Baby's new trick

A couple weeks ago my baby niece started walking by herself. Now she did
a trick for me for the 1st time, she walked in circles making her dizzy
and fall over. She would get back up and do it again. I applauded. Post
later.

Wow

I just got inside information of the gas prices jumping 75 cents
tomorrow. The biggest jumped I have seen was 16 cents overnight and then
10 cents 2 days later. Someone thinks it is the hurricanes causing the
sharp rise. I think we just need another source of power. Now if my
sister would off her phone so I can warn her. Post later.

Countdown to 30

In 7 days it will be my 30th birthday. Compared to my nieces I'm old and boring. Compared to my mother I'm young and agile. I bought myself a ruby ring online for my birthday. It will probably the only present I get. In my family, once you hit a certain age family members quit buying presents, though some will send money. Then your birthday becomes another day of the week when I feel fortunate if my family remembers it, without me telling them it's coming several times. At least, I still get pretty cards. I got one from my brother last week. Post later. Bye!

I hate sales reps

Today (and many other days too) where we have problems with
misinformation given to customers by our reservation line operators.
And I get to make excuses up to satisfy the customer's anger. Usually I
say we have discovered they are not the brightest people or say they
tell people what they want to hear. I heartily avoid calling the
reservation center if I can. At least I make customers laugh explaining
several times into the phone that I am not making a reservation, I am
the rental agent. Even funnier is when they tell me my location does not
exist until I give our location code.

Realistically, that is probably why business is going downhill because
it is really bad business to lie to your customers. Also, one does not
make money when one constantly gives refunds. But when sales reps
(representatives) demonstrating how to improve profits, that is exactly
what they tell you to do. We had sales reps telling us how to sell. We
hated them.

They were not that bad all the time. One did call me fearless. Though,
one too many sassy remarks made him keep his distance from me. I am not
sure if our reservation people need better reading skills or simply need
better training. I know they also work on commission because when
customers call to change a reservation, they make a new one instead.
Which means, customers find out from me they have 2 or more
reservations. It is not easy being the bearer of confusing news. Post
later.

Reading Harry Potter

I have been rereading the Harry Potter books the past week. I fail to
see the point of buying a book to read it only once, that is what
libraries are for. Everyone is astonished with "Haven't you read them?"
Yeah, I have, all 6. I naturally respond with "I'm just one of those
strange, crazy weirdos who actually enjoys reading Harry Potter".
Though, it is different reading them the 2nd time around since I know
what happens later. Post later. Bye!

Train whistles ban

Well it is done. The Des Moines city council approved of quiet zones for trains passing through town from the complaining of people awaken by train whistles (which are federal mandated for safety reasons). In fact they are going to raise 20 million to put in these quiet zones so fellow buyers of homes can get a peaceful night's sleep.

I just hope I do not get hit by a train I can not see nor hear, there are train tracks a short distance from my apartment. In case you do not know, a train can squash a car like a paper cup. That means the people in the cars crossing the tracks are killed. A girl at my church was killed that way. Her friend in the car in front of her drove around the lowered barrier as the train approached one night. That friend made it safely across so the girl at my church followed suit and was hit by the train. The TV said she was killed instantly. After a few more people were killed after her did many barriers got lengthed to prevent people from going around them.

Though I do have to ask what home owners expect living next to train tracks. Guess these home builders never thought to sound-proof the walls and windows. Post later. Bye!

Work Email Etiquette

I find myself noticing articles answering the question what exactly one
may or may not write on work emails. Godforbid companies actually write
guidelines in the employee hand books.

Well, presuming companies are trying to save on cheap paper so coworkers
don't know how to write proper notes to each other anymore believing
emails are secret messages. I have been in trouble for inappropriate
notes I've written, but when one has no rules on what is considered
appropriate that is easy to do.

So what is allowed to be written on work emails from the company's
perspective without crystal clear rules being established. I'm guessing
from experience how to write proper work emails.
1. No editorials. Stick to facts of events at work. Nobody wishes to
hear about your personal problems or how bad your day is simply because
we have have our own issues too. Some will put it as "office use only".
2. Your company owns the work email addresses of its employees and can
read them. Many employ another business to read employee emails to scan
for unprofessional behavior. It is very stupid to complain about your
boss on work email for this reason. Nobody appreciates being talked
about behind their back. If you must whine about your boss, do it on
your home computer where your boss has no access.
3. If complaining about a coworker, stick to the facts what they did or
said to upset you. You can't read their mind anymore than they can read
yours. And don't take things personally, business decisons are based
upon money, not emotion. If you do not have the courage to complain to
their face, you should not email others about them. In other words, no
gossip (yes I am guilty of gossiping too and don't wish to hurt others'
feelings causing friction on the job).
4. Do not expect an immediate response. Many people don't access their
email all day, every day. If it is important, pick up the phone and call
them.
5. Keep your personal life at home and your office life at work. When
your personal life effects your job performance, like having surgery or
death in the family, then you can share at work. I know many bosses
compare their companies to a family and expect loyalty from employees,
but really who are they kidding? Family doesn't fire half their
workforce and transplant their lost jobs overseas where it is legal to
exploit employees, employers do.
6. Don't use caps unless stressing a point, all caps appear as shouting.
And get to a point in the first 2 sentences of why you are sending an
email. The shorter the email the better.
7. No dirty jokes, they can be misinterpreted by someone you do not know
well. And certainly no dowloading pornography on your work computer. I
have heard on TV of people getting fired for both of these actions.

If anyone reading this thinks up more etiquette, please share in my
comments section. Post later. Bye!

Cold day

I was just lovely outside yesterday, not too hot and not too cold. Then it rained and the temperature dropped from the 90's to the 70's. I put on my new tiny cleavage sweater over my shirt. I also have jeans on. I thought that might be just enough, but perhaps a sweatshirt is in order. I will have to dig that out of winter clothes in storage. It looks like Fall in coming.

My sister called saying not to come over to do laundry tonight because her husband has the day off and they want family time alone. OK, so I will presume she was unaware of his days off last week or this week to inform me to come on a different day, or otherwise I would be calling her a bitch for waiting to tell me at the last minute. Good thing I save quarters for these bitch occassions. Post later. Bye!

Sleep clock went awry

My obsession with properly placing my novel on a blog threw off my sleep clock making me awake all Sunday night and managed a few hours sleep Monday morning. The drive to figure why it was not working right left me in a daze all day that I could not bear to turn my computer. I think I got an hour a sleep in the late afternoon. Monday night was trying every trick I could think of to fall asleep. I finally got some sleep in before going to my volunteer position. I felt refreshed once I dragged my exhausted body out of bed.

Strange that people think my obssessions circle around rock stars and actors. Actually, it is my writing. Writing is my passion and #1 obssession. Funny how people some people think they know me because they see me regularly at work when really they know shit about me.

Example: A few times car rental agents next door complained my clothes are too drab looking and need to spice up my wardrobe. I explained I was in my work uniform that I don't pick out. Then, shouted back how they never seen me in regular clothes, so how would they know what I wear at home.

Another example would be someone who thought I vaccuumed my apartment every day because of my allergies. I actually hate the sound of vaccuum cleaners so, no. I once went 2 months without vaccuuming one winter. I also do not own an electric can opener because I can not stand the whirling sound it makes. It is just something about that sound that makes me shake and plug my ears. But then, people at work would not know that about me.

Yet another example of wrong judgment: A coworker thought I was once an obese child to explain why I am so paper thin now. No, I have always been tiny and have pictures to prove it. Every woman on my Mom side of the family was puny too.

Out of examples. Post later. Bye!

Ambulance near miss

Today I was driving home and sitting at a red light, when I heard a
weird siren sound and a white ambulance coming down the opposite
direction of the street. A lady turning left I assumed didn't see the
vehicle approaching her from the right when she turned in front of the
ambulance. Soon after, a man behind her zoomed across the intersection
nearly missing the front of the ambulance and almost T-boned. Lucky for
him, the emergency vehicle with sirens blaring and lights flashing
stopped. Next, the light turned green and the ambulance went on to help
whoever.

I don't know where these people learned to drive, but one is suppose to
pull over and/or stop when a vehicle with lights flashing and sirens
blaring approaches you, from any direction. Even if one is at a green
light allowed to go. Post later. Bye!

Fire alarm

Hello again. We had a fire alarm go off tonight at the airport. The
people who work here completely ignore it. It goes off once in a while
because parents lack supervision skills over their children, which is
why we pay no attention to it.

Also tonight there are a couple rows of luggage neatly lined up by the
luggage carosal. I presume that means luggage travels faster than people
on airplanes. They must have run out of room in their storage room they
normally keep unclaimed luggage in. Post later.

Trouble with the IRS

My coworker and her husband recently learned today that they underpaid the IRS (federal income taxes) by $2000 from taxes 3 years old. And yes they have the right to audit a taxpayer up to 5 or 7 years. And they owe this money less the a month from now.

My coworker is in college studying to improve her income with another occupation. She does not have $2000 to just hand over to the government. And a tax preparation company did their taxes so my coworker believes the tax prep company should pay this money. She is ready to fight it out with her lawyer she has used many times from problems with former lovers in their lives.

I guess the lesson here is read what you sign. My brother does my taxes for free. One year I got a notice from the state about not paying enough taxes, about 8 months after I paid them, because my brother forgot to figure in the school tax. Though my bill was near $30 so my brother received a small tongue lashing. Though from that bad experience I make him explain everything on the forms I'm signing my name to. He doesn't place his name on it. Post later. Bye!

Is this Punishment?

I have received my vehicle registration today. Yes, in the great USA we are punished on our birthdays with driver's license renewals and vehicle registration renewals. Mine is a difficult renewal because my mother is a moron and can't tell the difference between junk mail and real mail. She tried to forward junk mail unnecessarily and roused up the postmaster who insisted on her filling out a change of address form, which means my mail is automatically forwarded to my address. OK, this also means certain important documents that I don't want forwarded get my new address when my mail is returned to them because certain things are not automatically forwarded.

IS THIS PUNISHMENT FOR BEING POOR AND CAN NOT AFFORD A PERMANENT ADDRESS!!!!!

Do you have any idea how annoying it is to change your address on 20 different things every time I move? One year I moved 4 times. Last year, I was forced to change my voter's registration because my mail being returned.

Now that the Treasurer's Office in my hometown county knows I live someplace else, I can't renew by mail or by internet. I have to haul my ass down to the county treasurer' so office, which will be much busier and take longer than my hometown county office, and pay the meter for parking. I hope they don't look at my driver's license very closely, it has my parents' address on it. And I renewed that last year and I really don't want to have to pay again to renew my license since I have a new address. Plus, my father is itchy to have his name removed from my car title (meaning ownership paper often called a pink slip) and he lost the title paper so we can't do that. I really hate my stupid mother right now. I'm sure my father would say something like: Welcome to the Adult World, it sucks.
Post later. Bye!

Born to shop

I went shopping today to check out the latest styles for the Fall season. Why are the most popular shoes the uglist? I couldn't find a single shoe I liked. And what is with the strappy shoes. I hope they are just leftovers from summer. I think some designers get their seasons or regions mixed up. I can tell you right now that very few are going to buy summer sweaters when people drip with sweat and very few are going to buy T-shirts in winter when people walk in knee deep snow. I don't really care what is fashionable in New York or California, I live in the Midwest.

I did find the shirts styles appealing, pants are always boring. I got 2 shirts for my birthday fun. One for if it is hot and one for it is cooler that day. I discovered barhopping that they keep bars cold to help the overdrinkers not puke as much. I even got a little new style sweater that buttons at the cleavage for my Mom's cousin's wedding. Now I have to figure out what to wear with it. Now I have to wash my new clothes. I don't know what they put on new clothing, but it makes me itch. It also tests for shrinkage since I wear lots of cotton clothes. I buy things loose on purpose for that reason. Post later. Bye!

Niece is walking

I talked to my sister today. My niece is walking by herself. I have to take my camera when I go over to do laundry. I am planning on shopping tomorrow. I need gas (the past 2 weeks it has gone up 46 cents to $2.45), groceries, and shop for my birthday.

I have a girls night out with a car rental gal next door the night before my birthday after my Mom's cousin's wedding. I need a new tight shirt, some new jewelry, and I need to consider what to buy for my birthday. The only present I get is from my Mom, $10 if I'm lucky (usually $5). Last year, I received a $1 from my great-aunt, but she died last December. I receive birthday cards from all my siblings, though sometimes I have to remind them my birthday is coming. My oldest niece sends the cutest email cards. Last year, my sister took me out to the new mall with my baby niece. She bought me dinner and we watched a pay per view movie I picked. I guess that counts as a gift.

So, many years ago I started the tradition of buying myself birthday presents. At least I am not in college where I would light a candle on a cupcake, sang Happy Birthday to myself, and blew out the candle. One year a sister sent me flowers when I was in college. Everybody I ran into had to ask where I got the bouquet. When I lived with my brother he gave me a shoe organizer I hung on the door so I can gaze upon the dirt on the bottom of my shoes.

I plan on making my birthday giant cookie instead of buying it. I'll probably take it to work the Friday before. I need to buy paper plates and plastic forks. At work, I traditionally get the "Oh I didn't know it was your birthday" from my coworkers. I mention it at least 20 times the month before. One year my manager got me a bag of cookies I brought with my lunch and a bookmark she crossstiched. A coworker bought me something for my birthday after she saw what the manager gave me. I forgot what it was. One year I brought cake to work to hear my coworkers say "I'm on a diet". And the reason I brought cake was because my sister said I need to be the nice one after I was upset at their demand that I bring treats for my birthday and I told them that this was not elementary school. Only 2 people ate the cake and I was crushed. WHY do I need to be the nice one? So I can keep getting my feelings hurt realizing how little I mean to people. Hey, whatever my coworkers don't eat I can bring to the wedding. I bet my nieces would love a snack, and my cousin's kids too. I better go to bed. Bye!

A nice day

It was very nice today. The people at the State Fair should be pleased. I made ginger snaps again today. No more day camp kids, school is starting soon. I'm told Fall is quite boring with lack of visitors.

Today there was a brief discussion on women in the workplace in the 19th Century. Upper class of course were all housewives. Only poor women worked in factories, laudries, bakeries, seamstresses, hat makers called milliners, and prostitutes. Wives often worked with their husbands as farmers and bookkeepers. The other volunteer said a rich man's fun is a poor man work. Very true.

When I came home to watch TV, I saw phone company workers striking for acceptable contract. Mechanics of an airline are ready to strike, but set a deadline in the future for an acceptable contract. The companies naturally threaten to close down and rebuild in a foreign country where there are no unions lowering their profits. Yes, there are many countries to choose from where child labor is the rule, companies are not punished when workers are injuried or killed, and companies can pay workers next to nothing without any benefits whatsoever. The TV said unions got their start in the 1930's because of The Depression.

Actually, union organization was a long and violent process beginning in the Industrial Revolution after the American Civil War. Industries of iron and coal rapidly grew, railraods were booming, and new inventions like the sewing machine and rubber made life easier for all. Multiple riots all over the country erupted because companies refused to acknowldge any organizations formed by workers when they protested dangerous working conditions and pathetic wages. Workers who did organize were blacklisted so no one would hire them. Protests continued and strikes of workers went into the 20th Century. When governments made unions legal and forced company owners to deal with them occurred in the 1930's. Minimum wage laws, child labor laws, limited work hour week laws, and safety regulations passed by the government forced the companies to deal with the unions even more. States then issued right to work laws that say one does not have to belong to a union to work. Iowa would be one of those states because of all the farmers and lack of dangerous industries. Iowa also has laws that prohibit public employees, like postal workers or teachers, to strike. Many rich company owners deem unions as evil as the devil and some refuse to hire union workers simply because paying people well cuts into profits the company owners live off of. Of course they depend on employee loyalty to boost sagging profits, at least at a couple retail stores I worked at. Yeah, my loyalty to any company depends on how loyal the company is to me. Post later. Bye!

Publisher #4

I sent off my query letter to publisher #4. Perhaps with my whole story on the internet it will create more interest. One can only hope. Post later.m Bye!

The Weight Issue

Every woman in America battles her weight issues every day of her life. Why? Men may ask. Because an ideal standard does not exist. Yes every
woman is either too fat or too thin, there is no middle where a woman is
just right.

Naturally, at 105 pounds I am the envy of women who I work with, except for the mother of 2 who is my size.

Once a coworker cried out how I failed to understand what is like to have people picking on her becauseshe was fat because I was never fat like her. I replied, Oh, you prefer to be called Skinny Minnie, skinny as a stick, skinny butt, beanpole, or
be told you will fly away if you don't eat something. Or have complete
strangers ask you if you are anorexic, or ask when you are you going to
put on weight because you are too skinny, or tell you that you are so
thin because you have a high metabolism. She said, No.

Example: My baby niece. My Mom calls her chunky, which insults my
sister. When I told my coworkers she is gaining a pound or 2 a month,
they freaked. I had to explain that it was normal for a baby aged 1 1/2
to gain a pound a month. They were horrified at the thought of gaining 2
pounds a month. Again I pointed out that they were not growing babies
either. My niece is not fat, she is just right. I love to pinch her
chubby cheeks.

Strangely, when I lived at home my sister obssessed over her weight and
mine. She said once every woman needs to lose weight. I asked if that
meant me too at 95 pounds. She said I could stand to lose 10 pounds. I
exclaimed that if I did that she would have to carry me to the hospital.
She said I was being silly.

Like I said, a woman is either too fat or too skinny, no woman is
allowed to be just right and be happy with herself. Our society forbids
a woman to be happy, she must sacrifice her happiness to make everybody
else happy. If women were happy, we couldn't be called bitches anymore. Post later. Bye!

Another anniversary

My sister's wedding anniversary is tomorrow. I plan an email with
stationary and emoticons. It will be 18 years. My other sister's wedding
anniversary was last Monday, 7th.

I was 11 when she got married and was the junior bridesmaid. That was
1987, the year of bows I call it. One could not go anywhere without
finding every dress in the store with a big bow on the back waist. I
hate bows. Still do. Finding dress shoes without bows on the toes was
hard. And I had a big bow holding my hair up. My dad's cousin French
braided our hair. At least I caught the bouquet to the outrage of older
girls. It was a happy day.

My other sister's wedding I was a bridesmaid at age 22. That was the
year of Empire dresses one barely could breathe in. A former roommate
had the exact same dress for her bridesmaids. That dress I wore again to
be a passenger from Titanic for Halloween. This time my other sister
insisted on everything be professionally done. The professional who
altered my dress did a terrible job and Mom ripped out her stitches to
fix it right. Sometimes Mom is best. Then I spent much time standing on
the kitchen table as Mom pinned the hem up. The hair stylist screwed up
my hairdo, even though during the test trial she did it perfectly. I put
my hair up with a clip my Mom hated because it didn't match my dress. Oh
well. Again I wore plain shoes. Another happy day. Post later.

Customer rapport

I answer a phone call with the usual greeting. He asks who this is, which is often asked by people who dialed a wrong number. I state the company name again. He says"Hey you suppose to build customer rapport, now what is your name!?" Who does this turkey think he is the President of the United States? I give my first name (we never give out last names no matter how many times customers demand it). He says, Hi my name is blah, blah, blah as if I give a shit what his name is as I start tapping my finger on the counter patiently waiting for this jerk to throw me a question. He finally tells me what he wants and answer his question.

You want good customer rapport. Start the conversation with a question and never tell me how to do my job. Plus, never make the mistake that you are my only customer. I assure you, you're not the only customer I have to deal with any given day. Holier than art arrogance does not score brownie points with most people. Post later. Bye!

Questions

Are some people so lonely in the world that they call merchants and
pester them with never ending questions? It is very annoying when I have
customers standing in front of me who badly want my undivided attention
and can not help them until the person hangs up. Post later.

Odd

Can someone please explain why I am getting anonymous comments from
advertisers and the advertiser sends the same comment twice? I am not
going to Texas to buy a car. This is why I have answering machine to
screen phone calls to avoid telemarketers. Do I need screens on my
comments too?

All advertisers who repeatedly place their advertisements on my comments section will be promptly deleted. Post later.

Miscommunication

I order my sandwich requesting nothing on it. This must such a bazzaar
request because often I get asked "Do you want cheese, or tomato, or
pickles, or mustard, or whatever". No! Nothing on it!

This time I place my order with the cook who calls for the register
person. He starts cooking my sandwich. The gal recalls me and goes
through what I ordered before, she has a better memory than I do. I nod
with saying that is correct. I get my sandwich, not checking it was done
right and go back to my counter. My mistake. There is cheese on it. The
gal must have misunderstood my nod. My coworker runs out to smoke when I
come back and then clocks out, so I can't leave to get a new sandwich. I
throw my order in the trash can. Their fries are awful anyway. Looks
like I will just have to be hungry tonight. I have snack chips, but I
wanted more food. Post later. Bye!

Forgotten ring

I realized while typing at work that I was not wearing my ring I had on
earlier today. I recalled I left it in jewelry cleaner at home. It
should be clean after 12 hours of soaking. Hopefully it won't get ruined
by it. Post later. Bye!

Scavenger Hunt

I saw a scavenger hunt in a newspaper for the Iowa State Fair. Here's
the List:
Deep-fried Twinkie 1 point
Chili dog on a stick 1 point
Politician 3 pts.
Potitician on a stick 10 pts.
Camel toe 2 pts.
At least 2 1/2 inches of exposed butt crack 3 pts.
At least 2 1/2 inches of sunburned butt crack
4 pts.
Mullet 1 pt.
Femullet 2 pts.
Baby mullet 5 pts.
Black socks with sandals 2 pts.
Mesh tank top 1 pt.
Moobies 4 pts.
Ginormous boar testicles 3 pts.
Torn NASCAR shirt 2 pts.
Vomit 2 pts.
Blood 3 pts.
Irony 5 pts.
Angst 1 pt.
Food in man's beard 2 pts.
Food in woman's beard 6 pts.
"Eastsider" t-shirt 2 pts.
Cut-offs 1 pt.
Cowboy hat 1 pt.
Red cowboy boots 3 pts.
Sequined leotard 2 pts.
Tan lines 1 pt.
Monkey 5 pts.
Richard Simmons 1 pt.
Condoleezza Rice 5 pts.
Pet in someone's purse 2 pts.
Baby in backpack/frontpack 2 pts.
Carnie 1 pt.
Carnie with mullet 0 pts.
Carnie in dress slacks 3 pts.
Carnie with no pants 8 pts.
Carnie Wilson 6 pts.
Shriner 2 pts.
Shriner knife-fighting a carnie 10 pts.

I have no idea what Moobies are. Comparing Richard Simmons, Condoleezza
Rice, and Carnie Wilson pts. I see we know who is important. I think a
carnie is a carnival ride operator. I am not sure what angst would be.
Any questions what items on list are?

Excitement

We had a bit of excitement at the airport. A foam strip by the revolving
doormat was missing and a lady tripped to break her tooth which caught
on her lip. We saw 2 cops by the lady talking on their walkie talkies
and an army guy taking a report. Her husband was with her too. Their
grandson they came to meet freaked when they were taking her away on a
stretcher. The janitor had to clean some blood off the floor. Then
everything went to normal. I wonder if they will sue the airport for
that. They can.

Sister called

My sister comes home tomorrow. I heard my baby niece in the background.
She loves the water just like my other 3 nieces. I love swimming too,
though not by myself. We must have been fish in a former life. It was
raining there so they couldn't do much. They shall see an art museum
today. Better go. Post later.

Day 4

I was mistaken, my sister is not back from her vacaion. I drove over to
feed the cats, clean the litterboxes, and checked the water. We got 2
days of rain so her sod grass should not require the sprinkler. I came
back home and left a message on her cell phone asking when she is
returning. I obviously wasn't paying attention when she was asking her
favor to housesit.

I have to work tonight, it's my Monday. Post later. Bye!

Home again

I came back from housesitting. I woke up, read the paper, cooked eggs, fed cats, and watched TV. I brushed one cat who badly needed it. I wasn't sure when my sister was coming back so I left about 6PM. After 10PM I left a message on her answering machine asking for her to call me, just to make sure she is back. I know, I'm just like my Mom. I was lazy today. I laid on the couch watching TV all afternoon. Of course the cats needed petting. Even petting both cats at the same time. When my sister had the list of things to do, she added cleaning her house, just all the upstair floors and bathroom sinks. Excuse me, I was not informed I was my sister's personal bitch who does whatever high highness commands. I agreed to watering her lawn, tending her cats, and moving her garbage and recycling bins off the curb. I did not agree to housecleaning. She will have to do it herself. It is raining again so she won't have to water her sod for a while. Post later. Bye!

Butter cow

Every year a local sculptor makes a cow out of butter, called the butter
cow, that is displayed at the Iowa State Fair. She also adds different
figures also made from butter. This year is a sculpture of a tiger and
the golfer Tiger Woods. In this area of the world, that is a great
honor.

Domestic abuse advice

Once an ex-husband shows up at his ex-wife's house with a gun. She and
her mother were shot at as they ran across the street. Her mother was
killed in the street while the ex-wife reached a neighbor to call for
help.

A while ago a woman who had a restraining order against her husband and
fighting a custody battle with him at the same time shot her sons her
ex-husband was the father of and kills herself. Her daughter coming home
with a friend finds the bodies and hysterically runs to the neighbors to
call for help. That girl and her brother are in the care of relatives.
People who knew the mother agree that she just snapped under the stress
of fighting her abusive ex-husband.

Next a woman slams into a tree from her boyfriend hitting her car. She
later dies of her injuries. People described the couple teens in love.

Now more recently an estranged husband hits his wife's minivan and
shoots her, their son, and a man in the van. Amazingly they all survive
being shot in the head and the wife called for help on her cell phone.

Even more recently a man plots to kidnap his girlfriend to scare her,
but hires an accomplice who happens to be an undercover cop. He said he
got the idea from Dr. Phil who said some people need a good scare to
snap them out of their delusions. I don't think he meant kidnapping a
lover who leaves you.

Now a news station feels the need to display advice if you are in an
abusive relationship. An expert said abuse is a learned behavior and
leaving the abuser actually makes the abused more vunerable to attack.
So what does one do in an abusive relationship? The abused must realize
the abuse is not their fault. That's it? That's the advice. Any thoughts
on the subject. I feel more domestic fights are played out in public,
sometimes in front of an audience. Post later. Bye!

Jurors on Jackson case

I heard today that a couple jurors who have book releases about the
Michael Jackson case now claim they believe Mr. Jackson was guilty.
Yeah, sure, after 2 months of silence and a book to be released, I bet
these jurors are really inviting tabloids to pay them for the inside
scoop. No tabloid would pay money to hear a juror say Mr. Jackson is
innocent.

Ya know, if it is illegal for criminals to profit from their crimes and
make a fortune off writing books, interviews on talk shows and radio
shows, and tabloid inside scoops on why they commited their crime, then
it should also be illegal for jurors to profit from high profile cases
and change their stories to fit what people want to hear. Jury duty is
suppose to be a volunteer civic duty to give justice to all people based
on evidence presented, not public opinion polls. Post later. Bye!

Day 2

I have reached day 2 of housesitting at my sister's house. I overslept
for my volunteer position. I ate a granola bar and chugged a pop can on
the way there. They were not upset I was an hour late. I baked
shortbread while the assisstant supervisor cooked a green tomato paste
one eats with meat. I refused a taste of it. Taste of onion and green
tomatos did not appeal to me.

The intern included Have a Nice Life in her farewell so I assume she is
goiing back to college too. The assisstant supervisor was worried I was
not coming next Tuesday, so many are leaving. I assured her I'm not
going back to school so Yes, I will come next Tuesday. When I made it
back, I was covered in sweat and every piece of clothing was soaked. I
put on fresh clothes after a shower.

I did not feel like cooking so I drove out to get some fast food. I
watered the sod in the yard, then watered the tomatos and flowers. Of
course it rains after I do that. I saw the lightening in the pitch black
sky. I am sure it wasn't UFOs. Now I sit in the guest bed again.
Tomorrow I put back the top sheet to guard against cat hair. Post later.
Bye!

Housesitting

I sit in the guest bedroom in the basement of my sister's house about to
turn in. I drove to her house during rush hour traffic. I checked the
full cat food dishes and the litterboxes before I heard a baby cry
upstairs. There is no baby here. It was the tabby cat playing with her
yellow ball. She followed me to the bathroom. I entertained her with
brushing teeth. It is a strange to have cats watch me stuff. I watch
them do cat stuff too. I will have to stop home tomorrow too. I forgot
my dental floss.

I hear them meow upstairs and scampering about. Nocturnal animals sleep
during the day and play at night. I watched one of my sister's movies
she got from a video rental store closing. Man on the Moon with Jim
Carrey was good. I thought Courtney Love acted well in it. She should do
more movies. Jim Carrey acted well too, he can do drama and comedy which
I consider a gift.

I better go now. I'm sleepy. Post later. Bye!

Mother's values

I read a question in the paper with a mother wanting to know how to live
in a million dollar house, live below their means, and instill values
she was brought up into her teen son who wants expensive stuff his
friends have.

Honey, you already have instilled your values when you mortaged a
million house, wear name brand clothing, and host expesive birthday
parties. By the way, you do not need to live in a million dollar house
to have this problem of "But my friends have one."

One way to quickly unspoil a teen is through charity. Organizations have
school supply drives, winter coat drives, Christmas toy drives, food
drives, shoe drives, etc. to collect for items for the needy all year
around, not just at Christmastime.

Another way to unspoil a teen is to use the word "NO". When I worked in a fabric part of a Walmart store, I had a lady ask me for help reading the pattern insturctions for items required. She explained she never sewn anything in her life, but she was going to make a dress for her daughter because her daughter saw it on the the display mannequins. I guess the word no was not in this lady's volcabluary. I told her good luck, the idiot was going to need it.

I know it hard for some parents to be unkind to their children from fear
of scaring them for life. I had no fear of refusing my nieces' many requests because they hate me for 10 minutes and love me again when thye are over it. Emotions are not stagnant. We are still very close. Post later. Bye!

Relief at last

Last night and today I finished editing and transferring my novel called The Hermit onto another blog. I sweated out the last quarter chapters until I'm ready to collapse to get it done before I go housesit for my sister. My sister called over saying they left a lot a food there is no hurry getting there. I turned off my air conditioner from being away.

Then I had to wait for the mail to come to see if my medicine is coming. It takes forever to get here. It came so I can stop being a sour puss from sleepiness. Allergies make one tired as well as sneeze violently. I can finally stop being miserable at last. Post later at my sister's house. Bye!

Creepy

If my Mom complained my grandparents were pack rats never throwing
anything away, I am watching Bewitched and the pot on the show I
recognize from my Mom' cupboard. On the show the pan had matching tea
kettle and canisters. My parents are also pack rats with a house for of
junk. Post later. Bye!

Message for the Princes

I having been reading garbage (tabloids) today from lack of the usual
free newspaper from another car rental. In them, I read the latest of
Princess Diana tell-all books is out. I ask you, Really, How many ways
is there to tell the same story? I don't buy those New Revelations of
The Princess for a minute. I see a gold digger.

The Princes William and Harry are said to been reduced to tears because
of this book asking why the public can't leave their mother alone. If
that is true, then I have 2 words for the princes: She sells.

People will buy anything with The Princess's picture or name on it, even
if the stories attached are lies, all lies, and nothing but lies. It
might help to stop naming things after The Princess, so she can be
forgotten and the insatiable appetite allowed to decline. Forgive me if
I'm insensitive. Post later. Bye!

Job opportunities

2 jobs just opened up here. A car cleaner quit without a nice knowing
you on his last day. I presume he found a better job, nobody said a
single word to me about him quitting. I figured it out when I saw his
employee badge in the boss's drawer (I was putting something away) and
then saw his scheduled crossed off. I'm sure he will never read this,
but, Nice knowing ya OJ.

Then a counter agent next door gave more than 2 weeks notice of her
departure. She owns a cafe with blues music to attend and she wants to
be home to Mom her teens causing trouble left and right. She says her
ex-husband is no help, he gives them whatever they want. I asked if we
could email after she quits, I'm going miss her. She is so much fun to
talk to. Post later. Bye!

The Price of Solitude

I read in the paper an article from a preacher who was contacted by a funeral director to give a customer his dying wish, a funeral. The man months ago chose his casket and the funeral music. He told told the funeral director that he did not exspect anyone to attend the funeral he was planning so carefully, he had no friends. The funeral began with only the funeral director and preacher in attendence. The preacher thought a funeral sermon was unnecessary because they were the only ones to hear it. The funeral director insisted on giving his customer the funeral he paid for. The preacher gave a sermon and the funeral music played on the organ for the deceased. The preacher thought it very sad not have friends to notice your death.

It reminded me of another funeral story I read a while ago. A man dies in a hospital with no family to give a funeral or burial. He mentioned a brother who lived on the other side of the country, but lost contact many years before. Looking inside his wallet, they discovered he was veteran from a war (I forget which one). The hospital called the local veterans group. The veterans of the organization gave the lonely man a funeral complete with flag and Taps on the trumpet. They paid for the tombstone also simply because he was a veteran. I thought that was sweet.

I know someone will mourn my passing whether it's tomorrow or 60 years from now. I have four nieces who light up when I enter a room. When they visit my parents' house they ask why I'm not there, even though they know I live in an apartment. I may not have reliable friends at work, but I'm sure they would miss me. Then, I have my email pals who would mourn me too. I don't think anyone at my volunteer work would notice my absence. I may live a solitary life, but I make up for it with another type of connection to people. I may not get a funeral fit for a queen, but then I don't need one to feel loved. Post later. Bye!

Magic #3

What is with the magic #3? I keep getting phone calls from the exact
same person asking the exact same question to receive the exact same
answer 3 times before they give up. Are people so braindead they can't
remember who they just called?

If you don't like the answer, how about changing the question.

Let the games begin

It is finally here. The absolute worst time to rent car in Des Moines.
This week is the Indianola Balloon Races. Next week is Knoxville Sprint
Car Races. Next week and the week after is the Iowa State Fair. With all
3 events occuring about the same time every year, every year we run out
of cars and so does everybody else.

Today I made a potential customer angry by refusing to make a
reservation for her. She explained she was having difficulty with
renting a car at other car rentals and our reservation operator told her
to call us directly to make a reservation. That did not mean she was
getting a car.

I explained that if we are sold out, then we are sold out and there
isn't much I can do about it. She did not like that answer and demanded
to speak to a manager. I explained I am the only person here. She said
Thank You and hung up.

So if anyone wants a car rental in Des Moines during the coming weeks
and you are told the car rentals are sold out, then have a good reason
handy on why you should get a car above the hundred other people also
needing cars. And do not exspect a dirt cheap price until after Labor
Day in September. College kids need cars to transport their belongings
when the State Fair is over. Post Later. Bye!

Sales tax holiday

No longer working at retail stores, I forgot all about the Sales Tax
Holiday today and yesterday. I read it in the paper just now.

Sales Tax Holiday began as a feeble attempt to boost the economy, much
like those tax rebate checks from the government when Bush first took
office. We had to pay income tax on the money we receive free from the
government so that could be why it was not foolishly spent as hoped.

During the Sales Tax Holiday, clothing and shoe items were sold sales
tax free for 2 days during August to help students go back to school
with supplies. The first holiday was a big hit, but ever since the
excitement dwindled as people realize they are not saving that much.
Sales tax in Iowa is 5%, which means spending $100 only saves you $5 in
sales tax.

I am not sure if the holiday includes the 1% school sales tax supposedly
voted in by residents to fix Des Moines's aging schools. This year the
Des Moines school board has decided to close schools to save money on
upkeep costs making residents wonder what the money from this 1% sales
tax increase was used for. Others blame the failing of consumers to
spend money that was projected at the proposal of this sales tax
increase. Anyway, I have to work so I can't go shop for clothes to save
a buck. Oh, well.
Post later. Bye!

The Extra Mile

I read yesterday an article on customer service.
The problem with going the extra mile to make customers happy is the
extra mile becomes the exspectation. Then when you offer the sun, moon,
and stars to keep a customer satisfied, the customer demands the heavens
too.

Experienced salesclerks know not everyone will be pleased no matter how
hard they try and people who scream they never will shop again return
the next week.

If we kept records for every complaint and compliment we get like this
writer described at her job once, we would need cardboard storage boxes
to hold all the complaints we get. That is why companies have 800
customer service lines and web sites to handle customer problems. The
compliments would only require an evelope. People say nothing when they
are happy, they speak with their dollars. Post later. Bye!

Car wreck

What seemed like an open and shut case of car hitting a tree, pinning
the woman in who later died at the hospital, turned into a disorienting
case of domestic violence for the police.

Witnesses told the police of a car chase down the street and someone hit
the wrecked car twice, then drove off. By the description of the truck
given by witnesses, the police found the boyfriend under his truck and
arrested him for drunk driving in addition to hitting the woman's car. I
think the term is vehicular homicide.

Speaking to neighbors and family, the police discover the couple
behaving like teenagers in love rolling in the grass and talking
outside while he worked on his truck. Neighbors claimed to hear yelling
from their house, but then who doesn't have fights. Her parents said she
just moved in with new boyfriend a few months ago and met him a few
times. She was so happy in love. This car crash was totally unexpected
for her family. The police couldn't figure it out either. Guess
appearances can be deceiving. Post later. Bye!

Even more cute sayings

I saw more cute sayings from catalogs and had to share. If you like these, check out entries Cute sayings, More cute sayings, and Even better cute sayings in my blog.

If you think nobody cares, try missing a few payments.

I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.

If you have nothing good to say, a blank stare usually gets the point
across.

I missed my true calling. I don't know what it was, but this sure ain't
it.

They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

I'm not bald. Heavy thinking burned my hair off.

A clear conscience is a sign of a bad memory.

Why do pyschics have to ask your name?

Money talks...but all mine ever says is good-bye.

Let it snow...someplace else.

It's all fun and games until it starts itching and burning.

Never mind what the cat told you, I'm in charge here. (I made this one up myself)

What? Am I Flypaper for Freaks?

Domestically Disabled.

A good Christmas plague:
Three Wise Women would have...
Asked for directions,
Arrived on time,
Helped deliver the baby,
Cleaned the stable,
Made a casserole,
Brought practical gifts and
There would be Peace on Earth.

I'll post more cute sayings as I find them. Bye!

Letter to the Editor

Today I read a magazine that included an article titled The Deadliest
Drug You Never Heard Of. It was about meth, or ice, or crystal, or
crank, or whatever name you choose to call it. I felt a need to do my
civic duty and inform the magazine that everybody in the Midwest knows
about methamphetamine and its affects. And it ain't from drugged teens
waving glow sticks.

We learn about cheaply made meth from the police who demand stricter
laws on products used to make meth. First was the restrictions and
concerns about a liquid fertilizer that comes in tanks. When tampering
with the nozzle to steal it, it can release a deadly fume.

Next came the news reports of explosions from stupid people trying to
make a quick buck that end up dead in these explosions. I use the word
stupid because anyone who lives in the house or apartment after the meth
lab is cleaned up suffers from poisonous toxins remaining in the floors,
walls, and ceilings. To clean a meth lab requires a plastic body suit
because the fumes from cooking meth are so toxic.

Then the past year, Midwest states are passing laws restricting cold and
allergy medicines used to make meth. So we in the Midwest are very aware
of meth, I told editor.

I concluded with tidbits on huffing, inhaling aerosol can fumes to get
high (see my dusting post) that the editor can place in her magazine.
There are also restrictions on buying aerosol can products, some
requiring indentification to prove one is 18. I thought the editor
needed to know all this to properly inform the public on teens and
drugs.
Post later. Bye!

Allergy Medicine

I am down to my last 4 pills for my allergy medicine and I can't go out
to buy more. When Iowa put in tougher laws to stop the meth makers from
purchasing supplies, our legislature also punished the rest of us who
need those allergy and cold medicines to stay at a functioning level.

When those laws reached the day of enforcement I had no trouble getting
my medicine through the pharmacy. A month later I can't find my medicine
anywhere because the pharmacies decided not to carry so many brands of
meth-used medicines, period. Forced to order it online, I find a slow
mailing service that cost more than my medicine itself.

So I wish to thank all the meth makers for making my life a living hell
at the peak of my allergy misery, ragweed season. I hope you all go to
jail so my life can go back to normal. Post later. Bye!

I don't believe it

I went shopping today to buy my sister an anniversary card and found Halloween candy on the shelf. School has yet to begin and the store is selling Halloween candy.

School starts August 25 here in Des Moines. I see parents buying supplies already. When I worked in retail stores, I called it shoplifting season because the amount of things stolen spiked suddenly during Back to School season. Easter, Right after school lets out, Back to school, and Christmas I considered shoplifting seasons. I am glad I work at a car rental where I don't have to watch for shoplifters anymore.

Not much happening today. I found my brother at my sister's house when I did laundry. I let my sister drive my car to the library because I blocked hers in the driveway. My sister got a new harness for one cat (the other refuses to wear them) and we walked outside. Cat harnesses are too small for her large cat, she has to buy one for a small dog. The baby got up the deck steps and grabbed the edge of the railing to stand up. I applauded her feat and she clapped too, then had to balance herself with the railing. I showed my baby niece how to walk with a shopping cart, instead of pushing it while sitting on the floor. She instantly copied me and walked around the room by herself. She even spun the cart around the go the opposite direction. I had some of my brother-in-law's ice cream cake. That is about it.

Next week I house sit for my sister's vacation to feed her cats. Then I have to decide what to get myself for my birthday coming in September. And then a wedding present for my Mom's cousin. Post later. Bye!

More cute sayings

I noticed on my site meter people reading my cute sayings from catalogs. I shall share some more cute sayings. I bought a ring from one catalog and received 10 catalogs in the mail. Check out the entries Cute sayings, Even more cute sayings, and Even better sayings on my blog. So here it goes:

Mirror, mirror on the wall...What the *#@*! happened?!?

I live in my own little world, but it's ok...they know me here.

What is the speed of dark?

Kitten says to rabbit: You are a strange-looking dog.

I'm not bossy. I just have better ideas.

When you are right, no one remembers. When you are wrong, no one forgets.

Put on your Big-Girl Panties and deal with it.

Discover Widlife. Teach School.

On a clear day, I hear the fish laughing.

Home is where the cat is.

No outfit is complete without dog hair.

Fashion can be bought. Style must be possessed.

Life is too short to wear cheap shoes.

Family is like chocolate, sweet with a few nuts.

Happiness is having a large, loving, close-knit family...in another city. George Burns

A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "Damn...that was fun!"

So this ain't Home Sweet Home...Adjust!

Truly great friends are Hard to find, Difficult to leave, and Impossible to forget.

Do not go where the path my lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The End. Post later. Bye!

Mom's call

Mom called today to tell me she was leaving on her 2 week vacation tomorrow, so if I had something to say to her I better say it now. I told her about seeing my brother yesterday and the cookies I made last week in my sister's fridge. I spoke briefly about the amusement park on Monday. She had to mention my nieces and sister fought over holding the baby niece. Mom will be happy driving in an air conditioned car. Dad doesn't turn on the air in the house until Mom complains her head off how sick she feels on really hot days. My air been on all last month. Over 90 degress I sweat like pig and prefer less humidity for my allergies. Then she had to hang up to pack her clothes. Won't be receiving weekly Mom call for a while. I won't miss them either. Sometimes she can get a little clingy to the point no distance is far enough away from her. Post later. Bye!

Today's events

At my volunteer position, I saw my sister and brother today. I gave them a hug and they each took the other's picture with me in my uniform. Mom's car was broken so she couldn't come. They only stayed a minute and had to go.

After they left, I made ginger snaps while the intern made a raspberry pie. I learned my cookies bake fast. The first cookie sheet was done baking before I had the second sheet ready. The intern made a daisy-like flower with dough on top of the top pie crust. Then she scratched the top crust to look like grass. The intern was a little concerned about having scratches only on one side of the pie. A volunteer said not to worry about it. I know nothing about making pies. It turned out well.

The intern make apple turnovers, chopped apple wrapped in dough and fried in grease. It was very good. I could taste some of the spices I used in my cookies.

I met the new assistant supervisor. She has worked at the museum for a while at different areas of the place. I gladly told her about me. I don't know much about her. I guess I should learn to pester people with questions. I find it irrtating to be constantly be asked questions, like this person doesn't know how to have a regular conversation. Anyway, she mentioned no more kids for her because 2 was enough to raise in a conversation. I think this is long enough. Post later.

Race question

I have noticed on my site meter of people viewing my racism test. I
thought to jot down a few more educated opinions about race.

I think the word race is used to much in our society. I hear of racial
profiling crowds to select people to randomly search for weapons. Well,
Islam is a religion not a race. And not everybody who has black hair
and tan skin is Arabic. I would classify Arabic under language or a
culture, not race.

With that said, I believe race was invented by Europeans in the
Exploration Period to jusify conquering other people. Same goes for
white supremecy idealogy. I have noticed people who claim to hate
whatever group only give emotionally reasons, no logic whatsoever, in
their answers when asked why they hate a certain group.

Another good racism test question would be: Can you handle sitting next
to someone in an airplane
who is different from you for the duration of a flight? I had to sit
next to various people on flights to think of this one.

I ask this question because I have noticed people who are racist to not
like anyone who is not just like them. Racist people don't like diseased
people, handicapped people, different religions, different cultures, or
different body weights in addition to different races. I also noticed
racist people think they are always right and assume everone else thinks
the way they do. Plus insecure to the bone so they feel the need to
control their surroundings and people they associate with.

Another good racism question is: What is your first reaction when you
see 2 people of different races holding hands in public, whether 2
adults or a adult with a child? Personally, I feel nothing because I
grew up with a cousin adopted from Korea so 2 races holding hands does
not shock or disgust me.

Or perhaps, what is your opinion on interracial children? Tiger Woods
claims multiracial hertiage and I think he looks hot. Halle Berry claims
biracial heritage and I think she is beautiful.
Can't think of any more questions. Post later. Bye!

I tried

Sorry I tried to email photos in my post from my cell phone the same way I did for the Tulip Time entry, but this time the photos won't show up on my blog. I have no idea why. Post later. Bye!

Self-portait

Here is a self-portrait of my Cat in the Hat hat that earned me stares
at the amusement park today. I saw lots of people wearing them. When I
found where they were sold I grabbed one. I had to choose between black
or purple, so I chose purple. Can you see why I got stares? Post later.

Amusement Park

I had a great time with 4 nieces, 2 sisters, and 1 brother-in-law at the
local amusement park. One niece fainted and a fish food machine stole my
quarter. Other than that I had a great time. There was a 1 ring circus
with horses and acrobats. One niece helped eat the cotton candy and
stale popcorn I got.

I love roller coasters, rides that flip upside down, and a few kiddie
rides. We had fun until the park kicked everyone out and we had to
leave. My sister's family is staying at my other sister's house tonight.
We all petted the kiddies before bed. Post Later. Bye!