RIP Cousin Tammy

Cousin Tammy died last night. Called my Mom to make sure she knew. I read it on the caring bridge website they had set up. My sister beat me to it. But she neglected the burial part so shared that. She wanted to be cremeted and interred at the family cabin by the lake. Whether that means buried, ashes spread on the grass, or sit in an urn on the fireplace mantle is unclear, but she won't be in a cemetery. They plan a service next spring at the cabin. So sad. Her poor husband is all alone with 2 girls, one an infant, so her parents are staying a while to help out during this adjustment period.

I had a strange dream about Tammy last night as I laid in bed. She was smiling at me surrounded by clouds wearing bright white robes. She whispered a soft good-bye and disappeared. I had the same dream the night before she died too.

Later.

Merry Christmas Eve

Did laundry today and drove over in freezing rain getting there. I wanted my lent movies back. Gave my little niece a cherry flavored candy cane for her xmas gift. She was so happy to get a candy cane she could eat. I joked it tastes like cough syrup. They just finished some cookies when I came so had to sample them.

Get home and put away the groceries. Now Precious is snoring and Frodo is napping in my lap. We got another storm coming so have to wait and see if will make it to Mom's house. I can stay home too if weather is too bad. Later.

Ceiling is leaking again. I called the office for the 3rd time now and I think they are getting tired of my phone calls cuz this time an excuse of how there is so much snow and ice about. Yeah, I lived in my last apartment 5 years and never experienced a leaking ceiling. Guess it is something I better get used to until spring. And another storm is coming our way tomorrow.

Saw Superman today. He rented from my coworker. I saw him standing afar looking nervous at the counter so I picked him out from the 3 flight crowd walking around. I guess I looked too happy to disturb watching Patrick Swayze rob a bank.

Found out why 2 customers were abandoned at the car rental next door Sunday night. Because the closer called in sick so the other worker left when his shift was over. Hell, I would have stayed an extra hour or came in an hour later to close, but as I always say... That's not my problem.

Let's see. Precious tried to jump on a 3 foot snow drift on my balcony and went kerplunk.

Out of things to say. Later.

Oh my goodness

I just got update from my cousin's cancer fight. She is home again with her family. 1st she had a bad reaction to the chemo, then water in her lungs and needing an oxygen tank, and now is lacking protein but good enough to send home after a week in the hospital. They have researched the internet and found a organic diet that could help her.

You probably just want to know why I said oh my goodness. That was polite way of putting it. In the internet journal cousin's sister has been keeping, a nurse told cousin to just go home and enjoy her family before she dies. She has been nursing for 30 years and knows all feeble attempts of survival will fail, just go home and die. Cousin-in-law who is a doctor and cousin is a nurse were shocked this person said that. Cousin's sister naturally encouraged her to fight the cancer, and hey she is well enough to go home.

Anyhow, had to blog that. It is out of my system now.

Nice day

I have a leaky ceiling again, in the same spot as before. Precious had a 23 minute walk today. He hates wet paws. Janitor gave me a xmas gift cuz I am so nice and give so much to people. And then I heard opera like singing and looked around for the singer expecting Luciano Pavarotti and found a teen waiting for his ride with his Dad (I assume). He sang so well I gave him money. Another girl applauded. He danced around in hip hop style and we missed him when he left. You know you are good when a complete stranger hands you money. I told him we don't get much entertainment down here. Then I fret over having enough cars but one gal cancelled and another was on the Do Not Rent List so I had enough cars. Leave work to scrape ice off the car from the freezing rain now frozen. I'm ready for bed. And finally, Precious and Frodo were playing so hard they nearly knocked over two cat towers. I caught them before landing in the water bowl. That would be a very loud boom to the downstairs neighbor.

What a day

I get a boring night...until. Guy comes in to exchange cars. Simple, no. His contract has the wrong car attached to it and the wrong car has been retured to Kansas City. Then the correct car number he has the keys for is on yet on another contract. I wish people would watch what they are doing. I understand mistakes happen but often a headache to fix. Then while cleaning up this mess before I can help customer into his exchanged car, I get a guy on the phone wanting to argue to the death over his prepaid rental. Problem is he came in a day late and wants his money back for the day he didn't have the car. I explain how "we" figure daily charges, but we can not alter prepaid agreements. He must speak to the prepaid company. Oh, he spoke an hour to those people so he thought to scream at me cuz they refused to refund any money. He can scream and fuss and throw a tantrum all f***ing day, I CAN NOT HELP HIM. He finally gives up and I continue with the problem before me. Problem eventually gets fixed enough for me to send my customer on his way.

Then while waiting for my last customer, a lady announces to me she is my last customer (actually she not, but neglect to argue) and hands over her stuff. She is on the Do Not Rent List. How can that be? She has a reservation, why was she allowed to make a reservation and shoves her print out in my face. Because the reservation line and various websites are not hooked up to the Do Not Rent List (anyone can make a reservation but not everyone can get a car). I think the problem was the compnay who owns us also owns 2 other car rentals and they have been combining our computer systems so when one company places her on the list, she gets put on all 3 companies' lists. Gave her the number to call for info. Can't rent to her.

Home again and relaxing with a cup of cocoa watching the kitties play.

Precious wants out

Took Precious outside since he accepted the harness. Two minutes of wet paws, he ran back to the apartment. Hasn't accepted the harness again so he remains inside. Can't go out onto the balcony because it is covered in 3 feet of snow.

Exercise for the day

Spent over an hour digging my car out with rests inside the car, all by myself.

It's dark in here

Poor Precious will not be going out again today.

Home early

Called up the bossman to ask to leave early. All the other counters were leaving at 8:00 so boss and manager agreed I could go. Everything was cancelled anyway. My car washers had trouble driving around so left early to. How can we expect customers to drive out of our lot if my coworkers can't get in. The airport bus that took me to my car got stuck for 5 minutes trying to leave the lot. Had fun getting home. My apartment parking lot was up past my snow boots so must not have been plowed all day. I think I'll stay home tomorrow, after digging my car out with a shovel when the snow plow pushes ton of snow behind it. Well here's some pics of the cats looking out the balcony to give perspective how high the snow is. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, someplace else. Haha. I think I'll stay home my day off. I think I'll stay home tomorrow.

Had a guy call customer service call for a customer stuck in the snow wanting us to drive him out another car. He needs to call roadside assistance for help. There is tow ban so he actually needs the National Guard to come get him cause we and our tow truck company are forbidded to rescue him. And if his highness wants to complain of our bad customer service, he can lodge it at the governor's office.

Chritsmas letter 2009

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. My year started at a Department Store's Men’s Shoes Department ringing up people during nonstop after-holiday sales. We got a big shock when my uncle suddenly died of a heart attack while spending a quiet night at home with my aunt. Frodo developed a habit of pawing my face when the early morning alarm went off. Working long hours, my cats felt neglected and seized any attention they could get. A light at the end of the tunnel came when old coworker said she was leaving for a closed captioning job and I immediately emailed my old manager to get my old job back. Good thing I kept in touch. I was welcomed with open arms and everyone at the airport told me they missed me. A 2 ½ month hiatus luckily failed to destroy my memory so going back to the car rental business was like I never left. When asked about the department store I replied with “It was such a fantasy I came back here” or “It is the type of place where the customers dress better than the employees”. Oh sure we get a 20% discount, but we can’t afford the other 80%. Did my taxes myself for the first time with the complications of cashed bonds and make-up school tuition confusing my brother enough to make me do them.

Dad went back to the hospital to remove yet another cancerous mass from his spine this time and later died of MRSA infection that developed in the incision site. My last trip to see Dad I rubbed lotion into his alligator skin and told him I was getting cable again. I explained my theory of digital TV being a punishment for being poor. With this awful recession, not everyone can afford digital flat screens and DVRs to avoid buying a converter box. Stayed with Mom the week after Dad’s death with my siblings all pitching in to help Mom. My coworkers and my siblings’ coworkers sent flowers to the funeral home. The church was packed so it reassuring my Dad was loved tremendously. My brother’s charity group planted a tree in memory of Dad. My cats Precious and Frodo turned the funeral plants into their own smorgasbord. Soon we had a surprise birthday for my sister. She was surprised and we had a fun afternoon with family and her friends.

To keep up with my make-up artistry, I decided to sell a catalog cosmetics. I changed apartments when they added more fees to the bill I could no longer afford and found a 2 bedroom apartment only 10 minutes away. The cats love the extra space even if they despise the neighbor dogs barking at them. Now I have a guest room for Mom or niece. Mom had an antique auction and then later I took Mom around to the cemeteries on Memorial Day. It was very rainy summer making it cooler than normal, but that’s okay cause the cats need a bath. One of the car rentals left and the airport redistributed the parking lot stalls. Took two nieces to the zoo for a girls day out and stopped at an ice cream parlor. My sister and brother-in-law hosted the annual family reunion at their house with picnic tables in the yard to have it rain and everyone stayed inside in the A/C. Went to an amusement park with sister, brother-in-law, and niece. Had my annual birthday dinner with sister, brother-in-law, and niece at pizza place stopping at a grocery store for cupcakes. Niece wanted to get me a large pink cake, but we were not feeding 30 people so got 6 cupcakes.

Got the car fixed the first time w/out Dad telling me what to say and thought I handled it well. Had to look up words in a dictionary when my head began to swim in sea of how engines work. Had to stop selling catalog cosmetics from lack of customers. Finished editing my 2nd book and started the 3rd book. Now I have a headache. Attended my goddaughter’s confirmation standing by as fairy godmother (or sponsor). Mom had another auction of Dad’s collectibles this time. Then we had good news and bad news. My cousin and cousin-in-law adopted a little girl from Lebanon and then later found out my cousin has cancer. She is fighting like a tiger through her chemo treatments. Spent Thanksgiving at sister's house with the family. I visited Mom while getting my Christmas decorations out of her house and put up her things. This year I will spend Christmas Day at Mom’s house with my brother so Mom is not alone thge first Christmas w/out Dad. So you all have a Merry Little Christmas and Happy New Year.

Seasons Greetings.
Jordan
Precious and Frodo say Meowy Christmas.

What a day

I came to work earlier than normal to have my coworker leave to get a bossman's friend's car to move it. Person parks in an unusual spot so have to page my coworker to return so I can tell her where the car is. Then I get the Queen of Sheba returning a car threatening to never rent from us again cuz the return lot was inconveinent. Whatever. What did her highness expect me to say? Something like, I walk that distance twice a day so cry your river someplace else or perhaps, go over to the company that took our closer stalls and say thanks, or even better, I'm not the one who designed these dinky airport parking lots. Sure I could have informed her that there is large glass booth nobody sees where the airport bus picks up people so she didn't have to walk. But then people complain the busues won't pick them up (but they do drop off people) as if I controlled these people. Later I realized with all this excitement, I forgot to clock in. The rest of the day was much better. If you call continuous paper jams until I desire to shoot the printer better. Now I have a date with a xmas tree. Later.

Yesterday I went to Mom's house to fill up the car with my stuff. I even grabbed my old board games. I forgot I had a old Pac Man game board from a garage sale. I usually despise video games, but as a kid I enjoyed Pac Man trying avoiding ghosts and eating magic pellets at the arcade. I guess I grew up or got frustrated later.

Helped Mom put her decorations up. I won't putting up as many lights to save on the electric bill. Got most stuff up and worked on xmas cards. Today I worked on my xmas letter meaning I read through my web journal (blog for short) to help recall what happened this year. I got through May and started June. Tomorrow I work for a coworker so I will do what I can before leaving. Well, better go. A xmas village is calling me. Later.

More drama

Yesterday started well with a walk outside holding Precious back from jumping into the moving van outside our door. Then a lady comes by with kitten asking if I am missing a cat cuz she found the kitten by itself outside. Nope. I should have said yes to get a free kitten, but Precious was scaring the kitten. He is so intimidating. The kitten was well groomed and well fed so it was not a stray. So lady walked away with the kitten.

So off to work to have a very boring day. Talked to the person leaving the car rentals tomorrow. Why do customers keep asking me how I am doing. I know they don't really want about my day. I know it is a greeting, but still gets on my nerves.

Get home to find my sister's new adoption agency has screwed her out of $1800. Their old adoption agency was bought out by another cuz the old one wasn't getting enough customers. So their paperwork got lost, then they changed caseworkers twice, and since nobody told them to renew a form 6 months ago, they have to start over. And they thought they were about to adopt in the next month. Yes, they have to take and pay for new physicals, new fingerprint backgroud check, new US government gives permission to adopt overseas form, 8 hour online class, and new home study they just had. Plus their new caseworkers are 1000 miles away in another time zone so communication is a little difficult. If their caseworker bothered to tell them this form was about to expire, they could have renewed it at no charge and wouldn't have to start over. So instead of applying to adopt their chosen child this month and pick up in next month, they have to wait 3 months to get the paperwork done, another month to apply to adopt chosen child, and another month to pick him up in China. Oh, and the rates for paperwork went up, plus new rules have been made to keep prospective adoptive parents jumping through hoops like a circle poodle. My sister has been waiting 2 1/2 years to adopt. Poor thing. She tells us this cuz she, like me, has no money to buy xmas gifts this year.

Then talk to Mom about coming to pick up my xmas decorations at her house. She wants know when I'm coming and if I'm staying. I asked if she heard about my sister. Oh yes, this new agency is a big rip off. Mom says she doesn't really need anything for xmas, she is trying to discard stuff not gather more. I said I can put up her xmas decorations while there, less for her to do.

Well, nothing else to report. Later.

Note from a friend

Got a note from a friend announcing how we shall not exchange presents this year and just send cards. I guess she got one of my "I'm not buyng anyone presents cuz I'm broke" emails. If the postage didn't cost more than what was inside I might consider getting a little something for my friends. I made 3 xmas wreaths for a charity. My message was targeted more at my family than friends.

My sister had loud complaint session yesterday with us how she never gets what she asks for and instead she gets crap that some fool thought was cute. You know, our parents taught us children to say Thank You to all gifts and leave it there. Anything we didn't like could be donated to the garage sale or charity later if we had no receipt to exchange it. Nobody remembers gifts received or given, generally speaking.

I have never been rich as a king and have tried to get things on people's list (that were under $50). But I do give poor people and cheap gifts. One year I bought xmas ball ornaments for everybody and painted the family's names on them to hear complaints how they have too many ornaments already. Another year I gave xmas cookies with trail mix and covered pretzels to hear complaints how I gave them junk food. I have given money and gift cards to mild thank yous. Who do these people think I am, Santa Claus?

If I believed my family would be grateful with a thought that counts candy cane or xmas light up pen, I might be giving gifts this year. But all I hear is complaints so I will not go the extra mile to give presents people despise. Not because I'm stingy, but cuz I just can't afford their expectations. Granted I get useless and ugly gifts, but I keep it to myself. This year I will be happy getting anything cuz I can't give back much.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I spent mine at my sister's house with the family. Niece had to remove the xmas tree ornaments to show me and I told her to put them back cuz I can see them just fine. Niece wrestled and climbed on her Daddy and got bumped around a few times to shed tears. Brother-in-law was happy the Dallas Cowboys won. We played a DVD game where you guess actor or movie to the varied clues. Discussed xmas gift lists. I won't be buying any gifts cuz I have no money. Then it was time to go. Gave the hugs and kisses and left. Back home now I'm enjoying my Oreo Cream pie. Yummy.

What a day

Today started usual, then Precious refused his harness so waited a half hour before having our walk. P rushes downstairs to meet a neighbor coming in and P is ready to run into this guy's apartment. I hold him back cuz there is a large and small dog behind the door, I hear them barking. So go out and return to wait for time to pick up niece. Give her birthday present (6 next week) and watch Barbie Swan Lake. We read the book at bedtime. Then after supper, we put up the xmas tree (sister had note to clear space and I interpreted to put it up also). So force niece into hard labor picking up her toys and moving her toy tub and art stuff out of the way. She would pick up 2 stuffed animals and ask if we are done. Pushing the tree upstairs about killed me, but sliding it across the floor wasn't as bad, 9 ft tree. Niece was so excited. We couldn't find the ornaments or lights so let sister worry about that.

Time for bed and read our new books. Sister got new Halloween books from school. Read her birthday book, Are we there yet?, about a family going to an amusement park. Then hugs and kisses good night. Watch grown up programs saved on their DVR. I have panic attack when about 3 vehicles zoom down the street with lights flashing and sirens wailing. My sister hasn't called and very late than usual. 10 minutes I wonder if she has been in a car accident on the way home, but then she calls saying she went shopping after closing up the book fair and about to come home. Ok. I can relax. We chat and then say good bye. I lost a sock and then find it on the floor of my apartment.

Now home cuddling with kitties. I see my cousin has a site to keep family and friends updated on her progress with her chemo. I signed her guest book and looked at the beautiful girls she has. They grow up so fast.

Later.

Beautiful day

Mom had a good auction turnout with 130 bidding on things. After 9 hours, about 10 people were left and they called it quits. Leftover people made their offers of untaken stuff and left. The good stuff went early in the day. Mom is happy.

Found out the new guy at the car rental next door was fired. That was coming so it was no surprise. He was often late, didn't show up for a shift, talked on his cell at the counter, talked back to customers, argued with people, told someone they can't clock out until he is ready to clock in, and charged people extra for things they didn't ask for making them complain. The last straw was a complaint by a privaledged club member complaining about his back talk.

Informed a few people of the auction results and couple didn't realize my father is dead. I am certain I mentioned that when I mentioned the auction the first time around. I'm getting tired of telling people my father's dead, even worse it is the same people.
Later.

Today Mom had 3 children, brother-in-law, sister, and some of Dad's cousins helping her move the auction items to the community center for the collectibles auction tomorrow. My sister had put an ad in the Sunday paper so hopefully we get a good crowd. My chore was picking up my niece after school and bringing her to Grandma's house. Niece was first excited to go, then sad Mom and Dad were so far away, and then didn't want go cuz car trip was so long and boring. I told her she can sleep, which she did. But first my sister forgot something so entered the house to call my sister guessing several places to look. While looking niece wanted to talk to Mommy and then wanted Mommy so badly she was ready for the boring car trip. We get there just as it was getting dark and walked to local restrauant for pizza. Niece wanted ice cream and refused the weird looking pizza (I had 3 pieces). All catch up to one another and a former teacher and his wife said hello. Then went home and talked some more until niece's bedtime. Niece was suddenly starved but only wanted ice cream so she got nothing until she ate non-dessert food, which was oatmeal at bedtime so she got no dessert. I took off and came home. Now off to work tomorrow. Later.

Aaaaaaaaaah!!!

1 shirt I got 2 months ago has 3 holes in it. I go out hoping for a replacement and all I find are stripper clothes and sweaters that feel like pantyhose. I think clothes designers need classes in climate. I did find 1 acceptable shirt in a 1000 sq feet area and a couple sweaters that were warm. Then the shoulders are so tight I can barely squeeze into my new clothes. But, I have no choice cuz the next size up is just fatter in the stomach, not the rest of the shirt. Later.

Woe is me

Another day another paycheck and now I'm broke again. Boo hoo. I finally broke down and asked Mom for money for my new tires and brakes. At least she was willing to give it and didn't have beg too much. It either that or earn interest on my credit card (ok I can rob someone for the money but I prefer to stay out of jail and/or not lose my job). I already announce there will be no Christmas gifts cuz I have no money. One year I baked cookies for everyone and everyone was insulted I gave them junk food. So this year it is "You'll get nothing and like it".

Later. Bye.

Message

I get a message from my brother giving me copies of pamplets to explain why he didn't take communion at my sister's church yesterday. I took it to keep up appearances since I am my confirmed niece's godmother. I replied back that I was annoyed that he could not explain his beliefs from his heart himself and asked not to bore me with what other people had to say. I really don't care what so and so has to say about the proper way to do communion and the wrong ways to do it.

Besides he already explained it wasn't real communion cuz anyone calling themself a Christian could take it instead of real communion where only true beliers who confessed their faith through confirmation (excuse me but I was confirmed for a coat I wanted for xmas) should be allowed to take it.

Later.

Fun at sister's house

Rode to Nebraska squished in a car with my brother, Mom, sister, and niece. Reminds me of childhood vacations w/out the "Stop touching me" arguments children have, we are adults now except the niece enchanted by my portable DVD player plugged into the cigarette lighter. We arrive to eat supper and when digested visit the pool where sister and niece are staying. Another Niece works there at the front desk and grabbed the left behind stuffed animal from their room. I just recalled looking at my pics that I didn't get one of a certain niece. Oh well, she'll survive. Sister of confirmed picks up niece and I from the pool. Sleep with Mom in the couch wondering if Dad came back from the dead when I heard loud snoring, then figured it was someone upstairs.

Woke up bright and early to fight over the bathroom. Breakfast was served at church. Aunt came while I was putting on make-up in the kitchen, where everyone congregated to chitchat. Soon it was time to go. Eat breakfast at church and the confirmed persons show their decorated stoles and recite their Bible verse. Go to the sanctuary and sit down. Service starts and while the confirmed persons read their essay my brother-in-law's father faints. He came to and given juice thinking it was low blood sugar. He resisted going to the hospital, but the family overruled and away he went. Service continued and at the end they took photos.

Then to sister's house for the party. A neighbor came by and brother-in-law left to check on his dad. Nothing was clear with the tests, but he was still dizzy and so will stay overnight in hospital. Took more pics and soon were off.

Home sweet home we go and got dropped off. Took Precious for his walk and returned to snuggle Frodo all alone. Now watching Hocus Pocus. Later, B, P, F.

Announcement from niece

Babysat my niece yesterday. She announced to me that I have a sister named Mommy (Actually I have 2 sisters named Mommy). Then she asked who her nieces are, she has cousins and aunts. I explain she doesn't have nieces, she has to have a brother or sister and when they grow up and have babies like my cousin's wife is having a baby, then you have niece or nephew. She understands she has to grow up first to have a her own niece. Even further, she figures her cousins are my nieces too cuz their Mommy is my sister too. Ah, conversations with almost 6-year-olds are so much fun.

Then my brother-in-law gets a Slepping Beauty costume cuz niece wants to Sleeping Beauty from Halloween. Now she wants to be Ruby from Max and Ruby. But there are no Ruby costumes or even rabbit costumes beyond age 2. My sister buys face paint, but can't find the purple dress Ruby's wears or rabbit ears. I suggested she wears her Sleeping Beauty dress and paint her face like a rabbit, but nieces says no. My poor sister and brother-in-law.

Then my sister looks at pics of potential adoptees and discusses with hubby on the phone that I said they looked like cute kids (I will love anyone they adopt). Her adoption councilor said for a baby they might have to wait another year (they have waited for 2 already) so they said they would take a less than perfect child younger than their daughter. Many defects are minor and can be dealt with like my sister's diabetes or my uncle's deafness. My brother-in-law wants to rush cuz he is tired of all the questions from family and friends, but sister points out they are not buying a house, you can't give back the kid if it doesn't work out. Sister wants to look at the pics together and decide what is best for them as a family, not for everybody else. So hopefully within the next year I will have a niece or nephew.

Later.

Conversation

Had another boring weekend at work as usual. The only excitement was listening to three guys explain someone on the roadside assistance number told them to exchange cars here cuz their car kept stalling. I tried to explain I had no car available to exchange. I asked if they were in town overnight, they could try again tomorrow. Will we pay for their hotel? No. Then they won't be staying here. Call roadside myself and explain the situation. Nobody notified me (and I am it for people at this counter to pick up the phone) that these people were coming or I would have already explained I have nothing available. I have cars needing repairs and oil changes, but nothing I want to send into another state. Roadside called another location and they don't have cars either. Guys give up and pray the car doesn't break down on their way.

Then the new kid at the car rental next door has a confrontation with a customer whose car is broken down 20 miles out of town. Someone told him they would exchange cars for him and someone gave him a ride to the counter. Like me, the new guy was never notified this person was coming and has no car to give him. What does he do now? Somebody told him he would get another car from the counter. New guy doesn't know who told him that and all he can do is return the car. But he can't return a car not present on the property. The customer very upset starts shouting at him and new guy tells him to leave cuz now new guy is PO'ed. Now customer is more upset being cussed at and more shouting comes loud enough for the cop walking by to stop at the counter and ask what the problem is. Eventually guy leaves his keys behind and walks away. I got hear the new guy defend that the actually words in PO are not cuss words. I explained some people outside the big city hood he grew up in believe they are cuss words. In the ghetto he grew up in cuss words are normal. Yes, but this is not the hood or ghetto, and many customers get upset about bad words spoken by sales clerks. We shall how long this guy keeps his job.

Later.

Babysitting niece

Had a fun filled day with niece. First she was napping on the couch so took to mopping her kitchen floor for their adoption home study next week. Oops, I left my mop at my sister's house (I placed it right next to the door). Anyway, she wakes up when I start the water running. She had a lovely dream of playing with her cousins in her backyard. After mopping, we watch the Halloween specials I brought over. She actually picked Charlie Brown before Winnie the Pooh so her Pooh addiction must be over. Then we watched a Christmas Pooh special she had. Then I didn't want to cook so took her out to the car to take her to Wendy's. Then my sister comes home so we stay and have spaghetti for dinner sister cooked. Found out my cousin's wife is pregnant. Then my sister and I and niece in my car go to the book fair at niece's school. Sister was volunteering. We listened to Beverly Hills Chihuahua opening song, niece calls it Chloe's song, in my car to niece's delight. Niece took me to see her classroom and saw her desk and locker. She almost refused to step into the classroom until her teacher started talking to her. Then we went to the book fair and niece picked out a book. She was ready to get a book she already had but we said no. Then back home to read her new book, watched a TV program, and sister came home. Now it is time for bed and time for me to leave.

One the way home, 2 police cars are parked along the road. I sit waiting for traffic to pass to go around. While I'm waiting, cops move around and pray it is not another, "Why are sitting here" situation I've had before. How do you explain to a cop "You are in my way or I wouldn't be sitting here". Sorry I prefer not to crash head on into oncoming traffic. I bet cops wouldn't like that either cuz then the whole street would be blocked. I took off when a short opening came and left the cops behind. Came home and snuggled with kitties. Later.

New kid's 1st emergency

New kid at the car rental next door was typing in a guy's car number and asked for a license. The guy bends over but doesn't come back up. He was on the floor with his head cut and having a heart attack. I get a crazy lady asking for a first aid kit. I get mine thinking someone cut their finger and she screams at me "That's all you have!" She starts yelling at everybody demanding an oxygen mask. Um, oxygen masks are not in first aid kits. I move to other end of the counter to see the guy on the floor and someone doing compressions. New kid is on the phone with our airport book of numbers, but he is not hooked up to the airport line. Call airport operations and look around to see if anyone else is calling. There is a airline guy on his phone. Operations told me he already sent someone for the heart attack. Ok. I go grab my first aid kit back. Two janitors appear. Cop shows up with the defibulator and a recording gives directions then everyone stands back for the shock. He was shocked twice. Other cops show up and Guy comes to. Cops inform everyone paramedics are coming. Paramedics come and take guy away and wife goes with them. Janitor cleans up the blood off the tiles. All this took place in about 5 minutes, it is good to know the airport fire department is so prompt. I get a car return and explained she missed excitement as she looked at the crowd of cops. She replied she saw the fire trucks and wondered if it was safe to come in. Oh, yes it is safe for the rest of us. Ask the new kid if he was alright, first emergency can be a shock for some people. He is fine. He said he was trying to call the paramedics and got put on hold. I told him all he has to do is holler over to me to call Airport Operations. He never wants to do that, he can handle anything by himself. Apparently not in this case. His coworker coming in later says, Next time call 911.

Altercation on walk

Took out Precious for his walk and 2 neighbors' dogs in the distance almost got a dogfight on their hands. Precious was further away so the dogs never noticed him even after he meowed. One large dog on a leash came around the corner and bumped into a little dog not on a leash. Big dog owner holds back his dog and turns the other direction. Little dog owner calls back his dog but the dog ignores him following the big dog leaving. Both dogs go behind a building so can't report anything afterwards, but there much shouting I assume trying to break up the dogs. Then the little dog owner comes back walking down the sidewalk, but no little dog. He then turns around and goes around the corner again. Then two other dogs come out of buildings and Precious decides he had enough of dogs in this courtyard. So since we have front and back doors, he goes in the door to exit out of the other side. Gets to the window of the door, hunches up with fur standing straight up, and takes off upstairs. The big dog lives on the ground floor so assume it is him coming inside. End of our walk. Later.

What the?

I woke up this morning with white stuff falling from the sky. Why is it snowing, it is mid-October? Well it melted by noon.

Today I casually asked a guy why his customer was yelling at him. It is his fault the customer's credit card declined. Well they just charge too much for their cars, that's the problem. Oh she expected a car for free and maybe she will pay for the rental IF she returns it. Exactly.

He goes on how people are stupid buying things they don't need, he never does that. Really? I found he has 3 cars. I ask why he needed 3 cars. To get around. I need to get around and have 1 car. Oh one is his girlfriend's. Can't your girlfriend buy her own car. Oh he just put down a down payment, she pays the rest. Hope he didn't cosign from my coworker's bad experience with his girlfriend defaulting on the loan after they broke up and bank went after him. Oh, they been together for years so she will never leave him. Ok he still hasn't answered my question, Why does he need 3 cars. Oh, he never drives 1. Why does he need a car he doesn't drive. Oh he drives it once a month and not letting go of a Caprice. I finally give up on Mr. Hypercrite. He is not answering my question.

Then I get a severe overreaction from an email pal. She first informs bootleg DVD's are a federal crime. I email back to inform her that I was aware of that, which is why I don't pirate movies among other reasons (I have no money, they don't play on my player, my coworkers get pirated movies from someone else). Well from a guy's dishonest insistance of starting my own bootleg movie business and I keep declining, that he is pirating movies and I need to turn him in to the police before I get arrested for association. I think I have to cut her out cuz she can't stop giving advice and exploding with emotion over the stupidest stuff. I don't know he is bootlegging movies or what he does away from the counter. And I emailed back, my airport is full of cops walking by every 5 minutes. Trust me, they watch suspicious behavior since my airport is very boring to patrol. Hey they caught a drug dealing car rental agent a few years ago after watching her for a while.

Now I'm back home wrapped in a vomited on blanket. Precious puked on my grandma's quilt this morning. Later.

Another day

Well I know the new neighbors smoke in their apartment, my living room, bedroom, and kitchen reek of cigarettes and not before this week. In Iowa we have a new Iowa Smokefree Air Law when you can't smoke inside apartment buildings. Yeah, that is easy to enforce. I keep hearing a baby cry down there too.

I'm borrowing Kill Bill movies from a coworker. I saw the first before only once but never saw the 2nd. Blood spirting everywhere is not my favorite type of movie. He told me what happens Vol. 2. Bill dies and she gets her daughter back. I said I love him when he handed me the DVD's, then said That is temporary of course. He laughed. I watched the first again tonight and will finish tomorrow.

That is all my exciting news for today. Oh, yeah, Precious got chased away by a tiny dog, 1/4 his size. Frodo is bigger than this dog. Precious is no prizewinner and I prefer him that way. But the dog was running up to him barking, no leash but with its owner calling it so he ran to the door and jumped inside. Once certain the dog was gone, he came out to be chased back inside by the loud lawnmower. Poor baby.

Later.

Excitement of the night

Things always happen when you are by yourself.

Get a guy I explain ever so politely that we are sold out this week. What, Am I Joking, That's Impossible, Never Had That Experience Before. No, not joking. Why is it that 3 car rentals have "Cars Available" sign out on their counters and I'm the one who gets harassed for cars. We are not a car dealership where we order new cars from the factory when we run out, we are like an airplane where there is a set number of seats and when they are all reserved, we are sold out.

Then get a guy calling to make a reservation in another state so send him to reservation line. He calls back PO'ed I sent him to the wrong company's line. He wanted (said company) not (my company). Um sir, I begin, This is (my company), Did you need (said company)'s number. Usually I don't give out the competition's number since I am not a telephone operator, but to get him off the phone I will make an exception. Oh he called the wrong number he says and hangs up. Yes he did.

Had a guy rent a car and when he arrived at his destination, the door won't shut. Is anything blocking it. Nope. Ok, let me see what I can do, you want to exchange cars. Yes. Call tow truck company and inform them to park in the return lot, not in front of the airport cuz the cops get real bitchy about that. Take the exchange car in a gated lot to the return lot. Then when he returns I go to the locked up wash bay and open the gate. I left a note for manager saying I can't wait to see the owner's face when he finds yet another car needs fixing (when we are short on cars). Then said, Oh wait that would be you. I've got my exercise for the day. While I was out there I put on a new registration sticker on a returned car. My car washers seem to refuse to do this chore though unsure why. It takes 2 seconds and no heavy lifting.

Had a gal say I was mighty chipper for so late of night. I'm going home in an hour and 20 minutes so yes, I'm chipper.

And finally I get a customer returning his car in another's company spot in the wrong lot. So had to move it so the other company's morning people didn't tow it away.

Later.

Today's aventure

My excitement of the day was taking my car to the shop for new brake pads and rotors, something greased, and something smoothed. And rear brakes whatever was done, I'll say fixed. When the guy was explaining what they did I wanted to reply "I have no idea what you just said", but instead nodded with a smile and paid the bill. Plus my muffler will need replacing in the next few months. Ain't life wonderful now? With new tires and practically new brakes it feels weird driving my car. Later.

New tires

Got new tires on my car and my oil changed at an Express service place recommended by a friend at work. The lady I first spoke to I asked to also check the brakes from shaking that comes and goes. In a terse manner she explained they don't do brake work here. OK, apparently she didn't go to mechanic school where she could decipher the cause of car issues by simply looking at the damn engine. She then told me the brake pads get wet from rain and stick like that to make it shake and nothing to worry about, just dry out the brake pads. How does one dry out brake pads? Then she looked behind the front wheel to explain my rotors were fine and she can't see the brake pads from outside the car (Duh, I knew that part though friend later said you can see them from the front with the hood down). Everything with brakes are fine. Well, when you pop the hood to change the oil can you just look at the brake pads? Now she is ready to give me new wipers (don't need them), a new air filter, (no idea what that is), and oil filters (self-explanatory). So ordered new tires and an oil change with new air filter if needed and oil filters if needed. Go shopping inside and hear my name over the PA.

The bill was awful cheap for new tires and oil change. Then I had to argue about the tires cuz they didn't want to put them on, it will take an hour or two. I got time, put them on, I can make an appointment to get them replaced next week if I must. All 4 replaced? Yes, they are 9 years and 7 months old, look like crap, I will pay and wait to have them replaced. Ok, pushy customer riff works with these retards. Ok, check to see what tires my car needs and ask what kind do I want. The cheapest?? Don't have them. OK, next cheapest. Have 9 in stock. How many tires do I want. 4, if they have them. 4, I want 4 tires? Ok, the guy stops arguing and gives me what I'm demanding. My driving is quite smoother with new tires and it only took half hour change them.

According to the bill they checked the lights and swept the front floor. Looks a little weird with the rest all dirty but whatever. Went to sister's for laundry and recite my experience. Sister said she doesn't have many good experiences either. Friend said the shaking and occasional squeak is the brake pads or boots or whatever needs replacing and it is going to be expensive. Great another mechanic trip. You think it is my lack of knowledge or the mechanic's customer service with someone w/out knowledge makes every trip to mechanics make me have no desire to return. The only good experience I've had was with 2nd cousin, I explain my issue or recite what Dad said to have done and Viola!, he fixed it w/out more discussion. Maybe I'll call him about the brakes.

Later.

Dr Phil quote

I watching Dr Phil on Oprah and running through his famous quotes one stuck out in my mind. He said he wished every abused person in the country would stand up to their abusers and say So you had a bad childhood, get over it; if you need therapy, get it; just get off my ass.

Very good thought, but it is practical when your mother is smashing your face against the kitchen table until you collapse unconscious on the floor with blood gushing out of your nose. And why did she do that. She can't remember but I must have done something to make her mad.

Later.

Sleepover

Niece and I had a sleepover. They found missing cat last week, spent 4 nights outside under the deck. She meowed while they were outside. She was dirty but fine and hungry. Niece was ready with her bag packed and had to take out everything to show me what she packed. Said good bye to Mommy and Daddy. Off to a store for their charity event. Bring used clothes in to receive coupons to get 30% off your purchase. I bought an outfit for my niece and myself, all on sale. Some of my clothes are getting holes in them so I do need a few new clothes. Then off to the grocery store. Watched a movie after supper and went to bed. Read stories and Precious tries to cuddle with neice but she pulls away. Then Frodo jumps on the bed. For someone excited over my cats she doesn't pet them much or want to snuggle with them.

Next morning we take Precious outside, eat lunch, and pick up before leaving. Watch movies until Mommy comes home. Show off the new outfit, Mommy approves. Tell all we did and finish laundry. Time to go. Back home cuddling with cats. I'm gone a few hours and they are starving for attention. Later.

What a day

I woke up to hammers and electric saw wondering what the neighbors below me did to the apartment. Precious had to investigate and saw they were working in the master bedroom.

Go to work and come back home to discover Patrick Swayze had passed. Everyone I know is depressed.

RIP Patrick Swayze. He sailed into our hearts and out into eternity.

Later.

Woe is me

I wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed, take Precious for a walk, and thought I was having a good day Wrong!I just wanted a drink of pop when the cafeteria cup lid flew off causing me to suddenly squeeze it and tipping it enough to spill all over the counter. Went through a bunch of paper towels and drenched the printer. It is now broken. Then had to borrow from my coworker to get a refill cuz I had 2 inches left. Even better I stand forever cuz my chair got wet.

And then the icing on the cake. I'm told I have to rent from the far lot where we return cars cuz we have too many customers coming in after the car washers leave. Let the whining begin. Why do I get punished going to a faraway lot, why can't you bring it to the door, why can't I have a car in near lot, what's wrong with you people don't you know anything about customer service, what happens if I can't start the engine I have to walk all the way back here.

And next, I miss Mira Sorvino. Her husband rented a car from the car rental next door but I was too busy to notice her walking around. Darn it. Back home again ready for bed. Later.

Adventures of the day

Talked to a janitor today as he picked up the trash. He commented how chatty I am since most people are so quiet. I almost apologized for being too friendly.

Had a prisoner transfer cop picking up his car and asked where the jail was. Never been there so I don't know. He complimented me on that. I commented how that would be a question for my coworkers. Oh, where are they. They're gone, probably at the bar. He said I had a nice sense of humor. At least he got the joke. A friend said a few days ago a group of 6 cops brought in a guy arrested in Denver for a murder he commited here. I think it was on the news.

Gave Precious full body massage and scratching, talk about needy. He must over his flea med trauma where he ran away from me all day. Frodo can't handle that much handling, scratch on the neck is satisfactory.

Learn a new thing. If you dream about snakes you have a man in your life and if it dies the relationship will end. Never dreamed about snakes, not even when I thought I was getting married. And no I don't miss My Favorite Martian.

Well, later.

Is there a contest?

Is there a contest to be my worst customer and get on my blog. I noticed customers are nastier than usual and Labor Day is over.

On Labor Day, I was tempted to call security for car rental next door from all the screaming at the car rental agent going on. One customer started shouting at someone in their backroom to help the solo agent at the counter. A car washer is not qualified to rent cars, he was picking up his paycheck in the backroom after dropping keys off and heading back outside to wash more cars. The people standing in line are welcome to drive filthy cars covered in spilled drinks and food crumbs, it will give them something else to complain about. I think a manager outside came in to help him shorten his line.

This week I get 3 people complaining about the their cars smelling like smoke. They thought Iowa Law says you can't smoke in rental cars. What would you like me to do, handcuff myself to every customer to make sure they don't smoke in it? We can't control what customers do in their cars. We have drug runners and bank robbers rent our cars, you really think we approve of that. Even if we threaten with fees if the car smells like cigarettes, people will complain they shouldn't have to pay it cuz the prior renter or one of our car washers smoked in it, it wasn't them. People think they shouldn't have to pay for damage someone else caused or pay for parking tickets. Plus with the recession, we have been buying used cars to save money so any car could have been smoked in before we got it. How do you expect to get that cigarette smell out of the upholstery? We have air freshner but it only lasts so long.

Had one guy demand to look at his car before I rent it to him. Sure, here's the key to check it out. I trust him with keys? I had his credit card and club info, he wasn't getting a free car if he took off. Ok. Comes back displeased. There are scatches all over (this ain't a car dealership), trunk not big enough, reeks of smoke, blah blah blah whatever. Next he demands his credit card back cause my lowest mileage car wasn't good enough and he don't want to hear my excuses. Cancel his reservation cuz he's going to our competition instead. Gave back his stuff to His Highness and said Have A Good Day. I am not allowed to use 4-letter words at my customers.
Later.

I hate people

I am hating people today, well, this past week. What part of I'm broke, I don't have money for rent do these f**kers fail to comprehend.One jerk keeps trying to sell me on bootleg DVDs. Recorded movies don't play on my player. Oh, buy a new one that does play them. I tell him I have no money and he recommends starting my own bootleg DVD business. I try again to explain I have no money and I prefer to stay out of jail. Oh his friend has been bootlegging movies for years and never got caught so I won't either. I finally have to walk away and stop talking to him.

Then another friend thinks I need to start drinking alcohol cuz that's just normal, what is wrong with. I have no money for rent, I have no business spending what little I have on beer. My Mom will not support a drinking habit when I ask for money to buy new tires. Maybe her Mom will, but mine won't.

Then a b***h at work tries to help me out by buying a ton of stuff, with every intention of returning it and get her money back. She is not helping me, she is hurting me. What part of I have to quit, therefore don't buy stuff you don't want, did she not understand. Now I have to zero out my account because of her before I leave, by buying stuff I can't afford cuz no one else is. God what a headache.

I AM BROKE. I know it is hard for some people to accept but deal with it, cause I have to. Stop giving advice and stop helping me.

Happy Birthday to Me

I got a card from Mom an an aunt so far.

Quite a day

Took Frodo to the vet. Thank God no dogs were there waiting. One came out and owner paid the bill, but didn't get too close to Frodo. He started panting in fear in the car. He stayed in his carrier through the brief inspection and shots. Vet nurse scruffed him calling him Mr. Baggins. They had the weight of the carrier on history form so vet nurse joked how he must be a difficult patient. He lost a half pound. Big surprise since had to cut back on the food from Precious overweightness. Now they think Frodo could loose some weight too. That was new. Then we went home and both cats hid under the beds. Torture is over until next year. Now Precious keeps growling at Frodo. Poor Frodo. He hid under a chair when I came back from work.

More adventure at work. A flight got cancelled so 2 less cars I have to cough up. Taking a poll at work on new tire cost. I broke down and informed Mom I will be begging for money in the future for my tires. I'm so lost without Dad when it comes to car maintainence cuz he took care of it and I let him. I even thought of visiting Mom my days off to grab stuff out of her closets since I have more space.

Found out one of the managers quit. I thought my coworker was joking, she's the manager why would she quit. Got email from other manager and it is no joke. Argument with the owner and she split. I thought we were to give 2 weeks notice when quitting. I had to when I went to work for Dillard's. I doubt she has a another job lined up and she has 2 teenage kids. Crazy is what I call it.

I guess a single coworker has a new girlfriend. Woe is me. Everybody but me finds love. They are going on a trip so our coworkers will see her. I asked if we will be saying, What's she doing with him. He laughed. He says she's pretty so we probably will.

Then while working I realized, I forgot to pay my rent. Darn it. I walked over to the office in the dark and wet grass to put it in the night slot. Got my pants wet too. Did it rain today.


Nothing else to report.

wet kitty

Rained all day though it stopped long enough for a walk, then it starts up again. Got a couple wet kitties relaxing on the soaking wet balcony.

Get to babysit tomorrow. Sister forgot to list me as emergency pick up person so have to go to her neighbor's house to pick up niece. Just hear some scratching in the wall, perhaps a mouse.

Coworker made the joke from my make-up today that the new guy quit and isn't there to impress anymore. Haha.

Got the experience of a man in the Ladies room. He was talking to himself and had ugly shoes so guessing an Alzheimer's patient who can't read. I double checked that I was in the Ladies room. Yes, sanitary napkin machine present and no urinals so I was in the Ladies room.

Kindergarten starts for my niece today. I bet she talks my ears off about it. Well, later.

New license

Got my driver's license today. Had a short wait and glad I don't live in Florida where a friend once lived. She waited for hours to have a clerk who didn't speak English refuse to renew her license cuz she didn't have a green card. She tried to explain U.S. citizens don't need green cards to work, but like I said the clerk didn't speak English. So she had to go to another city to get it renewed. I tried to look good for the pic. Then went shopping and back home. I baked some brownies and remembered my niece start school soon. She is so excited she can't wait. Ah, kindergarten. Later.

Up the creek

In the words of Jake in the Blues Brothers, You're up sh** creek. I am indeed. My next rent check will wipe out my life savings. I have been living on savings for over a year and now I get to be broke. And my car needs new tires and an oil change.

Which is worse: Losing your job or having your paycheck cut so badly you have to move into your parents' house, in my case mother's house?

I started selecting movies, books, and cd's to sell to a 2nd hand book store. Friends are eager to buy once I explained I am watching movies one last before I sell them. I plan to call mom about placing my Barbie collection in her next auction. I kept them in original boxes, though less than 10 years old. Here's hoping.

The only problem is waking up my family and friends from their fantasies of who I should be. I should always smile and be happy, I should have a ton of money saved up so I can buy whatever I want w/out any husband or child spending my hard earned money, and I should get drunk at bars every night sleeping with anyone who will have me. Sorry, that's not the reality I'm dealing all by myself.

I know nobody wants to hear about my problems, they just want the good stuff. I am not trying not cry about it even though selling my collections breaks my heart cuz nobody is going to tell me I'll get through this recession and life will go back to normal again. I'm counting on that. Later.

Long walk

Let's see, took out Precious and let him wander further than before, found another pool, and returning back, I got lost in the dark. Wandered the opposite direction we came from and found the traffic outside my door. But the building I thought was my apartment was a store. Shit, where am I. Ok, we are on street and people keep driving in. Ah, 2nd entrance so looked for something further while Precious is panting and refusing to move. Found the office I deliver my rent checks to. I know exactly where I am. Carry Precious wanting to go the opposite direction and instead of crossing the courtyard making less steps, he wants the sidewalk. Walked half the way before he needed rest. 20 feet from the door, I carried him. He ran upstairs and relaxed on the balcony. Frodo was frantic cuz our walk was an extra 20 minutes. Ok, won't be going that far again.

Book trip

Took Dad's 6 boxes pop culture books and VHS tapes to a 2nd hand book store. 5 people were ahead of me so looked around. I should avoid this store in the future. I picked out a book, DVD, CD for myself and a book for my niece. I got $1 per book so sent that to Mom. Sister Sylvia went on her Iowa City book trip. The guy was so happy to get Dad's books, many of Nazis and the Holocaust. Niece Annika wasn't home when I arived for laundry. She was at the State Fair with Daddy. They arrived just as I was leaving so niece runs outside to catch me crying like crazy she was about to miss me. I gave a hug and kisses to make her better. She was covered in tattoos. Well, better go to work.

New trick

Caught Frodo chasing his tail and capturing it. I thought only dogs did that. So got on floor and played with cat toys until he was exhausted. Now he is napping so comfortably.

New poem

As expected I write poems for lost loves so this one is befitting to dear old Daddy. Though I did write this one for my book of a wife missing her sailor husband, the point of the poem is someone is missing. It took a while to make it rhyme. Enjoy.

Untitled poem by Jordan Harvey

I dance to no music because the song is in my heart
It whispers a faint melody over mountains and streams
I sing to no music because it plays through the trees
Floating in the breeze in the forest of dreams
I tap a beat to create a sweet symphony
To soar over the sea enchanting every sun ray
I hum without rhythm because it echoes in my soul
It rides upon feathers and stars guiding the way
I pray for hope, for warmth, and for light
And all the resons we alone bide the cold night

Better day

Had a better day when the computers came back up when I wasn't there so I missed out on the inch thick papers of returns and manual rentals. My coworker who is suppose to leave before I come in is still there doing paperwork. Talk about someone who can't leave things unfinished. My night coworker finished the few papers left and insisted he do them himself so he didn't get bored. Okay, I will watch my movies. Busy answering the phone and explaining we are sold out. I got people excited about the mineral make-up kit I'm getting from my catalog selling attempt. I hope someone buys something soon cuz it is costing me more money thatn I am selling. I expected this at first as people get use to the idea, but I need to sell or I need to quit.

Talked to sister about Dad's books. My niece wants one but we don't know which box it is in. I can hold on selling them for her. Then I get a message she changed her mine and sorry for bothering me. I said it was okay because Mom is selling things awful fast and brains are trying to keep up deciding what we want to keep.

Took Precious out for a walk and talked to one of my neighbors. It just rained so mud is everywhere. Fortunately he walks around it.
Nothing else to report. Later.

I'm in hell

Today I come in to work to find the computers are down all day and will be until tomorrow. The only one to receive notice was the bossman who probably assumed the rest of us received it too since he failed to relay the message. So we have no reservation manifest to know what we need to have, what will be returned, and if anyone is on a delayed flight. I hope nobody wants to pay in cash cuz I can't look up their total. The problems you will have with important changes are with the ones you don't tell. At least no one has in yelled in face about it. They are welcome to the customer complaint line.

Had adventure yesterday but not the one I planned. Sister explained further that today we load up the cars with books to get rid of and go to bookstore next week. Problem for my side is that my sister intended to leave for 8 in the morning on that day. I get off at midnight so that will be too hard for me to do. I thought we were loading at Mom's and then bookstore from there. No.

So started packing up boxes we brought from sister's house and niece watched movies. I got choked up from the dust (bad Daddy) so sister cleaned them off and I help separated. We separated historical and political for the history book store and then popular themes for the half price book store, and then books for Planned Parenthood book sales. I tossed the college books I told them to toss when they were cleaning out the garages, but they were still there. My college books are 13 years old so I presume nobody will want them for their classes and I'm never going to need/read them again. Why Mom clings on worthless junk nobody wants and yet tosses/sells away Dad's collectibles worth something without a care is beyond me.

We saw kitchen addition and work on the patio. I knew they added a stoop for the new pretty kitchen door, but didn't know they didn't remove the cement steps we had before. It looks a little weird. Even more strange is the outside is done and looks strange against the rest of the house with paint peeling. The new inside has the windows removed so unsure how much more now interior wall they will remove. Showed Niece the square nails in the old wall. Those we made by a black smith, round nails that came later were mass produced by rods that are cut into nails so those are round. Dad mentioned that once.

Had supper and Niece got upset she didn't get dessert. New rule is when she looses her glasses, she doesn't get dessert until they are found. I guess she whips them off and places them where she can't remember. Which makes sense since she couldn't remember I went to Adventureland with them last week. Sister couldn't remember that either. It was last Friday. So I loaded books into the cars. I get the half price store job. Niece was sad we had to leave, but I will see her today. They got 4 tickets for the Iowa Cubs game tonight. I never been there before.

Praise the Lord

They finally got the return lot signs up. Took them long enough. Though some parking stalls have no company sign on them. I guess that means anyone can park there. I can stop telling people to follow other company signs to find our stalls in the same lot.

Helped a gal with her crossword puzzle. It took me an hour to remember the allies conference in WWII, but I remembered the place. Yalta. A history major should know the answer to that.

Only one person bit my head off over a fee she didn't wish to pay. Sorry, can't remove fees just because the customer doesn't like them. (Tip: Sexy or sweet smiles with coy sweet talk only work on the opposite sex, though not always) Talk to the manager. Later.

Usual day

Brother came over to put together my dresser, relaxed on the couch, and then went home. I thought he at least spend the night, he lives 2 hours away. Poor Frodo hid under the bed the whole time. He is terrified of anything bigger than him.Had a usual day at work making people mad at me. It goes with the territory when everybody is sold out of cars. Lots going on from car races, Junior Olympics, State Fair, and balloon races occuring about the same time. Heard people screaming at other counters. One lady actually screeched "You people don't know anything!" We know we will call security if you don't leave. Had a few people tell me they had a reservation and demanded I honor it but had no reservation number and their name did not appear in the computer. Sorry, I technically owe them nothing when I have no cars to give them.
I have not heard the result of the Michael Jackson figure in butter controversy at the Iowa State Fair. Oh well.
Well, nothing else to report.

Weekend update

Yesterday had a lovely time at Adventureland and today I am 10 minutes late for work trying to figure out where I'm suppose to park. The airport people changing have been working on it for 3 days now and still are not finished, and work weekends. Lazy bums. On a better note, there a few new janitors and one is a little cute. I know I have a pathetic love life that goes no place.

I heard something amusing the other day on a talk show. The host gets a lot of mail on customer service is so bad nowadays. Yeah, I bet these are the same people who think they know how to do my job better than me and expect me to magical produce anything they want. Bad customer service? How about, I'm not a genie and don't get paid enough to deal with your garbage talk.

Took Precious today and now he wants another. I swear he would an outdoor cat if I owned a house. Earlier he got spooked by 2 dogs barking at him.

Later.

Got my dresser

Got my dresser in my apartment finally. Now have to wait for brother to put it back together since he took it apart.

Uncle and cousin brought over the pieces in 3 trips. Had to lock up Precious to keep from escaping and Frodo hid under the bed. The middle mirror I couldn't even lift so had to measure to see if I need to move a picture from the wall. I think it will fit without moving my picture. They put it right where I wanted it and inserted the drawers.

Talk to sister and we are going to an amusement park tomorrow. She didn't say if brother-in-law would be coming or not so if he doesn't we have to take turns with the roller coasters. Can't leave a 5 year old alone and she is too short to ride. Tell ya all about tomorrow. When we come back I'll do laundry at her house. Niece is excited to start Kindergarten in the Fall. She thought she should start on her 5th birthday last Fall and sad when told she has to wait. She is tenting with Daddy tonight in the backyard while Mommy stays in the warm house. I wish it would quit raining so we can keep wearing our shorts instead dragging out the sweatpants and jeans tucked away in our winter storage. It was 74 today and I'm wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. It is too warm for a heater and too cold for A/C. I want to go swimming but every day off is too cold. Darn Mother Nature.

While walking Precious today I had 2 girls and 1 boy so excited to pet a cat and ready to move in with me. I said they pet Precious while we are outside. After 15 minutes their father was calling for them and ran back to their apartment.
Nothing else to report.

Quick on the draw

Today I come in to discover our return lot stalls have another company name on them or no company on them, but the sign directing customers to the correct return lots has not been changed. Whereas, our customers can't figure out where to park their cars. I tell them all day to park anywhere. They are to change the stall signs on Saturday when the lease runs out and stall assignments change, but they want to be quick on the draw and not complete the job in one day.

Another trifle to deal today with was people calling in sick and my single coworker working the counter is my car washer as well. I actually asked him to wait before returning outside once so I could use the rest room. Flights keep landing so was afraid to leave.

My aunt called at work to tell me they are bringing my dresser tomorrow, 5:30. Hooray!

First walk

Frodo had his first walk in the new apartment. I didn't think was going to make it all the way to the door from a dog barking but he did and I had to run upstairs to grab his harness when he stepped outside. Then it was either twisted or Frodo put on weight cuz I had to loosen it. It was twisted. We spent our hour laying in the grass and Precious wandered a little but came back to Frodo who was completely petrified. Then time to go in and Precious wanted to explore the whole courtyard. Too late. Then had to drag Frodo back in (good thing he was harnessed cuz I was scratched picking him up). Once inside he was ready to go home. Later.

The Happenings

Today I talked to Mom. She is has ordered their tombstone. They are suppose to be sending a picture of what it will look like. Slowly but surely they are tossing the garbage and deciding what to do with hazardous waste in grandpa's basement, like 15 year old turpentine in a peanut butter jar, etc.

Saw the Harry Potter #6 with my sister. My niece from Nebraska babysitted my local niece while we were gone. My local niece told me my Nebraska niece is her cousin. Yes she is, I said. New word for her. A while ago she discovered her mom has sisters and a brother and once we were little like her. Though she still can't understand why she is not in pictures taken before she was born.

Well, nothing else to report.

Knock on the door

Had a knock on the door just now loud enough to wake the dead. There is man asking if I was playing loud music. No. I was watching a nature show on Yellowstone and thought I turned the volume down enough not to disturb the neighbors, I can barely hear it standing at the door. Then Precious has to investigate and I try to hold him back. Man asks if I heard music below me. No, didn't hear any loud music tonight and Precious escapes. Man goes back to his apartment and catch Precious.

I only play loud music in my car, except when cats or nieces are in the car. Cats can't handle loud noises and freak every time the garbage truck comes by. Later.

Family picnic

Had our Mom's sisters and cousins family picnic at my sister' house. They got the picnic tables my Dad made when my parents hosted the annual picnic, and it rains so spent the day inside in the A/C. I brought my portable badmitten set and never took it out. Had a full house. I made macaroni and cheese. Mom got a cake for her 70th birthday. I thought it strange my aunt didn't get one since her birthday is the same day (7 years apart). But it is Mom's 70th that is more special.

Left to see Public Enemies (love that Johnny Depp though Christian Bale was cute too). Johnny Depp is John Dillinger and Christian Bale is the lawman sent to catch him. I thought it equal to Mark Harmon's Dillinger. I showed up during the previews and the theater was full so had to sit in the 2nd row, my neck stills hurts. I was so close that I could see their make-up, pores, and missed hairs when shaving that morning. How often do I get the opportunity to get that close to a star?

Came home and discovering Precious is quiet the escape artist. He wants his daily walk and I keep carrying large objects making me open the door wider. Bad cat. Well, better go. Later.

Zoo trip

Took my nieces to the zoo yesterday. I was the evil aunt allowing one niece to drink pop on more than one occasion. Other niece had pop and lemonade. One niece fed the goats while the other fed the fish. We saw part of the bird show and watched river otters get fed. River otters had a fishicicle with fish frozen in a large ice cube to make them work for their food. One niece enjoyed watching the otters swimming for so long that we finally had to say "Bye" and walk away to make her come.The train was derailed so we couldn't do that. I had money for one person to do the camel ride so younger niece was it. Got a pic on my cell. After the zoo we visited the gift shop and let them have 1 large item or 2 small items (depending on the price). I grabbed 2 stuffed animals and older niece cried foul. Yeah, it is my money so I'll get whatever I want. Harsh reality, but true. Each got a stuffed animal. Next we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Finally we went home and tried to beat the rain cuz my back seat in booster seat niece wouldn't be able to shut the window I opened. My sister was displeased I let my niece have yet another stuffed animal and let her drink a bottle of pop. She just donated a bunch of stuffed animals to charity and hates it when I let her drink pop.

After supper, we headed for grandma's house to empty out stuff for the furniture and junk pick up, Saturday I think. People were driving around in trucks looking for free stuff. One took the mattress and another took a rusty cart, but later brought the cart back. I showed everyone where I carved my name in a tree, it is still there after 21 years. Grabbed grandma'a sheets, pillows, and blankets for my bed. Had brother inspect the dresser, it is in 2 pieces, the mirrors are one piece with the outer ones on hinges and the dresser is another piece. There is a date on the mirror, Mar 1922. Not officially antique (100 years) but still old. Brother says rusty screws come out real easy. Now we need a 2nd person for lifting. I tried to lift my end of a couch and not strong enough so older niece had to help me. Proof I am not as strong as sister thinks. Then older niece wanted a picture she saw and then had to show it to younger niece. Huge crying fit from younger niece over wanting the picture. Older niece saw it first so it is hers. Mom let younger niece have a picture in her house, one my grandma painted.

Back home and took Precious for an hour walk in the dark and later rain, dragging him back inside. We only ran into 1 dog so that was good.

Heart broken

My friends at work are heart broken that the new guy at work is engaged. I think they get too excited about any new guy in the airport. I just PO'ed he lied to me. I asked him directly if he had a girlfriend, wife, woman and he said he had no woman in his life. Then he tells 2 others he is engaged. That bastard. It wasn't like I was asking him out, I was just getting to know the new guy. He had no cause to lie to me like that.
Anyway, I'm too excited getting my bed and dresser from grandma's house and taking my niece to the zoo this week. Now I have to schedule in Public Enemies and Half Blood Prince into my busy life. My only sad note. Later.

Have a fun filled 4th of July, I'll be working which I get to deal with the highly stressed and demanding customers. I think I'll watch Independence Day on my DVD player.

Had a good overnight with my niece last night introducing the root beer float to her. She jumped off the couch everytime the cats jumped on, even though she begs to pet them. My sister picked her up this morning.

Got to work and got a surprise. A car rental is closing and trying to pawn off their reservations after the close date on us. Now all the workers are finding new jobs and the airport is taking bids on their lot spaces. I take it a new company is not coming in to fill their counter space.

Well, off to bed. I need my sleep.

Vet visit

Precious had adventure at the vet, he was surrounded by dogs in a confined space of the waiting room. He was growling and claws came out of the carrier and dogs were barking at him trying to get into the carrier. A couple had their dogs outside. I heard two dogs had a case of rat poison. He was okay when in the office with the vets petting him fussing how beautiful he is. One said he is Maine Coon. He could be but not a pure breed, he has unknown father. Teeth good, ears good, heartbeat rapid with some panting in fear, and beautiful soft coat. I worked hard to keep it that way. Excellent health, But he is 3 lbs overweight at 18 lbs. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. He was loosing weight since last visit. I cut his food last summer, he fluffed up over winter from less exercise, and finally getting rid of his pudgy belly walking outside. Plus Frodo grabs his fair share of food so Precious can't be overeating. I cut back on the treats since moving. He is the dominant cat so this battle of the bulge will continue. And no, I won't give up, he is my baby. Later.

Am I being punked?

Is there a competition out there to win the Worst Customer I Ever Had trophy? Sorry but that goes to the lady who threw shoes at me cuz she failed at twitching tags to pay a lower price. She was banned from the store, and yet she returned harassing my coworkers for my personal info so she could sue me for this. She was escorted from the store and hit with trespassing.

Tonight I get to argue with a guy on the phone about 4 times cuz he won't stop calling about our prices he didn't like, the car selection he didn't like, and I'm being unhelpful. Whatever. Then he comes to the counter with a brand new reservation he made over his phone while driving here and I can't rent him a car cuz we don't take debit cards. Don't take credit cards over the phone either. I'm so unhelpful and difficult with work with. Then I'm accused of racism even though we are both white. Guess that means he is running out of insults from not getting his way. Calls up the reservation line to complain and they can do nothing for him. Now he wants my manager who made up these rules. It is 10 at night and I refuse to wake him up. He has to call the manager tomorrow. Now I am leaving him stranded stiting on the street corner all night cuz his ride just left, and how cruel I am by not caring. He never flies anywhere cuz he has a dog and needs this car right now. He hopes I sleep well tonight leaving him in this trouble. And yet I shed no tears.

On a better note, I talked to a cute guy tonight. I feel better. Later.

Cats will be cats

Cats are jumping at every noise they hear. Precious is terrified of my shoes and socks on the bathroom floor where he likes to nap. Frodo has been under the bed most of the day but sometimes will jump up on the dining room table and place his paws on the chairs when he wants attention.

My new stove is so hot my cookie sheets are getting ruined and the burners are not so hot and have to pump up the heat. Weird.

Got some wheat grass for the cats to nibble since they never go out anymore. No harness, no walk outside. They enjoy the snack.

Getting so many phone calls at work I think I'm going deaf straining to hear the customer (but then the PA system is booming constantly). Doesn't anyone eat or sleep. I gets calls at midnight wanting to make reservations or need car exchanges when I am suppose to be leaving. On a better note, the A/C is not so cold I no longer need a space heater to keep warm.

I keep getting people wanting verification of what someone told them on the phone. Our conversations are not recorded (it is illegal to tape phone calls w/out the other party's knowledge so there will be an announcement before an operator picks up the call if they are recorded), the person is question is not present at the counter, and taped conversations of the reservation line are not in my possession. I can verify nothing of the conversation you had with whoever you spoke to. Most of the time they don't now who they spoke to or what number they called to receive this conversation, and they expect me to verify what ever word that was spoken to them.

I keep getting people who think they shouldn't have to pay any fees or taxes cuz they are ridiculous. I don't like paying income taxes either but I go to jail if I evade them, so you will receive no sympathy from me. You don't like the huge concession recoupment fee for the extra security outside that every car rental at an airport in the country charges, take your whining to the FAA who demands we have that security in place. Yelling at me will gain nothing.

Well, better go. Later.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all those fathers out there. Hope you are chillin with a remote in your hand surrounded by your loving family wearing a weird tie that gives you character.

Another day in hell

Just another cold day in...well you get the picture. Today at work we were overbooked by 8 cars and we will be overbooked the rest of the month. I asked permission to shoot the demon sent by the devil who overbooked us. Are there that many cars in the shop cuz we rent them until they break (no usual maintence being done) when we need every car for all the reservations. No, my manager says, it is because of the privaledged accounts that can and do overbook forcing us to send the little people to other companies and pay the difference in price cuz we don't match prices anymore. If anyone knows how to pull a car out of their you what let me know.

Then fog drifts in delaying flights past closing time and the company who has been handling our customers is leaving. Wonderful, now what am I going to do, sneak out when I rent my last car since they will have to rent elsewhere anyways. Let the manager deal with it in the morning. Well one guy comes in early that was broadcasted late so I'm good. One person walking by complained about our fog. Well, it was raining this morning, but that is okay cuz my cats needed a bath. Even after midnight I can make jokes. Then my last customer has a cane and the car is in the far lot. I want to go home so I drive the car up to the corner for her to pick up to speed things up. I can't leave until she is okay. Plus, last thing I want is an lady with a cane wandering around the airport figuring out where this car is at 1:30 AM. So come in after dropping off the car and there a police guy there. Say hello and he replies he was waiting for me to return. Oh, don't have to worry about anyone stealing my purse on the counter in plain view.

Go grocery shopping next and the fog is so thick going home I can barely see. I felt like driving home in a white out (snowstorm where it is so windy all you see is snow hitting your windshield).
Home again, jiggety jog.

All in a day's work

Finished putting away stuff tossed around by my laziness. Babysat niece today bringing my new movies. Bolt and Bedtime Stories. She loves that Bolt dog. Gave cats flea medicine so now are avoiding me. Got busy changing addresses on the cats' microchips and pet licenses. Moving is such a pain. I measured my daybed to guess at the size of the double bed in grandma's house and then measured floor space of the master bedroom. I might have to place the dresser in the daybed room. Well, better go. Later.

Sorry for the hiatus

Sorry for the week long hiatus, I had not internet access from moving. It took me 3 days to move and my internet was set to be hooked up the first day I planned to move, but nobody showed up to help me so nobody was present to let the phone guy in. I moved the first 2 days by myself, with a guy dropping by to move the big furniture and then left. Last day I got my family finished from helping my Mom with her auction to help. Cleaned up the apartment and gave the grand tour. My leg got injured from too much work and took days to get back to normal. Cats freaked out about changing homes, but now they are back to normal too. I have much more room now and a 2nd bedroom for visitors, when I get I get my 2nd bed from grandma's house. Now I'm relaxing and slowly putting everything away. Later.

Memorial Day

Took Mom around to 5 cemeteries. Once a year I can visit them all. We took a side trip by my new apartment. I thought she said she got Dad's tombstone, but misunderstood that she really just picked it out but not ordered it yet. I brought my camera to take a pic but will have to wait. It started to rain when we started but stopped later. Then it poured on the way home and could hardly see. It must deer season cuz we saw about 4 dead deer on the roads. Stopped at the grocery store for Mom cuz she needed milk. She came back with 3 sacks and a jug of milk. Came home and took out cats for their walk. When we came back it poured.

At least the weekend was nice and warm. I had to share the bad news of rescanning her converter box when 3 channels go digital. I tried to explain just like when electricity goes out you have to reset the TV, VCR, plugged in clocks, so when the analog station goes digital, she has to rescan to get the new channels. She didn't know you have to reset the TV when the electricity goes out. Well, you can click through all the snow stations as you channel up and down, but to skip the snow stations you have to reset.

Nothing else to report.

Today's events

Today I got Frodo out for a walk. He won't let me put on his harness so he has been cooped up inside for months. We had a lovely walk until a very large dog (about 70 lbs) dive bombed into the bush Frodo was under. Luckily the lady owner it back and the dog on got a foot away from Frodo who scampered over towards me. My poor baby.

Then I get to help a refugee from Iraq. He needed me to page his host. I called up airport operations since we lost our paging abilities when they installed the new PA system. We hear the page but it the name didn't sound right. So call up again and the lady starts whining how she typed in the name correctly and it is not her fault the PA system voice can't pronounce names right. Sorry for bothering you. The page goes off 4 times and eventually call up the number the man had. Then he finds familiar faces and leaves. My good deed for the day.

I saw the schedule for June. I will now have Thursday and Friday off. Guy at work has tried for years to work Monday through Friday, 9-5, holidays off, etc. I really don't mind working Saturdays, there is nothing good on TV and shopping is a nightmare.

Adventure of the day

Another boring week at work being sold out constantly. Nobody else has cars either. I wonder what's going on. Car racetrack stopped their races by now.

Had my coworker inform me of his new pirated movie, Star Trek. How in the hell do you get a pirated movie of somehting that is still is the theaters? Oh, online. Aparrently this friend of a friend downloads them on a website, but you have to have a computer program to decode it. Once decoded and downloaded, you burn it to a disc. Sounds a little complicated for my brain to handle. He has never met the movie pirate cuz he sells the discs to the friend who sells them to my coworker. I was tempted to ask to borrow it, but burned DVD's don't work on my portable DVD player I take to work (we already tested it one night). Besides that, my sister saw Star Trek in the theater and was not overly impressed. Her husband never saw anything Star Trek before and was confused at times. It was OK, she said.

Precious had a couple run ins with ground floor dogs. I wish he would stop meowing to find out if any are around. I pull him away from the dogs. Nobody yelled at him to keep my cat away from their dog to prevent them from barking. Better go.

Worried over nothing

Got an announcement from the apartment people that they are restriping the parking lots. Though the lines on the parking spaces look alright to me. This will be done in 2 phases. We are to remove out cars from the worked on areas or be towed. So last night when I got home I drove around trying to find space in the finished area cuz I don't get up that early to move it before they get started. Every space and illegal space is taken so have to get up early to move car after the days shift neighbors go to work. Where do they expect us to park, in a tree? Wake up at 6 and it is a bright morning sunrise. Then an hour later the clouds roll in and it rains. No painting today. Note on the door states because of the rain it will be done at a later date. So I was worried over nothing.

Had cars today and kept all my customers. Few were disappointed at the poor selection, they hate foreign cars or wanted 36 MPG. Saw an old coworker and said hello. Otherwise, all I did today was cuddle the kitties.

What a day

Today Precious did something unique. He turned over on the stairwell steps and fell through the opening. There he is hanging on to the carpet and suddenly, he thrusts his left paw forwrd to climb back up. Last time he just dropped to the floor below. Proof that cats hate falling.

Busy day at work. I had the pleasure of sending a few of my customers to other companies cuz I was out of cars. Then a guy wants a tow exchange cuz his battery died and PO'ed he has to wait until tomorrow. One guy had the wrong day on his reservation and had to go next door for his car. Sorry I can't pull cars out of my you know what.

Have a gal at work obssessed what my hair looks like. I wear my hair however it does not fall in my face at work. Off days I wear differently.

Heard from my Mom that my sister refused to go church with her cuz she didn't have her make-up on. She might meet someone she knows and must be dolled up for them. Who is this person and what happened to my sister? Nobody cares what she looks like.

Anyway I started packing. The boxes I received from a coworker's mother are so big that when I fill them they are too heavy to pick up. Let's see if I can find smaller ones.

Talked to Mom. I will take her to all the cemeteries on Memorial Day. I got some cheap flowers. Mom hates it when I leave the price tags on the flowers.

new apartment

I got myself a new apartment and people to help move my stuff. I'm so happy. Cats will be happy with so much more space to play in. There is courtyard and 2nd bedroom. I can have guests overnight and extra space for my stuff at my Mom's house. She is moving out of my childhood home by the end of the year. I have so much to do. Later.

Today's events

Or rather yeterday's events since it is 1 AM. I have a good one. Lady calls stating she left her cell phone in her car she just returned and wants me to meet her at her gate so she doesn't have to go back through security. Find it in car on passenger front seat. Take it to security since can't get passed it and she picked it up from them. Hour later as my guys clean the car, they find her keys on the floor of the back seat. Call the number on file and leave message. Husband calls later declaring they now can't get into their car or house cuz they don't have the keys to unlock either one. Inform him I mail them out tomorrow. There is no way I'm going to deliver keys in Texas in the next hour. Even UPS is not that fast.

A guy tried to tell me he rents here all the time and some girl (no name) takes his debit card every time. Have to reject him. He even complains about the price he usually gets is so much lower than the price I have for him. Sorry, if he wants us to break the rules he needs to come when rule breaker is here.

Had a message from the apartment people. Apparently I showed them the wrong month of bank statement, I showed them March. They actually expected me to have on Friday May 1, my April statement in my hand. I bet my bank hadn't printed it yet. It still has yet to arrive in my mailbox. Weirdoes.

Sleepover

Since I suggested going to the circus in town and my niece is too sensitive for such a scary ordeal (crowds, noises, and giant animals), we did a sleepover instead. Once laundry was done took niece to my apartment. Precious was eager investigate the visitor. Frodo hid on the fridge. Later he did come and jumped on the couch startling my niece. She played with Barbies as I put away my clothes. Then we watched 3 Musketeers with Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. She tried to play with Frodo and Precious but once they grab at the toys she panics running away. Next we got ready for bed and read stories. Niece got excited Frodo jumped on her suitcase, Precious jumped on my bed, and then Frodo started eating. Finished stories and tucked her into bed. Now I'm cuddling with Frodo with his furry cheek on my foot. Later.

Happy Birthday to Frodo

Frodo's 3rd birthday. I ate the cake and the cats got a can of salmon.

Slim pickings

Trying to find a new apartment is harder than I thought. The apartment managers have gone anti-cat and pro-dog. Yes, there are mangers that demand cats be declawed with dogs large and small living next door. I refuse to allow my cats be killed by the neighbors' dogs because they can't defend themselves. So I am getting focused on the pet rules before rent pay or dishwasher. Some only allow one animal with $100-200 fees. I also find many places have dinky balconies that would not hold my xmas decorations. What is the point of having a balcony ifthere is not room for a lawn chair. Some places charge you a monthly fee for a parking space. Hopefully I can find a nice place soon. I have 2 days to turn in my leaving notice. Later.

New lease announcement

We love our renters so we want you to stay with us. For your reward we will raise your rent $10 and start you a water bill that is not paid to the water company, but to the apartment manager. And by the way, State of Iowa law states you have to give notice of leaving at the end of the prior month (which is in 3 days).

I guess they are not making enough from doubling the pet fees and raising garage prices. Other times I renewed my lease I got new light fixtures, carpet shampooing, and cheapo stuff in a catalog. Now I get to pay for water. I think I'll move out. Cats fear all the dogs anyway.

Now what can I afford with my work hours hacked to death and back to Mom's is no longer an option since I have too much heavy furniture to move, besides where we will put it all. Better start looking. I have 34 days to move out. Later.

Beautiful day

It was such a beautiful day I wore shorts and a t-shirt. Precious loved the weather so much that after his walk he drove me crazy meowing and jumping at the doorknob to go back out. And yet, the cats nap on the carpet, chair, table, etc. instead of outside on the balcony. I have lawn chairs for them to cuddle in.

Had fun explaining to people all day that everybody is sold out of cars cuz of the Drake Relays this week. It is a track and field event at Drake University that colleges all over the country compete in so it is a big deal around here.

Had the president in the area today and drove by the giant heliocopters on the tarmac on my way to work. He was in Newton for something, about 45 minutes east of here.

Later.

2nd opinion

Need 2nd opinion here.

I walked out of the local 24 hr grocery store with bag in one hand and purse in the other. I just got off work so it is 12:41 AM, so parking lot is dark despite the street lamps. Lady chases me down and gets right in my face saying she lives on the west side and is stranded and needs a few dollars to buy gas (in the middle of the night?) and make a phone call. I took a step back thinking I'm about to get mugged, answer back I don't have any money, and step around her to walk to my car. Next a man starts following me to my car, yelling Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am. I tossed my bags in the front seat floor when I usually put them in the trunk, holler out to the guy now 3 feet from my door I don't have any money, slam the door shut, and take off.

Did I overreact here freaking out like that? Just checking. I better note, I remember everything I wrote on my list even though I forgot it at home.

First order

I got my first Avon order in Saturday and delivered the goodies. Then the gal at the airport suddenly doesn't want her order anymore yet breaks the seal to her bubble baths to smell them. Bitch. That wasn't what she said last week when I told her when it was coming. After sniffing she decides to take the bubble baths and pay me tomorrow. I guess I should be asking if she wants me to order her stuff next week.

Then I have two ladies who want to order stuff but don't tell me what they want. One called me the day my order was due to ask if she was too late. Yes she was. I might not make it as an Avon lady. Here's hoping. Later.

Happy Easter

Today my cat did something extraordinary. As we were walking around, a neighbor gets out of his car and walks to the door. Expecting Precious to hide behind me as usual, he bolts to the door just in the nick of time before it closes and races up the stairs right behind the neighbor. I'm sure if Precious was a dog the neighbor would be terrified of being attacked. Precious continues up the stairs to our door on the third floor, neighbor stopped at the 2nd floor. Then he goes inside the apartment and I take Frodo out for some stairwell time since he refuses his harness. Precious meows as if in pain from the apartment so I let him out. And Precious just lays there while Frodo is bouncing everywhere trying to play with him. Weirdo cat.

Even better while I'm playing with Frodo near our couch, Precious plops down in the middle of our play area and yet doesn't play. Poor Frodo tries to catch the feather but Precious won't move his butt out of way so game ends. Frodo knows better than to crash into Precious.

Happy Easter Everybody. Watched Wild Police Chases cuz nothing else was on before going to work. Then watched more violence when I got home on the military channel. I have brush up on weapons and battles of the ancient world to relay into my fairytales.

I had two people tell me they wat Avon stuff but waiting for their paycheck. Passed out more samples. I'm trying.

Saw Mom yesterday at my sister's house. My niece did something unusual. I gave her a cake in the shape of a bunny. First she said she would eat right away, then decided to save it for Easter. What??? A 5-year-old saving her cake for the next day. When I gave chocolate eggs a few weeks ago, she shoved those into her mouth before my sister could take them away. My sister hates it when I give her junk food, but hey, It's Easter let her have some goodies.

My Mom still hasn't gotten around to picking a tombstone for Dad. She wants to wait for the insurance money first. She got the taxes done courtesy of their lawyer. She plans an auction for some things and my grandma's vanity table I loved since childhood will be going on sale. My Dad saved it for me cuz I wanted it but, I have no room in my bedroom and nobody I know is willing to transport it to my apartment. Just like The Little Red Hen (Not I, said the cat).

My sister commented writing a poem for Dad. But do you say about someone who is hardly around working all day and night and then watching TV when he is home. He was like talking to a brick wall. I had to wait for commercial to speak to him and often in my teen years jumped in front of the TV with my arms waving to get his attention. During vacations I try to get him to tell me stories about his childhood and he declined saying he had none. Grandma was the only one I could get to talk about the good old days. He did say during one interrogation he had dogs in his childhood and once tossed his sisters over a mud puddle and one landed in it (That's a story). Mom said she found model airplanes he put together as a kid when looking for things to sell. I never knew he did that. It is amazing what you find out about a person after they die. Why can't people let you get to know them when they are alive? After one grandma died I discovered she graduated college and was a one room school teacher before gettig married. Mom didn't know that either and thought her sister was the first in the family to go to college.

Well, Happy Easter.