ellie.
And Debbie and the kids are out of our lives and that is the saddest part. So much hurt and pain that can't be undone. That SUCKS.
Looking at old pictures today and I felt like I was being kicked in the gut. Because Bruce was alive and so happy.
And I am just SAD.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
It's about time...
Since I've discovered the wonderful addiction that is Facebook, and subsequently FarmTown, I have not entered a blog. Boo to me. Oh well.
So, as I was watching the runners come in at the Point (July 4 5K) I said, "I could do this." And so I shall. It won't be easy, but it won't be impossible either. First of all, now that I've 'done quit', I'll be breathing better and better all the time. And secondly, it's a 5K, not a marathon. Even if I had to walk 1/2 way, I could still do it in an hour or less. And I'm hoping not to walk at all.
Not looking to win, or place. Looking to complete the race. - And getting some nice calves in the process would be a bonus :)
What I don't know is how to train. I've started with walking 2 miles 3x a week. That's really something since it's been years since I've walked for fitness. Too many years.
I figure I'll walk for a few more weeks and then I'll start a slooooooow jog. And hope that I can hold my pee. Otherwise I'll just walk more miles until I address that fun little problem.
So far so good - tomorrow is the end of week 2. :) Yay to me!
So, as I was watching the runners come in at the Point (July 4 5K) I said, "I could do this." And so I shall. It won't be easy, but it won't be impossible either. First of all, now that I've 'done quit', I'll be breathing better and better all the time. And secondly, it's a 5K, not a marathon. Even if I had to walk 1/2 way, I could still do it in an hour or less. And I'm hoping not to walk at all.
Not looking to win, or place. Looking to complete the race. - And getting some nice calves in the process would be a bonus :)
What I don't know is how to train. I've started with walking 2 miles 3x a week. That's really something since it's been years since I've walked for fitness. Too many years.
I figure I'll walk for a few more weeks and then I'll start a slooooooow jog. And hope that I can hold my pee. Otherwise I'll just walk more miles until I address that fun little problem.
So far so good - tomorrow is the end of week 2. :) Yay to me!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thoughts on shoplifting and a store account...
We all know that shoplifting is stupid and dangerous. You'll wreck your employment (or future employment,) your credit, reputation, etc. Um, they put your name in the paper! Duh! That being said, shoplifting when you are with your kids is even stupider. Yes, I'm aware that 'stupider' is not proper English, but it's the right word here. And THEN to go on and say that you don't want your kids to find out? Because it was pretty stupid to tell two 14-year-old girls to go to another store in the plaza to wait for you (at 9 o'clock at night!) They didn't know that you were going to the station to be fingerprinted and processed. They didn't know where you were, or what you were doing and CAME LOOKING for you! And we covered for you! If you can't afford something, either save up for it, or pass on it. Now you have a record. Was it worth it?
In regards to your store account:
Here's the deal, people. If you carry a balance, it's more than 22% interest. For those who are bad at math, that's almost 25% (1/4) of your bill every month! Can you afford that kind of interest/fee? If not, then STOP CHARGING WHAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD! Duh!
I had a customer pay her bill the other day. She owed more than $300. Her minimum was around $10. She paid $11. She said to me "every little bit helps, right?" Suuuuure it does. We have regular customers who will put $10 or $20 on their accounts before charging $100. Um, hello?
A friend of mine was upset that her interest rate was so high. I told her - "Stop using your card! Stop buying stuff and just pay it off as soon as you can!"
Listen, I'm not un-American. I understand that the economy is racing down the crapper. But people truly need to get a grip on reality. Stop CHARGING crap you don't need! I've made my mistakes, and I'm paying for them. But I no longer buy stuff that isn't essential. No more "gimmee gimmee."
If you can't afford to pay cash for it, don't buy it. Emergency car repairs are the exception. A new pair of shoes does NOT constitute an emergency. You can live without them until you have the cash!
Have a nice day, and thank you for shopping with us!
In regards to your store account:
Here's the deal, people. If you carry a balance, it's more than 22% interest. For those who are bad at math, that's almost 25% (1/4) of your bill every month! Can you afford that kind of interest/fee? If not, then STOP CHARGING WHAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD! Duh!
I had a customer pay her bill the other day. She owed more than $300. Her minimum was around $10. She paid $11. She said to me "every little bit helps, right?" Suuuuure it does. We have regular customers who will put $10 or $20 on their accounts before charging $100. Um, hello?
A friend of mine was upset that her interest rate was so high. I told her - "Stop using your card! Stop buying stuff and just pay it off as soon as you can!"
Listen, I'm not un-American. I understand that the economy is racing down the crapper. But people truly need to get a grip on reality. Stop CHARGING crap you don't need! I've made my mistakes, and I'm paying for them. But I no longer buy stuff that isn't essential. No more "gimmee gimmee."
If you can't afford to pay cash for it, don't buy it. Emergency car repairs are the exception. A new pair of shoes does NOT constitute an emergency. You can live without them until you have the cash!
Have a nice day, and thank you for shopping with us!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Someday I'll look back on this and laugh...
One of the things I've been working on in my adulthood is the ability to laugh at myself. It's definitely not something I learned growing up. But I'm getting better...
Part I.
This past fall the store had a Team Appreciation Day. Employees were encouraged to wear a jersey from their team on opening day of football season. I reached way back in my closet to find an old Buffalo Bill's jersey.
Now, why would I, someone who shuns all sports that are not Olympics, have a football jersey? Well, way back when, I started hanging around with a friend who had always been a Bills fan. She explained the game to me (finally I knew what a down was!) and we spent Sunday afternoons immersed in Bills football. As a matter of course I began amassing Bills clothing. I had a couple of sweatshirts, a jersey, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of Zubaz (those atrocious loose-fitting pants) and even a scrunchy. My then-boyfriend accused me of being a "bandwagon fan." He (and many others) savored the sound of "bandwagon" in his mouth and used it whenever possible. Truly it was coincidence that the first year I began watching football, the Bills were in the playoffs (first time in years - or maybe ever!) The boyfriend (a Steelers fan) liked to mock my Bills attire whenever possible. Surprise, surprise, the relationship didn't last. In time my friendship with the Bills fan waned (long after the Bills lost all 4 Superbowls) and my Bills stuff was shelved or tossed (the Zubaz had to go!) I have better things to do on Sundays than plunk down to watch football!
Fast forward to this fall. So I put on the Jersey and went to work. Throughout my shift, I was regaled with updates from customers as well as employees on the game that day, as well as scores from other games. Whenever I was asked a Bills or other football-related question, I would give a generic answer, "oh, time will tell!" or "well, there's still a long way until the playoffs!" Heh heh heh. I could not have named one single player on the Bills team this year, and no more than 2 players from the entire NFL. Seriously. Don't. Care. But that meant that I was a fraud for wearing a jersey. Neon light over my head advertising "Fake Fan Here!" There I was, wearing a jersey for a team that I no longer cared about. As soon as I got home I ripped off the jersey and vowed to never wear it again. Lesson learned! Heh heh heh.
Part II.
A friend gave me a gift certificate to a coffee place, and the plan was to stop by and get a nice cappuccino before finishing my Christmas shopping. I made stop number one (same plaza as the coffee shop,) took a deep breath and entered the coffee shop. I should mention that I was slightly apprehensive since I normally get my coffee at home, or on a rare occasion I will splurge and get a coffee at the gas station. The last thing I wanted to do was embarrass myself by ordering coffee incorrectly. Nobody likes to come across as a hick who can't even order coffee.
I entered and so to not feel intimidated by the people who obviously belonged there, I began to look at the stuff on the shelves. I had thought to buy some packaged coffee while I was there, but all I saw was whole-bean coffee. A nice young man in an apron come out from behind the counter and asked if he could help me. "Uh, do you have any ground coffee?" "You pick what you like and we'll grind it for you," he replied without even a trace of smugness. Okaaaaay. Awkward, but I'm doing fine. As I waited for him to grind the beans, I looked at the menu board. Aha! Frappaccino! Obviously that would be their name for cappuccino. Like dunkacino is at that other place. I selected a size, placed my order, and paid. I smiled as the man handed me my newly-ground coffee in a bag. I'd done it! I was a big girl! I had managed to order from a coffee shop without looking like an ass! Whoo hoo! I was so pleased with myself as I left the shop. That is, until I got to the car...
As I went to unlock the car door I realized that I had walked out without my drink. Hellooooooo! With my tail between my legs I went back into the shop. One lone drink stood on the counter. I got someone's attention and asked quietly, "Um, is this my coffee?" "Yep, Frappaccino!" "Thanks," I almost whispered, and as I picked up the drink and felt how cold it was, I realized my error. A frappaccino is a cold drink. Like, coffee with ice. Cappuccino (which I had somehow overlooked on the menu) is a hot coffee drink. I took my cold drink and laughed all the way to my next stop. Bwaaa Haaaa! For the record, it was really yummy.
Part I.
This past fall the store had a Team Appreciation Day. Employees were encouraged to wear a jersey from their team on opening day of football season. I reached way back in my closet to find an old Buffalo Bill's jersey.
Now, why would I, someone who shuns all sports that are not Olympics, have a football jersey? Well, way back when, I started hanging around with a friend who had always been a Bills fan. She explained the game to me (finally I knew what a down was!) and we spent Sunday afternoons immersed in Bills football. As a matter of course I began amassing Bills clothing. I had a couple of sweatshirts, a jersey, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of Zubaz (those atrocious loose-fitting pants) and even a scrunchy. My then-boyfriend accused me of being a "bandwagon fan." He (and many others) savored the sound of "bandwagon" in his mouth and used it whenever possible. Truly it was coincidence that the first year I began watching football, the Bills were in the playoffs (first time in years - or maybe ever!) The boyfriend (a Steelers fan) liked to mock my Bills attire whenever possible. Surprise, surprise, the relationship didn't last. In time my friendship with the Bills fan waned (long after the Bills lost all 4 Superbowls) and my Bills stuff was shelved or tossed (the Zubaz had to go!) I have better things to do on Sundays than plunk down to watch football!
Fast forward to this fall. So I put on the Jersey and went to work. Throughout my shift, I was regaled with updates from customers as well as employees on the game that day, as well as scores from other games. Whenever I was asked a Bills or other football-related question, I would give a generic answer, "oh, time will tell!" or "well, there's still a long way until the playoffs!" Heh heh heh. I could not have named one single player on the Bills team this year, and no more than 2 players from the entire NFL. Seriously. Don't. Care. But that meant that I was a fraud for wearing a jersey. Neon light over my head advertising "Fake Fan Here!" There I was, wearing a jersey for a team that I no longer cared about. As soon as I got home I ripped off the jersey and vowed to never wear it again. Lesson learned! Heh heh heh.
Part II.
A friend gave me a gift certificate to a coffee place, and the plan was to stop by and get a nice cappuccino before finishing my Christmas shopping. I made stop number one (same plaza as the coffee shop,) took a deep breath and entered the coffee shop. I should mention that I was slightly apprehensive since I normally get my coffee at home, or on a rare occasion I will splurge and get a coffee at the gas station. The last thing I wanted to do was embarrass myself by ordering coffee incorrectly. Nobody likes to come across as a hick who can't even order coffee.
I entered and so to not feel intimidated by the people who obviously belonged there, I began to look at the stuff on the shelves. I had thought to buy some packaged coffee while I was there, but all I saw was whole-bean coffee. A nice young man in an apron come out from behind the counter and asked if he could help me. "Uh, do you have any ground coffee?" "You pick what you like and we'll grind it for you," he replied without even a trace of smugness. Okaaaaay. Awkward, but I'm doing fine. As I waited for him to grind the beans, I looked at the menu board. Aha! Frappaccino! Obviously that would be their name for cappuccino. Like dunkacino is at that other place. I selected a size, placed my order, and paid. I smiled as the man handed me my newly-ground coffee in a bag. I'd done it! I was a big girl! I had managed to order from a coffee shop without looking like an ass! Whoo hoo! I was so pleased with myself as I left the shop. That is, until I got to the car...
As I went to unlock the car door I realized that I had walked out without my drink. Hellooooooo! With my tail between my legs I went back into the shop. One lone drink stood on the counter. I got someone's attention and asked quietly, "Um, is this my coffee?" "Yep, Frappaccino!" "Thanks," I almost whispered, and as I picked up the drink and felt how cold it was, I realized my error. A frappaccino is a cold drink. Like, coffee with ice. Cappuccino (which I had somehow overlooked on the menu) is a hot coffee drink. I took my cold drink and laughed all the way to my next stop. Bwaaa Haaaa! For the record, it was really yummy.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's 2009!
Whoo Hoo! A clean slate - a fresh start. I have a thousand ideas for resolutions, but it seems cliche to list losing weight, getting more active, being a better person, etc. So what I have is not a resolution (they're doomed to fail anyway) but rather a life change. I vow to remove more from our house than we bring in. Trash, recycle, donate, or craigslist. Going going gone.
By unloading the stuff that I don't need, can't use or fix, I'll be freeing up usable space. And I WILL NOT FILL that space!
I'm also hoping to part with things that I've been hanging onto, just for the sake of the past. Seriously, I'm not playing with my barbies or paper dolls again, so I neeeeeed to let them go. I don't know why it's so hard, but I'm working on getting over it. It's freeing when stuff goes out.
We just brought a ton of stuff in for the holidays, so I'll have to work extra hard now to make up for it. But just a little bit each day (or most days) will help me on my way.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
By unloading the stuff that I don't need, can't use or fix, I'll be freeing up usable space. And I WILL NOT FILL that space!
I'm also hoping to part with things that I've been hanging onto, just for the sake of the past. Seriously, I'm not playing with my barbies or paper dolls again, so I neeeeeed to let them go. I don't know why it's so hard, but I'm working on getting over it. It's freeing when stuff goes out.
We just brought a ton of stuff in for the holidays, so I'll have to work extra hard now to make up for it. But just a little bit each day (or most days) will help me on my way.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
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