Happy New Year

It is done. Deleted social media accounts for my online shop. Need to pay sales tax and income tax before shutting down the shop website and account permanently, but not taking orders other than the outsourced stuff. Website not changed for Valentine's Day so still on Christmas. Doesn't matter since nobody buys anything anyway. Happy New Year. I will home in my sweats watching TV until Midnight.

Extended Family Christmas Lunch

Sent in another Ebook for self-publishing. Will see if approve for distribution. It is available in their own shop. X fingers.

Had a lovely time at my brother's house with the Extended Family Christmas yesterday. Nobody told me they were eating early so I show up late when everyone was eating dessert. Thanks. I checked messages and no, no message telling me lunch will start at 11:30 AM. Saw my cousin from Chicago, 2 aunts, uncle, Mom's cousin, and my siblings with families. Passed out the souvenirs. Brought a pie from grocery store bakery, French Silk Pie.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. I got candy, dogs got cookie plus squwaky toy, and kittens got bouncing balls plus toy in our stockings from Santa. Cooked the ham for roommates to enjoy for Christmas Dinner. Fed some to the dogs and kittens.

Sister decided to have her big meal at dinner instead of lunch so aunt from Omaha had time to come and chat witht her family. Arrived late int he afternoon. Brother and sister-in-law decided not to go to Michigan from train cancellations, but stayign home to prepare the house for Extended Family Christmas on Saturday. I dressed the dogs to visit their aunt's house again. They seemed confused goign home and not staying. Of course they got some ham and chicken. Sister disagreed with ham for dogs from too much salt so fed sister's dog some chicken. They know me so well. Photo is my dogs dressed in their best for the family Christmas visit.

Order ornaments on Christmas Eve??

Got another message from someone requesting my mason jar lid ornaments and want me to remake them if sold out, then blocks me from answering. Why?

Weird Day

Some people are so weird. Someone messaged me about my online shop PJs being available. I replied yes, they are available. They ask for the link. Now I'm blocked from answering them. I have a shop button plus a QR code on my Shop Page to direct people to the shop.

Out in the yard, reattaching cords to Christmas lights that were disconnected. The neighbor came out asking if it was me. She hadn't seen me for a few days, my car was gone, and the dogs were missing. I apologized for not seeing her before I left to tell her that I was leaving for a week. I told her about my trip and how my sister took care of my dogs, and my roommates watched the kitties. Apparently, they knocked on the door, and the roommates told them I was on a trip. Good to know I have good neighbors.

Home Sweet Home

Landed safely in my city from Dallas and picked up my dogs from my sister's house. They were so happy to be going home. Sister said Rufus loved their dog's food so I guess I should buy Mr. Picky the food brand. Got to work tomorrow. Will be busy passing out souvenir keychains, magnets, and whatever I could find in shops. I grabbed vegimite off the breakfast buffet for people to try. Very strong yeast taste. I didn't really care for it. No baking this year and no gift boxes full of cookies, toffee, and fudge. I don't have time.

Return home

Took the bus to the Hobart Airport waiting to go to Sydney. Had a panic when saw a flight time to Sydney at the gate and thought I missed my flight. Checked boarding pass and flight will board in half hour. Relief.

My goodness. Navigating the Sydney Airport is a job in itself. I'm exhausted, hot, and sweaty. Got off plane from Hobart. Walk downstairs then walk upstairs. Walk across terminal to get my bag. Then walk more to find ticket counter to be told this a domestic terminal and I need to go across the street to international terminal. Cross the street in 100 degree heat and I am wearing a sweatshirt. Make it to ticket counter. Again, this is a domestic terminal. I need to go downstairs, pay to take a train to the international terminal. Do that and find the ticket counter to check in my bag. One less heavy object to carry. Find departures area and go through security and they don't like my boots so have to take them off. Then walk through a mall of stores to find the gate I need. Now I can rest before 14 hour flight to Dallas, Texas. At least I lose a day crossing the International Dateline the other direction.

It's called Rubbish

Had a maid stop by asking if I need service. Got water bottles and towels. Then said she could take the garbage. Then remembered they say rubbish here and I think she is not Australian to understand what I meant. Rephrased to say she can take the rubbish. Swam in the indoor pool for a while. Water was lukewarm.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Walked to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery today. Walked through a section of town with shops. I walked through a Target store. Very interesting experience. Stopped at a shop to buy a piece of clothing to remember Tasmania to buy Rudolph slippers and navy blue vest to match my navy dress pants. And now realize I must return it to the store cause clerk forgot to remove the security tag. Why didn't I set off the alarm and they stop me from leaving? Anyway, this is a painting of Hobart in the 1800's.

PS. Took the vest back to the store and clerk apologized for missing the security tag.

Bus Tour

Took a bus tour to visit a few places. Left the city and drove through the country to our 1st stop at Tasman National Park. Had a 30 minute walk to Devil's Arch and Devil's Kitchen. The trees had burn marks and guide said there was a fire some years ago.

Then went to Tasmania Unzoo where I watched wallabies, birds, and a Tasmanian Devil get fed. I fed a wallaby. Guide intructed not to touch the Tasmanian Devil or it would bite our fingers off.

Next was Port Arthur where convicts from England were sent to complete hard labor sentences before released into settlements. They gardened, built ships, and cut down timber. Some took up trades like making shoes and other house servants while others continued their life of crime in Tasmania. Men, women, and children starting at age 9 were sent here. Children were pickpockets to be educated and taught trades. The bricks of the buildings were made by the children. Church service attendance and religious study were compulsory for all. Now it's in ruins.

We received a boat cruise around the bay near Port Arthur. The island is Island of the Dead where 1100 convicts were buried. Criminals choosing a life of sin were not allowed tombstones until 1843 when one could have a tombstone, but somebody had to pay for it. There are few tombstones on the island. At night they do Ghost tours.

And finally took us to an ice cream and sovenir shop. They sell lavender ice cream. Then came back to Hobart. Worked out in the hotel gym. Pool maintenance is finished so will take a dip later.

RIP Rob Reiner

RIP Meathead. I loved "All in the Family" and movies he directed or had scenes in like "Stand By Me", "Wolf of Wall Street", "Primary Colors", "1st Wives Club", "Postcards from the Edge", "When Harry Met Sally", and "Throw Mama from the Train".

Ordered dinner

Ordered McDs via Doordash. The lobby of the hotel is playing Christmas music from the 1950s. Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Eartha Kitt. Ran into the houseman that knocked on my door this morning asking if I need service and I asked for a bottle of water. He didn't have my dinner though. I caught traveler's diarrhea so eatign familiar foods. Held off sight seeign until I felt better.

Visited the Maritine Museum today after a bus tour of the city. Hobart is much like my city, not much here to see.

Long Trip to Tasmania

Lots of changes at the airport since I worked here in 2010 at a car rental. Parked in garage. It was so full I had to park on the roof. At least I was by the elevator so can find car easily. Security didn't like my knee high boots so had to take them off. Flew to Dallas Airport before flying to Australia then Tasmania Longest flight was 17 hours. Large airports look like malls with many shops from cosmetics to clothes to jewelry to toys to souvenirs and dozen restaurants. Had to take trains to another terminal.

Landed safely in Melbourne and lost a day crossing the International Dateline. Had to collect baggage, exchanged my money, then go through customs where they put cans in our luggage straps to help train their dog. Cute dog, maybe golden retriever type. Next had to exit the terminal going outside and enter the next door over for Domestic flights. Dropped bag since tagged and have boarding pass. Then go through security and find my gate to wait for flight.

Landed safely in Hobart, Tasmania. Took a bus to my hotel. Then was so exhausted I had to take a nap. Woke up and there was a shooting in Sydney at a Hanukkah Celebration. People asked me if I was at the event or in the city. Um, no, I was in my hotel hundreds of miles away. And I don't attend Jewish celebrations being a Christian. So sad. I do fly to Sydney on my way back in a week. Photo is a sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

Off to Tasmania

I think the dogs know I'm going somewhere when I got out the suitcases and started packing last night. Kittens wanted to play. They knew something was up when didn't go to work this morning. Maybe they think it's Saturday. Almost ready to go. I know they say not to advertise vacations on social media cause people can rob your house. Well, my unemployed roommates are here all the time. Good luck robbing my house.

Usually dogs don't watch me leave. I grab my purse and they head for the bedroom. Today Anna sat at the glass sliding door watching me leave. She knows. I waved at her from the car as I backed up. She looked so sad. I'm sorry I can't take you with me. Quarantine lasts longer than my vacation and Pet passports take 6 months and many vet trips to get. She will have fun at my sister's house. Sister has a dog so will see how long they last. Sister won't take the kittens so roommate is stuck with them knocking off ornaments off the Christmas tree. That's life.

Christmas Decorating Finished

Got my yard lights up, and the yard is so pretty. I decorated my desk at work. Decorating is done. Won't have time for baking. Vacation in 2 days.

Kittens 1st Christmas

Kittens enjoying their 1st Christmas. Until I spray them with water when branches and garland get messed up. I have 5 lbs ankle weights under the tree skirt so tree doesn't fall over.

Started playing Christmas Music at work with Iheart Radio and Youtube.

New Poverty Line

So $140,000 is the new poverty line. OK, so I live in a house, pay a mortgage, have a car, and take care of 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 adults who can't get jobs. You are telling me I am living in poverty making $40,000 as a secretary/receptionist. Whatever.

Trim Up the Tree

Got the Christmas decorations out. Got to do the Christmas village, tree, and outdoor lights. I was focused on making ornaments last week. Leaving for Tasmania on Friday. And don't worry about the pets, roommates will care for them. I asked my family to check in on the pets and make sure they are okay. Yeah, I live with irresponsible parasites and will be gone for 9 days. Roommates and family have met so will recognize each other. Family wants to take my dogs into their house to get their walks in. My roommates refuses to clean the litterbox or take dogs out for walks cause they have to sniff everything (how dare they behave like dogs).

Church Envelopes

Got my box of offering envelopes from my brother's church. More like a folder than a box. I'm guessing because I started donating since Mom died, they decided to give me envelopes so I don't have to use my own. They start in January though.

Craft Fair in Hometown

It started snowing as the craft fair ended and everyone was packing up. Took me half an hour to get everything into the car. Drove by my childhood home. Mom sold it after Dad died. One of the owners put up a wood privacy fence. A long fence too, cause that backyard is 3 town lots. Saw a For Sale sign out front. I think it's the 3rd owner since Mom sold it. Checked out Zillow to see what it looks like now inside. Lots of changes.

I made a total of $33 selling several items. Last craft fair I made $120 so this is a bummer. Not the crowds like last time. Economy is making people tighten their wallets. Not one person looked at my beautiful Christmas Cards or Christmas Wreaths. I tried so hard and spent so much money to get ready for this craft fair. My heart is broken. Nobody is ordering from my online shop Christmas Collection. I have beautiful items for sale and nobody wants them. I want to cry.

Set up stall for Craft Fair

OH MY!! My knees are killing me. Broke a sweat putting up my stall. 9x9 square feet is a small square to get everything out. Took me an hour and a half to get it all set up. Hope I sell items. I have wreaths, ornaments, beaded items, and Christmas Cards. X fingers.

Last ornaments made

Got the last of the ornaments I have time to make finished. Changed 4 ink cartridges on my printer. My greeting card pictures printed terribly and couldn't use them. Made new pictures. Like? Last time, these ornaments sold out in these colors. Hope people like them. 2 more days.

Deeply Touched

I think I am going to cry. Received a message from brother that his church left a box of offering envelopes with my name on it. I've been attending worship services the past year and half and never asked to become a member of the church. I'm touched. My therapist thought I should join a church to meet new people and then spend time with family. This covered both. Sister was dealing with Mom so was very busy at the time.

Accepted into Craft Fair

Hooray!! We got the information on my hometown Christmas Event. I will be in the Community Center. Never been in it before, so this will be fun. It was named after the country doctor who lived east of town. Her house/doctor's office burned down after she died. Her husband, asleep, was rescued by firefighters, or I think that was what the newspaper said. Anyway, getting prepared.

Back to Work

Had adventures today going back to work after 4 days off. Brain fog trying to remember my job and organized to do list for tomorrow. Come home and Rufus doesn't pee outside. I pet him and get poop on my glove from his back. Rufus backside is covered in poop and back legs are soaked. I asked what happened to Rufus and roommates have no idea what I am talking about. Look around the house for a pile a poop and nothing. Must have had diarrhea event waiting for me to get home to let the dogs outside. Take roommate to chiropractor from his sore neck and headaches. I had to paid for it since lost his Medicaid. Went grocery shopping while he got fixed and came back to pick him up. Come home to put away groceries before going out again for an Advent event at my brother's church. Ladies only event except for the guest speaker Van Harden from WHO Radio Van and Bonnie. They had dinner tables decorated all fancy, bell choir played, said a prayer, sang hymns, lit candles for Silent Night, then heard the guest speaker, and finally ended thanking everyone for coming. Dinner were treats like cookies and brownie squares. I ate a cupcake, a brownie square, and a couple of cookies before enjoying a chocolate mint square candy. I haven't eaten since lunch and I was hungry. Stopped at McDonald's on the way home. I had a McD gift card from my birthday waiting to be used. Got home (again) to feed dogs and kittens, let dogs outside (Rufus jumped into the snow), and then gave Rufus a bath. He didn't like his bath and jumped out as I got shampoo on my hands and happy to rub against my bedspread and bath towel when rinsing was complete. Now reading emails before bed.

Made stocking hats

Made hats last year with macrame cord which made them a little stiff. And I think I made them too large so nobody bought one. This time I made hats with yarn and came out well as a shorter version than last year. Hope people like them. I don't want to make very many from people not buying much this year. I fear I will be forced to close up shop at the end of the year if people don't buy anything.

Shoveling snow

Got up early to shovel the driveway. About 6 inches so no big deal. My hips hurt from leaning over to make ornaments the past 2 days and trying to get over a cold. Finished half the drive when neighbor came by snowblowing the street (my dead-end street doesn't get plowed until 24 hours after it stops snowing). He finished the rest. Now I can watch church online since I didn't go today from the snow.

PS. I did order an 18-inch snowblower on Black Friday, but it hasn't been delivered yet. Hopefully arrives tomorrow.

Macrame Bell Attempt

Tried to make a macrame bell. Suppose to turn this thing inside out. The hole at bottom is too small to push the bunch at the top through. Have to toss this into the garbage too. I have wasted 18 hours to produce not one ornament I can sell. Try again tomorrow. Tomorrow morning I have shovel my driveway before I start working on ornaments. I may have no new ornaments to sell this coming Saturday if this keeps up.

2nd and 3rd Attempt at Beaded Bells

My 2nd and

3rd attempts at beaded bells. Understanding the directions was difficult and they look like lopsided lampshades instead of bells. I give up. Tossed all 3 of these attempts in the garbage. They look awful. Maybe try again later.

Still Snowing

And still snowing. I'm toasty warm in my new designed by me sweatshirt and Target sweatpants. I have not worn sweatpants for several years once they changed to the bell bottom yoga pants style and stretchy knit instead of fuzzy inside. Found these elastic cuff on the bottom and fuzzy inside so grabbed them.

Beaded Bell 1st Attempt

My first attempt at making a beaded bell. I can see why my Grandma used wire instead of sewing thread. I bought a kit to learn how to make them. Ran out thread twice so next time add 3 more feet. Directions were so hard to understand and bottom row didn't look like the photo in package. At least the technique is in my brain and can do better next time. And use different colors cause this blue and silver is hideous.

I can't sell things

I want my Mommy. I'm so stressed and depressed that I don't want to put up my Christmas decorations. I can't find the energy to make my ornaments for my vendor fair next week. Will anyone buy anything? Will I go to all this trouble making things, spending money on supplies, and not sell anything. I designed the cutest Halloween sweatshirts, pillows, and cards. All I sold was 3 cards to an advisor and couple bracelets to the chiropractor's receptionist. I created the cutest Christmas Collection of clothes, accessories, etc. Got over 1000 views of my shop Facebook page the past 30 days. Over 300 views in one day after making reels of my designs. A couple sales to people I know. I want to cry. Did a Black Friday coupon offering 20% off, offering free shipping for orders over $50. Not 1 sale. I'm so depressed. I can't find the drive to make these ornaments. I think they will be cute and gladly put them on my tree, which I can't put up until after the vendor fair, but will others like them enough to pay for them. People gladly spend $50 on a Stanley Tumbler, but not $28-32 for my adorable tumblers. What do people want?

PS. That was fast. I go downstairs to do laundry and had a vision of Mom. She said to go make my ornaments. Maybe people will buy them and maybe they won't. Whatever people don't buy I can put on my tree and I will have a pretty tree. Then she says she taught me well to make things. I agree, she did teach me well to make things. Working on beaded bells I love so much. The hard part is understanding the directions 1st time I make it. Sometimes I need a video to see what they are talking about.

It's snowing

It started snowing. I just got home from the grocery store when it started. Maybe we will have a white Christmas this year.

Both kittens climbed the tree

Goldie and Rosie climbed the tree today. Goldie came down first. Rosie came down ungracefully when we all went inside. I looked out the window, and she was dangling from a branch, letting go, plopping onto the grass. The branch was just above my reach, so I guessed about 6-7 feet. I went out to grab her, and she ran right inside. It is cold outside today. Everybody got treats.

People think I can't drive in snow

Funny how people think I can't drive in snow. I've driven in white out, barely can see car in front of me, on no street lights dark highway, in a tiny Cavalier. My current FWD SUV can handle up to 14 inches of snow before I start getting stuck on unplowed streets. Learned this the hard way and even got stuck in my driveway. Neighbor came out to help shovel snow so I could get the car in the garage.

Happy Thanksgiving

Cooked a turkey last night so roommates could have turkey for Thanksgiving while I am at my brother's house. I got other food too, so they may have a good meal whenever they wake up. Roommates were confused why I was cooking it the night before. Because it takes 6 hours to cook a turkey. I will be gone most of the day, so I cooked it the night before, so it is ready tomorrow, so they can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner without me. Instead of saying thank you for cooking them a turkey, he brushes off how he doesn't celebrate holidays cause Thanksgiving is just another day of the week, and he didn't know it would be Thanksgiving tomorrow. Well, now he knows, and I have food for them to have a nice meal while I am at my brother's house. Well, better pack up and go.

To the Emergency Vet

Took Rosie to the emergency vet. Little white worm came out of her butt when roommates were petting her. Emergency vet don't do fecal tests when I brought in poop. Said they think it was tape worm or rice worm we saw. Gave her an injection of dewormer and said one dose was enough. Will see what comes out of her poop the next few days. Purchased some dewormer for the other pets just in case. Have to take poop to regular vet to confirm the parasite in her.

Scratch 1 Macrame Angel

Get ready to make macrame angels to find a hoop is missing. Anna was gnawing on something before I noticed the hoop missing. While I'm searching, Anna moves to me walking around the room. Then I see a strange object like a bone where Anna was. I deduced she chewed up my missing hoop.

Miserable macrame yard unraveled to make my knots impossible. Try again tomorrow.

Kitten climbed a tree

Proud Mama. Rosie climbed her first tree. She came down when started to rain and came to the back door when I brought Goldie inside (drenched kitties not happy). Goldie Goldie tried to climb the tree, but made it half way up the trunk. More practice needed. We celebrated with a can of tuna. Wet dogs and kittens are dried.

Missing Dog Collar

Interesting. Anna's collar is missing off her neck. She goes to groomer for her baths so probably in the backyard.

PS. Took dogs out for a pee. Found the collar next to a raised part of the fence she likes to put her head through. Collar caught in the fence to slide off her head.

Wicked Part 1 on TV

Oh cool, they have Wicked on TV. Never seen it before. Does this mean I must watch Part 2?

Thank goodness

Took dogs outside to pee last night to have kittens escape out the door. Got all 4 animals inside, shut the door, and heard a loud KABOOM!! Thank you God for letting us get inside before it rained. Heard rain on the roof as I fell asleep in my nice, warm bed.

Blessed the House Again

Blessed my house again. Dogs both started barking like crazy facing the same direction. Then while they were barking a lamp that was turned off flickered on then off. Roommates were outside came back inside and explained what happened. They went to clean up their room before I blessed it.

Used different method this time. Last time used olive oil mixed in holy salt water and said "Evil shall pass". Air felt different, but maybe non-evil ghosts are getting through. This time I used only water I blessed with salt and said "I bless this house in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit". Air feels different.

Parent Style Debate

Saw a reel asking if working a lot/not being home, but having money, or staying home/not working so much and being poor, was better for children. Yeah, well, neither one is better than the other.

My Dad worked on the railroad and Air National Guard to be away a lot, but we had money. Then he was laid off from the railroad for 7 years and retired from the military after 25 years of service. He rented the farmland he owned and sold seed corn from the garage for money, so we were on the poor side.

My childhood memories are not of him being gone nor being poor. They are riding in his beat-up pickup truck to the hardware store, him reading the newspaper to me, or hearing him laugh while watching TV. Those memories are ones I hold dear.

Creepy Night

Funny. I fall asleep on couch and wake up around 11 PM. Take dogs out for final pee before I jump into jammies and go to bed. Well, not tired so read things on my phone. Dogs keep barking. Hush them cause at night time I can't sleep with them barking. Car lights, kittens playing in hallway, or my roommate sneezes and they have to bark. Anna in hallway or living room won't stop barking which set off Rufus barking. I move to get out of bed. Anna stops to whine to return to the bedroom to go under the bed. She usually sleeps under the bed or on the floor near bed. Likewise Rufus stopped. Heard roommate's voice in kitchen asking what they are barking at. I wondered if one episode was from my phone light reflecting in the mirror. Few minutes later roommates are the kitchen complaining the dogs woke them up. They said a lotion bottle fell over when the dogs were barking to startle them awake. Roommate said that wasn't him earlier asking what the dogs were barking at. He thinks the house needs another blessing. I already blessed the house once.

Marching Orders from Corporate

Well, corporate is heavily encouraging us (Use it cause we told you to and love it as much as we do) to use AI for clerical work, such as taking notes about meetings and writing meeting summary letters for clients. Oh, are they trying to replace the staff like me? Well, after using AI for the advisor's notes and letters, I conclude that I will not be replaced. AI takes the verbally dictated notes to create a series of bullet points, separating them into sections. OK, advisor likes the format I just have to check for spelling, cause a visor and an advisor are not the same thing. Then I put those bullet points into an AI letter and got the bullet point notes exactly the same. AI added an intro paragraph and a goodbye paragraph. Choppy, no flow, and don't change the notes into a professional letter. The advisor likes my letter better. Ha!

RIP US Penny

Save those pennies. Vendors can change their prices to end with a 0 or 5 instead of rounding during cash transactions. Someday, they will be worth something.

Missing Rosie

Funny. Saw Rosie kitten when I came home. Took pets outside. No Rosie. Rosie would never miss out going outside so where is she? Walked the house calling her name and heard a small squeak several times. Figured out I locked her in the closet when I put my jacket away. Getting fresh air now.

Interesting article about Possibility of Invading America

I read the most amazing article about how difficult it would be to invade the United States. First, we are the 3rd largest country behind Russia and Canada with 4 time zones and variable environments so invaders would have to go through deserts, mountains, swamps, forests, and farmlands, not counting Alaska or Hawaii which would be easier to invade by themselves (Remember Japanese did attack those areas first, but not the Continental Coast). 2nd is we have 2 long coastlines and all land is bordered by Canada and Mexico who are our allies when Trump is not president. If D-Day is evidence of difficulty of a coastal invasion, remember that British Isles were 3-hour boat ride across the English Channel from Normandy. 3rd would be our weapons and technology: like computers, smartphones, GPS, Interstate Highways, drones, nuclear arsenal, satellites, stealth bombers, and don't forget all the forts, naval bases, aircraft carriers, ships, and submarines guarding the coastlines. We track hurricanes for days, detect solar storms and asteroids, and can detect the location of earthquakes in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to warn the west coast of tsunamis, so we would be ready for any great force coming to invade. And finally 4th, the American People. We have skilled military returned from wars in other countries. Then we have gun bearing private citizens thanks to the 2nd Amendment. And finally, we come together under stress like during Covid and 9-11 proving the American spirit. Probably explains why we haven't been invaded since 1812, unless you count the Civil War which took 4 years to end when America was half the size it is now.

Headlines today

Got to love news article headlines crying the retail apocalypse is here and (Insert Store) is closing stores nationwide. Yeah, they are closing for Thanksgiving. Not exactly the end of the world. But they got me to read the story. Since Covid, they started opening Black Friday at 5 AM or 6 AM instead of midnight or 9 PM on Thanksgiving night trying to be the 1st store open like when I worked retail years ago.

The dog who refuses to eat

Finally found the magic button to calm down Rufus to get him to eat. Start singing. He takes a few seconds of petting and singing to calm down.

Free pumpkin pie

Sweet. My Mom's financial advisor is giving away pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. That reminds me. I need to get my Thanksgiving French Silk Pie ordered. Let's just say I made one from scratch. That was fun. My chocolate curls were more like sprinkles than curls. The whipped cream came from a can.

PS. Got pie ordered.

Sweet Anna

I'm touched. Took out the pets, and the kittens approached the fence with the neighbor's dog on the other side. Both dogs got between the kittens and the dog. They are protecting the kittens.

Anna Mae is a mother hen with everybody growling and barking at misbehavior (like sneaking out the door I am walking through). She went berserk when Rosie tried to climb the tree. She isn't strong enough and only managed to make it a few feet up. Yeah, she needs to learn to climb a tree and climb back down (climbing down backwards) on her own.

9-month Review

Had my 9-month Review. I am improving since the secretary got fired, but I still have a few things to learn. The review got delayed cause an advisor got a call to deduce that the caller was being scammed. Had to call the family to get over to their home. My fellow assistant blocked all withdrawals from our accounts. The assistant saw someone logging into the website, and the caller said it was them.

If you have people with fuzzy brains, make sure you check up on them. I was sad that this caller contacted the advisor and not their own family first.

Christmas Phobia Triggered

Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Took dogs out for a walk and some neighbor had Christmas lights on their outdoor tree. Come home and view Christmas commercials. Ok, they have been playing Christmas commercials before Halloween. I still have my Halloween stuff out. I'm not ready for Christmas. I have ornaments, greeting cards, and beaded stuff to organize and make before Milo's vendor fair. I know: Breathe, one step at a time. I can do it.

Sweet Puppy

Sweet. Rufus was licking Goldie's head and playing with her a little bit. Then he looked at me as if asking permission. Yes, he may play with the kittens, just not roughly enough to hurt them. They are fragile babies still growing up. 4 and 5 Months old now to be able to jump up on the cupboards. They are ready to play with the pups.

Happy Halloween

Dressed up as a flapper for work. No client meetings so half the day it was just me and the other guy who didn't dress up. Advisors arrived also not dressed. One had a dark suit saying he was Elwood of the Blues Brothers. Took home my decorations and once home I realized I forgot my Mickey Mouse jack o' lantern. Hopefully the cleaning staff don't steal it. Will grab it on Monday.

Roommates were ready to eat the whole bowl of candy before Trick or Treating began. I scolded them explaining they can wait 2 hours to eat candy. Had 15 Trick or Teaters tonight. Kids were excited over spider rings and glow sticks. Enjoying leftover candy. Had to tell roommates to save some for me. Happy Halloween.

Ready for Halloween

Got pumpkins for carving, candy, and toys for Teal Pumpkin Project (non-food items for kids with allergies). Ready for Halloween. This year my city did away with Beggar's Night the day before Halloween and decided to have Trick or Treating on Halloween Night.

Kitten Wrestling

Animals are so funny. Kittens are wrestling on my bed. Rufus interrupted by sniffing them so larger kitten Rosie pounced him which made Rufus run away. Larger kitten Rosy is ready to play with dogs, but they aren't so sure.

Brought Halloween Decorations to Work

Since we have no Halloween decorations at work, I brought some in from home. One Advisor called them unprofessional and hid them by my desk in a corner. They were birds dressed in costumes from Target. Sorry my decorations failed to meet your standards. Most places I worked at buy Dollar Store decorations. Oh well, she liked my Mickey Mouse plastic jack o' lantern treat bucket my former coworker gave me from Disneyworld and a wood decorations with ghost and jack o' lantern painted on from Hy-Vee grocery store. I also have stuffed Winnie the Pooh dressed as a bee from the Disney Store and Hello Kitty dressed as a jack o' lantern from Target. Happy Halloween.

1st Pet Store Halloween Event

Took dogs to 1st Pet Halloween event at a pet store. Never had dogs before to attend one before. Talk about disappointing. Event is pet in costume trick or treating with several stations around the store to receive treats. Yep, ran 10 AM-6PM. Arrived following brunch at 1:30 and all but 2 dog treat bags were gone. Going by the sign at the front, we were expected to spend money. Costume contest was online and must be a pet store member and follow their Threads page to enter the contest via Instagram hashtags. Good thing I took photos when trying the costumes on. Anna's costume was too small from needing a costume size that would be equal to what a German Shepherd would need. I need to remind someone to stop feeding her treats and human food. Rufus is so picky he will go all day without food to finally eat something at bedtime after playing "Which food is acceptable?". I figured out he does not like lamb and prefers human food. He loves canned chicken but that's cost more than canned dog food. Sigh.

Niece Homecoming Party

Had lunch with my family celebrating the return of my niece from South Korea. She's been away 4 years teaching kids English. She's home, figuring out her next move. Discussed Thanksgiving and Christmas plan. Viewed my niece's sovenirs from South Korea and had Korean candy. Never viewed my sister's house before. Got the grand tour. Played Polly Pocket and Slapjack with my great-nieces. On my way home I stopped at a McDonald's my family likes to stop at cause it's in my Mom's hometown.

Halloween Costumes

Here are Anna as Glinda and Rufus as Skeleton all ready for Halloween.

AI Videos

Found AI Video Maker to make 5 seconds videos to promote my Ebook. Really bad at prompts. Put in "kids playing hopscotch" and it showed a couple kids walking in place and then one body spun around with head facing forward like a horror movie. Had to buy a subscription cause only 5 videos were free. Took 9 tries to get an acceptable video. Then added traffic and people sounds, but can only play the sound on the website only so this doesn't have sound.

Tried another AI Video Maker and got a better video complete with sound to share on social media to advertise my Ebook. X fingers people buy my book. I set it at $1.25.

Well, hello there

Funny. Schedule says an advisor is out of town today. 11 AM they walked in door. Oh, hello. They put that in the Schedule so I would not put in appointments when they are leaving later today.

Learn new thing today

Learn something new at work. If clients don't communicate with the advisor for 2 years, it goes to unclaimed property automatically. Of course, I had to check Iowa unclaimed property to see if there was old 401k I forgot about. Nothing for me. Found 149 claims under my last name. Mostly refunds and a few inherited accounts. If you have financial advisor, make sure you speak to them and not ignore them cause you like the status quo.

Sweet kitten

Sweet, Goldberry rubbed her side and tail against Anna. Anna gave her a sniff.

Played with Kitten

Sweet. Rosy went up to Rufus while he was eating his kibble and licked his ears. Then she played with his tail. He was busy so I played with her. She wasn't sure she liked my sweatshirt covered in dog hair.

Broken Key

0Great. Took dogs for their grooming appointment Come home to have my garage door refusing to go up and my key breaks. Is this punishment for something?

PS. My roommate got the key piece out of the keyhole, glued it together, and tried 2 stores to make a new key. Neither store could do it, so he got a new garage door lock and installed it before I got home.

Weird voice heard

Weird. Opened bedroom door after changing my clothes. Heard a mechanical doll voice say "Hello". I looked at floor to see if a pet stepped on a toy to create that sound. Nope.

Discovered my latest self-published eBook was approved for distribution. Hooray!! Found it it in a dozen bookstores.

Kitten Wants to Play

Awh, so sweet. Rosy came up to Rufus to lick him by his ear. She tried to pounce him to play, but he just looked at me to move away for her. She ended up attacking my arm.

Weird Dream

I am the master of weird dreams. Dreamed today during a nap after work that I was hugged by a spirit and explained all I want is to make the world a better place. They answered that wasn't my purpose. My purpose is to inspire others to make the world a better place. Sigh. How do I do that?

Bus Stop

Witnessed 2 cars go around a stopped school bus today with a group of kids coming out of the doors. Busses have cameras now so hope they enjoy their ticket in the mail. Wonder what the fine is.

Looked it up online. Fine is $100.

RIP Spaceman

RIP Ace Frehley, founding member of the rock group Kiss. My favorite song of their's is "Rock and Roll All Nite". That song was released the year I was born.

Interesting Call

Interesting. Coworker received a call on his cell asking what he wanted since the person was driving when they called. My coworker hadn't called anyone recently. He explained he can ask around to check if someone else called. Caller asked if this was a business. Yes, this a financial service office. They demanded to be taken off the call list and hung up. We have no idea who that was. Apparently my coworker's number is being spoofed cause that call did not come to the main office phone line.

Dogs and kittens playing

Sweet. I was playing with the kittens swinging a feather on a pole. Rosy jumped up to catch it with an airborne cartwheel. Next Anna and Rufus were jumping up on their hind legs to catch it too. They can jump up on the bed and couch, but can't reach a table like Rosy can.

Awwh. Rufus licked Rosy's cheeks and later Rosy pounced on Rufus's tail. They are adjusting to each other.

Made 1st Christmas Card

Put up my 1st Christmas Card on my online shop. Used Ai to create the pictures. Tried another print on demand website but if you use their clip art, you can't sell the item. Oh well. I tried to expand. Had to enlarge my picture twice to cover the front of the card. Got the job done. Applying for the vendor fair in hometown Christmas Event. X fingers. Last time I did it, I made more in that 1 day than the whole season at the farmer's market. Hope people like my stuff. I will do the beaded stuff, make some macrame ornaments, and cards. Should I do some wrapping paper too? How about gift bags?

RIP Diane Keaton

RIP Diane Keaton. I loved her in "Father of the Bride", "1st Wives Club", "Something's Gotta Give", "Baby Boom", and Family Stone". I saw "The Godfather" once and didn't even recognize her.

Coworker Questions my Relationship with my Dad

Funny how people question my relationship with my Dad because I don't talk about him. Did I know my Dad? Did I have a relationship with him? Did my parents get divorced when I was kid? Why don't I talk about him?

Um, I don't talk about him because he is gone so I don't have much to say about him to people I just met. If anyone wants to know about him, I will gladly tell them what he was like. And Mom is buried next to him so yes, they had a good relationship.

Business Trip

Back from my business trip. Forgot my phone on the bed so no photos or daily updates. I've never been on a business trip before. Series of presentations and training on new software. Very nice hotel and excellent food. In restaurant, we were served unknown appetizers. I bravely tried one. It was delicious. Later someone asked what was the mushy inside wrapped in bacon. They were peaches wrapped in bacon. Chocolate cake with ice cream and whipped cream was heavenly. No pool or gym so that disappointing. The pool was outside and covered for the season. Came home and pets were happy to see me. Had a good night sleep with help from a White Claw and Strawberry Margarita. Others stayed up late drinking, I went to bed. Room was nice and spacious. 1 king bed. Of course I used the toiletries and put them in my bag. No, I didn't take the towels. White towels stain easily.

Forced Volunteering

Great. Announcement spoken that office does group volunteer work. I love forced volunteering as contributing to the community during my off work hours. Was asked for ideas. OK. I said Christmas Caroling at nursing homes or Adopt a Family. Have to suggest something I wouldn't mind doing. Coworker suggested soup kitchen.

RIP Patricia Rutledge

RIP Hyacinth Bouquet from "Keeping Up Appearances". I loved that show on PBS.

Sweet Rufus

Petted the kittens today and Rufus came up to start licking the cheeks of Goldberry. Sweet. Goldberry likes to rub her head on my forehead to purr loudly. Happy kitten. The two kittens have started playing with each other in the kitchen.

Sweet pups

Sweet. Rosy last night slept in my bed with 2 dogs. First was on my feet, then plopped on my hair. Woke up and she was still on my pillow. Will see if happens again tonight.

New additions to the family

Well, it's been a week so I should let the cat out of bag. I adopted 2 kittens from the local shelter. I named the Tortie, Rosie, and Orange Tabby, Goldberry or Goldie. Dogs and kittens have been nose to nose to have no negative reaction. Today Rosie was on my end table and Rufus on my lap. He sniffed her and she tapped her paw on his forehead. Then Rufus licked her fuzzy cheeks. So sweet. Dogs are eager to play with the kittens, but kittens need time to get accustomed to their new home. Patience.

Losing my therapist

Well, my therapist informed me he is taking a job at a college as a sports counselor. Good for him. He is comfortable leaving me in a good place where I don't really need him anymore. I am recovering from past trauma of my bankruptcy, pets dying, Mom dying, and struggle to find a new job that I actually pays enough to live on. I'll miss him of course, but I wish him well in his new adventure.

Try Again

Reformatted my Ebook, again, and the waiting for approval or rejection begins. Approved for the Print On Demand Bookstore. Progress.

What do I do now?

Farmer's Market is over and people are breathing down my neck to close my shop. I'm stupid for spending money when people don't buy my stuff. I'm sorry it's hard and depressing to toss my dreams in the garbage. This is my 4th year and I didn't want to be a statistic of another small business that fails. I don't know the problem. Is shipping too much? My products are that awful and ugly. Customers want to buy, but don't have money. My brand isn't popular or prestigious enough to buy from. After 40 hours a week working, I don't have much time to spend on my business and write stories to turn into Ebooks. Any ideas? I wanted to make Christmas cards and try macreme ornaments again, but not sure if I should.

Update: Put up a free shipping promo on my social media and shop websites.

AI pushed on us at work

Funny. Corporate office is pushing AI, but we are responsible for emails, letters, messages, etc. that clients receive from us using AI. If that is the case, why don't I write the messages myself. I write better stuff than information pulled from the internet (that is where AI gets it's intelligence). And I know what I wrote. Someone please explain what is so great about AI besides being the new "It" thing.

Last Farmer's Market Cancelled

With thunderstorms with lightening and hail predicted, I received an email they are canceling the farmer's market tonight. Next week is their last one. I missed my last chance to sell anymore Halloween stuff. Why, God, Why? Nobody will buy anthing on my website. I offered a $10 coupon on my social media site and nobody has used it. Dear God, why can't you let me have customers. I got over 1000 views on my social media website and not one sale.

I Don't Need More Stress

Well, cold is much better and just dealing with congestion. Everybody at work and hime has colds now. Who knows who got it first.

Traumas for the day. Put on black pants, knee highs, shoes, and sweater vest with purple shirt. Arrived at work and asked my coworker if my pants looked blue. He said Blue. Had flash of Father of Bride Steve Martin wearing a blue tuxedo he thought was black. I need new light bulbs.

Next, received a group check for work retirement accounts. One I couldn't find the account number and checks must be deposited before I leave in 30 minutes. Contacted advisor in a panic what to do and they found the number under Pending Account. Sigh of relief.

Last farmer's market is tomorrow. Expecting rain so will see if show goes on or gets canceled. What a way to end the season.

Update: I want to cry. I watched the news for the weather report before going to bed. My last farmer's market is tomorrow. Thunderstorms and hail are predicted when the market is open. I cannot risk winds and hail damaging my stall and merchandise. I emailed them explaining that I will be coming. Will see if they shut down the farmer's market tomorrow.

RIP Robert Redford

A great light has gone out. Once I was pushed into acting from family needing money. I met this great actor in the studio store while filming a movie (I was an extra). I was buying post cards to send home and was a nickel short. I was chosing which to give up when this man came behind me, laid a nickel on the counter, and said "A nickel for the little girl". I saw a ton of make-up on his face and asked if he were an actor. He replied Yes, he was an actor. I thanked him for the nickel and went on my way. Ran into him later with my Mom and pointed out the man who gave me a nickel. My Mom said, Oh that's Robert Redford. He looked up and I said Yes, we are talking about you to remind him about the nickel. At that moment, I was so excited about getting a part in an indie film and showed him my audtion riff I did. I pretended to sell apples. He seemed impressed and introduced me to a table of people at the studio to do the audition riff again for them. He got me another part in a movie filimg the following year. The next year, I showed up for the job that lasted a week cause I had a small part playing the younger version of an adult role. I ate lunch next to him. He noticed I wasn't wearing socks with my shoes when I arrived. I showed him the hole in the sole of my shoe to explain socks would get dirty. He asked why I didn't get another pair of shoes. I explained we went to all the 2nd Hand Shops but none of the shoes fit me right cause I had narrow feet. The next day I arrived and there was a shoes salesman with a measuring device and he bought me a new pair of shoes that fit. Throughout the filming, he kept telling me to "Try it this way". He improved my acting for a kid who had zero training other than getting hit in the head by my Mom after every mistake I made. He was such a kind man. Thereafter, I loved watching his movies.

Scam at work

Had excitement at work this week. Advisor received a calendar invite with an attachment stating, "Invoice for your Cryptocurrency purchase".

Yeah, that would be a scam since all purchases for investments are made directly not on credit and my advisors don't buy cryptocurrency, they purchase stocks and bond funds selected by the corporate office. Problem is because advisor reported the invite as Phishing instead of responding with accept or decline, we can't remove it from the calendar. Coworker called the corporate office to ask if our system is being compromised with this calendar invite. They assured us without a response; no compromising took place. We just have to ignore the calendar heading.

Lesson here: Read your calendar invites before accepting or declining.

Ugh. Have a cold. Thank goodness got my farmers market work done. Just have to finish Halloween collection accessories for the website.

Update: Finally finished my Halloween Collection. Tomorrow, I get to make reels and posts to share my designs.

Second to Last Farmer's Market

Did well at Farmer's Market. Sold 5 items to 2 customers. Work had an event for clients to attend. Couldn't attend from the Farmer's Market happening at the same time. More or less a meet and greet of the financial advisors and a free meal with a Investment Company doing a presentation.

More Frustration

I want to scream. I want to cry. I have been trying to publish my Ebook since May, and they are still rejecting it cause it's not formatted correctly. I am getting ready for my next farmer's market in 3 days and finish my Halloween accessory collection (got the clothes done). I don't have time for this. Maybe work on it this weekend.

My day got better. I received my ordered greeting cards and ready to sell them at my farmer's market in 2 days. And not understanding the software of the online site, the words are printed on the wrong side on 4 of the cards. 7 Total designs. I am trying to get work done for my market, I can't even cry or scream in frustration. I got to finish my work and pray nobody cares my cards have the words printed on the wrong side on the inside. Somebody hopefully will think it amusing.

Happy 50th Birthday to Me

I had a great birthday. Came to work and my desk was decorated. After work, I realized my favorite pizza place is closed and others in the chain are on the other side of town. Went to my old hotel to enjoy their pizza and a free rum punch. We went when they do their free reception so got free snacks and soda pop. Then went bowling and I won. Then stopped at grocery store for a margarita bottle and found Blue Hawaiian. I got both both. I did refuse to buy to Lemon Drop Martini bottle. Finally came home to eat my grocery store made birthday cake and drink my bottles. Then finished my laundry and read emails.

Birthday party at work

Had pizza party at work with an angel food cake made by an advisor. Got cards from everyone and some gave gift cards. Took home the leftovers.

Birthday Party

Almost 50 years old. I know, scary. My siblings threw a birthday party for me at Pizza Ranch. I originally wnated Godfather's Pizza, but Pizza Ranch had rooms we could reserve for the party. My brother and sister-in-law, 2 sisters and both brother-in-laws, 1 niece, 1 nephew, 2 aunts, 1 uncle, and 2 of Mom's cousins came to the party. My aunt wanted a big party to celebrate the milestone at a fancy restaurant. Yeah, I wasn't plannign a big party since hardly came to my big 40th Birthday Bash at a city park shelter. At least I have a bunch of birthday cards a few presents. 1 bottle of lotion, money, and flowers. I took home some decorations plus some cake. Roommate and girlfriend enjoyed the cake.

Birthday Coupon

I want to cry. I received a coupon for my birthday from my own online shop. Only 1 other email has gone out to collect a birthday from a new email subscriber and they refused to join my birthday club to get a coupon for their birthday. I am the only member of the birthday club. In celebration of my new Halloween and Autumn clothing and accessories line coming out using a print on demand company, I put out a coupon code to get $10 off. Is anyone willing to buy my merchandise if I give you a coupon? Or will anyone be like my retail customers using my $10 coupon a dozen times to get items completely free and not pay a cent (well customers do have to pay for shipping).

Update: I used 2 coupons and could only use 1 coupon per order. The $10 coupon is set to 1 coupon per email address. I put in 2 orders and everything worked like it's supposed to. Got emails from the site telling me I have orders (set up so I know when to mail out my merchandise out to customers).

Getting ready for the end

Used up my craft supplies for my last 2 farmer's markets. Got the Halloween and Autumn things out. Praying I sell something. I'm going to have to close my shop completley and focus on writing books (that also don't sell cause I'm not a rich and famous celebrity).

Making pictures for greeting cards

I actually put in Halloween in Bing AI Image Creator and it refused to create an image due to violent nature of the request. But it makes images of witches, bats, cats, Jack o'lanterns, and ghosts. Guess AI can't tell the difference between a slasher movie and a holiday. Funny.

Actually put in "watercolor cute brown bat in pumpkin" into the Image Creator and refused to create due to dangerous content detected. Used a different image creator and got 4 cute bat (animal bat) in pumpkin pictures. Now the hard part is picking one for a card.

Spot a Psychopath

Interesting. Came across an article how to spot a psychopath with 1 question. Naturally I wanted to know the question that would reveal an evil person. It is: "A person who saves a life saves the world"

I think that line was in Schindler's List at the end. Article said a psychopath doesn't understand what this means because they lack empathy. I understand what this means. It pertains what people call the Butterfly Effect. One interaction, One kindness, One accident, One discovery, etc. can alter the world not just the one person involved, but for others too.

My Favorite Angel Food Cake Recipe

I have a financial advisor who loves to bake. I said I love Angel Food Cake with a glaze like my Grandma Stearns put on hers (I wish I had asked her for the glaze recipe and found a recipe on the internet that has powdered sugar and water). She asked for my recipe for angel food cake so today I brought in a box of cake mix. Just add water. I searched the internet and all angel food cakes want 12 egg whites. That is a bit much to handle for a cake. The advisor burst out laughing.

Pet DNA test revealed

Well, last day of entering my contest guessing the breeds of my dogs from the results of their DNA test has passed so here are the answers.

Anna is 89% Pembroke Welsh Corgi (the breed she resembles), 7% Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and 4% Rough Collie (I didn't see that coming, Lassie Come Home).

Rufus is 31% Chinese Crested, 31% Chihuahua, 21% Rat Terrier, and 17% Cardigan Welsh Corgi (OMG both are Corgi Mixes, I didn't see that coming). Shelter said he was a Wire Haired Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua Mix.

And the winner of my contest is nobody cause nobody entered the contest. Oh well, what can I do?

Another Farmer's Market

Doing 2 Farmer's Markets in a row to capture the Back to School people and State Fair visitors. Tonight sold 2 items to 1 person. They wanted matching color items so I assumed they were a gift. They left happy.

Online Shop Contest

Got the results of the dog DNA tests. Having a contest on online shop website to guess their breeds. Winner who guesses the closest gets a a backpack of their choice from my Back to School Collection and some school supplies. On my shop page, I said to Message your guesses for either dog or both, your choice of backpack, and address to mail it to you. For my peeps, I give hints. Anna is not a purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Rufus is not a wire haired Jack Russell Terrier. Contest ends August 15. Will see how many people enter for a free backpack or two.

Farmer's Market

I want to cry. I sold 1 item at the market. I kept having anxiety and doing breathing exercises trying to calm down. Then someone walked by and I said hello. Sometimes they turned their head to say hello back.

Compliance Visit

Had fun with the compliance corporate person today. Questioned everyone. My questions pertained to phone voicemail. Does it say the name of the company in the message? What if they call and advisor's cell phone, does that voicemail say the company name? Had to listen to our voicemail message and yes, it says the name of the company. As to their personal cell phones, I couldn't answer.

RIP Loni Anderson

I loved her in WRRP in Cincinati as the secretary Jennifer and followed her marriage to Burt Reynolds in the tabloids.

1st Groomer Visit

Had adventure today. Dogs went to their 1st Pet Groomer Session. Had nice bath and nail trim, plus a teeth brushing. Then went grocery shopping. Next to nephew's birthday party. Sister finally text messaged last night when his party was. Steak house where we had to wait over an hour to get to the table. Then had to leave to collect dogs from groomer before they closed so took a to go box after barely eating my food. Got home and they had to potty. Worked on new bracelets for farmer's market (need more of the longer bracelets). And I forgot to feed the dogs until I was getting ready for bed. They seemed off like they didn't want me in bed. Then I remembered I didn't feed once we got home. Got dogs fed. Now to bed.

Happy Birthday Nephew

Happy Birthday to my Nephew in college learning to be a coroner and solve crimes. Sister never mentioned any party and he might be working so have to deliver his card next time I visit.

Back at the Farmers Market

Had a delightful time sitting aroudn waiting to sell 6 items. At the end when put away my stall, a group came up excited about my merchandise. Had someone asked if I owned a bunch of otters. No, it's the name of the brand.

Ebook Drama

I am ready to scream. Waited a whole month for another rejection for my Ebook Distribution. I have been trying for 2 months and 3 rejections formatting this ebook so these people will distribute it to book stores. My NCX is not formatted correctly. Of course, they will not tell me how to format it correctly so they will accept it. I have a farmer's market tomorrow, I don't have time for this ring around rosy, take a guess how to format a Ebook correctly.

P.S. I used Google and found an article saying to click Navigation Pane in the Word ribbon and highlight the chapter titles to click Heading 1, 2, 3 to create the ebook Table of Contents. Sigh. Have to do this later.

Went to my therapy appointment today . Had trauma gettign with 2 accidents and contruction causing a bottleneck. It was amazing I showed up on time. Expressed my doubts about roommate's job. Took him to work twice. 1st day they sent him home cause manager wasn't there. Next day he didn't have his documents for the onboarding so had to go home and get them. I did pick him up at nearby gas station. Therapist suggested I call the store and ask to leave a message for him so affirm he really has a job there. Another things stressign me out was that I bought him a $400 electric scooter for him to get to work and the next day he drove it through a mud puddle cause it was all terrain with tires like a truck. Electric scooters are not water proof and the engine wires were destroyed by the water. Now it doesn't work. So he wants to go get his girlfriend's scooter, 45 miles away. I have a therapy apppointment and need to get ready for a farmer's market. I don't time to drive 45 miles to get a scooter. I sent him the money to get a ride service. $40 to 45 miles plus tip. I hope I can return the scooter that he destroyed in 1 day. Therapist wants to meet this guy who I keep sheelign out money for and get nothing in return. Very hard to explain to others. I never had kids, and I am trying to help get back on hhis feet. He has issues that prevent him from succeeding. My Mom helped me when I was broke and on the edge of being homeless. It is my way of paying it forward. I know he is trying. He wants to get his own apartment, marry his lady, and have a family. He needs to get out of his own way.

Taking advice of contracting the store to find out if rooommate really has a job, I stopped by the store to get his schedule saying I was his roommate and he said the manager was working on his schedule. They wrote it down for me. I told him what I did and how proud I was of him for getting a job he actually wanted. He can now work hard and make his dreams come true. He was furious I went to the store to get his schedule. He had to beg for the manager to hire him after he blew them off the first time. He had to spend the night cause he couldn't get a ride so late at night and came back the next morning while I was at work. Luckily he had his keys to get in the house and made it to work with his girlfriend's scooter (which I paid for).

Roommate's First Day

Well, drove my roommate to his first day at work at 8 AM. He is furious he can't come in later and work a night shift. I explained maybe they were testing him. Plus, day hours is when the manager is around to train employees, but didn't mention that part. He text messages the manager wasn't there so they sent him home. Now I wonder if he is lying again. Came home and nothing is cleaned. I siad I am not advance paying him anymore. He spends the money on cigarettes or games controller then doesn't do the job. He doens't get paid until the job is done.

Made it to the Beach

Finally made it to Gray's Lake this summer. And it's cloudy it's hard to tan. Damn this continuous rain. Water was warm (usually it's cold). Had a twist (chcoclate and vanilla) soft serve ice cream cone that was delicious. Though after I got home and showered, my muscles were a little sore from swimming. People told me the water would be polluted with ecoli, but I checked online and beach was open. 2 others in town are closed from ecoli but not this one. If it's so dangerous, why is the beach open and refreshment stand open. They rent paddleboards and paddleboats along with kayaks.

Roommate got job, I hope

Well, roommate got a job. At the same grocery store he lied about having a job and then said he just couldn't make it to work at 11 AM his first day cause it goes against him getting up at 2 PM. He wanted to go to a movie to celebrate his new job. Yeah, I will celebrate when he gets his first paycheck. I don't fully believe he has a job when he lied about it the last time to avoid getting kicked out. First he said they have to run a background check and since his scooter handle broke, he will have to walk to work until the new scooter arrives. Well, here's hoping he does have a job since Medicad will get cut off if he doesn't get one soon. He was so happy talking to his girlfriend about having a job, maybe get 3 jobs and make money to get a car to do food delivery. Maybe he actually has a job this time. But he lied last time too so full of doubt.

RIP Ozzy Osborne

RIP Ozzy Osborne. The Prince of Darkness has gone to the light.

That was a first

Well that was a first. Anna headed for the door when I went into the kitchen to make lunch. So I let the dogs out since we haven't been out since early this morning. Neighbor next door mowing his lawn with his dog in the yard starts shouting "You had to bring those fuckers out when I'm mowing the lawn!" then he called his dog to go inside and Anna is by the fence pooping. Dogs were happy to see neighbor dog. Then shouts "You fucking bitch!". Naturally that caught me off guard so waited for Anna to finish her poop and called dogs to go inside. They hung their heads like they did something wrong. Why did he have his dog outside if he was mowing? I always keep pets inside when mowing. I met the neighbor before and introduced his dog to us.

Roommate discovered broken eggs in the carton and asked permission to hurl them at the neighbor who cussed at me. I gave permission to do whatever he wanted.

Another Interview and Farmer's Market

Roommate was trying to get an interview at another fast food place and eventaully was granted an interview. X fingers. He is getting heat from the Medicaid new law demanding able bodied people work 20 hours a week to kkep their Medicaid. If he gets a job with health insurance, he can kiss Medicaid good-bye. Medicaid sucks and hardly any doctors or dentists take it.

My advisor stuck in another city finally make it back home last night and arrived at work today. Poor advisor.

Had my farmer's makret again. Sold 5 items. Better than nothing like last time. I even offered a job to roommate to help with marketing sicne he thinks I should explore more social media websites. I don't have time to run the few social media pages I have now. He refused to work for me.

Drama Contnues

Fast food place is out. Same one girlfriend worked at and had a guy kept coming on to her that also got her fired when he told her to go home after she dealt with an angry customer.

Why they gave him an interview I do not know.

Tonight Austin is packing up girlfriend stuff. Apparently she communicated then blocked him again and he is tired of her games. He says he is done with her. We will see what happens.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom in heaven. She would have turned 86 today. We had a tradition that I called her and sang Happy Birthday song to her. Now I have to light a candle in her memory. I had a dream of her last night. She hugged me and told me I will be okay and make some money, she always knew I would. I hope that means I will make at least 1 sale at my farmers market or sell some clothes on my online shop. It would be so nice if people liked my clothes. As a kid I loved drawing pictures of dresses, but sewing was not very exciting. I'm more of an artist than a builder. I woke up suddenly to cry out "Mommy" in my dark bedroom. My roommate was in the kitchen and asked if I was alright. I told him my dream of Mom and cried "Why did she have to go?". Then went back to sleep so I could get up for work in the morning.

Drama I Don't Need

Girlfriend finally blocked him on online wallet but didn't send back the $7 he sent to pass on messages. Why send a heart then block him? I think it's her family trying to push him out. He is devastated. I told him whether she talks to him again or not, he will be ok and needs to focus on himself. He hates being a burden on me and trying to get a job. Old flame never comes over and then blocks him so he is done with her. She is a single mother with 4 kids working at a fast food place and living in an apartment. Good for her now that her old boyfriend who was violent is out of the picture.

Got an interview tomorrow for fast food place girlfriend worked for. He is desperate. Even called an old job to get rehired. He thinks going by past texts from her before concluding she blocked him so she's not a distraction and he will focus on getting a job.

Well girlfriend finally stopped blocking roommate to explain she seeing someone more gentler and still wants to be friends. She said he can keep stuff. He is focused on his job interview tomorrow. He hates fast food but can't get factory work. At least he has an answer.

Had my therapy session tonight. I'm hurt. Blew out a tire yesterday and roommate put on the donut tire (which neither of us done before and needed to look at the manual). Then today before work, I go to the mechanic I've used for years to drop off the car to replace the tire and they take me to work that is 10 minutes away. Looked at tire and can't repair it. Also the rim is bent so might need to replace that. Mechanic looked at my other tires and said they were worn down to need replaced too. Looked at the year on tire and it was 2019 when it was a 2020 I bought in 2021 with 4000 miles on it. Plus alignment and suspension check. Go to work and advisors question if I really needed all 4 replaced when my mileage was 29,800. Tires must have been cheap or used tires to wear down that much. I checked online and tires need replaced 40,000 miles or 6 years. I don't know if I needed new tires or completely taken advantage of. I might need to check for 2nd opinions before expensive repairs beyond what I ask for. Therapist thinks I need to be more assertive in saying NO. And it's my my Mom's birthday. I didn't need this drama when already hurting.

Dear God, why ruin my day

Well, it was such a nice day out and have therapist appointment tomorrow to rain the rest of the week, so I decided to finally go to the beach and enjoy suntanning and swimming a couple hours after work. It's the middle of July and haven't been to the beach yet cause it keeps raining on weekends or too cold. Today I got a call at work how girlfriend said on social media she is in a new relationship when 2 days ago was their anniversary and they confessed their love to each other. He was suicidal and crying wanting to know what happened between them. She hates me and jealous of me when really should be jealous of someone else. He wants me to know this is all my fault from threatening to kick them out for not having jobs for so long. After work I drive over to where she lives with her family. He had her stuff packed up as an excuse to talk to her. Then decided to leave it at the house so she has to come and get her stuff back. Half way there, I hit a broken piece of concrete on the highway. I swerved to avoid it and it struck the inside of the tire. Had to call my brother in Michigan how to use the jack that came with the donute tire in the trunk, it's a square piece of metal. He said to look at the manual and saw a picture so we were ok. Neither of us changed a tire before. Nicely one end of jack pumper piece fit the tire bolts. It's a donut tire so turned back and went home. Old tire in trunk. Roommate said he prayed all day for a sign from God and took this event as a sign not to talk to girlfriend. He felt happier once he changed the tire. An old flame said she would visit him. Roommate reached out to anyone to talk to. She blocked him and everyone he knows.

When got home, he called her on my phone to leave a voice-mail. He discovered her online wallet hadn't block him so he sent her a dollar to message her. She answered with a ❤. He asked what that meant. I thought maybe her family pressured her to block him and break up with him. The new relationship could be them trying to make him leave. She is a basketcase. I explained she is not strong like me. That heart was her true feelings. She didn't block him after sending the heart. I hear him crying downstairs. Poor dear. He has been trying so hard to get a job and not be a burden on me, then this happens. I told him to focus on himself and give her space cause they have been video chatting practically every day. Hopefully he takes my advice. He is holding her stuff hostage hoping she will come get it. He can't figure out what he did wrong. She said in a post that she knows something, but who knows what. He said he analyzed her behavior to conclude this wasn't her, it must be her family influence, and sent a message saying he will give her space to work on herself and maybe reconnect in the future. He got some booze cause it is more than he can take and suicidal again. I told him not to wake me up again tonight like this weekend when he woke up me up at 3 :45 AM asking for sex then collapsed on the hallway floor crying over the rejection when he just wants to love someone and girlfriend isn't here. Sunday afternoon he said he woke up with no pants on and broken glass on the floor. He completely blacked out and has scrapes on his leg. I heard glass breaking and him crashing around going downstairs so maybe he scraped his no pants legs on the carpet on the stairs. He said he never blacked out before, some fuzzy memory returned later and was embarrassed apologizing for hours. He promised not to wake me up again. He swore no more alcohol after Saturday night black out, but that no longer applies when he is devastated from his girlfriend blocking him. Old flame has to get a babysitter so coming by tomorrow.

Don't know what God's plans are, but my one advisor is trying to get back from a trip. Supposed to come back Sunday then flight canceled due to storms so coming back Monday night. Well that is canceled now. Hopefully he can get back Tuesday. Should have just rented a car and would have been back by now.

Bad Diagnosis

Well, roommate told me that his girlfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She commented seeing things roommate didn't see before so he had suspicion but she would never go see a therapist for her anxiety. He said she is applying for disability. Yes, they are talking again. He really misses her and wants a job so he can get her back. I suggested job training and seeing a therapist to sort out why he isn't getting hired. I'm sure his ADHD and lack of experience has something to do with it. He needs a job to keep his Medicaid. I believe there are deeper issues he needs to address instead of avoiding. But he has to be the one to call and set up an appointment. I can't do everything for him.

Vet visit

Good news and bad news from our vet visit. Ear solution helped remove Rufus's wax build up, but then vet saw inflammation underneath so Rufus has an ear infection. Got an antibiotic to give him the next 10 days.

That was fun swabbing 2 pups' mouth cheeks for their DNA test. They disagreed with it. Had to wait an hour after food/water so test doesn't get contaminated. Hopefully I didn't get them mixed up. I will know they are mixed if Rufus is a female Corgi and Anna is a male Terrier Mix.

Forgetful at work

Form signature page came in the mail that need to be filed. And I can't find the missing pages to file the form. Looking around I ound birthday cards I forgot to mail for an advisor to their clients. I feel so terrible being so forgetful. Now I'm worried they will fire me for screwing up so much. I'm trying so hard to hold it all together. I'm so stressed.

Had fun mowing the lawn. Roommate complained how tall it is getting. Because I paid him to mow the lawn and he never did it so why would mow it. He complained my lawn mower is screwed up and need another. I took the mower and refilled the gas to have it work just fine. I bent over to refill the gas when it kept stopping in the tall grass. I peed my pants. Didn't have to go, it just came out. While I went inside to wash up and put on new clothing. Roommate was amazed how wonderful the mower worked. Yeah, he was filling half the gas tank like the oil shouldn't be full. Like my car, it runs better when gas tank is full. Don't need a new mower after all.

Fun at work

Having fun in the empty office with nothing (or very little I already got done) to do.

Well peeps, I went and did it. Spent hours designing my first clothing from Print on Demand place that connects to my shop I already have cause the website kept blinking and erasing my work. Finally took a snippet of my design and saved it. Now have my designs on bathing suits. I plan to order one myself. I chose swimsuits cause I am sick and tired of going into store, look for my size, and ALL THEY HAVE IS BLACK! Going to work on kids swimsuits tomorrow. I'm going to bed.

Favor from Roommate

Well, that was a short. Girlfriend is talking to roommate again. Guess she got over the broken promise.

Roommate wants to build and remove my patio and put in a fire pit he wants to have. I explained I would need a permit to alter my house and its value. Oh, it's my house and I should do whatever I want and ignore the law. I explained I will not have the city knocking on my door and taking down my deck because I built one without a permit to hit me for a fine. We follow the law when altering my house. I looked at fire pit rules they must be 30 feet from house or anything flammable like a tree. Looked up deck permit. Must turn in diagrams of plans, draw out the posts, beams, stairs, and include distance from property lines to apply for the permit. Then it must be inspected 3 times, 1 for post holes, 2 for the frame, and 3 for final product. I need to pay for each inspection. I am certain roommate is not willing to go through that. Then I asked my brother who volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and electrical engineer his opinion of building a deck on my house. My patio slopes. He said my back door is too low for a deck, that's why I have a patio. Sigh. Told roommate no deck. I think he understood.

I made an important decision. I want to see Australia next year. I get a week vacation so unsure if have time to see New Zealand and Tasmania too. Now have to renew my passport, it expired in 2012.

That was fast

Well that was fast. Getting dog DNA tests and offered to get roommate one since he wondered about his ancestry from being adopted. His cost less than the dog tests. Well, I have it set up with his email so he can view the results. He used his girlfriend's phone so his email is connected to her phone. She sees his email about the DNA test and roommate forgot he promised her they would get DNA tests together. He promised and he broke a promise, so she broke up with him. Over a DNA test. I told him I think there was something else more to this. He gets on his phone and can hear him shouting downstairs. He comes back and says they are down stating she is really immature. I should mention at my therapist, guy said roommate needs to find a new home. Give him a deadline to leave or it's 2 more years supporting him. He set the deadline to Aug 31 so I told roommate he needs a job or needs to leave. I cna't keep supporting him forever. Even with my inheritance, I don't want to run out of money before I retire. Nobody else in my family will be leaving me money whenever they die.

Roommate said to cancel the test, but the website won't let me. Guess this means she won't be moving back in when he gets a job. He said she was a distraction, and he needed to focus getting a job. One less mouth to feed for me. I told roommate I was sorry for her breaking up with him over a DNA test I offered. It gave him a mission to get her back and move into an apartment together. I did warn him she would leave him when she found someone with money, and he blew up at me for insulting his girlfriend. He was an escape from her crazy family more than love and he sent her back to her family, so he didn't get kicked out of my house. I asked roommate if we need to mail anything to her and he got upset saying they might get back together. Tomorrow he is to a nearby job office to try to get a factory. He said girlfriend says I interfere in their relationship. To which I reply that if they both left I wouldn't interfere in their relationship. Roommate got upset saying he hates me saying that when they are trying to get their lives together.

DNA tests for dogs

Well, I decided to get DNA tests for the dogs. This will be fun getting results.

Oh no, I am a terrible dog mommy. I looked at the calendar to see Rufus has his vet appointment on Friday. I forgot about putting a solution in his ears to help soften the wax built they couldn't get last time. Did the solution and he shook his ears (which is allowed per directions on the bottle). Have to remember to do it again before Friday. Sigh.

Happy 4th of July

Spent four hours at a farmer's market selling my wares. And not a single sale. Had a girl take interest in a piece of merchandise her mother was willing to buy for her. Then Mama asked if she wanted to keep looking. Girl wanted to keep looking. I literally cried on the way home. Since I won't be replacing sold merchandise on my shelves. Think I will start omn demand printing designs. Thought to buy a heat press and sublimation printer for about $1000. Or I could intergrate an already print on demand shop who connects to the online shop I already have. I make the designs and advertise it. They fulfill the orders and split the proceeds. Costs me nothing. Ebook was rejected again from not having a table of contnets and page numbers. Fixed it and have to wait for the acceptance for distribution.

Went out to see a parade with my dogs and then went to sister's house for grilled food. Her dog was okay with my dogs visiting. Then took them home before going to the fireworks. There was no way I was taking my dogs to see fireworks. Then when got home, my roommate and I set off a bunch of fireworks from the driveway and street. Good thing I'm on a dead end street to lay down pipes without worrying if some car will come along and drive over it.

Bank fees

Nice. Earned 47 cents in interest for a savings account. Bank charged me $5 for a paper statement. Got it changed to electronic statements. Next month I will keep my 47 cents in interest instead losing money every month.

Hoping to get sales at the Farmers Market who are having a big concert street party and city is having their parade nearby. Because of the concert street party, I will be allowed to stay there until 10:30 PM. We will see if I get any business to stay past 8 PM. X fingers.

Return to therapy

Oh what joy is mine. Started therapy again. Had to quit last time cause ran out of money. Much has changed. Declared bankruptcy last summer, lost 2 cats to fleas, started new job, Mom died, and now trying to sell things at the farmer's market to have few sales. Oh, got a new roommate last summer dumped in my house and she got kicked out when I threw a fit about being lied to about not having a job and threatening to kicked both of them out. Now having her gone I have one less mouth to feed. Roommate wants to leave and has a plan, but execution of that plan is dismissal. Therapist says I'm a pushover saying they must leave in 30 days to back down giving more time to get a job, but no deadline. I tried to get roommate to see my therapist and he was ready to go during a crisis where he thought he and girlfriend had a STD, but his hometown friend talked him out of it. So next we talk of my stress. Everyone from family, coworkers, church people, and now therapist now all scream to throw the bum out. It stresses me out not helping me move him out. Therapist thinks 60 days is enough time for him to find a new home and/or new job. Why is it so hard? Believe me, it is hard to get hired when you have the wrong personality that doesn't fit into any workplace.

I have homework. Get together with female primary care physican and get a physical to get help with my anxiety pushing up my blood pressure. Lay down the law with roommate and kick him out at the end of next month. And finally quit my online shop that doesn't sell and focus on my stories I am editing into ebooks. Writing can be therpeutic. Yeah sure. I'm tempted to never go to therapy again. I don't like being pushed into directions I don't like going. But, I think, that is the purpose of therapy to leave your comfort zone and fix problems.

How to make more money that actually works

Thinking of ways to make more money for my shop. Thought of sublimation printing objects to sell. Then found a website that integrates with my online shop website that has a customer design an object for their online shop, they make it and ship it for a commission paid only when there is an order, which means no cost to me and get a share of the profit. All I would do is design and advertise. Would you buy a travel tumbler or shirt designed by me? Have to come up with designs to use. I can use AI to create images though patterns I would have to design. The website I saw does shower curtains, swimsuits, and pillows too. With Halloween and Christmas coming, I could make some wonderful designs that people like.

Vet visit

Took Rufus to the vet for heartworm meds and nail trim. Apparently, he had some wax build up in his ears that was too much to do in 1 visit so will clean his ears twice a week and return for another check up. Don't want baby to go deaf. He was a good boy and not the piggy Anna became after adoption at 16.8 pounds. His first visit during early adoption diarrhea phase he was about 16.4 pounds. Anna gained 8 pounds since her adoption (26 to 34 pounds).

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Today is my parents' wedding anniversary. Feels different with Dad then Mom gone. A friend from school chose the same day to get married so wished her a Happy Anniversary. My parents were 45 years so it is a good day to get married.

Had the printer guy come by to hook up a few laptops to the printer. I asked if they got the scanning functions right. No, they did not add a scanning folder for the new guy. We had a scan function that scans one side of the page and another function that scans both sdes of the page. Why do they leave before everything is situated.