Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year.
Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money.
Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it and waste less paper. I prefer paper that is glossy on both sides for reprints. Though my biggest challenge last spring was figuring out how to hook up the DVD player, DVD adapter, and VCR to my TV. The instruction book had only directions to hook up the DVD player. For once I had to think like Dad hooking up multiple VCRs to one TV set. He will be distraught when everything goes digital. Easter was spent working my regular shift for regular pay because it is a religious holiday. I complained heartily that Christmas we get paid extra for is also a religious holiday. Since Mom left to spend Easter elsewhere, it was just Dad and I at the dinner table. I had leftover macraroni and cheese with a glass of milk for dinner before buying chicken strips at work.
My Mother's Day present this year for my mother was moving out. Grandma left for Missouri with my aunt and uncle to return in September. And I'm safe in my apartment. The last week before I moved was spent hiding in the basement from Grandma's tirades. Summer passed by slowly with the 4th of July with my parents' house and my taking a vacation to Virginia. My brother and I flew to Richmond, VA to view historical places and battlefields. I emailed photos to my email pals on my cell phone. We saw Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Richmond. It was a scaled down version of our England trip in 2002. The summer ended with my 10th year high school reunion at a casino. I had fun reconnecting with old classmates, showing off my story outline, and losing money to a slot machine.
I visited the new mall for my birthday. My sister bought supper at a nice restaurant and we watched Cold Mountain on Pay Per View. I dressed as a flapper for Halloween. Everyone liked my costume, especially the guys. I finished my fairytale for my niece and edited until my head hurt. I made a copy in time for my baby niece's birthday party. I sincerely hope she loves it, I spent over a year writing and editing it. I rested my poor, exhausted head for 2 weeks before continuiing on my second book for my second niece. It is a contiuation of the 1st book, but I am still working on the plotline. I want it to be good. I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house with my family. We talked nonstop all afternoon. I got my Christmas decorations into my car and put most of them up that night. Now I listen to Christmas music on the radio and at work. Sometimes, I just need a break from Christmas music. We got our first snowfall of an half of an inch. I am not sure if that counts in the first snow contest.
In December, I will finish getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. I'm not used to getting so many holidays off. I won't know what to do with myself. Hopefully I can afford a cat next year, I know I say that every year. It would be nice to no longer come home to empty apartment. I am working on getting my fairytale published. We shall see what happens. So for all my friends and family: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Monday, November 29, 2004
xmas letter
Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year.
Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money.
Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it and waste less paper. I prefer paper that is glossy on both sides for reprints. Though my biggest challenge last spring was figuring out how to hook up the DVD player, DVD adapter, and VCR to my TV. The instruction book had only directions to hook up the DVD player. For once I had to think like Dad hooking up multiple VCRs to one TV set. He will be distraught when everything goes digital. Easter was spent working my regular shift for regular pay because it is a religious holiday. I complained heartily that Christmas we get paid extra for is also a religious holiday. Since Mom left to spend Easter elsewhere, it was just Dad and I at the dinner table. I had leftover macraroni and cheese with a glass of milk for dinner before buying chicken strips at work.
My Mother's Day present this year for my mother was moving out. Grandma left for Missouri with my aunt and uncle to return in September. And I'm safe in my apartment. The last week before I moved was spent hiding in the basement from Grandma's tirades. Summer passed by slowly with the 4th of July with my parents' house and my taking a vacation to Virginia. My brother and I flew to Richmond, VA to view historical places and battlefields. I emailed photos to my email pals on my cell phone. We saw Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Richmond. It was a scaled down version of our England trip in 2002. The summer ended with my 10th year high school reunion at a casino. I had fun reconnecting with old classmates, showing off my story outline, and losing money to a slot machine.
I visited the new mall for my birthday. My sister bought supper at a nice restaurant and we watched Cold Mountain on Pay Per View. I dressed as a flapper for Halloween. Everyone liked my costume, especially the guys. I finished my fairytale for my niece and edited until my head hurt. I made a copy in time for my baby niece's birthday party. I sincerely hope she loves it, I spent over a year writing and editing it. I rested my poor, exhausted head for 2 weeks before continuiing on my second book for my second niece. It is a contiuation of the 1st book, but I am still working on the plotline. I want it to be good. I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house with my family. We talked nonstop all afternoon. I got my Christmas decorations into my car and put most of them up that night. Now I listen to Christmas music on the radio and at work. Sometimes, I just need a break from Christmas music. We got our first snowfall of an half of an inch. I am not sure if that counts in the first snow contest.
In December, I will finish getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. I'm not used to getting so many holidays off. I won't know what to do with myself. Hopefully I can afford a cat next year, I know I say that every year. It would be nice to no longer come home to empty apartment. I am working on getting my fairytale published. We shall see what happens. So for all my friends and family: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money.
Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it and waste less paper. I prefer paper that is glossy on both sides for reprints. Though my biggest challenge last spring was figuring out how to hook up the DVD player, DVD adapter, and VCR to my TV. The instruction book had only directions to hook up the DVD player. For once I had to think like Dad hooking up multiple VCRs to one TV set. He will be distraught when everything goes digital. Easter was spent working my regular shift for regular pay because it is a religious holiday. I complained heartily that Christmas we get paid extra for is also a religious holiday. Since Mom left to spend Easter elsewhere, it was just Dad and I at the dinner table. I had leftover macraroni and cheese with a glass of milk for dinner before buying chicken strips at work.
My Mother's Day present this year for my mother was moving out. Grandma left for Missouri with my aunt and uncle to return in September. And I'm safe in my apartment. The last week before I moved was spent hiding in the basement from Grandma's tirades. Summer passed by slowly with the 4th of July with my parents' house and my taking a vacation to Virginia. My brother and I flew to Richmond, VA to view historical places and battlefields. I emailed photos to my email pals on my cell phone. We saw Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Richmond. It was a scaled down version of our England trip in 2002. The summer ended with my 10th year high school reunion at a casino. I had fun reconnecting with old classmates, showing off my story outline, and losing money to a slot machine.
I visited the new mall for my birthday. My sister bought supper at a nice restaurant and we watched Cold Mountain on Pay Per View. I dressed as a flapper for Halloween. Everyone liked my costume, especially the guys. I finished my fairytale for my niece and edited until my head hurt. I made a copy in time for my baby niece's birthday party. I sincerely hope she loves it, I spent over a year writing and editing it. I rested my poor, exhausted head for 2 weeks before continuiing on my second book for my second niece. It is a contiuation of the 1st book, but I am still working on the plotline. I want it to be good. I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house with my family. We talked nonstop all afternoon. I got my Christmas decorations into my car and put most of them up that night. Now I listen to Christmas music on the radio and at work. Sometimes, I just need a break from Christmas music. We got our first snowfall of an half of an inch. I am not sure if that counts in the first snow contest.
In December, I will finish getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. I'm not used to getting so many holidays off. I won't know what to do with myself. Hopefully I can afford a cat next year, I know I say that every year. It would be nice to no longer come home to empty apartment. I am working on getting my fairytale published. We shall see what happens. So for all my friends and family: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
xmas letter
Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year.
Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money.
Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it and waste less paper. I prefer paper that is glossy on both sides for reprints. Though my biggest challenge last spring was figuring out how to hook up the DVD player, DVD adapter, and VCR to my TV. The instruction book had only directions to hook up the DVD player. For once I had to think like Dad hooking up multiple VCRs to one TV set. He will be distraught when everything goes digital. Easter was spent working my regular shift for regular pay because it is a religious holiday. I complained heartily that Christmas we get paid extra for is also a religious holiday. Since Mom left to spend Easter elsewhere, it was just Dad and I at the dinner table. I had leftover macraroni and cheese with a glass of milk for dinner before buying chicken strips at work.
My Mother's Day present this year for my mother was moving out. Grandma left for Missouri with my aunt and uncle to return in September. And I'm safe in my apartment. The last week before I moved was spent hiding in the basement from Grandma's tirades. Summer passed by slowly with the 4th of July with my parents' house and my taking a vacation to Virginia. My brother and I flew to Richmond, VA to view historical places and battlefields. I emailed photos to my email pals on my cell phone. We saw Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Richmond. It was a scaled down version of our England trip in 2002. The summer ended with my 10th year high school reunion at a casino. I had fun reconnecting with old classmates, showing off my story outline, and losing money to a slot machine.
I visited the new mall for my birthday. My sister bought supper at a nice restaurant and we watched Cold Mountain on Pay Per View. I dressed as a flapper for Halloween. Everyone liked my costume, especially the guys. I finished my fairytale for my niece and edited until my head hurt. I made a copy in time for my baby niece's birthday party. I sincerely hope she loves it, I spent over a year writing and editing it. I rested my poor, exhausted head for 2 weeks before continuiing on my second book for my second niece. It is a contiuation of the 1st book, but I am still working on the plotline. I want it to be good. I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house with my family. We talked nonstop all afternoon. I got my Christmas decorations into my car and put most of them up that night. Now I listen to Christmas music on the radio and at work. Sometimes, I just need a break from Christmas music. We got our first snowfall of an half of an inch. I am not sure if that counts in the first snow contest.
In December, I will finish getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. I'm not used to getting so many holidays off. I won't know what to do with myself. Hopefully I can afford a cat next year, I know I say that every year. It would be nice to no longer come home to empty apartment. I am working on getting my fairytale published. We shall see what happens. So for all my friends and family: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money.
Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it and waste less paper. I prefer paper that is glossy on both sides for reprints. Though my biggest challenge last spring was figuring out how to hook up the DVD player, DVD adapter, and VCR to my TV. The instruction book had only directions to hook up the DVD player. For once I had to think like Dad hooking up multiple VCRs to one TV set. He will be distraught when everything goes digital. Easter was spent working my regular shift for regular pay because it is a religious holiday. I complained heartily that Christmas we get paid extra for is also a religious holiday. Since Mom left to spend Easter elsewhere, it was just Dad and I at the dinner table. I had leftover macraroni and cheese with a glass of milk for dinner before buying chicken strips at work.
My Mother's Day present this year for my mother was moving out. Grandma left for Missouri with my aunt and uncle to return in September. And I'm safe in my apartment. The last week before I moved was spent hiding in the basement from Grandma's tirades. Summer passed by slowly with the 4th of July with my parents' house and my taking a vacation to Virginia. My brother and I flew to Richmond, VA to view historical places and battlefields. I emailed photos to my email pals on my cell phone. We saw Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Richmond. It was a scaled down version of our England trip in 2002. The summer ended with my 10th year high school reunion at a casino. I had fun reconnecting with old classmates, showing off my story outline, and losing money to a slot machine.
I visited the new mall for my birthday. My sister bought supper at a nice restaurant and we watched Cold Mountain on Pay Per View. I dressed as a flapper for Halloween. Everyone liked my costume, especially the guys. I finished my fairytale for my niece and edited until my head hurt. I made a copy in time for my baby niece's birthday party. I sincerely hope she loves it, I spent over a year writing and editing it. I rested my poor, exhausted head for 2 weeks before continuiing on my second book for my second niece. It is a contiuation of the 1st book, but I am still working on the plotline. I want it to be good. I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house with my family. We talked nonstop all afternoon. I got my Christmas decorations into my car and put most of them up that night. Now I listen to Christmas music on the radio and at work. Sometimes, I just need a break from Christmas music. We got our first snowfall of an half of an inch. I am not sure if that counts in the first snow contest.
In December, I will finish getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. I'm not used to getting so many holidays off. I won't know what to do with myself. Hopefully I can afford a cat next year, I know I say that every year. It would be nice to no longer come home to empty apartment. I am working on getting my fairytale published. We shall see what happens. So for all my friends and family: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Snowfall
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow. We finally got our first snowfall. Winter is here. Last night, I had the pleasure of scraping ice of my windows. I also am tired of lisening to Christmas music, especially when my coworker starts singing along. It is amazing that when I sing with the airport music, no one tells me to stop. I think I am over my cold. I am acting normal again. This afternoon before I sat in my pajamas and robe listening to my music boxes and gazing at my fiber optic tree. It was nice.
Tomorrow I'll put up lights on my wall and work on my Christmas letter. I get things done early on so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday season while everyone else is scrambling to get things done. Someone asked if I was having a family gathering at my apartment this year. Heck no. I have a couch that seats 2, a rocking chair with foot rest, and a lawn chair to sit on. I also have a folding table without chairs (I sit on a step stool). My apartment would be an uncomfortable place to have a party.
My janitor friend came by yesterday and the day before to ask for my autograph. He said he wanted to be first to ask before I become rich and famous from my novel. I am not signing autographs. After my story is actually published, I will be more receptive. My coworkers constant flattery over my novel is starting to become annoying. After the first 3 rave reviews, they begin to sound insincere, especially when they have not read the story. They also say I need to make it into a movie so they don't have to read the book. Another said I should print copies for everyone. Yeah right, my hard work would sit in a closet to gather dust. More tell me to send copies to a bunch a publishers and hit the jackpot with tons of offers. I say one at a time. Another publisher is not likely answer any faster than the first. A former roommate asked for a copy. I am sending a CD with her Christmas package. She is a graphic artist so maybe she can come up with illistration ideas.
I may sound selfish, but I would prefer to be told my story is so good that the reader could not put it down. I'd like that better than that jackpot idea. I guess that is their idea of support. I have not heard from my niece about my story. I hope she likes it. I'll know when she begs for more. That is the best compliment I ever heard. I am out of pondering thoughts. Post later. Bye.
Tomorrow I'll put up lights on my wall and work on my Christmas letter. I get things done early on so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday season while everyone else is scrambling to get things done. Someone asked if I was having a family gathering at my apartment this year. Heck no. I have a couch that seats 2, a rocking chair with foot rest, and a lawn chair to sit on. I also have a folding table without chairs (I sit on a step stool). My apartment would be an uncomfortable place to have a party.
My janitor friend came by yesterday and the day before to ask for my autograph. He said he wanted to be first to ask before I become rich and famous from my novel. I am not signing autographs. After my story is actually published, I will be more receptive. My coworkers constant flattery over my novel is starting to become annoying. After the first 3 rave reviews, they begin to sound insincere, especially when they have not read the story. They also say I need to make it into a movie so they don't have to read the book. Another said I should print copies for everyone. Yeah right, my hard work would sit in a closet to gather dust. More tell me to send copies to a bunch a publishers and hit the jackpot with tons of offers. I say one at a time. Another publisher is not likely answer any faster than the first. A former roommate asked for a copy. I am sending a CD with her Christmas package. She is a graphic artist so maybe she can come up with illistration ideas.
I may sound selfish, but I would prefer to be told my story is so good that the reader could not put it down. I'd like that better than that jackpot idea. I guess that is their idea of support. I have not heard from my niece about my story. I hope she likes it. I'll know when she begs for more. That is the best compliment I ever heard. I am out of pondering thoughts. Post later. Bye.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Cold day
Baby it's cold outside. Burlington, IA got snow on Thanksgiving. Today may be our turn. I wished I put on tights under my pants today. It was windy coming from the parking lot. Last night I rushed to put up plastic over my patio door. I'm not sure it all melted from the wrinkles, but my arms got tired and the blow dryer was burning my fingers enough to say it was good enough. This morning I did not desire to rise from my warm bed to face the world.
Christmas music has taken over a few radio stations here. The airport plays both regular and Christmas. At least it is not as bad as listening to it for 8 hours at retail stores I worked at. One store had a toy store across from it and we had to listen to the singing fish all day. My manager used to say, Oh no, she's (me) singing with the fish. After a while I couldn't help it, it gets into my system.
Another reason I like working here is because I don't have to worry about shoplifting season. Christmas, right before school starts, and right after school lets out I call shoplifting season because the amount of missing merchandise suddenly rises. At the car rental, if a customer fails to return a car it is reported stolen. We usually get it back within a few weeks. I think because they break other laws and get pulled over by cops. Well I gotta go. Post later. Good bye!
Christmas music has taken over a few radio stations here. The airport plays both regular and Christmas. At least it is not as bad as listening to it for 8 hours at retail stores I worked at. One store had a toy store across from it and we had to listen to the singing fish all day. My manager used to say, Oh no, she's (me) singing with the fish. After a while I couldn't help it, it gets into my system.
Another reason I like working here is because I don't have to worry about shoplifting season. Christmas, right before school starts, and right after school lets out I call shoplifting season because the amount of missing merchandise suddenly rises. At the car rental, if a customer fails to return a car it is reported stolen. We usually get it back within a few weeks. I think because they break other laws and get pulled over by cops. Well I gotta go. Post later. Good bye!
Friday, November 26, 2004
Happy Late Thanksgiving
Hello again. I had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. My cold must affecting my brain since I barely recall my days off this week. I know I went grocery shopping to realize I forgot more cold medicine. Next day I went out to get more and found a spot close to the door. I work on my fairytale for niece #2, she's 12. I am still working on the plotline. I thought up much of the 1st half, but lack inspiration for the 2nd half. Maybe lightning will strike soon. On Wednesday, my internet access got irritably slow and would not connect. I call them up and was told the system crashed. If I still have trouble after it comes back up, call again. It took a day, but it is fine now.
Yesterday, I drove to my parents' house. Grandma was napping so we talked in the kitchen with my brother. Mom said that her aunt in Tennessee that I write to a lot has cancer and will not live long enough to see my Christmas package, even if I mailed it today. Now what do I do with my package for her? My sister came right before dinner. Her baby looked around at all the people smiling at her. We did not have a high chair, so she watched us eat from a blanket on the floor. Once Mom got up to help the baby swing her leg around to get up on her knees. My sister told her the baby needs to figure out how to get up on her own. Mom said she was just trying to help her.
I unfortunately sat next to Grandma listening to all her questions (Alzheimer's). She asks questions nonstop even when we are engaged in a conversation. 3 times she asked when I am graduating (5 years ago). She asked 4 times about my half-eaten pie piece (I was full). She finally ate the rest of my pie, I said she could. She asked 4 times when my parents were coming. She asked my brother and sister that question too. We keep pointing to them and Mom kept pointing to the photos on the wall. It is amazing she remembered our names all day, though she can't remember we are her grandchildren. Usually, she asks who we are or thinks we are a dead relative.
After dinner, we watched football and chattered in the living room. Grandma took a nap. She came in later and we gave her birthday cards. She turns 90 next Wednesday. Mom says if she makes it to 100, we shall see who is more crazy, us or her. Grandma held the baby and kept asking who my brother-in-law is. I got gift ideas from my brother. He said he emailed my sister his list. I asked if I looked like my sister. In this family, knowledge is assumed to fly person to person, but not always. When my brother-in-law flipped channels after a game, we saw a Muppet It's a Wonderful Life version was on. I did not know they made one. It was okay.
Baby and sister went upstairs for a nap. When they came down it was suppertime. Grandma kept telling me to fix a plate for my brother-in-law. Sister told her that he can fix his own, then said she will fix one to shut Grandma up. She thought he was starving, he wasn't. He was into the football games. When he did go to the kitchen, Grandma asked why he left so suddenly, was it something we said. No, it was a commercial. I packed up my decorations after a snack. I got most of them up when I got home. Today I have to put up plastic on my patio door and try not to knock over my Christmas village. I painted it last year when I lived in my parents' house. It was a coping strategy. Grandma bugged me less when she thinks I'm busy, or I can pretend I didn't hear her better. If you imagine being asked the same set of questions every 20 seconds for hours and surprise at the same answers each time, I'm sure anyone else would feel annoyed too.
Today, I come to work to discover a coworker is not coming in. I guess I made her sick. I have only been told she is not coming in. Oh well. I think this is long enough. Happy Late Thanksgiving.
Yesterday, I drove to my parents' house. Grandma was napping so we talked in the kitchen with my brother. Mom said that her aunt in Tennessee that I write to a lot has cancer and will not live long enough to see my Christmas package, even if I mailed it today. Now what do I do with my package for her? My sister came right before dinner. Her baby looked around at all the people smiling at her. We did not have a high chair, so she watched us eat from a blanket on the floor. Once Mom got up to help the baby swing her leg around to get up on her knees. My sister told her the baby needs to figure out how to get up on her own. Mom said she was just trying to help her.
I unfortunately sat next to Grandma listening to all her questions (Alzheimer's). She asks questions nonstop even when we are engaged in a conversation. 3 times she asked when I am graduating (5 years ago). She asked 4 times about my half-eaten pie piece (I was full). She finally ate the rest of my pie, I said she could. She asked 4 times when my parents were coming. She asked my brother and sister that question too. We keep pointing to them and Mom kept pointing to the photos on the wall. It is amazing she remembered our names all day, though she can't remember we are her grandchildren. Usually, she asks who we are or thinks we are a dead relative.
After dinner, we watched football and chattered in the living room. Grandma took a nap. She came in later and we gave her birthday cards. She turns 90 next Wednesday. Mom says if she makes it to 100, we shall see who is more crazy, us or her. Grandma held the baby and kept asking who my brother-in-law is. I got gift ideas from my brother. He said he emailed my sister his list. I asked if I looked like my sister. In this family, knowledge is assumed to fly person to person, but not always. When my brother-in-law flipped channels after a game, we saw a Muppet It's a Wonderful Life version was on. I did not know they made one. It was okay.
Baby and sister went upstairs for a nap. When they came down it was suppertime. Grandma kept telling me to fix a plate for my brother-in-law. Sister told her that he can fix his own, then said she will fix one to shut Grandma up. She thought he was starving, he wasn't. He was into the football games. When he did go to the kitchen, Grandma asked why he left so suddenly, was it something we said. No, it was a commercial. I packed up my decorations after a snack. I got most of them up when I got home. Today I have to put up plastic on my patio door and try not to knock over my Christmas village. I painted it last year when I lived in my parents' house. It was a coping strategy. Grandma bugged me less when she thinks I'm busy, or I can pretend I didn't hear her better. If you imagine being asked the same set of questions every 20 seconds for hours and surprise at the same answers each time, I'm sure anyone else would feel annoyed too.
Today, I come to work to discover a coworker is not coming in. I guess I made her sick. I have only been told she is not coming in. Oh well. I think this is long enough. Happy Late Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Today's events
I stayed in bed most of the day. I got up to answer the phone. I think Mom feels the need to call every Monday. She wanted to tell me that I could hitch a ride with my sister when I come down for Thanksgiving. Then she thought that I might need an oil change. I said I would have to check the mileage. I never seen anyone so hyper over my oil changes. I desired to bring down my Halloween decorations to exchange for my Christmas decorations. My sister might not want all my boxes in her car. I asked about Grandma. Mom says she is normal some days (normal for Grandma) and other days she is out of it sleeping all day. Mom said her blood pressure drops suddenly, and unfortunately, Dad is not concerned. He carries on as usual, then again my parents grew in that ancient time period where emotions were never shown. I try to tell Mom that just because Dad does not constantly show his emotions does not mean he does not feel them. He copes differently from Mom. Mom also said Grandma desperately needs to be in a nursing home because walking is getting more difficult for her. I guess she is a worse wobble weeble.
In other news, I went back to bed to rest until about 4 when my tummy got hungry. I put on a sweatsuit and got my mail. I got a newsletter from an animal shelter I sponser a pet at (I found out about the no kill shelter in the Oprah Magazine). It asked for more money. I swear you donate once and they keep begging for more. I got a catalog for educational books from a book publisher. Don't know where that came from. The books were mostly how to make it in show business. Don't know what mailing list I got put on. The third piece was holiday address labels from my former car insurance company. I bet Daddy gave them my address. I got a Halloween card from them too.
I watched Oprah's great holiday giveaway for teachers. The news came next. An 18-year-old was arrested for the 10-year-old boy who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. A friend of his called the police 6 hours after the accident. By then it was too late to test if he was driving under the influence of marijuana. People are outraged that all the charges were misdemeanors. The boy's funeral was today. The police defended there was not enough evidence for felony vehicular homicide charges and declared it was just an accident. Yeah, sure, running a red light and hitting the boy on the other side was an oopsy moment. The pot was found at the man's house when he was arrested. Now the street light the boy was under was turned off so the city council decided to spend $250,000 to study the effects of dark streets on safety issues. I prefer they spend that money paying the electric bill to turn the street lights back on. And we elected these people.
Other issues on the news were the ongoing battle to keep religion out of schools by way of keeping the Creation Theory verses Evolutionary Theory from being taught. My high school science teacher found an easy way to avoid the debate. He skipped that part of the text book. It wasn't until a new state law stated teachers had to bring up other religious theories besides the Christian one if we innocent children were to hear about the Creation Theory. That was fun. Ancient Greeks, Ancient Eyptians, and Native American ideas in addition to that Christian theory were introduced before the dreaded Evolutionary Theory was told. My favorite was the world sat on the back of a giant turtle. I can't remember which Native American culture believed that. If I may be blunt about devoted Christians clinging to the Creation Theory for dear life, I will just say this: There was a time when the Pope in Rome during the Renaissance ordered people burned as heretics for disagreeing with Christian theories. One heretic dared to say the earth revolved around the sun instead of the sun, moon, and stars revolving around the earth as the Christians believed. Today, we know Pope whoever was wrong and Copernicus was right all along. I learned that part in college.
Another news story reminded me of a customer returning a car to my coworker. The man came to Iowa to hunt deer. He and his buddies hunted for days without killing a single deer, until they hit one with their car on the way here. My coworker burst out laughing. The customer was not amused. He did not say if they put the road kill in the trunk, just filled out an accident report and took his receipt. I guess only nonhunters think that as funny. I was amazed the Wisconsin derrhunter murders made it to the national news level.
I sit alone in my apartment watching the miniseries North and South. The books are just as good. I love Patrick Swayze. Post later. Bye, Bye.
In other news, I went back to bed to rest until about 4 when my tummy got hungry. I put on a sweatsuit and got my mail. I got a newsletter from an animal shelter I sponser a pet at (I found out about the no kill shelter in the Oprah Magazine). It asked for more money. I swear you donate once and they keep begging for more. I got a catalog for educational books from a book publisher. Don't know where that came from. The books were mostly how to make it in show business. Don't know what mailing list I got put on. The third piece was holiday address labels from my former car insurance company. I bet Daddy gave them my address. I got a Halloween card from them too.
I watched Oprah's great holiday giveaway for teachers. The news came next. An 18-year-old was arrested for the 10-year-old boy who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. A friend of his called the police 6 hours after the accident. By then it was too late to test if he was driving under the influence of marijuana. People are outraged that all the charges were misdemeanors. The boy's funeral was today. The police defended there was not enough evidence for felony vehicular homicide charges and declared it was just an accident. Yeah, sure, running a red light and hitting the boy on the other side was an oopsy moment. The pot was found at the man's house when he was arrested. Now the street light the boy was under was turned off so the city council decided to spend $250,000 to study the effects of dark streets on safety issues. I prefer they spend that money paying the electric bill to turn the street lights back on. And we elected these people.
Other issues on the news were the ongoing battle to keep religion out of schools by way of keeping the Creation Theory verses Evolutionary Theory from being taught. My high school science teacher found an easy way to avoid the debate. He skipped that part of the text book. It wasn't until a new state law stated teachers had to bring up other religious theories besides the Christian one if we innocent children were to hear about the Creation Theory. That was fun. Ancient Greeks, Ancient Eyptians, and Native American ideas in addition to that Christian theory were introduced before the dreaded Evolutionary Theory was told. My favorite was the world sat on the back of a giant turtle. I can't remember which Native American culture believed that. If I may be blunt about devoted Christians clinging to the Creation Theory for dear life, I will just say this: There was a time when the Pope in Rome during the Renaissance ordered people burned as heretics for disagreeing with Christian theories. One heretic dared to say the earth revolved around the sun instead of the sun, moon, and stars revolving around the earth as the Christians believed. Today, we know Pope whoever was wrong and Copernicus was right all along. I learned that part in college.
Another news story reminded me of a customer returning a car to my coworker. The man came to Iowa to hunt deer. He and his buddies hunted for days without killing a single deer, until they hit one with their car on the way here. My coworker burst out laughing. The customer was not amused. He did not say if they put the road kill in the trunk, just filled out an accident report and took his receipt. I guess only nonhunters think that as funny. I was amazed the Wisconsin derrhunter murders made it to the national news level.
I sit alone in my apartment watching the miniseries North and South. The books are just as good. I love Patrick Swayze. Post later. Bye, Bye.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Another day
Another day working with a cold. I must have a friendly face with no make-up and a bright red nose. People keep coming to rent and return cars to pick me. One lady zeroed in on me with my head laying on the back of my chair and my coworker had to ask her twice if he could help her. She kept looking at me as she handed the keys to him. Thank you, Ryan. I had my head down because I felt dizzy. It comes and goes. At worse, I just grip the edge of the counter til the feeling subsides.
I am not use to people coming to me. Most of the time they don't see me even when I'm yelling, May I help you, at them. I hear my coworkers say that I can help them after I give up. No impossible customers today. The full moon must have passed. Yesterday, a janitor stopped by and talked my ears off. I just nodded til I got dizzy. His wife is sick too. He recommended Vitamin C from oranges and a nice hot bath. I drink fruit juice fortified with Vitamin C, apparently it did not stop it. I'm guessing my fruit juice consumption and my costant taking decongestants for my allergies keeps my colds from hitting me hard like my coworkers.
A coworker asked if I got the flu shot, with a shortage? No, I hate needles, always have since that booster shot before Kindergarten. People laugh when I explain a simple blood test makes my arm or finger sore for days (4 at most). Then they realize I am being serious, then they are amazed. When I got 3 immunization shots before going to college in Wisconsin, I was bawling so hard Mom thought I would faint (she told the nurse her husband faints during blood tests). My arms ached for 2 and a half weeks, not 3 days like Mom said. So there no way I am volunteering to get stuck when I hardly get sick anyway. This weekend is an exception. I do not even have health insurance. Another shocker for my coworkers, but it is too expensive. From what I hear many companies refuse to pay for certain care, certain medications, and must have approved doctors on their lists. If I am going to pay for my own health care anyway, why do I need insurance. That is my point of view.
People bring up worse case senairos for needing health insurance. I have medical covered with my car insurance in case of a car wreck. I don't have kids or a husband. Then the big what if, surgery. Well, from listening to my parents argue over my Mom's operations, insurance only pays a portion and Dad gets to pay a big bill upfront, leading him to question if this surgery is necessary. Mom in pain demands relief and brings up how he will have help out more. He backs down grudgingly. I had a coworker once who had another job working arranging payment plans for patients. If I ever need surgery, I will pay for it a little at a time.
I better go before our mad rush of customers due in a few minutes. Post later. Bye Bye.
I am not use to people coming to me. Most of the time they don't see me even when I'm yelling, May I help you, at them. I hear my coworkers say that I can help them after I give up. No impossible customers today. The full moon must have passed. Yesterday, a janitor stopped by and talked my ears off. I just nodded til I got dizzy. His wife is sick too. He recommended Vitamin C from oranges and a nice hot bath. I drink fruit juice fortified with Vitamin C, apparently it did not stop it. I'm guessing my fruit juice consumption and my costant taking decongestants for my allergies keeps my colds from hitting me hard like my coworkers.
A coworker asked if I got the flu shot, with a shortage? No, I hate needles, always have since that booster shot before Kindergarten. People laugh when I explain a simple blood test makes my arm or finger sore for days (4 at most). Then they realize I am being serious, then they are amazed. When I got 3 immunization shots before going to college in Wisconsin, I was bawling so hard Mom thought I would faint (she told the nurse her husband faints during blood tests). My arms ached for 2 and a half weeks, not 3 days like Mom said. So there no way I am volunteering to get stuck when I hardly get sick anyway. This weekend is an exception. I do not even have health insurance. Another shocker for my coworkers, but it is too expensive. From what I hear many companies refuse to pay for certain care, certain medications, and must have approved doctors on their lists. If I am going to pay for my own health care anyway, why do I need insurance. That is my point of view.
People bring up worse case senairos for needing health insurance. I have medical covered with my car insurance in case of a car wreck. I don't have kids or a husband. Then the big what if, surgery. Well, from listening to my parents argue over my Mom's operations, insurance only pays a portion and Dad gets to pay a big bill upfront, leading him to question if this surgery is necessary. Mom in pain demands relief and brings up how he will have help out more. He backs down grudgingly. I had a coworker once who had another job working arranging payment plans for patients. If I ever need surgery, I will pay for it a little at a time.
I better go before our mad rush of customers due in a few minutes. Post later. Bye Bye.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Saturdays
Sometimes I hate working Saturdays. My coworker is not much an enforcer when it comes to convincing the car washers to do things they do not want to do. She often entrusts requests and information to a man who can not hold a thought. Anything she asks this man to do is never done, which perhaps explains why he only works 2 days out of the week. I learned to ask more responsible people if I want something done. At worst, I only once threatened to call the bossman sitting at home if I ran out of cars to rent out. After that, I got enough cars.
I have been told he has a nasty temper when he is angry. I prefer not to see that side of his personality. I did hear him once yelling in the backroom with the door closed. I stuck my nose in a book and asked no questions. Once on a a Saturday did I call the bossman's brother to bring a car I did not have for a reservation that just popped up on screen, then another one that cancelled before he got there. I wonder if the car washers understand that people call for reservations after they clock out and I am required to give them a car. Then again, I do not work with highly intelligent people.
Today a reservation popped up for a car I did not have and sent over my dingbat coworker to go get it for me. He can not be left alone for long periods of time. While he was doing that, the reservation shows up, 2 hours early and 10 minutes after I noticed the new reservation. I start the rental and he comes back just in time. I thanked him and emailed my manager saying at least I did not have to call my boss or his brother to get the car, they live 20 minutes away. When I am alone, I am not permitted to leave the counter except in extreme emergencies. That is usually helping a customer find something that does not take more than a minute, move a car to another lot which takes two minutes, or the rest room of course. Other car rental workers watch my counter and tell customers that I will be right back.
After I finished ranting in yesterday's post, a lady, then gentleman, came begging for a car seat for a kid because the airline lost their's. I explained the airline is suppose to give them another one when they lose it. In other words, not my problem. The gentleman pleaded for my kindness in getting his way. I said, No we only give out car seats with a car rental (with us). Sorry to be so cold, but I need better reassurance than they are desperate that they would return the car seat here. I only break rules when higher authority tells me to, and who were all asleep at midnight when this happened.
Well, I sit alone with my lotioned tissues. I am antisocial today from my sore throat and plugged up ears that keep popping. I am ready to go home. I have been spacing off this afternoon and looking at Christmas catalogs. I will try not to bore my audience with too many work rantings. My brother calls them horror stories and asked to stop sharing them with him. My Mom is always astounded how rude and demanding people can be. She associates with church ladies and old people clubs so she does not work with the public at large. Though I hate it when she repeats my work stories during family dinners and how she can't believe how unreal people are. Other females in the family have jobs so they believe every word.
My Mom has not held a job since 1964 when my oldest sister was born, as a secretary, and yet she feels experienced to tell me how to do my jobs and catch shoplifters (when I worked in retail). She actually suggested placing cameras in our cars to take pictures of customers breaking rules. I don't think the owner is willing to pay for over 300 cameras just to catch someone smoking in a nonsmoking car. The cost outweighs the benefit. Besides, evidence is left behind of wrongdoing and criminals who rent our cars eventually do get caught, like the weirdo who used our van to rob a bank (they were caught with another company's car robbing a store and the cops found our receipt somewhere).
I think I will stop here and eat a snack. Post later. Bye-Bye.
I have been told he has a nasty temper when he is angry. I prefer not to see that side of his personality. I did hear him once yelling in the backroom with the door closed. I stuck my nose in a book and asked no questions. Once on a a Saturday did I call the bossman's brother to bring a car I did not have for a reservation that just popped up on screen, then another one that cancelled before he got there. I wonder if the car washers understand that people call for reservations after they clock out and I am required to give them a car. Then again, I do not work with highly intelligent people.
Today a reservation popped up for a car I did not have and sent over my dingbat coworker to go get it for me. He can not be left alone for long periods of time. While he was doing that, the reservation shows up, 2 hours early and 10 minutes after I noticed the new reservation. I start the rental and he comes back just in time. I thanked him and emailed my manager saying at least I did not have to call my boss or his brother to get the car, they live 20 minutes away. When I am alone, I am not permitted to leave the counter except in extreme emergencies. That is usually helping a customer find something that does not take more than a minute, move a car to another lot which takes two minutes, or the rest room of course. Other car rental workers watch my counter and tell customers that I will be right back.
After I finished ranting in yesterday's post, a lady, then gentleman, came begging for a car seat for a kid because the airline lost their's. I explained the airline is suppose to give them another one when they lose it. In other words, not my problem. The gentleman pleaded for my kindness in getting his way. I said, No we only give out car seats with a car rental (with us). Sorry to be so cold, but I need better reassurance than they are desperate that they would return the car seat here. I only break rules when higher authority tells me to, and who were all asleep at midnight when this happened.
Well, I sit alone with my lotioned tissues. I am antisocial today from my sore throat and plugged up ears that keep popping. I am ready to go home. I have been spacing off this afternoon and looking at Christmas catalogs. I will try not to bore my audience with too many work rantings. My brother calls them horror stories and asked to stop sharing them with him. My Mom is always astounded how rude and demanding people can be. She associates with church ladies and old people clubs so she does not work with the public at large. Though I hate it when she repeats my work stories during family dinners and how she can't believe how unreal people are. Other females in the family have jobs so they believe every word.
My Mom has not held a job since 1964 when my oldest sister was born, as a secretary, and yet she feels experienced to tell me how to do my jobs and catch shoplifters (when I worked in retail). She actually suggested placing cameras in our cars to take pictures of customers breaking rules. I don't think the owner is willing to pay for over 300 cameras just to catch someone smoking in a nonsmoking car. The cost outweighs the benefit. Besides, evidence is left behind of wrongdoing and criminals who rent our cars eventually do get caught, like the weirdo who used our van to rob a bank (they were caught with another company's car robbing a store and the cops found our receipt somewhere).
I think I will stop here and eat a snack. Post later. Bye-Bye.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Weirdos
For some strange reason I attract weirdos to me, even with phone calls I get more weirdos. People tell me they get freaks too, so it is not just me. Today I dealt with someone wanting directions to the return lot, and misunderstood every word I said.
Then someone could not find her rental car. Sometimes our car jockeys error in their jobs, so I give another car. She does not understand the direction 4th row, when she leaves it is the 4th row over. Then asks about row D the signs say D1, D2, D3, hers is the 12th car down the row. She wants someone to go with because this is too difficult for her. At the moment, there is no one to leave. She will just have to walk alone. The guys outside wrote the correct location for the car.
Then a couple was here forever because their credit card won't go through. Sorry, if you can't pay for the rental we are not giving you a car. They tried different cards and called the credit card company. No help from them. Next, the man tries to gain sympathy by asking if I had trouble with my credit card shutting down because I was a day late with a payment. No, I say, I pay my bills on time, I don't have trouble with my credit cards. I am one of the few people in the world without credit card debt. He says they pay their bills on time too. Customers should learn not to ask questions they can not handle the answer to. Then the lady demands an explanation on why she can't pay with 2 credit cards or a check. Our system is not set up that way and the secretary upstairs gets messed up if she had to deal with 2 credit card payments on 1 rental coming in at different times. That was not good enough for her. Sorry, we do not make exceptions for people who can't pay. I changed drivers on the car and a card goes through. She wants to keep it longer, that goes through. Then wants insurance for the car, that does not go through. So she gets a car, but no coverage in case of an accident.
I guess I should explain my car rental does not accept anything else upfront but a regular credit card, and most car rentals here are that way. At the return we can take check, cash, or check/debit card, but not upfront. Too many customers long ago screwed the company when they did take debit cards so tough luck. The Visa or Mastercard logo on a checkcard does not change the fact a card is connected to a bank account. You are not buying a bag a groceries, you are renting a $14,000 car and we want it back. Nobody takes cash payments upfront at this airport anymore, 1 did until a while ago. 2 take debit cards with requirements. There are 6 companies here for car rentals.
A jerk did get help from my coworker. He demanded that she give him a receipt without knowledge of the mileage of the car. Our computer will not let us print a receipt without it. We explain the need to track maintence of the cars by mileage, unless you wish to break down in the middle of a highway. So 1 of the car jockeys comes with keys of cleaned cars and leaves to get mileage on the car. He demands a receipt NOW, at other locations he does not have this problem. We are smaller staffed than Chicago. They argue back and forth until the guy calls with the mileage.
And on top of these crazy people, I have a cold. My allergy medicines are ineffective, so it must be a cold. Is there a full moon out? I usually get more freaks during a full moon. I have finally have run out of things to bitch about. Good-bye!
Then someone could not find her rental car. Sometimes our car jockeys error in their jobs, so I give another car. She does not understand the direction 4th row, when she leaves it is the 4th row over. Then asks about row D the signs say D1, D2, D3, hers is the 12th car down the row. She wants someone to go with because this is too difficult for her. At the moment, there is no one to leave. She will just have to walk alone. The guys outside wrote the correct location for the car.
Then a couple was here forever because their credit card won't go through. Sorry, if you can't pay for the rental we are not giving you a car. They tried different cards and called the credit card company. No help from them. Next, the man tries to gain sympathy by asking if I had trouble with my credit card shutting down because I was a day late with a payment. No, I say, I pay my bills on time, I don't have trouble with my credit cards. I am one of the few people in the world without credit card debt. He says they pay their bills on time too. Customers should learn not to ask questions they can not handle the answer to. Then the lady demands an explanation on why she can't pay with 2 credit cards or a check. Our system is not set up that way and the secretary upstairs gets messed up if she had to deal with 2 credit card payments on 1 rental coming in at different times. That was not good enough for her. Sorry, we do not make exceptions for people who can't pay. I changed drivers on the car and a card goes through. She wants to keep it longer, that goes through. Then wants insurance for the car, that does not go through. So she gets a car, but no coverage in case of an accident.
I guess I should explain my car rental does not accept anything else upfront but a regular credit card, and most car rentals here are that way. At the return we can take check, cash, or check/debit card, but not upfront. Too many customers long ago screwed the company when they did take debit cards so tough luck. The Visa or Mastercard logo on a checkcard does not change the fact a card is connected to a bank account. You are not buying a bag a groceries, you are renting a $14,000 car and we want it back. Nobody takes cash payments upfront at this airport anymore, 1 did until a while ago. 2 take debit cards with requirements. There are 6 companies here for car rentals.
A jerk did get help from my coworker. He demanded that she give him a receipt without knowledge of the mileage of the car. Our computer will not let us print a receipt without it. We explain the need to track maintence of the cars by mileage, unless you wish to break down in the middle of a highway. So 1 of the car jockeys comes with keys of cleaned cars and leaves to get mileage on the car. He demands a receipt NOW, at other locations he does not have this problem. We are smaller staffed than Chicago. They argue back and forth until the guy calls with the mileage.
And on top of these crazy people, I have a cold. My allergy medicines are ineffective, so it must be a cold. Is there a full moon out? I usually get more freaks during a full moon. I have finally have run out of things to bitch about. Good-bye!
News brief
Today the news reported 2 hit and run accidents occurring last night. One car killed a little boy and another seriously injured an university employee. Someone left red flowers where the boy died. There was debate over whether the boy was inside or outside the crosswalk lines. The employee was sadly under a street light that was not turned on. Nearly half the street lights in this city are turned off to save money. What is wrong with people? Do people who kill somebody with their car have their stereos so loud that they do not hear the thunk. I have been on highways and recently a street in Des Moines with several deer sticking their noses out on the side of the road. I hit the brakes and stopped. Another time there were 2 dogs in the middle of a highway on my way to work. I stopped and the car coming towards me stopped. The dogs could not decide which way to turn, so I drove into the gravel on the shoulder to go around them. So to anyone reading this: Please stop your car when someone or something is in front of it. Having your head up your ass is a poor defense for killing anyone or anything. Signing out. Good-bye.
News brief
Today the news reported 2 hit and run accidents occurring last night. One car killed a little boy and another seriously injured an university employee. Someone left red flowers where the boy died. There was debate over whether the boy was inside or outside the crosswalk lines. The employee was sadly under a street light that was not turned on. Nearly half the street lights in this city are turned off to save money. What is wrong with people? Do people who kill somebody with their car have their stereos so loud that they do not hear the thunk. I have been on highways and recently a street in Des Moines with several deer sticking their noses out on the side of the road. I hit the brakes and stopped. Another time there were 2 dogs in the middle of a highway on my way to work. I stopped and the car coming towards me stopped. The dogs could not decide which way to turn, so I drove into the gravel on the shoulder to go around them. So to anyone reading this: Please stop your car when someone or something is in front of it. Having your head up your ass is a poor defense for killing anyone or anything. Signing out. Good-bye.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Warm day
Yesterday, I sealed up another window for winter to realize it was warmer outside, but very humid. I opened my patio door and turned on my ceiling fans to circulate the air. I slept in my summer pajamas under my flannel sheets last night. I did laundry at my sister's house and babysat while my sister went grocery shopping. We had a blast. She loved her bath toys I got for her birthday. We practiced standing and had tummy time where she pushes up on her arms real high. Everybody is shocked at work she is not walking and crawling yet, or use a sippy cup. Apparently, she wailed when given a sippy cup to drink from. They also give her minced fruits and vegetables instead of babyfood. Every bite she makes a yucky face.
When I got back home I played solataire on my computer until I was sleepy. Today was raining. I think it still is. Much cooler now, but I put on my short sleeve uniform just in case. I would like to know where fall is. It is spring here. I heard bad news about someone working at the car rental next door. Her husband with cancer had his operation, then caught pneumonia. Needless to say he is in bad shape. She is off this week and next week to be with him. I feel so sorry for her. People here say she should just take a month off and enjoy her husband's company. God only knows how much longer he will be here.
I guess it is finally settled where I am going for Thanksgiving. My Mom decided to be hostess this year. No one else was jumping to do it. When I spoke to her yesterday, I pointed out Thanksgiving is almost here and somebody needs to make up their mind. Mom did not want to cook a turkey, too much work. I said that we can have ham. No one in my family cares if holidays are not perfect Norman Rockwell pictures.
My sister last night was in her Dr. Jekyll personality and said I could come over for the holiday, but they might go to our parents' or her husband's parents' house that day. I don't want to show up for dinner if she won't be there. When Mom called at my sister's house (I was there doing my laundry), my sister said to Mom that she can come over for the holiday. Last week, Mr. Hyde said she is not hosting Thanksgiving for the family. I think she gets more like Mom every day. I shouldn't say that. I have moments where I become aware that I am so much like Mom. I hope my coworkers don't think I have monsterous mood swings. Those people are difficult to deal with, especially when they can't remember something have told them 3 times already. Usually, it is the 3rd or 4th time I explode into "How many times do we need to go through this?"
No customer or coworker incidents today to report. Thank goodness. The freak from a nearby counter just stopped by. I told him in our conversation that my family is weird. He did not believe me. I asked my coworker's opinion. She agreed they are weird (her husband's family is m weirder). She said I do not scratch the surface. I started talking about my Grandma with Alzheimer's (Dad's Mom) and my father and his sisters refuse to place her in a nursing home because they do not want to spend their inheritance on nursing home costs (No, Medicare does not pay until they are close to broke). Then my Mom won't stand up for herself and dutifully takes care of Grandma when it is my parents' turn. Mom is control freak so she gets embarrassed when Granny does crazy things in public. I say, Mom everyone figures out in 10 seconds that she is not normal, no one is thinking bad thoughts of you. I guess there is too much June Cleaver in her to change her point of view. I'll just stop there for tonight. Post later. Good-bye!
When I got back home I played solataire on my computer until I was sleepy. Today was raining. I think it still is. Much cooler now, but I put on my short sleeve uniform just in case. I would like to know where fall is. It is spring here. I heard bad news about someone working at the car rental next door. Her husband with cancer had his operation, then caught pneumonia. Needless to say he is in bad shape. She is off this week and next week to be with him. I feel so sorry for her. People here say she should just take a month off and enjoy her husband's company. God only knows how much longer he will be here.
I guess it is finally settled where I am going for Thanksgiving. My Mom decided to be hostess this year. No one else was jumping to do it. When I spoke to her yesterday, I pointed out Thanksgiving is almost here and somebody needs to make up their mind. Mom did not want to cook a turkey, too much work. I said that we can have ham. No one in my family cares if holidays are not perfect Norman Rockwell pictures.
My sister last night was in her Dr. Jekyll personality and said I could come over for the holiday, but they might go to our parents' or her husband's parents' house that day. I don't want to show up for dinner if she won't be there. When Mom called at my sister's house (I was there doing my laundry), my sister said to Mom that she can come over for the holiday. Last week, Mr. Hyde said she is not hosting Thanksgiving for the family. I think she gets more like Mom every day. I shouldn't say that. I have moments where I become aware that I am so much like Mom. I hope my coworkers don't think I have monsterous mood swings. Those people are difficult to deal with, especially when they can't remember something have told them 3 times already. Usually, it is the 3rd or 4th time I explode into "How many times do we need to go through this?"
No customer or coworker incidents today to report. Thank goodness. The freak from a nearby counter just stopped by. I told him in our conversation that my family is weird. He did not believe me. I asked my coworker's opinion. She agreed they are weird (her husband's family is m weirder). She said I do not scratch the surface. I started talking about my Grandma with Alzheimer's (Dad's Mom) and my father and his sisters refuse to place her in a nursing home because they do not want to spend their inheritance on nursing home costs (No, Medicare does not pay until they are close to broke). Then my Mom won't stand up for herself and dutifully takes care of Grandma when it is my parents' turn. Mom is control freak so she gets embarrassed when Granny does crazy things in public. I say, Mom everyone figures out in 10 seconds that she is not normal, no one is thinking bad thoughts of you. I guess there is too much June Cleaver in her to change her point of view. I'll just stop there for tonight. Post later. Good-bye!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Christmas shopping
Today I went browsing through Christmas things in a mall and a Target. I did most of my Christmas shopping on a trip last August, but couldn't resist of few more items. I use to impulse shop after a fight with my Mom or a stressful day at work, but not anymore. It was something on the Oprah show during her Change Your Life series people critized. Someone said when shopping you should ask, Do I need this, Can I afford it, and Will it get used or sit in a closet to gather dust. Therefore, I pledged to myself to not let Mom get to me. I often told her that since my paycheck is in my name, I make the decisions how to spend it. When I spoke to Mom after that, I did not answer questions that were none of her business. I am not deep in debt so why should she care how many shoes I have.
Another good way to browse and not buy was to leave my wallet at the shoe store I used to work at and tell myself through the mall that I can buy things tomorrow if I really want them. Today I was good. I bought a few ornaments and a book for myself. If I feel a splurge I try to picture the item I see covered in dust inside my closet or say I will be shopping again before Christmas. It helps the impulse calm down. I bought a book on money management. The author was on Oprah. I have lost my faith in my father being my financial advisor. His advice often benefits him more than me. I mostly want to know how it all works. I have no debt other than my monthly bills, but maybe someday live in a condo. I have never mowed a lawn before or dealt with repairmen, so I am shaky about a house.
In recent Des Moines news, a cat was beaten to death by its owner and another cat was in critical condition. Some drunk man watching his children and stepchildren claimed the cat bit him so he clobbered the cats in front of the children. Then he calls his wife at work to say their cat was injured and a daughter got on the phone to say the father killed the cat. The man was arrested after the wife called police. That is where the story ends. The last time there was a cat murder was several years ago when a man staple gunned and stabbed a cat. The vet had to put it asleep because removing the staples would kill it. The news showed a photo of it and it was horrible. I felt so sorry for the cat.
That story ended until a coworker dated, moved in, and became engaged after a month to the catkiller. We thought she was insane, especially when she has 2 girls under 10. At the beginning I thought it was a rerun of another coworker in an abusive relationship. It was. Shooping sprees, diamond ring, and suddenly, no more presents. Many times she said she wanted out, but didn't want to give up her new clothes and jewelry. Then the wedding was halted when she found out a marriage would change her taxes and may be paying instead of getting refunds. We applauded. Amazingly, it took a year before he hit her. We saw this coming long ago, but she was surprised. Where was her brain was the most asked question.
Finally, we cheered after a broken screen, he hitting her with his car, and a few more slaps placed the bastard in jail for violating his parole. An animal rights group showed up at his hearing too. The couple were bawling their eyes out. She dutifully gave him $200 after he started serving his sentence and it disappeared in a month. She fought battles to see him and take her daughters to see him. She fought for phone calls with him next. Eventually, he was tossed out of the picture. We were jumping for joy. Now she has a new boyfriend.
I better go now. Time for bed. Good-bye.
Another good way to browse and not buy was to leave my wallet at the shoe store I used to work at and tell myself through the mall that I can buy things tomorrow if I really want them. Today I was good. I bought a few ornaments and a book for myself. If I feel a splurge I try to picture the item I see covered in dust inside my closet or say I will be shopping again before Christmas. It helps the impulse calm down. I bought a book on money management. The author was on Oprah. I have lost my faith in my father being my financial advisor. His advice often benefits him more than me. I mostly want to know how it all works. I have no debt other than my monthly bills, but maybe someday live in a condo. I have never mowed a lawn before or dealt with repairmen, so I am shaky about a house.
In recent Des Moines news, a cat was beaten to death by its owner and another cat was in critical condition. Some drunk man watching his children and stepchildren claimed the cat bit him so he clobbered the cats in front of the children. Then he calls his wife at work to say their cat was injured and a daughter got on the phone to say the father killed the cat. The man was arrested after the wife called police. That is where the story ends. The last time there was a cat murder was several years ago when a man staple gunned and stabbed a cat. The vet had to put it asleep because removing the staples would kill it. The news showed a photo of it and it was horrible. I felt so sorry for the cat.
That story ended until a coworker dated, moved in, and became engaged after a month to the catkiller. We thought she was insane, especially when she has 2 girls under 10. At the beginning I thought it was a rerun of another coworker in an abusive relationship. It was. Shooping sprees, diamond ring, and suddenly, no more presents. Many times she said she wanted out, but didn't want to give up her new clothes and jewelry. Then the wedding was halted when she found out a marriage would change her taxes and may be paying instead of getting refunds. We applauded. Amazingly, it took a year before he hit her. We saw this coming long ago, but she was surprised. Where was her brain was the most asked question.
Finally, we cheered after a broken screen, he hitting her with his car, and a few more slaps placed the bastard in jail for violating his parole. An animal rights group showed up at his hearing too. The couple were bawling their eyes out. She dutifully gave him $200 after he started serving his sentence and it disappeared in a month. She fought battles to see him and take her daughters to see him. She fought for phone calls with him next. Eventually, he was tossed out of the picture. We were jumping for joy. Now she has a new boyfriend.
I better go now. Time for bed. Good-bye.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Good day
My ego has been stroked. A customer told me that I just gave him the best customer service he ever had. I said Thank You, You have a good day. Customers rarely give compliments. Even worse is when they say they will fill out out a customer service feedback card many businesses have and never do. You are sure to hear from aggravated customers. Sometimes people get concerned after a heated altercation with a customer and I look frazzled. I have to assure these people that I am fine. One time a manager actually came over to the store after my phone call about a tiffed customer. I was stressed, but fine. I have been called a bitch before and will be again.
The thing about customers threatening to speak to my manager on my rude behavior is that I can contact my manager before they can. Usually I hear they don't talk to the manager. I still notify (with my current manager by email) of incidents so they are not in the dark of the complaint. Managers often like being emotionally prepared to handle a customer's complaint. Besides, managers already know how I react to stressful situations. Losing my temper means calling security.
Today University of Iowa fans are celebrating. Apparently they have a rivalry with some college in Minnesota so when they play against each together, the winner takes home a trophy with a pig on top of it called Floyd of Rosedale. I saw a picture in the paper of Iowa players hoisting it in the air. The pig looked the size of a real piglet. I don't want to know how heavy this hunk of metal weighs.
This is my Friday. Tomorrow I plan to print pictures from my niece's birthday party yesterday. Then I might get started on Christmas things. Cards, letters, lists, a craft project a do every year for my coworkers, and start painting some of my secret santa gifts People think I'm a creative genius. Though I wish they would read of my fairytale beyond page 30. But some just don't read or just don't want to hurt my feelings. I am not made of glass. Just tell me you don't enjoy reading and I won't push my story anymore. Everyone says I am a good writer from what little they saw. My college professors often commented that I have a unique writing style, whatever that was suppose to mean. Only one roommate said it was my sentence structure that most people do not follow. OK, that was a bit better. A coworker a few months ago commented how the beginning of one chapter was poetic. Maybe my poetry style seaps into my writing. I remember high school teachers loved my epitaphs assigned to us, I think to make us think beyond tomorrow. One went:
"The Fairie Jackie sailed into my heart and out into eternity."
Another:
"The queen fairie Marian never shook the world, but she was Grandma. That is all I need to know to love her.
A more recent one:
"All I have left to remember the Fairie Diana is a coin."
In high school, we read Shakespeare sonnets one year and I like the title of one "The Fairie Queen" about Queen Elizabeth I. Thereafter, I call beloved people fairies in my poems. I think this post is long enough. Farewell to thee.
The thing about customers threatening to speak to my manager on my rude behavior is that I can contact my manager before they can. Usually I hear they don't talk to the manager. I still notify (with my current manager by email) of incidents so they are not in the dark of the complaint. Managers often like being emotionally prepared to handle a customer's complaint. Besides, managers already know how I react to stressful situations. Losing my temper means calling security.
Today University of Iowa fans are celebrating. Apparently they have a rivalry with some college in Minnesota so when they play against each together, the winner takes home a trophy with a pig on top of it called Floyd of Rosedale. I saw a picture in the paper of Iowa players hoisting it in the air. The pig looked the size of a real piglet. I don't want to know how heavy this hunk of metal weighs.
This is my Friday. Tomorrow I plan to print pictures from my niece's birthday party yesterday. Then I might get started on Christmas things. Cards, letters, lists, a craft project a do every year for my coworkers, and start painting some of my secret santa gifts People think I'm a creative genius. Though I wish they would read of my fairytale beyond page 30. But some just don't read or just don't want to hurt my feelings. I am not made of glass. Just tell me you don't enjoy reading and I won't push my story anymore. Everyone says I am a good writer from what little they saw. My college professors often commented that I have a unique writing style, whatever that was suppose to mean. Only one roommate said it was my sentence structure that most people do not follow. OK, that was a bit better. A coworker a few months ago commented how the beginning of one chapter was poetic. Maybe my poetry style seaps into my writing. I remember high school teachers loved my epitaphs assigned to us, I think to make us think beyond tomorrow. One went:
"The Fairie Jackie sailed into my heart and out into eternity."
Another:
"The queen fairie Marian never shook the world, but she was Grandma. That is all I need to know to love her.
A more recent one:
"All I have left to remember the Fairie Diana is a coin."
In high school, we read Shakespeare sonnets one year and I like the title of one "The Fairie Queen" about Queen Elizabeth I. Thereafter, I call beloved people fairies in my poems. I think this post is long enough. Farewell to thee.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Birthday party
Last night ended very strange. First the printer broke and I had to turn on and log onto another computer hooked to another printer. Next, the new guy who asked me to go out for drinks in a prior entry stuck around a half hour after he was clocked out, just to walk me to my car. Then he threw in my face a comment I made once on how it is nice to walk to the parking lot with someone to talk to on the way. It took 30 seconds to recall that conversation. I just answered that I run out the door when my shift is over (everyone else does too). What a freak. Trust me, I do not need a babysitter to walk me to my car.
Then I worked on my crossword puzzles with him looking over my arm. He is amazed I know so many answers. After you do a dozen puzzles, you start to recognize the same clues and answers. Many puzzle books are created by the same person so that makes it even easier. I like easy puzzles at work, I do not need more frustration. So time to leave comes and we walk out the door together. I make small talk by saying a coworker has complained about the cold wind blowing across the lot cuts him like a knife in winter. We women do not have that problem. We wear tights under our pants. It gets a little warm inside, but it is better than freezing.
Then I go to bed and stay awake while trying to sleep. I got up several times to get a snack, hungry tummy. I finally got a couple hours of sleep around 7-9 this morning. Then I got up to answer the phone. It was Mom wanting to know what happened to a certain quilt my sister made for me once. Sorry I do not have it or know where in her house it is. Then after I got dressed and nearly ready, my sister calls wanting me to come early to babysit until the guests arrive. I got there and her in-laws are there. We chat and share the bundle of love. Baby was a bit too sleepy to smile yet. I pet her curious cat (her other cat is scaredy cat) and smother it with attention. Cats and nieces never starve from attention around me. I can tell her cats are freaked about all the noisy people in their house. Curious cat saw me from the top of the basement stairs and meowed at me. Poor thing. I petted it some more and it calmed down.
More people come and we eat dinner, then cake. It was amusing looking at us all huddled in the kitchen taking pictures. I let my 9-year-old niece take a couple photos. Next I had to leave the party to come to work. I hug my nieces an my cousin's girls. At work, I show off my photos on my digital camera to whoever is willing to look. My coworker informs me that the printer worked fine for her. Don't know what happened. Now I am so tired. I should sleep good tonight. Post later. Bye, Bye.
Then I worked on my crossword puzzles with him looking over my arm. He is amazed I know so many answers. After you do a dozen puzzles, you start to recognize the same clues and answers. Many puzzle books are created by the same person so that makes it even easier. I like easy puzzles at work, I do not need more frustration. So time to leave comes and we walk out the door together. I make small talk by saying a coworker has complained about the cold wind blowing across the lot cuts him like a knife in winter. We women do not have that problem. We wear tights under our pants. It gets a little warm inside, but it is better than freezing.
Then I go to bed and stay awake while trying to sleep. I got up several times to get a snack, hungry tummy. I finally got a couple hours of sleep around 7-9 this morning. Then I got up to answer the phone. It was Mom wanting to know what happened to a certain quilt my sister made for me once. Sorry I do not have it or know where in her house it is. Then after I got dressed and nearly ready, my sister calls wanting me to come early to babysit until the guests arrive. I got there and her in-laws are there. We chat and share the bundle of love. Baby was a bit too sleepy to smile yet. I pet her curious cat (her other cat is scaredy cat) and smother it with attention. Cats and nieces never starve from attention around me. I can tell her cats are freaked about all the noisy people in their house. Curious cat saw me from the top of the basement stairs and meowed at me. Poor thing. I petted it some more and it calmed down.
More people come and we eat dinner, then cake. It was amusing looking at us all huddled in the kitchen taking pictures. I let my 9-year-old niece take a couple photos. Next I had to leave the party to come to work. I hug my nieces an my cousin's girls. At work, I show off my photos on my digital camera to whoever is willing to look. My coworker informs me that the printer worked fine for her. Don't know what happened. Now I am so tired. I should sleep good tonight. Post later. Bye, Bye.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Spooked
A husband of a coworker called a while ago about a woman being kidnapped in a parking garage captured on video. The husband was mortified that there was 7 bystanders watching the whole event and did nothing. I would like to know where the security watching the cameras were. Do they not carry mace and handcuffs for a reason? It must a Midwest thing to help one another. Holding doors open for people behind you, stopping your car to let an ambulence pass by, and helping a stranded motorist is considered normal here. As is calling 911 for somebody. Customers comment often how friendly we are.
Last winter when I skidded into a snowy ditch, 4 men in pick up trucks stopped to offer help. About 10 regular cars passed without stopping. I already called my Dad on my cell phone so I was fine. One of the men recognized me. Before I had a cell phone and went into a ditch, 2 cars drove by and a pick up truck stopped by to offered a ride. I was only 15 minutes late to work. Rarely am I late and do not call. My coworkers were panicked were almost ready to go looking for me. My parents told my coworkers I had already left home. Then they were worried I was hurt. I was fine, but had to call my Mom because I forgot my purse in the car. I got a ride home from a coworker. I have given many rides for coworkers that were clearly out of my way going home. That is normal too.
Nothing else to talk about now. Post later. Good-bye.
Last winter when I skidded into a snowy ditch, 4 men in pick up trucks stopped to offer help. About 10 regular cars passed without stopping. I already called my Dad on my cell phone so I was fine. One of the men recognized me. Before I had a cell phone and went into a ditch, 2 cars drove by and a pick up truck stopped by to offered a ride. I was only 15 minutes late to work. Rarely am I late and do not call. My coworkers were panicked were almost ready to go looking for me. My parents told my coworkers I had already left home. Then they were worried I was hurt. I was fine, but had to call my Mom because I forgot my purse in the car. I got a ride home from a coworker. I have given many rides for coworkers that were clearly out of my way going home. That is normal too.
Nothing else to talk about now. Post later. Good-bye.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Decorations
Oh my God. The airport is putting up Christmas decorations, wreaths, trees, lights, everything. What happened to Thanksgiving? It is weird shopping in the Fall. The stores have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas things all together. I may sound old, but I remember a time when Christmas stuff stayed in the closet until the day after Thanksgiving. And no, I never shop the day after Thanksgiving. In actuality, customers are not saving that much and I'm not the type to knock people over to save a dollar or two. I remember one year when the ugliest toy that recorded like a parrot was popular. I thought they looked like Gremlins (I think Furbies). Then Tickle Me Elmo was the thing. My nieces wanted Barbie so no one in the family bought Elmo for them. Had to get that off my chest. Post later. Good-bye.
Normal life
Hello again. This week I cleaned up my sister's house for her baby's birthday Saturday. She was appreciative and forgave my debt for wrapping paper I ordered from her fund raiser (she is a school librarian) and 2 6-packs of pop she bought on sale for me. And gave me the 20 bucks I requested. She said I cleaned for 3 hours, so I deserved it. It is an interesting experience cleaning with 2 cats following you around. We talked and tickled the baby. I told her about the new guy at a car rental who asked me to go out for drinks after work. I do not know his name yet. I distictly recall a prior consversation where he mentioned a wife and showed a photo of his daughter to me. I said, No thank you (hey I was polite). If he wishes to get to know me, he can at work. What is with married men? I had a customer once who was 2 years older than my father show me his military ID picture when he was 17. Then asked if he was a handsome man back then. Yeah, sure, my Dad was handsome too at 17 but I still think of him as an old man. I said, Oh, sure, Your car is in spot --, Have a nice day.
The theater production Chicago is coming to town. I wish I could see it, but I just paid 6 months of car insurance at once. I'm a little poor right now. I attempted to get a copy of my fairytale copied at a print shop. They could not get my files open on my disk so I had to copy it on my printer. I got a binder and thick beige paper. Tomorrow at work I get to use of 3-hole paper puncher. The book is an inch thick so few are eager to read it. Isn't it amazing how doing things yourself (greeting cards, clothing, and booklets) cost twice as much than just buying the finished project. I did go shopping at a mall while I thought they were printing my book. I saw Red Hat Society merchandise (club for women over 50). I emailed my Red Hat friend to tell her this. I hope she reads it. She hasn't touch her computer much lately. Right after her brother-in-law died of cancer, her husband is diagnosed with cancer and needs an operation.
My goodness. Then her manager actually condemned her for missing so much work from her brother-in-law visits. Well, she is going to be missing more. I try my best to cheer her up by talking about myself (she has kids my age). When she opens up, I shut up and listen. I noticed when a former friend in high school and I reconnected after this girl's father was murdered, she was more interested in my life than talking about hers. I can understand that.
I got my Oprah Magazine today. I reached a few paragraphs that me cry. It was about women and girls being raped by the hundreds in the Congo. Then I read about a girl in Columbia being a soldier in a war that's lasted forever. Do humans know what peace is anymore? Ancient people glorified war in tales and believed peace was just space between wars. Are we no more advanced than them? I just heard Arafat died and Bush saying peace will come now, or something like that. I would not be counting on that. There could be peace or the deep fires of hell could be unleashed from power hungry wolves fighting each other. Only time will tell.
My 2 new adventures is sealing plastic over a window and learning new games on my computer. I played solataire and had to refresh my memory how to play it. With Pinball I could not figure how to move the swingers with my mouse. I did figure out how to launch the ball. Chinese checkers was more difficult, I have no gift for strategy. At least the computer figured all the possibilities the marble could land. I only covered 1 window with plastic, it keeps warming up so I'm afraid to do all 3.
I am finally out of things to say. Post later. Good-bye.
The theater production Chicago is coming to town. I wish I could see it, but I just paid 6 months of car insurance at once. I'm a little poor right now. I attempted to get a copy of my fairytale copied at a print shop. They could not get my files open on my disk so I had to copy it on my printer. I got a binder and thick beige paper. Tomorrow at work I get to use of 3-hole paper puncher. The book is an inch thick so few are eager to read it. Isn't it amazing how doing things yourself (greeting cards, clothing, and booklets) cost twice as much than just buying the finished project. I did go shopping at a mall while I thought they were printing my book. I saw Red Hat Society merchandise (club for women over 50). I emailed my Red Hat friend to tell her this. I hope she reads it. She hasn't touch her computer much lately. Right after her brother-in-law died of cancer, her husband is diagnosed with cancer and needs an operation.
My goodness. Then her manager actually condemned her for missing so much work from her brother-in-law visits. Well, she is going to be missing more. I try my best to cheer her up by talking about myself (she has kids my age). When she opens up, I shut up and listen. I noticed when a former friend in high school and I reconnected after this girl's father was murdered, she was more interested in my life than talking about hers. I can understand that.
I got my Oprah Magazine today. I reached a few paragraphs that me cry. It was about women and girls being raped by the hundreds in the Congo. Then I read about a girl in Columbia being a soldier in a war that's lasted forever. Do humans know what peace is anymore? Ancient people glorified war in tales and believed peace was just space between wars. Are we no more advanced than them? I just heard Arafat died and Bush saying peace will come now, or something like that. I would not be counting on that. There could be peace or the deep fires of hell could be unleashed from power hungry wolves fighting each other. Only time will tell.
My 2 new adventures is sealing plastic over a window and learning new games on my computer. I played solataire and had to refresh my memory how to play it. With Pinball I could not figure how to move the swingers with my mouse. I did figure out how to launch the ball. Chinese checkers was more difficult, I have no gift for strategy. At least the computer figured all the possibilities the marble could land. I only covered 1 window with plastic, it keeps warming up so I'm afraid to do all 3.
I am finally out of things to say. Post later. Good-bye.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Pet Mouse
Our rental counter briefly had a pet mouse in the cupboard. It came from the baggage area and fled the pesticides over there. I saw it twice by my coworker's feet before it decided it did not like us anymore. It scurried over to the car rental next door to be smashed with a chair. We think now it was a small cute gray mole instead of a mouse. The animal killer proudly showed off the dead mole in the waste basket. I held back my curiosity, I do not handle blood well. Then someone came over asking why the woman was carrying a waste basket. She grabbed a tissue and held up the mole up by its tail. No blood.
No free newspaper today. I guess I have to entertain myself today. We actually have a guy here who complains about nothing to read here. We have catalogs and magazines to look at. He says too many women work here because there is only female reading material laying around. We just inform him that he can bring his own reading material. I have noticed the guys I work with do not handle boredom well. We can't always be busy. My female cowrkers and I read a book or magazine and are happy. My male coworkers have to do something. They talk on the phone to their friends, which sends them into their own world to the point I am tempted to throw pens at them when they fail to notice the customer standing in front of them. Or they go out to help the car cleaners move cars, cleaning a car is out of the question.
Tomorrow I clean my sister's house for her daughter's birthday party Saturday. She has arthitis and aches 24/7, even with all her medications. The last time I saw her she asked if I had gotten her Christmas present (I nearly always have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving). I informed her I shopped for Christmas during my vacation to Virginia last August. I guess she forgot me mentioning Mom wanted me to buy a sweatshirt she just bought for herself to wrap as her present. My sister desired to cease buying gifts for each other (between my siblings and parents) because she does not get what is on her list. I wanted to tell, but held back, that her Christmas wish list is too expensive for any of our wallets. I finally quit buying birthday presents for her after being asked what I was thinking too many times. I knew I would make her defensive if I mentioned her expensive tastes. I think I actually told her that I would not have any presents during Christmas if my family stopped exchanging presents (I do have a secret santa at work though). My statement ended the conversation.
I think this post is long enough. Post later. Signing out.
No free newspaper today. I guess I have to entertain myself today. We actually have a guy here who complains about nothing to read here. We have catalogs and magazines to look at. He says too many women work here because there is only female reading material laying around. We just inform him that he can bring his own reading material. I have noticed the guys I work with do not handle boredom well. We can't always be busy. My female cowrkers and I read a book or magazine and are happy. My male coworkers have to do something. They talk on the phone to their friends, which sends them into their own world to the point I am tempted to throw pens at them when they fail to notice the customer standing in front of them. Or they go out to help the car cleaners move cars, cleaning a car is out of the question.
Tomorrow I clean my sister's house for her daughter's birthday party Saturday. She has arthitis and aches 24/7, even with all her medications. The last time I saw her she asked if I had gotten her Christmas present (I nearly always have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving). I informed her I shopped for Christmas during my vacation to Virginia last August. I guess she forgot me mentioning Mom wanted me to buy a sweatshirt she just bought for herself to wrap as her present. My sister desired to cease buying gifts for each other (between my siblings and parents) because she does not get what is on her list. I wanted to tell, but held back, that her Christmas wish list is too expensive for any of our wallets. I finally quit buying birthday presents for her after being asked what I was thinking too many times. I knew I would make her defensive if I mentioned her expensive tastes. I think I actually told her that I would not have any presents during Christmas if my family stopped exchanging presents (I do have a secret santa at work though). My statement ended the conversation.
I think this post is long enough. Post later. Signing out.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Drama
Today I have had enough drama to last the weekend. Today I jump in the shower to clear my sinuses. Amazingly, that did not work and required my asthma inhaler to breathe through my nose again. And I forgot to mention on my last post that my coworkers were correct saying secret service guys are hotties.
Then I come to work to hear the lanes in front of the airport have become a new parking lot. After 9/11 police got touchy about people leaving their cars untended in front of the entrance doors. I should explain our airport is so small the security (police officiers) and janitors are employed by the city. Then to halt people further they raised the ticket fine from $5 to $20 (it was on the news). Well some airport customers complained about the tickets and the cops yelling at people to move their cars before they give a ticket.
For shame cops actually embarrassing customers for their own safety. So now the cops are forced to allow people to park their cars untended for 5 to 15 minutes before giving a ticket. And guess who the cops blame for all the cars parked in no parking zones, the car rental customers. Yes, people exist who are too lazy to drive an extra ten feet to the car rental return lot. We do not pay for any customers tickets, they are charged on their credit card for the ticket. I bet people would complain louder if a bomb went off or an irate ex-husband started shooting people. But tell that to people who think they they are God and rules do not apply to them.
Then drama from last night entered today. The car cleaners had a fight and the one in charge sent someone home just because he was irritated by the person. It must be a male ego thing. So this person who clocked out early complained again today about the incident. The strange part was the guy in charge said to the coworker to speak to the owner before he clocked in again, but the guy in charge refused to speak to the owner about sending someone home early. We inside who just rent cars thought it unwise not to explain his actions to the owner. We think the owner would naturally inquire what was going on over there, though not until Monday since he is out of town this weekend. Then the guy in charge said it was no big deal and he just wanted the coworker to leave for the night. Talk about unprofessional. Now today the coworker sent home asked if he should apologize for being sassy. We think no. The guy in charge just got back what he gave. My coworker inside said if a manager wants his people to respect them, they also need to respect their people too. I agree. It is difficult to respect someone on an ego trip.
Better go. I need to help my coworker with her homework. She is studying to be a stenographer. I read word lists to her. Sometimes I laugh at some words, like fag (she has a gay man in her class) or dawn (her husband has an ex-girlfriend by that name). The funniest sentence I read was -Fred bought Pam a pearl ring- (we have coworkers with those names). Post later. Good-bye.
Then I come to work to hear the lanes in front of the airport have become a new parking lot. After 9/11 police got touchy about people leaving their cars untended in front of the entrance doors. I should explain our airport is so small the security (police officiers) and janitors are employed by the city. Then to halt people further they raised the ticket fine from $5 to $20 (it was on the news). Well some airport customers complained about the tickets and the cops yelling at people to move their cars before they give a ticket.
For shame cops actually embarrassing customers for their own safety. So now the cops are forced to allow people to park their cars untended for 5 to 15 minutes before giving a ticket. And guess who the cops blame for all the cars parked in no parking zones, the car rental customers. Yes, people exist who are too lazy to drive an extra ten feet to the car rental return lot. We do not pay for any customers tickets, they are charged on their credit card for the ticket. I bet people would complain louder if a bomb went off or an irate ex-husband started shooting people. But tell that to people who think they they are God and rules do not apply to them.
Then drama from last night entered today. The car cleaners had a fight and the one in charge sent someone home just because he was irritated by the person. It must be a male ego thing. So this person who clocked out early complained again today about the incident. The strange part was the guy in charge said to the coworker to speak to the owner before he clocked in again, but the guy in charge refused to speak to the owner about sending someone home early. We inside who just rent cars thought it unwise not to explain his actions to the owner. We think the owner would naturally inquire what was going on over there, though not until Monday since he is out of town this weekend. Then the guy in charge said it was no big deal and he just wanted the coworker to leave for the night. Talk about unprofessional. Now today the coworker sent home asked if he should apologize for being sassy. We think no. The guy in charge just got back what he gave. My coworker inside said if a manager wants his people to respect them, they also need to respect their people too. I agree. It is difficult to respect someone on an ego trip.
Better go. I need to help my coworker with her homework. She is studying to be a stenographer. I read word lists to her. Sometimes I laugh at some words, like fag (she has a gay man in her class) or dawn (her husband has an ex-girlfriend by that name). The funniest sentence I read was -Fred bought Pam a pearl ring- (we have coworkers with those names). Post later. Good-bye.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Finished
I finally finished editing my fairytale for my niece. Now I am nervous if she will lke it. I started a second book for her younger sister. I printed a title page dedicating the story to all 4 of my nieces. I added "You are in my heart and my head" at the bottom. I plan on my coworkers, brother-in-law, and anyone else wishing to read it before going to a print shop to order a bound copy of my tale. I want my niece to have a good story. All the pages took out 3/4 of an ink cartridge. Will not repeating that often. I know how to use a xerox machine.
I was so ecstatic at near ending my editing that I barely paid attention to the election coverage. I guess we get 4 more years of Bush. I don't want to know what else is going to go wrong. I think Bush needs to include a thank you for the terrorists cementing his power right before scared stiff people vote for president. Others say it was the poor out of conservatives voting that turned the election around. Anyhow, I think some people have too much time on ther hands if they need to go all out to make people miserable. I would like to know how denying civil rights to a group of people because they are different is not discrimination.
I did laundry and tickled my baby niece last night. She has 2 tooth stubs sticking out. She also is getting closer to crawling, all she needs is to keep her tushy up. I petted her cats until my arms were exhausted. Poor kitties need so much love. I saw Mona Lisa Smile on her TV. The end made me cry. We discussed my niece's birthday party next week. She wants me to come for lunch before work, but no one I am eager to see will be attending. I told her the war over my car insurance continues. I better go to work now. Write later. Signing out.
I was so ecstatic at near ending my editing that I barely paid attention to the election coverage. I guess we get 4 more years of Bush. I don't want to know what else is going to go wrong. I think Bush needs to include a thank you for the terrorists cementing his power right before scared stiff people vote for president. Others say it was the poor out of conservatives voting that turned the election around. Anyhow, I think some people have too much time on ther hands if they need to go all out to make people miserable. I would like to know how denying civil rights to a group of people because they are different is not discrimination.
I did laundry and tickled my baby niece last night. She has 2 tooth stubs sticking out. She also is getting closer to crawling, all she needs is to keep her tushy up. I petted her cats until my arms were exhausted. Poor kitties need so much love. I saw Mona Lisa Smile on her TV. The end made me cry. We discussed my niece's birthday party next week. She wants me to come for lunch before work, but no one I am eager to see will be attending. I told her the war over my car insurance continues. I better go to work now. Write later. Signing out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)