Separation issues

My Precious is having separation issues with me. Yesterday as I prepred to leave for my sister's house with my laundry, the kitty will not say good-bye. She jumps onto the laundry basket, and then runs out into the hallway. She came back for treats, sniffed them, and ran back out. And I had to get going. Well I tried to threaten her by getiing out the cat carrier she hates from our trip to the vet. If she wanted to come with me she had to get int it.contrary to normal cat behavior (thye travel badly), that bugger jumps into the carrier. So away we go.

My sister's 2 adult cats sniffed the visitor in her carrier. I didn't dare take her out until I felt the other cats accepted her presence. I took her downstairs to the guestroom and let her out. My niece had to follow her around the basement calling her name. She didn't wish to pet her though.

We took a trip outside and Preciosu ran away. I got her back, she is attached to me you know. She played a little with the larger cat who was more curious than trheatened, Precious got a bop in the head by the cat. But the smaller cat hissed and I jumped in to take Precious downstairs again. The larger cat is usually the agressive one. My sister thinks her is more secure about being the dominate cat. I could Precious felt intimidated by her. My sister her a couple times and my niece threw a ball Precious loved to bat around. She was less scared of the older cats by now since I was there to rescue her if they should attack (I read you should never leave strange cats alone with each other, anything can happen when you step away). My niece wanted me to read books to her, but I had to watch the cat. We did play with Play-Doh while the kitty was shut up in the guestroom after a near cat fight.

Finally we said our good-byes and went home. Poor Precious was hungry, thoguh she did some litterbox business at the house once I cleaned out the other cats' poop. Now I leave for my volunteering and Precious wants to play. I may have to give up my volunteering to spend more time with Precious. Post later. Bye!

Friends with Money

I went to see the new Jennifer Aniston movie Friends with Money. I struggled so hard to stay awake and pay attention. I do have to ask what exactly is the plot of the story. A lot of things made no sense. Let's see: Olivia, a gal who apparently loves money, has friends with money, drops a job at a wealthy high school to become a maid cleaning rich people's homes, becomes so poor she travels store to store to get free samples of expensive face cream, smokes pot (this teacher must have missed the DARE program), dates bums, then wants to make more money by training to be a personal trainer (whom rich people hire), and steals a jar of her precious face cream from a customer to use on her feet. Is that the plot? At the end, one of her bum customers asks her out and they go to a charity fundraiser with her friends and POW!, he is an heir to a fortune. I could tell her interest sparked up after he said he is rich, but what if he was lying since she loves money. Though I do have to ask that if Olivia loves money so much, why doesn't she get a job that pays a lot of money or try to marry a millionaire? This "Woe Is Me" attitude she has lacks an intriquing nature to stay on the end of my seat wondering what will happen next. The Nanny Diaries was better than this (that is a book). The End. Post later. Bye!

Adventure for the day

My coworker came into work and asked What's Up. I replied, My kitty pooped on the floor and it smelled really bad. At least she did it on the linoleum instead of the carpet. Guess she thought the litterbox as full. That will teach me not to sleep in. Post later. Bye!

Wrestling with kitty

I had to give some medicine to my kitten today. It was in a syringe (not a needle syringe, but large opening). I wrestled with the cat for 5 minutes trying to get it in in her mouth. I got the medicine on my pants and her fur, but after 5 minutes of trying to hold her down I opened her jaw and squirted it in. She made an awful face and smacked her lips as if saying, My what awful stuff. I gave her some tuna to wash it down with, but she wouldn't come near me. She arched her back and hairs stuck staright up. I left it on the floor and eventually she came around to eat it up. Poor kitty. Post later. Bye!

Funny people

Naturally as a proud aunt I had to share at work my niece's graduation news,
thus informing why I will be missing next week. A few asked which school she
attends, so I brought in the invitation to show-and-tell because her school
name is 6 words long and hard to remember. A couple guys misinterpreted my
proud aunt news and were ready to party hard at her reception (They were
thinking she lives in Des Moines and having a keg party at their house all
day and night). I replied, Why would I invite you to my niece's graduation,
in another state? At least everybody else got that I was just sharing good
news. Besides, her reception takes place in a nearby church so there will be
no rowdy drunken graduation party for my niece. Post later. Bye!

Silent rebellion

I noticed ever since the state legislature made English the official language for Iowa's government documents a few years ago that more public signs and labels appear in Spanish. Kitchen towels, shoe cleaner, bank signs stating their check cashing policy, and directions on my Sudoku puzzle book all have Spanish translations next to the English words. Is this a silent rebellion against conformity? The news anchor on TV even wished everyone a Happy Cinco de Mayo today. I live in an amazing world. Post later. Bye!

Jealous aunt

I am trying very hard not to be the jealous aunt of my oldest niece graduating high school next week and be a mature adult. She is having dinner at her boyfriend's house the day I arrive and is her class's Salutorian. Lucky girl. And I just got a new kitten since I can't find a man willing to go out with me and can't afford to adopt a child on my own. Plus I have been trying for a year and a half to get a book published. My life really sucks sometimes.

But then my niece gets jealous of me because I can do whatever I want with the money I earn and answer to no one, and I have a new kitten. Post later. Bye!

Odd happenings

I received a strange letter from my bank. I have been given as a gift for my
longstanding account with the bank, Overdraft Protection for free. It was
explained that it is not a line of credit, but a privilege where I can
overdraft a check and they will refill my account up to $1000 to pay off the
bounced check. Each overdraft transaction costs a fee charged to my account.

I guess I should explain that my account earns interest so I am charged a
fee if I go under a certain amount in my account. Taken that into
consideration, What do I need overdraft protection for, to get charged 2
fees for bouncing a check instead of the normal 3 fees?! Post later. Bye!

My cat is a dog

My cat in some ways behaves like a dog. She chews on my shoes and has chased her tail a couple times. Today she meowed to go outside onto the balcony. Other than those things, she is a normal cat. Post later. Bye!

Flying kitten

My kitten has learned to fly. She flies off her perch, the sofa, the chair, and when she is chasing the mouse on a string. She often somsersaults while attacking the mouse on a string too. I heard my neighbors today underneath me, unless it was the cleaning crew. Hopefully her scampering across the floor won't disturb them. If it does, it will be really hard to explain to my kitten that she must stop being a cat because the neighbor below can't stand any noise. That's apartment life. I paid part of my pet deposit today when I renewed my lease for another year. They allow me to pay it over 3 months, $100 each month. On a better note, my Precious is getting more affectionate. This morning I got a fur coat up my nose and she let me scratch her ears. Her nose has changed color from black to brown. Post later. Bye!

Gift cetificate

Secretaries Day is a day of appreciation for bosses to acknowledge their
office workers. Now calendars call it Administration Professionals Day, but
to us workers it is still Secretaries Day. The car rental next door received
a small bouquet of yellow lilies in a tiny vase from their city manager for
the holiday gift. My boss used to only give presents to the counter agents,
excluding the car cleaners, but in the past few years changed it to Employee
Appreciation Day and everybody gets a gift certificate. I don't think any of
the other car rentals receive gifts from their bosses. What a pity. Post
later. Bye!

Adventure

I had adventure this morning. My kitty got up on the lamp sitting on my nightstand and it fell over. I caught the glass lamp and the kitty hit the floor. She was shaken but not injured. I petted her and she calmed down. Then as my kitty slept on my pillow, she rolled over and plopped onto the bed. Good thing I was right next to it and she snuggled against me. She is learning furniture and pillows have edges. She constantly falls off the couch when she is playing. Post later. Bye!

Poor coworker

I missed excitement this week at work. My coworker was stung by a wasp,
penetrating her mesh pants, during a baseball game. Unknown to her and the
nurse practioner she went to later, she is allergic to wasp stings. She had
blisters and swellings the size of a dinner plate on her leg the nurse
practioner called an infection. Her 2nd visit by a doctor re-diagnosed it
was an allegic reaction and changed her medication. After a few shots and
elevating her leg for 2 days, she had recovered to arrive at work and tell
me all about it. The doctor told her she is likely allergic to bee stings
also, but she had never been stung to know that. I lost count when I was 8
how many times bees stung me, mostly around our swimming pool. Now she has
to carry around one of those epipens in case of another bad reaction to a
stinger. Post later. Bye!

Mumps outbreak

It is strange that all of a sudden university students are getting
vaccinated from the spreading mumps virus. Before I was allowed to set foot
in a dormitory in a Wisconsin university, I had to prove I received a
vaccination for mumps, measles, and rubella, plus a tetnus shot and
tuberolosis test. That was 3 shots in 2 arms at the same time just to live
in an university dorm room. I guess Iowa universities don't have such rules
for their students. Lucky them. Post later. Bye!

The Vet

My cat Precious and I visited the vet today. She got her first shot for distemper and did not make a sound when jabbed with the needle. then she got a dose of de-worming in her mouth that I get to repeatlater. She was such a good kitten. She meowed to and from the office, but that was expected. She liked being handled by the staff and was given a treat that she did not touch. The vet assistant said she will be a cuddler when she grows up and naughty. I can handle that. Though my writing career may suffer from her insistance of jumping on the keyboard. I know she just wants my attention so I just remove her.

I left the kitty behind to do laundry. It was the first time she did not meow like crazy when I left. My sister went shopping so I was alone with her cats for about an hour (I have a key). Compared to my Precious kitten, her adult cats are huge. I told my sister of my kitty's habits. She likes to jump in the litter when I get ready to clean it. She likes to take naps in my lap or resting upon my arm laying on the armrest of the sofa. She likes to be petted asleep too. She sleeps in my bed up against my cheek or arm. The vet said I named my kitty appropriately. She is precious. Post later. Bye!

My kitty's 1st picture

I used up the space on my camera to take shots at my new kitty. Here she is. Post later. Bye!

Night, night kitty

After going to bed, the cat had to join me. She walked around the bed, nestled by my cheek, rested on my arm, stretched out on a pillow (I have 2 sleeping pillows), and then jumped down. I could hear her drink her water and eat some food. Then she jump back on the bed. Early in the morning I heard her in the litterbox. Then later a neighbor makes some noise going in or out and Precious sits by the door meowing nonstop. I petted her and she quieted down. I went back to bed and she followed. She licked my fingers and chewed on a fingernail, I must have touched something she likes. She licked off my chapstick and told me to me get up cause she wants to play. I needed more rest. A half hour later I got up, and cooked my dinner. She meowed and followed me around. I have laser by the stove, so I used that while cooking and eating. She got on my plate, but doesn't like eggs. She cuddled up to my leg and jumped down. More laser. Finishing my food, I played on the floor with her. She likes a particular green mouse. I cleaned her litterbox and smooth out the litter. She jumps in and swishes it around. Then I took her outside on the balcony. A little shy, she kept going in and out the door. She sniff around and stuck her head through the railing, then lay down behind me in the shade. We played some more and I popped in a movie, West Side Story. When my arms got tired I rested on the couch. She meowed out me so I sat up so she could cuddle into a nap on my lap. About this time Saturday she took a nap. She jumped down and went into the other room, I finished my movie lying down. When I got ready to leave, here comes the meow. She clmibed up my pants to get on the bathroom sink. Good thing I was wearing pants. This time she scratched at the door when I locked it. Poor dear. Everybody I talk to thinks I should get another kitty for company. We shall how well I can afford one first. Besides all the other kitties form the litter went out the door fast. Post later. Bye!

My Precious is here

Precious came today. ertz Mfriend had her under her jacket when she knocked on the door. She liked my doorknob hanger that has a gray tabby aying Attack Cat On Duty. She said her younger son wanted this kitten to go to me because he loved her. I had to ask f he meant the kitty or me. She said both. Precious is hard to describe. She is blackish and grayish with a hortizontal black stripe on her side, a tabby head Then her underside is plain tan, she has a plain black long hair (lots of brushing), yellowish eyes, and soft as brand new socks. She shook when my friend gave her to me so I let her explore the apartment. She tended to follow me when I changed rooms and sniffed every corner including the laundry basket and behind the couch. After an hour of meowing and scratching and sniffing, she jumped up on the couch and stepped across my lap. Then she snuggled against my leg and took a nap, she finally let me pet her. I scratched her cheeks and chin, she turned over onto her back to fall asleep (cats show you their belly when they trust you). She was so cute sleeping with her paws in the air. She would twitch paws as cats do when sleeping and wake up to go back to slepp. An airplane woke her up and made her meow. I petted her back to sleep and rubbed her belly. Then I had to get ready for work. I slipped off the couch trying not to disturb her nap. Soon after, she woke up and meowed some more. I found her behind the couch shaking and crouched down. Then she came out and followed me around. When I left she went towards the door, but backed away as I approached. She was sniffing the presents in the closet when I left. She came running for the door and meowed nonstop after I shut it. I could hear her all the way downstairs and out in the parking lot (I left the balcony door open). I wanted to call in sick, but it was too late for that, I had to show up at work. Hopefully the neighbors aren't too disturbed by her meowing. Poor petrified, frightened kitty. Post
later. Bye!.

New kitty

I am almost a kitten owner. My friend is dropping by in 2 days with her kitty for me. I went shopping after work at a grocery store for litter and scooper. While I was there I found a cute brush. Now I have to figure out how to clean this dirty litterbox my sister gave me. They say use disinfectant once a month, but what kind? Then what kind of soap to clean the dust off; dish soap, laundry soap, bath soap? So I go on Petco.com for suggestions and I discover the poisetta plant I have been keeping alive since Christmas is poisonous to cats. So are dryer sheets. I have sandwich boxes for food and water until I get new ones. I also need to figure out a litter pad for the cat to wipe its paws on. Too bad Petco is not open 24 hrs. I wish my friend would have given more warning when she had to get rid of it before her husband gives away this kitty too. And I have to tell my other friend that her friend's newborn kittens can be given to other people. Since I do not have a scratching post for my kitten, I have to wonder what is going to get ruined before I get it declawed. My friend says it likes to scratch carpet, which is really bad living in a rented apartment. Guess I will be cleaning my litterbox in my pj's tomorrow night when I hear back from my sister. Post later. Bye!

Out with baby

After supper, my niece kept looking outside so I took her outside. Grabbed the bottle for bubbles and placed on her jacket. She pushed at the patio chairs so I moved them to the grass. She loved exploring the yard and chased a bunny around until it broke free and hopped down the driveway. I showed my twirling with arms stretched out, swing her around to make her fly, rolling down a hill, and somersaults in the grass (forwards and backwards). She did her best copy me. Then I got on the tire swing to her delight until I knocked her off her feet. I jumped off and picked her up, she hugged me. No crying, just stunned with a red on her cheek, so we looked at people in the neighboring yards. We watched my sister's cats in the window and blew more bubbles. Then my sister came home.

Since my car was blocking hers in the driveway, I gave her my keys to do her errands. She came back with a trunk full of groceries to announce she filled up my gas tank and went through the car wash for me to thank me for watching the baby. Next we took a stroll down the street to see some neighbor's dogs in a pen. The neighbors came out and guided us to them. One dog almost snapped my hand off through the fence and sister thought maybe it was because I reeked of cat hair. They brought out their little dog from the house and it rushed to us barking, which scared my niece and made me jump. Then my niece started crying and I petted the dog to make her less afraid it. I tossed a stick and dog chased it, but didn't come back. It laid on the grass and chewed the stick tip. Then walked back home and talked to neighbors across the street.

My sister got out this bowling game and I showed my niece how to play. She helped knock over the pins I missed. Then a cat laid down behind so pins so I moved it to the other side of the room to not hit the cat with the ball. Then we read stories and got ready for bed. I didn't kiss the baby good-bye this time because I heard her talking in the bedroom when I left and didn't want to upset her. She cries when I leave. Post later. Bye!

Oodles of kittens

I saw the newborn kitties yesterday. I never held newborn kitties before with eyes closed and squeaking like crazy, I hardly know what to do. I held 3 in my hand. There are 2 gray and 2 black. I couldn't decide on one cause I don't know what they will look like older. I'll decide later.

My friend and her friend talked about their kids, boyfriends, exes, exes's girlfriends. Not a coversation I could join in so I listened and laughed along. So much drama that I was glad to be single, for one night. My friend said I project myself as innocent and naive 15-year-old when meeting people. Obviousoly I'm not so I have to stop doing that.

On the way home, we stopped at a bar with 6 guys and 2 bartending ladies present. My friend danced around so naturally she is spoken to and asked to danced, while I was a stick in the mud twiddling my fingers nervous as can be. Though I'm unsure if it was shyness that made me do that, or just not interested in the 6 guys present. Anyway, I drank half my amarillo sour and she took me home. Post later. Bye!

Another litter is born

My friend called today to say her friend's cat had her litter of kittens today. I'm so happy. Perhaps a month or so from now I'll finally have my kitty. Post later. Bye!

Eureka moment

I had an Eureka moment at work today. The past few weeks we have been having difficulties with a certain customer who think she can keep our car indefinately and never declare when it will be returned. I figured out the problem: a certain coworker is going outside the rules to accommdate her need for the car. Naturally when this person calls asking detailed questions, I can not answered them to their satisfaction because I am not repeating what my coworker has said. Next I know they are tiffed and letting a few naughty words slip out. They can cuss all they want cause they are not using any words I have not heard before. Finally, they get so frustrated at my silence waiting for them to shut up that they declare they will call back the next day and speak to the manager. For someone who claims to be a car rental manager at another company and president of a nonprofit organization, this person is dumb as a doornail when speaking to me. We call it playing stupid to get their way by playing one employee off another. That strategy stops working when employees start comparing notes on this person. After the last phone call with this person did I email a detailed account of what I said and they said to everyone I work with. Post later. Bye!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to my readers. I'll be at work all day. My easter dinner will be leftover spagetti, without cheese since I ran out today. Today I almost flew away when a storm brew in. I think the umbrella I held broke from the wind, but at least it wasn't mine (my office has company umbrellas). I received a letter from an old college roommate about her new email address I get to add to the list. While reading it I realizeed I left something in my car. I pulled sweatpants over my pj's, slipped on shoes, and grabbed a coat to retrieve it. My friend loved her Easter package, especially the bunny I sent for her daughter. Post later. Bye!

Oh my God

Today I learned my coworker will not be in today, she has been in a car wreck. Is she alright, I ask. She is a little shook up and went to a chiropractor, but otherwise fine. The car on the other hand is not fine, but then cars can be replaced. Apparently, she had a sneezing attack, lost control of the car, and went down a ravine along a highway. She called work to call for a tow truck, then a police car stopped and offered to call one for her. I am not sure who picked her up to take her to the chiropractor.

I know many people complain about their bosses, but I actually like mine. She came to fill in for my coworker (1 of the pitfalls of being a manager). She is cool. She talked about the Rob Zombie concert she attended last night with her husband, and showed me a picture of him and her dog. Then she talked about her new purple motorcycle and the Honda they put on ebay getting lots of bids. Next came the email she got from a friend containing photos of a motorcycle accident at the speed of 174 mph. I saw the wrecked motorbike along the highway, but I begged to be spared the photos of the rider in pieces. I don't handle blood well, let alone organs hanging out. I asked if she emailed her friend back, Are you trying to tell me something? She did.

I also ordered online some books on Australia and New Zealand. I need a vacation, it has been 2 summers since I had one. I plan to buy an antenna and cancel my cable TV to start saving money. The next thing to be axed will be the cell phone. I plan to get one where you prepay the minutes instead of a contracted plan since I hardly use it. I have tried to find cheaper internet service, without much luck. Sure there are deals for really cheap prices for 3 months, but then the price doubles at the end of those 3 months. That might go last, I sorta need that. Then there is the charity donations that will have to go. So much to do. Post later. Bye!

Mothers

I don't believe this. My Mom told me she had difficulty separating my sister
and I in old family pictures. Her and I have different hair colors,
different eye colors, different eyebrow shapes, and different chins, I ask how
do we look alike. I think Mom needs a new pair of glasses. At least she can
separate my brother from us girls, but sometimes she said it is difficult
because we all look so similar (Here is a clue: he is the one in the bowtie
instead of a dress). Definately needs new glasses.

My coworker is going to be teased mercilessly tomorrow. Yesterday he left early so he wouldn't get blown over by the strong winds accompaning the rain storm and arrive home in one piece. One coworker plans to point out that somebody washing cars was almost struck by lightening and he finished his shift. Yeah, I have driven home in blizzards, in pitch darkness, on the highways, and got home in one piece. If he just wanted to go home early, all he had to say was that wanted to go home early without any explanation. What a crybaby! Post later. Bye!

What I wished I learned

Thinking of all the books for graduation I thought of Maria Shriver's book What I Wished I'd Known and tried to think of ideas for I wish I had learned before stepping out in the big, wide world. I highly recommend her book to anyone graduating college or high school. So here is my list:

What I wish I had learned before stepping out in to the big, wide world:

1. I wish I had learned to cook my favorite dishes for party of one. Sure I cooked at home and took a foods class in high school, but for 4-6 people. By the time you finish 6 servings of macraroni and cheese you are going to be sick of it.

2. Double check the laundry to make sure darks and lights are separated. I earned a pink sheet when a red sock snuck into my whites section the first time I did laundry in college. Plus, black, red, and navy blue are the worst about bleeding. Pastels and tans are ok to wash with whites.

3. Learn to ask for help when shopping at the store. Do not be fooled by commercials where the sales clerks ask "May I help you", many go about their job without saying a word to customers. If you can't find something or all the cash registers have no clerks behind them, ask someone for help.

4. Learn to ask about your family history. Once upon a time families told tales of great-grandpa's battle wound and their brother's escape from a bear next to the fireplace. No longer. Families share those stories at family reunions few in the younger generation attend, once the older generation are done talking about their grandchildren. After my grandparents died and we were cleaning out the house did I learn my grandma went to college and became a one-room schoolteacher. Also in my Mom's hobby of tracing family history she discovered a family history of diabetic comas when glancing at death records. That would have been good to know before my sister was diagnosed with it as a child.

5. College advisors are a waste of time, most of the time. They see so many students they just have you sign up for the minimum requirements to be full time. If you desire to graduate in 4 years, you have to take more than the minimum. Also do not waste your time with frivlous classes like Orientation to College and do take the hard core ones that count towards graduation like Biology, English, and Speech. Also save your notes on any class because you might be able to sell them to someone who has yet to take the class. Sorry I always cut my notes up for scratch paper so I missed out on opportunites.

6. I wished I knew about light bulbs when I went to college. A higher voltage than what the lamp states can cause an electrical fire, but a lower voltage is ok. Also where to buy different kinds of light bulbs. I once went to 4 stores before finding the one I needed, and after pacing the aisle 5 times.

7. Look at locks when moving in. If an apartment or dorm room has a larger lock than the others, it means that door had been broken into and the lock replaced. And lock the door when your roommate is asleep, you really don't know who will walk right in.

8. Don't take anything to college you can not handle being stolen. Yes people get their purses, CDs, DVDs, and leather coats stolen when they are in the shower. Books rarely get stolen out of dorm rooms. Plus a snake worth $400 does not belong in a dorm room if my roommate was so hyper about it being stolen.

9. Everyone in college has an addiction to something. I known people addicted to caffeine, parties with alcohol, and even washing their hands every 10 minutes. College does require late nights of studying and typing, leading to the need to unnaturally stay awake.

10. Just because you finished college does not mean you will get a high-paying job when you graduate. Many jobs demand internships (which are are not mentioned by your advisor) which require you to have your own car, your own apartemnt, and plan the internship a year in advance before you start. Otherwise you end up working for the post office, retail store, amusement park, or fast food place to pay the student loans you owe the government for your college education.

11. Everybody starts at the bottom and even gold medalists fall on their butts. There is no way around from starting your career at the bottom of the job hiercharcy, not even college will take you to the middle. Once you get to the top, people are still not perfect and fail. The successful pull them themselves up and keep going, the unsucessful remain still and cry. Never give up your dream when things get hard and you hate your job. Not even the worst day of your life or an awful job lasts forever. Remember to do your hated job well, you need good references to get those wonderful jobs you love to do.

12. You can go to college without an academic scholarship, athletic scholarship, or religious scholarship. Why do think there are meetings at high schools to explain all the financial aid applications and programs? Go to a financial aid meeting before filling out any college applications. If you do not have a plan for your future/future career, college can wait until you do.

13. Pay your bills on time. If you fail to pay your rent, the landlord kicks you out. If you do not pay your electric, water, phone, or cable bills, the service is shut off. If you do not pay your credit card bills, you accumalte interest until the bill is paid and filing for bankruptcy will not entirely save you from paying anything. If you bounce a check, the person you wrote the check out to receives no money and will come after you for payment, through the court system or face to face.

14. ATM cards and credit cards are not free money, you do have to pay the money you take back. Overdraft protection is not insurance if you bounce a check, it is a line of credit that can be withdrawn by the bank if you overdraft too much. (My coworker's experience.)

15. When poor, peanut butter sandwiches and milk are the best meals. Cereal is good for any meal, they are all fortifed with vitamins and minerals. It is ok to eat out of a can so you don't have to wash dishes, just don't touch the sharp rim. Avoid the fast food place when poor, it costs more per meal than the grocery store. Don't forget the generic brands too.

16. Learn to type and balance your checkbook. I recommend taking an accounting class to learn to attend to your own financial matters. If not then, Read, Read, Read, and Read before investing in anything, especially retirement plans. There are tons of financial books to select from.

17. Do not depend on others to tell you what is going on or what to do, you get screwed without knowing it until it is too late to change gears. Educate yourself. If you discover a friend gave good advise, they are trustworthy in the future. And certainly do not ever expect or demand others take care of you, you might be disappointed when they suddenly stop.

I can't think of anymore to add. Post later. Bye!

Shopping

I went shopping today after the news said the President's Air Force One was up in the air. Apparently he was here to visit a nursing home to speak with seniors about his Medicare plan. Yeah, people in a nursing home are really going to care about his medicare plan when they are close to death's doorstep. But any visitor lifts their spirits. Next came a fundraising dinner for Iowa's governor's race that cost $250 per person to attend and if one had a spare $10,000 they could get their picture taken with the President. I noticed the news did not show coverage of people posing with the President, just him speaking at a podium.

I bought my gift for my oldest niece's high school graduation. I got her a couple of cardboard dressers, photo frames, and a teddy bear with tasseled cap and diploma. People look at me strange when say my niece is graduating high school next month. Knowing my luck with men, I bet she gets married before I do. That would be depressing to be my niece's bridesmaid. If my luck changes, she can be my maid of honor. Post later. Bye!

The President is Coming

Oh joy, the President of the Unites States is coming to town again, this is visit #4. My coworkers will be renting out all the vans for his motorcade and gawk at the secret service guys picking them up. This time there is an added bonus, streets are going to be blocked to halt traffic on the President's route from the airport. Something tells me he must be getting a lot of hate email lately. And on top of blocked streets, the government is not sharing with the public which streets will be blocked for security reasons so maybe my coworkers will not be able to show up for work to rent those vans to the secret service if they can not find which street to travel on to avoid the President. I am sure his security detail would not appreciate my coworkers zooming by his motorcade to get to work on time.

Since I live near the airport and most likely need to travel on the President's route, I'll just stay home until he is long gone. Too bad I have to miss the secret service guys because it is my day off. Post later. Bye!

Parents?

Why do parents torment their kids by cutting out coupons, very neatly with scissors, forcing us to lie later that we used them or worse to explain we tossed them in the waste basket? Post later. Bye!

Shopping date

I have a date with a friend. I was sharing an article in a magazine with my friend about what a certain habit tells about a women's sexuality. I blurted out, And what does this say about my sexuality, I ain't getting any. She replied, It says you ain't getting any. She said next, We need to getcha some. So we are going shopping tomorrow and barhopping later. Sure guys at work think of me as "one of the guys" instead of a "lady", but I am very much a woman who loves to paint her long nails, wear heels, and go shopping. I'm so excited I think I'll buy some blue nail polish I have been wanting to get for a while. Post later. Bye!

Animal Shelter Orientation

I finally made it to the Animal Shelter Volunteer Orientation today. I got some literature on the pets they carry; ferrets, rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, fish, birds, iguanas, cats, dogs, along with the rare exotic pet like a tarantula, snake, cougar, or Siberan tiger cub. Once a guy found a rattlesnake in some wood he received from Texas, and that was released in the wild away from the city since it was wild to begin with. Another tale told was of 41 roosters brought over after a drug bust that were trained as cockfighters (meaning the roosters fight each other until one is dead, which is a game illegal in this country) and the staff could not go near them and were all put asleep.

I also discovered this is a euthanizing pet shelter. They explained those no-kill shelters proudly advertising they don't kill any animals they take in, actually dump their excess animals in euthanizing shelters who in turn must exterminate their animals waiting for adoption to make room for the no-kill shelter animals. They stressed they only kill animals when absolutely required when they are ill and won't recover, or behavior problems. This is why they have so many education programs, dog obedience classes, and fundraisers to keep animals alive. They said once a gal who was searching for doggie treats said she wanted to give a dog a last treat before euthanizing it. We are told the staff whose does the killing cry while they are doing it and cry when they go home. The adoption staff are very picky about who they let adopt pets because they don't want to animals to come back. I hope I can handle volunteering. They said emotions can be strong around these animals and some volunteers can't handle it. Post later. Bye!

Rejection #6

I have received a reply from publisher #6. They reached their quota for unsolicited story ideas and returned everything to me unread. How nice, they could have just used the SASE I sent to mail their response instead of making me waste a stamp. And how nice to have my idea rejected before they even know what it is. People say not to give up after every rejection (while others think I'm stupid for trying), but why keep going? Post later. Bye!

New table

My Mom called to inform me that she bought me an early birthday present (my birthday is in September), a new table for my dining room. It is made of wood and folds up for easy transportation, with some viynl on it. I can't wait to see what it looks like. Unfortunately, she didn't get any chairs for it. Chairs might be important if someone does not wish to sit on the floor to eat off the table. She didn't like the chairs she saw in the store, too uncomfortable and expensive for her tastes. I assured her I can get some cheap lawn chairs to go with it, after I see what it looks like. Why do gifts have to cost me so much money? Post later. Bye!

Nice friends

With friends like mine, whose needs enemies. A while ago a friend offered a kitten to me from her pregnant cat, due about Christmastime. Christmas comes and goes along with Valentine's Day to have finally see the kittens born late February. Since I was offered a kitten while everyone asked for one after mine was offered, my friend said I get first pick. She brings the kittens last week and I pick one out. This week I am told my kitten was given away to a friend of her son's because her husband is itchy to get rid of the kitties so they are handing them out left and right. So now since all but one is claimed, I get to have soon the kitten nobody wants. That is if it is still there my next day off. How nice. And I am not ready to take it yet, even better.

Then on top of that the drug companies discontinued 3 medicines I take regualrly. I spent an hour on a medicine website I use trying to find replacement medication. Now all I have to do is pray these work as well as the discontinued ones. I saw a commercial for Sudafed Allergy strips, but can't find them anywhere. Post later. Bye!

Try again

I keep trying to get my fairytale published to wear down from exhausting rejection from book publishers. Now after soul searching if I really want to continue perusing my dream, and of course the answer is yes I want to become an author. I decided to change course and typing up my query letter for a literary agent. Maybe this time I will catch someone's attention, or least get feedback. It is very hard to know what is wrong with my story without any feedback whatsoever.

I also took the plastic off my windows and breathed the fresh warm air. I have to tell my brother the suction cup thermometer he got me for Christmas falls off so I used packaging tape to make it stick to the outside window. I have to call maintainence tomorrow and have them put my balcony light back on. I guess when they put on new siding, they removed the light and left it in the middle of my balcony.

I wrote to my sponsered sister in Afghanistan. I skipped a letter last month because I was so busy getting ready for Easter. The cards and candy have been passed out, packages mailed, so now I can relax. Post later. Bye!

Inspirational sayings

I found these sayings in my volunteer newsletter:

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. Beverly Sills

If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't been to bed with a mosquito. Anita Roddick

Parents need to fill a child's bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can't poke enough holes to drain it dry. Alvin Price

The best way to forget your own problems is to help someone solve theirs.

If there is no wind, row.

You never saw a fish on the wall with its mouth shut.

I rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. Alexander the Great

The outcome of any war is not determined as much by the opposing enemies, but more by those who remain indifferent and do nothing. Jordan Harvey

Post later. Bye!

New diet

Whenever I tell someone at work about my Dad losing weight, I get asked what new diet is he on because everyone at work is struggling to lose weight. I answer, he has cancer. Their reply is, oh yeah forgot. Post later. Bye!

Spring forward

Fall back, spring forward, is how the saying goes to recall the Daylight Savings Time routine. Before bed and tomorrow I have to change my car clock, alarm clock, wall clock, watch, VCR clock, computer clock, stove clock, and microwave clock. I hate Daylight Savings Time. Post later. Bye!

Oodles of kittens

My friend brought over the kittens to select my Precious kitty. We could here them meowing before she came to through the door. She says they are ready to go, they use the litterbox, eat cat food, and drink water. They are a month old and oh so soft, but I read a kitten should not change homes until 12 weeks of age. I told her May would be when I would take one, I need to change apartments first.

My selected kitten is a black male tuxedo kitten, with white paws and white patch on its chest. I thought it was the cutest. My friend says it likes to play. It shook when I held it and crawled up my shoulder, but when I tried to put in back in the basket it clung tight to me. My coworker was happy at my selection, he wanted the one with flopped down ears named Yoda. Everybody who could hear the cats came to hold them. Post later. Bye!

Easter bunny

I was the Easter bunny at work today. I passed out my homemade Easter cards and shared a tin of candy with frequent customers I recognized, janitors, and any car rental person who walked by.

Then I was told it was the owner's brother birthday. I wonder how old he is. I think he is a year or two younger than me. I sent him a birthday email with the words to the Happy Unbirthday song from Alice in Wonderland, but changed to wish a Happy Birthday.

I also wore my Easter socks today. It was a good day. Post later. Bye!

Spring cleaning

I finished with my spring cleaning today. I cleaned a set a window blinds and scrubbed the shower down with the new Mr. Clean cleaning wand, or whatever it's called. Now I have to wait for it to warm up so I can take down the plastic over my windows and clean them off.

Then I sent 2 packages for Easter. One to my pen pal with a little girl and the other to my nieces. I sent my pen pal's girl a toy bunny. I gave my nieces some stuff from the Easter basket aisle; playing cards, ink pens that light up, and some disposable cameras cause they love taking pictures. I can spoil my nieces once in a while. I can't spoil them too much or else they start making list of demands when they know a jackpot is coming, like giving them chocolate bunnies one Easter to have them demand DVD players the next Easter. Last Easter I didn't get them anything so I hope they like this year's package. Post later. Bye!

Never gives up

The bitch never gives up. Today my Mom presents to me a newspaper clipping about a new field of study called Museum Studies at the University of Iowa. She explains to me that possibly they have a correspondence course I can take online and get another job, at a museum. Perhaps I should explain that since the day I graduated college 8 years ago my Mom has pushed me to go back to college and get the degree she wanted me to get, not the one I actually got. I would think after 8 years, she would realize I am not going back to college. Obviously not.

I never realized how disappointed and ashamed of my car rental job she has been until now. I like my job and in no hurry to leave it. Godforbid I be allowed to do what I want. I am trying to write novels, but that is not working out very well as everyone else has hoped. People at work just can't understand why I hate my Mom so much. Let me try to explain by giving an example of Mom's idea of encouragement and support when I was depressed receiving book publisher #4's rejection slip: "At least you are having fun even if you never get published."

I should have never volunteered at a local museum last summer. I am giving her hope I'll trade a bad-paying job for another bad-paying job. I told her to toss the clipping saying I'm not going back to college. I gave up using my history degree a long time ago. 4 years of hell trying to please my parents was bad enough, I'm not going through that again. Mom will just have to be ashamed of me. Post later. Bye!

Baby's name

I visited my Mom today after my dentist appointment. I got my cousin's baby's name my Mom thought so weird. Joelle Clare. Mom thought it was a Lebanon name because her husband is from there. Actually, it's not. It's Hebrew meaning The Lord is willing. It is just the feminine version of the name Joel. Clare is French for the Latin name Clara. Mom thought Clare was a normal name. I got a baby name book a long time ago when I started writing stories so I would know what names mean.

Then Mom had to go on saying my other cousin named her kids with odd names, like Melinda, Matthew, Jordyn, and Justin. The first two she thought normal, but the second two were so strange. Then she had to say they nicknamed Jordyn, Jody. Who in the world would call their kid Jody?, she asks. Um, Mom, I said, my manager's name is Jody. I thought maybe they call her Jordy, for Jordyn. Maybe that was it, she says. I tell her that's from Star Trek. Then the Justin name came up I had to explain to her that names Jordan and Justin are common in America. I had a friend name Justin once upon a time. Anyway, she finally shut up.

I got my teeth cleaned at the dentist today. The dentist said I was part of that elite that never had a cavity, and that was a short list. He recommended to keep doing what I'm doing. I answered, it's my Mom's side of the family. He laughed. When I got home I recieved a phone call from a niece for a fundraiser. $17.50 for a frozen cheese pizza. This better be good pizza. Post later. Bye!

No baby after all

I was telling the gal at the car rental next door about my cousin having her baby last week and made a comment on her coworker being pregnant. No anymore, she said. Poor gal lost her baby today so this gal filled in for her. Now I feel awful. I don't think I'll bring up my cousin's baby in our conversations next week. Post later. Bye!

No Divorce

I heard a while ago a coworker was getting a divorce, then his dad dies suddenly after coming home from the hospital. Guess the divorce is off. I heard this coworker bought his woman a new and expensive wedding ring, then bought her a Volkswagon convertible for her. Guess those are 2 good reasons to stay in a marriage. I wouldn't know, I've never been married. Post later. Bye!

News brief

Amazing. I read in a free independent newspaper declaring that the Iowa Senate Democrats actually have backbones when it came to a proposed vote for the state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages by the Senate Republicans. The Senate Democrats walked out of the state government committee meeting last week.

Disgusted at the audacity of these Democrats, the Republican leader cried to the press how "The people of Iowa deserve a vote" to enshrine discrimination in the state constitution. Though I would not get too excited over this walk out because it is already state law not to allow gay marriages, therefore an amendment would be pointless. And guess what, the Republican leader so concerned giving the people of Iowa a vote has also barred any debate on anti-bullying legislation that would protect (gasp) gay people from harassment in schools.

We live in a free society and yet discrimination of people simply because we don't like them is acceptable and legal in this country? Then again our forefathers who claimed all men are created equal owned slaves. Talk about a contradictive society. Post later. Bye!

Lost luggage

I saw a brief on the news about lost luggage on the airlines. It reminded me of this lady asking for the nearest pharmacy open late at night because her medication was in her lost luggage. Of course I did not ask why she was so stupid to pack vital medication in her checked baggage. Those airline people handle at least 100 bags an hour, why would they deeply care about yours?

Lesson on packing a suitcase: If you can not handle something being lost or stolen, Pack it in your carry on bag. And always pack a change of clothes in the carry on, you can sleep in your clothes one night if your luggage is delayed or lost. Pack things you can replace in your checked bag; like unused film, clothes, shoes, and anything sharp like scissors or nail clippers that could be confiscated.

A tip on camera film that can get destroyed by certain x-ray machines; get a bag in a travel store that protects film from the x-rays. My brother bought one of those bags so I know they exist. Or you could buy a digital camera or Fed Ex your film to your house. There are options here besides losing your vacation pictures to the x-ray machine. I never had a problem losing photos on my digital camera. Post later. Bye!

Traumatic birth

My poor cousin had a traumatic time giving birth to her baby girl. Her hips were not expanding enough to naturally push her out all the way and she was stuck too far out to push her back in to do a c-section. Mom said they sucked the baby girl out. She was all blue and paralyzed on one side upon birth. This was last week. This week the baby is fine and tests all give the green light to go home soon, if not already. My poor cousin needed lots of rest after her ordeal. My aunt and uncle went over to see the baby and my cousin. That's why we are not hearing this until now.

The little girl was 5 lbs. 2 oz. Mom thinks they gave her an Arabic name she can't pronounce cause he is from Lebanon, Jo-something. Then again Mom couldn't figure out how to pronounce Daphne either. We who grew up with Scooby-Do can pronounce Daphne correctly. Daphne also comes from Greek mythology. So anyway, Congrats to the new parents. I have to go buy a card now. It snowed last night on our first day of spring so I'll go buy it tomorrow. Today I stay inside and drink cocoa. Post later. Bye!

Spring cleaning

I started my spring cleaning today. I got my Easter decorations last week so I already had dusted certain places, like the TV and coffee table. Today I Swiffered the kitchen and bathroom floors. I remembered once I got lazy in another apartment and 409 the kitchen floor. I totally confused my manager at the time what 409 the floor meant. I explained I sprayed 409 all purpose cleaner on the floor and wiped it with a paper towel. When you have a kitchen floor the size of a walk-in closet you can do that. My kitchen is too big to 409 it now. I Swiffer it.

Next came the mirrors and 409ing the bathroom sink once the Swiffer on the linoleum dried. While I was there I wiped off the outside of the toilet. The window blinds were cleaned after taking out the garbage. My bedroom blinds I just dusted with Pledge grab it cloths, but my kitchen blinds were disgustingly filthy, even after dusting them off. The 409 came back out and with 4 paper towels I individually cleaned the kitchen blinds. They are not Spic and Span clean, but close enough.

Then was the vacuuming the floors. I have my Easter card makings on the living room floor so I swept around the project. I was tired after all that cleaning, so I dumped out the dirt and put the sweeper away. It was dinnertime anyway. While cooking my food, I did my exercises as I watched Wife Swap.

After my supper, I worked on my Easter cards again. I'm half done. My sister thinks I'm crazy making cards for everyone, not everyone appreciates them. I must create or I'll go insane. Besides, there are some that do appreciate my hand-made cards and say the childish "Mine prettier than yours". A simple Thank You is enough to make my day. My boss tells me that my enthusiasm for holidays is something he admires about me. That makes it worth it too. Post later. Bye!

Fundraiser

I had a unique experience at work yesterday. My coworker offered products for his son's daycare fundraiser. Pardon me, but why is a daycare forcing parents to raise money for the center? Why doesn't the daycare simply charge more if they are so poorly funded? I didn't buy anything. I have to save my money for my kitty. Post later. Bye!

Cute neighbor

I was rushing to work and came down the stairs to meet a new neighbor also exiting the building. He stood aside and let me pass. Such a gentleman. I saw him get into a very nice I'd been admiring for the past week. I had a happy St. Patrick's Day.

Today I watched a news station broadcst students volunteering during their Spring Break to clear debris from a town that had been wiped out by Hurricane Katrina. It made me wonder if anyone is ready for this year's hurricane season. I also saw a fundraiser for Katrina victims being pushed out of hotel rooms and facing mortage payments on homes that had been destroyed.

I find it all strange. When the Floods of 1993 hit Iowa, the state's disaster fund (or wherever the money came from) bought homes in the worst hit areas so people could relocate elsewhere. The homes were inspected for anything salvagable, like light fixtures or windows, that could be sold before the house was bulldozed. The land was made into parks or wildlife refuges since nobody dared rebuild houses there. People lined up to have their house bought by the state, but eventually the fund ran out of money and wasn't offered to everyone with damaged homes.

Why don't these charities for Katrina victims buy damaged homes or leftover foundations so these victims can move on with their lives? Does that make sense? Post later. Bye!

Interesting

I leave work to find a hubcap sitting in the middle of the sidewalk with a Chevy logo and 1 lug nut in the holes. It looked brand-new without any scratches or wearing. I wonder why it was removed from a car. One of life's little mysteries.

Even more interesting, a coworker showed us a new 10 dollar bill with red ink and water marks covering it. I asked if she made sure it was real before she made change with it. She held it up to the light and declared it real. I do have to ask the deal on the red ink. Everyone knows American money is printed in magnetic green ink, no wonder I thoguht it was fake. Another one of life's little mysteries. Post later. Bye!

Farewell to Shady

My poor coworker. Her cat named Shady died this week. It acted normal all
day, then late at night my coworker found it dead. So in their pajamas and
coats, they buried the cat in the backyard. Her stepkids don't even know
yet. Now my coworker startles her cats sleeping to make sure they are still
alive. She has 3 living cats now. Post later. Bye!

Adorably cute plaque for Mom

Here is a plaque I saw in a catalog. Someone must have met my mother cause
this describes her perfectly.

Meanest Mother in the World

I had the meanest mother in the world. While other kids had candy for
breakfast, I had cereal, eggs, and toast. While other kids had cake and
candy for lunch, I had a sandwich. As you can guess, my dinner was different
from other kids' dinners. My mother insisted on knowing where we were at all
times. She had to know who our friends were and what we were doing.

I am ashamed to admit it, but she actually had the nerve to break the child
labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make the beds, and learn
to cook. That woman must have stayed awake nights thinking up things for us
kids to do. And she insisted we tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth.

By the time we became teenagers, she was much wiser and our lives became
unbearable. None of this tooting the horn for us to come running. She
embarassed us to no end by insisting our friends come to the door to get us.

I forgot to mention that most of our friends were allowed to date at 12 or
13, but our old fashioned mother refused to let us date until we were 15.
She really raised a bunch of squares. None of us were ever arrested for
shoplifting, or busted for dope. And who do we have to thank for that?
You're right, our mean mother.

I am trying to raise my kids to stand a little straighter and taller, and I
am secretly tickled to pieces when my kids call me mean. I thank God for
giving me the meanest Mother in the world. The world needs more mean Mothers
like mine.

Post later. Bye!

Opinion page

The other day in the paper there was man who said he worked for a fast food place and asked why customers told him how to do his job, how would they like if he came to their job and told them how to do it.

Sir, if you are going to work in the customer service business you will find many people who are holier than thou and think they own the business because they are frequent customers. You will find many who call your business's rules stupid and unfair. They will call you moron, idiot, stupid, retard, fag, and bitch when you say no to them. You will find many who think they are doing us a favor by spending their dollars at your business and demand you change the price because they don't like it. I actually had an irate guy say the car rental clerks get paid so little with no benefits is because we are so stupid, and he can wipe the floor with us because he earns so much more than us. He wanted to use someone else's credit card and everyone told him no.

Nobody told you there would be days like this, did they? Face it, when working in customer service you are an unofficial punching bag for people longing to vent their anger and frustration at somebody.

Coworkers ask if I'm meaner to sales clerks, waiters/waitresses, stewardesses, etc. because I have to deal with customers screaming at me every day. No, actually I'm nicer because I know what it is like to stand on the other side of the counter. Post later. Bye!

My goodness

I visited my parents house to get my oil changed. I thought of my Dad teaching me to do it myself, but he did it himself. He got a little oil on his head and my Mom explained that's why I can't change my own oil, I'll get dirty. Oh well.

I was told my parents' car had a service that came on and refused to turn off, even though nothing is wrong with the car. I explained humidity and bad computer chips can make cars do that. I drove my Dad over to pick up their car. I told Mom about my coworker last weekend had a her car act funny on their way back from her stepson's wrestling meet. When they got the car back, her husband said it worse than when they gave it to the mechanics. A distributor cap was the problem. They also fix other things, like a crack in the muffler and paint chips on the bumpers, so they got a huge bill when they picked up the car. Why can't mechanics just fix the problem and leave it at that? I know the answer to that: They have to make money off of people who know nothing about cars. Post later. Bye!

Silly people

A gal from the car rental next door bought some movies from a video rental store going out of business. The problem was the security devices attached to the movies was still present. My coworker and 2 other gals tried very hard to open the DVD cover without destroying the disc inside. My friend didn't know why they didn't remove the security devices from any of the movies she bought, she bought a sack full. Well, after ripping the cover to shreds trying to pry it open, she made her boyfriend take back the movies to the store and get the devices removed. From all the movies. Post later. Bye!

Funny coworker

My coworker asked if I had my keys handy. Sure. He has trouble locking one of the drawers with his key. I lock the cupboard successfully. he tries again and can not unlock it. I tell him to try turning the key around. What?, he asks, What do you mean turn the key around. I motion with my hand turning a key upside down. Then he gets it and unlocks the cupboard. I can't believe somebody actually married this guy sometimes. Post later. Bye!

Insulted

Is someone trying to tell me I'm fat? I'm skinny as a stick. Last night I
received a magazine I am sure I didn't order from anyone. I glanced at it
while working and never been so insulted. It is a weight loss magazine
with ads for make-up, plastic surgery, organic foods, races for cancer, and
exercise tips for losing the maximum weight. If this is a free sample, I'd
like to say for the record: NOT EVERY WOMAN IN AMERICA THINKS SHE FAT. I didn't get past page 20. I crossed my name off the label with a dark permanent marker and left it in the office magazine pile. Post later. Bye!

Strange day

I think I'm going crazy or someone cast a curse on me. First I go to work to find a coworker handing out Girl Cookies and tells me she will be bring my cookies tomorrow. Excuse me?, I didn't order any cookies from her daughter. She said I did, 1 box. My other coworker almost asked why only buy 1 box, then recalled I have niece. I still don't recall ordering any cookies. I ordered 4 boxes from my niece and was prepared to say to no to my coworker, but I never saw her or the order sheet. I wonder what kind was under my name.

Then I do my close up duties as usual at work and start a 2nd movie thinking I have time to watch it before I leave. Next the guy next door runs his vaccuum and I realize I forgot the vaccuum and get it out to do later. I run outside to get mileage from a car and come back ready to watch the rest of my movie. I cancelled the last reservation when the guy says he doesn't need it anymore. I remind myself of the volunteer meeting tomorrow early in the morning, Saturday. I don't know exactly when I thought it was Saturday and I close any minute. I panic and run the vaccuum quickly. I'm sad not being able finish the movie, I don't know why I thought I had time for it. I shut it off and log off the computer. I run out the door thinking it odd no one else is gone, but brush off the feeling as they are about to leave or waiting for a flight. Say good-bye to everyone I pass. I am eager to get home and get some sleep. Put on my pj's, set the alarm clock for the morning, play on my computer, brush my teeth after a glass of milk, and cross off today on the calendar. It's Friday, not Saturday. Oops, I just clocked out an hour before I was suppose to. I will having some explaining to do. I guess I thought about the meeting too much.

Then I get into my mailbox I can hardly open to find a magazine I never ordered, apparently I have a subscription to it until Jan. 2007.

Even spookier, while playing on the computer and listening to music with headphones on, my TV turns on. At first I thought it was the answering machine because I heard a ring like a bell and a man talking. No, I look around to find my TV is on and the remote control is on the other end of the couch. I lean over to grab it wondering if I have a ghost. I better go to bed before anything else weird happens. My day started so normal and usual. What happened?

Update: Everything did not go well getting to the volunteer orientation. The street I was suppose to turn on in their directions has been wiped out due to consturction on our beloved interstate/freeway. I emailed for new directions.

Broken locks

We got new locks a couple of weeks ago and tonight I broke one. All I did was turn the key. I noticed another one was broken off. Are lcoks costing $200 suppose to last only 2 weeks? Post later. Bye!

Almost School Shooting

I just heard on TV that 2 teens from my old high school made deadly threats to students and police were called. The police took a loaded handgun and arrested the teens. The school said they had a list of people they planned to target. More on this story at 5:00 news. And I'll be at work then. Bummer. Post later. Bye!

Credit card activation

I fail to see the purpose of calling a 800 number to activate a credit card other than getting customers to listen to sales pitches. Do these credit card people not send enough crap with my statement to throw away? Do they not call my required given phone number to telemarket to my answering machine? Do they not send enough junk emails to delete? Once I heard my card was activated, I hung up during the automated sales pitch. Usually I get an operator I have to say No, No, No, No, Because I don't want it, No, No, No, and I just want my card activiated. Sometimes I hate credit cards. Post later. Bye!

Business rumors

Today we women were busy gossiping between customers. A guy coworker had to get in the conversation telling us about the jail sentences of his friends who used to work for us. I refrained from asking if any of his friends not in jail.

On the agenda was a married woman at another counter boinking a cute blond car jockey at yet another company. My coworker made us look at the guy when he came inside.

Then a coworker of mine informed someone that she has equal status of the manager and now we are required to bring our problem calls to her instead of the manager because the manager spends too much time at another location. My coworker asked me if the manager told me that, since we email each other often. No, not a word. I email the manager asking What's this?, of all the people to promote they picked her? Sometimes I rather talk to manager than her. She answered back that that this coworker only has an extra duty, she schedules people who call in sick and want vacation, that's all. We still call the manager with problems first, then her, then whoever answers the phone. That was a relief. Let's just say if this person became the new manager, I would be looking for another job.

Business tip: From past experience, the reason certain employees have spanking clean work records and been working there for many years is because most people rather quit than complain to higher authority, especially complain repeatedly to see nothing change. Personality conflicts are hard to fix in the workplace. Post later. Bye!

Babysitting day 2

I went over to my sister's house to babysit again. My brother-in-law informed me that the baby was about to fall asleep. Naps are important to babies as toys are. So I spent 2 hours trying to get her to sleep. I read books. Laid her on her parents's bed. Then the stupid talking Elmo kept going off. Soon she needs to go potty. We rush to the bathroom and set her on the potty chair. After trying to tinkle, she stands up. I tried to get her to sit back down. Giving up, I set her on the changing table to find her pants are wet. She went potty alright. I get a new diaper and change her pants and socks, wiping her legs off first. I notice later a few urine drops in the potty chair.

Back to bed, she wants her babydoll. Then she wants another babydoll. I bring 5 dolls and place blankets over them. She kicks her feet and laughs. Everytime I think she is about to drift off, she opens her eyes and looks up at me. She keeps sticking her feet in the air. I play lullabies and finally rock her in the chair, but the little bugger refuses to sleep. I give up and give her a snack. I cooked macaroni and cheese for supper. I finish my laundry and answer the phone. Mom has to ask my sister something and my brother-in-law said it is time for her night snack. I fed her yogurt and read books. My sister comes home and calls Mom. She explained had extra work to do at school and took longer than anticipated. My sister gets her (the baby) pj's on and brushes her teeth. The digital satellite lost its signal because of the rain storm so I played Harry Potter in the VCR. My sister cranks up the TV watching Single in the City. For a married woman, she loves that show.

Now I'm back home lonely as can be. My sister always insists on staying the night, but the baby will never be calm with me around. Besides, I have to work tomorrow. Post later. Bye!

Babysitting

I babysat my baby niece yesterday. Their babysitter decided to on a family vacation the week before spring break. I arrived to find the baby taking a nap in the master bedroom. I must have awoke her with the doorbell because she was screaming and crying. When I started petting a cat in the hallway, I heard the baby crying my name. I answered saying I heard someone call my name, who could it be? The baby opened the door with tears streaming down her cheeks. She must have been expecting me.

We had so much fun. We played with her dollhouse, colored, read books, played horsie and piggyback, and rode the hobbyhorse. She dragged out all the dishtowels to paly over a doll. Then she dragged out the cooking utensils and I put them back. I tried to encourage finishing her nap by laying on the couch, but she was too excited to lay down. I played kid movies with music because the baby loves to dance. We had a snack and juice to see how hungry she was. I changed her diaper despite her protests. I found out why, she had bad diaper rash. She also disapproved of the diaper cream I put on. My sister said later she had diaherra yesterday. I fixed her supper and my sister came home while she was eating. I was cooking chicken in the oven for myself. Next, I went to the store to get candy bars for my sister's class. I chased the baby over the house with a toy car. Then we calmed down to read more books since bedtime was approaching. My sister took a bath with the baby. I spent quality time petting the cats. Afterwards, I combed the baby's hair while she brushed her teeth. I continued reading books and a cat jumped up on my sister's lap. The baby threw a pillow at the cat and my sister scolded her. It was time for me to leave.

Tomorrow I babysit again. I can't wait. Post later. Bye!

Snow and fog

Tonight there were problems with snow in Chicago and many flight delays. Customers called up asking when we close. As it turned out, these people should have been more concerned about arriving at all. When flights leaving Chicago were being cancelled left and right because of the snow, a thick fog rolled into my city causing flights to be diverted elsewhere. One flight was still posted as delayed until 1 in the morning.

I think my coworker's wife has an issue with him waiting for delayed flights. I heard him explaining to her that it is his job to wait for these flights and the bad weather is not his fault. At least he closes only once a week. Post later. Bye!

Mystery car

We had a car in our return lot we couldn't match an owner to. My coworker was close to having it towed, but then a car jockey phoned in the explain the mystery car belong to his mother, who is renting a car from another company. Nice of him to tell us before it was towed away. Why didn't she park her car in the competition's stalls instead of ours?

Then we lose keys to a car sitting across the street my coworker wants to bring over. They checked everywhere for the keys to no avail. I'm guessing the keys are in someone's pocket or on the dashboard of one of the rental cars, the usual places for missing keys.

Enough excitement for today. Post later. Bye!

Cupboard overhaul

Today we received new locks on the cupboards and drawers because my boss was dissatisfied with half of the locks being broken. He was more dissatisfied with the price tag of getting new locks. Since we have this change mood around us, my coworker decides to rearrange everything in the cupboards and drawers. Now we have to check 5-10 places to find anything. That will really screw up my dipshit coworker who can't remember anything tomorrow.

I was a big help with my coworker's homework today, she had to look up the state capitals. I pointed out the US map covering 2 pages instead of looking up each individual state in the atlas. Then I started naming the capitals since she had difficulty finding the stars that mark a capital city. She checked my work as I recited. 49 out of 50 captials I named correctly. One I couldn't recall at all. Oh well, nobody's perfect. Post later. Bye!

Today's Events

Today was a little exciting at work. I found out a coworker quit and starts a new job today. It was said that he got tired of working with a certain lazy person and found a new job. Guess I can stop brushing up on my Spanish.

Next the boss's brother comes by with a car number to ask us to hold it for him when the car is returned. It needs maintainence. We set the paper aside. Two seconds later we have two cars return and we toss the keys in the return bucket. Boss's brother looks at the keys and asks "Who did this?", he found his wanted car and it was not tagged to be held back like he asked. My coworker and I both said "If it was me, Sorry." Neither of us checked the paper when we returned the cars.

Then I looked at my paycheck to discover no overtime for working on my day off last week. I know I went over 40 hours one week, but not the other since I usually work 36 hours a week. I suppose since we get paid biweekly, one has to go over 80 to be paid overtime. Bummer.

Lastly, the most exciting part of the evening was a customer using one of our rental cars to commit bank fraud. The police were kind enough to call us to pick up the car instead of impounding it. The cop said the customer was arrested for state felony bank fraud charges and will not be needing the car anymore. He refused to elaborate on exactly what the customer did.

Other than that, it was a mostly boring night at work. Post later. Bye!

Potty chair

My baby niece went in her potty chair tonight. We applauded. Then she ran down the hall with her pants down. I wiped her off and put her on the changing table to get a new diaper on. My sister had to do the diaper bit since she kept kicking her legs.

My sister got a new DVD player so I brought over movies to watch. Then my sister decided to pick up the living room as it began so she kept missing funny parts. Oh well, I let her keep it so she watch it again.

I got my income tax refund and promptly put it in the bank. It is going towards paying bills and save the rest for my new kitten. Kitties cost money. 11 weeks to go until I can bring it home. Post later. Bye!

Generosity

I got an email from my sister saying she will gather all the unused cat things she has and give them to me. I replied that I would take whatever she's got, less for me to buy. She is so sweet. Post later. Bye!

Adventure

I went out to get mileage off a car. Open the door with the key and set off the car alarm. I pulled out everything from the glove box to read the manual to learn I must hit the unlock button on the remote to turn it off. That's not a very good alarm system, especially when customers tend to lose things. Anyway, a gal at the rental next door said some cars are like that. If you lock the car with the remote, you have to unlock it with the remote, or the alarm goes off. Stupid car. Post later. Bye!

Letter

I got a letter from the museum I volunteered at last summer asking me to come back to volunteer again. Of course I will. The problem is the people around me who think I'm a crazy lunatic for do a job for nothing. My aunt suggested getting a part-time job instead of volunteering again so I would at least get paid. Though my Mom and sister hope my volunteering will be a springboard towards a more prestigious and higher paying job at the museum. Staff at not-for-profit organizations don't make upper class salaries, but try to explain that to them. All I can say is that volunteering is a lot more fun than getting drunk at the bar. There is more to life than making money. Post later. Bye!

My precious is born

My friend's cat had 7 kitties last night. I saw a photo on her cell phone. My Precious is finally born, the name I planned for my kitten. 12 weeks until I can take home. Post later. Bye!

Graduation Poem

I wrote a story for my niece about to graduate high school. I hope she likes it.

P.S. I Love You
I once had a little lamb named Abby who followed me everywhere I went.
I pushed my shadow on swings and caught her on slides.
I saved Princess Abigail from monsterous spiders lurking in the basement.
It has been a long time since she opened doors expecting me to appear like a
magician.
I missed you too.

My little lamb grew up and pulled away from me.
She learned to stand on her own two feet and idolized Britney Spears instead
of me.
I proudly shared the books I once read and praised her report cards.
It has been a long time since grandma pointed out how much you are like me.
I taught you well.

Now my little lamb is a woman about to explore uncharted waters.
Go be the woman you dream to be and never mind those who say you can't.
Follow your passion and you will never go wrong, stray a little and you fall
into a rut.
I wish you well on your journey through life and all the wonderful surprises
that appear.
P.S. I love you.

Post later. Bye!

Big sisters

If I ever need advice on what is wrong with me, my big sister is sure to nick pick every flaw until I cry.

My sister told me today that when I meet a guy I met over the internet to make sure I shower, wash my hair, brush my teeth, put on make-up, and dress up like a doll to make a great impression. Never think people should just accept me for who I am and come dressed as a slob, she said.

Next was to speak correct grammar since I'm a college graduate.

Thanks sister, but I already figured this out a long time ago. I did get gussied up and had proper table manners and grammar when I met a date on New Year's Eve. According to his email, I did leave a great impression (he said I looked really good), but he was not emotional interested in me. Leaving a wonderful first impression does not always work. Post later. Bye!

Bad day

Complaints, complaints, complaints.
For hours I get to hear complaints on our lousy car selection. We are about
out of cars to rent, so yeah there is a more lowered selection than usual.
But try to explain that to customers who demand the car they want whether I
have it or not.

Then I get people complaining about how stupid our rules are. Why, why, why?
they demand. I know many customers believe employees are represent the
company. Actually we don't, we are just hired help with no power to change anything. If you think the rules are stupid, then you are welcome to buy the company from my
boss and change them.

One company here is owned by a corporate raider trying to run the company
into the ground by changing rules left and right, thus making customers
ticked off at the rental clerks accustomed to the old rules. What do they care about customer service, a failed business is a tax ride off? Post later. Bye!

Sick coworker

I went to work on my day off today. A coworker threw up and I was needed to fill
in. It was fun to work with people I rarely see. I'm getting over my cold
and hopefully won't catch anything else. Right after my coworker called, my
sister calls saying it would be fun to come over tonight instead of tomorrow
to do laundry. I had to say Sorry, I'm working tonight.

Right when I came in there was drama already in progress. Someone who just
rented a car crashed it down the street, hitting a minivan. My coworker
sympathized when he came in to fill out the accident report, he had a cut on
his head but refused any treatment. When she ( my coworker) crashed into a van a while ago she discovered that because the bumpers are not aligned, the airbags did
not deploy since the sensors were not touched. That's scary to know. Post
later. Bye!

Staying in bed

I stayed in bed all day to give myself rest from suffering a cold since Thursday. I got up to check my email after the sun set. I feel a little better, but still coughing. My sister called to say I wasn't needed to drive her to her doctor's appointment as planned. Her husband doesn't get his schedule very far in advance.

Next, I watched the Olympics men's figure skating gold medal performance online. I popped in The Princess Bride movie in my TV. When that was over with, I watched ice dancing on TV. Now I'm on the computer again. I was dreaming of my novels while laying dazed in bed today. I had the next event plotted out on each one I'm working on. Post later. Bye!

Show and tell

I had a confusing experience today. I was under the impression that a coworker who watches DVDs late at night asked permission from the boss to do that, and he said it was OK. Today I show off my new toy portable DVD player to all my friends, when someone said not to show and tell my toy to the boss. What??? If we are allowed to watch movies, then why do I need to hide my player from the boss. I emailed my manager from my home computer asking if my memory is incorrect about playing movies is allowed. Besides that, it is not like we play them when we are busy. That would require hitting pause a lot. I'll have to wait and see. Post later. Bye!

Caught a cold

I think I got a cold last night. My throat started to hurt, congestion got so bad I felt being strangled, and started losing my voice. Got plenty of cold medicine in me now, thoguh the coughing is is same.

Then, even though I cancelled my suscription, I get an email from a computer dating service match. Yeah, sure. If the standard is a woman with a pulse, then I match everybody. What's wrong with him this time? Too old, ultra conservative politics ( I hate Bush), and hides in his profile photo under a hat and sunglasses. How am I suppose to know what he looks like? I'm shaky about responding to his email. His first question about me was if I mountian climb. I have asthma, so that would be no.

I don't think there is a guy meant for me no matter what my coworkers say. They seem to be looking for someone who is not me. Post later. Bye!

Poor new guy

We have a new guy whose mother works at the car rental next door. She says he is getting so frustrated with lazy coworkers making him do more than his fair share of work. I assured the gal that we are aware who is lazy and who is not. She said he was nervous complaining to the owner right after he got hired about people he has to work with everyday. I recommended speaking to the owner's brother, someone not officially in charge but in good with The Boss. All he would have to say was he is frustrated and doesn't know how to handle the situation, which would take direct blame away from the coworkers. If the brother feels it is important to inform the owner of the problem, he will. She thanked me for the middle man advice and relayed the message to her son. I feel like a fairy godmother giving good advise to the underdog, indirectly that is. Post later. Bye!

Magazine article

I read a magazine article about parents doing too much for children, like
making themselves late for work taking forgotten homework to school instead
of letting kids say the dog ate it.

I recall leaving my homework behind in the 4th grade. My Mom called the
school to leave a note for the teacher that I really did it, just left it
behind at home. I rewrote my homework on the bus when I realized it was
missing. So the teacher gathering homework announces in front of my class my
Mom called so I didn't have to turn mine in, causing me to be embarrassed in
front of EVERYBODY I knew. I held it out stating my homework was right here.
During recess, I am called in to the office because my Mom wanted to speak
to me. Apparently, the teacher had called to say I handed in my homework and
she was confused. I explained that I did it on the bus and did it much
faster the 2nd time around because I knew the answers. She never called to
tell a teacher I left my homework at home again. Thank God. Post later. Bye!

Snow!!!!!!!!!

It is snowing today. I'm so happy. I hate looking at brown grass all the time. It is so pretty, and cold. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Ta-dum. Post later. Bye!

Happy Valentine's Day

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I hate this holiday
How bout you?

Happy Valentine's Day for those in love getting flowers or chocolates today.

Today I am buying a portable DVD player with a 10% off coupon I got from my credit card company and going to The Pink Panther by myself. other than that I am washing my sheets and cooking macaroni and cheese for dinner.
Post later. Bye!

Day off, but not really

I went over to my sister's house to help entertain the baby since my mother was leaving to go back home today (she had been there since Thursday). My sister was home from her knee surgery where they removed torn cartiage caused by dancing with the baby. She needed someone around to help her because she is suppose to keep her leg elevated for healing. My Dad who was suppose to come pick up my Mom went to a stamp store first and came later than planned.

I got up earlier than usual so I laid down to encourage the baby nap with me, after playing dinner party and dollhouse for 2 hours. She went into a deep sleep and didn't like being woken up by Mama. She must be awakened so she will fall asleep during the night. Mom asked about the cats bugging me for attention like they did her (she hates animals of all sizes and shapes). I heard my sister answer that the cats love me because I pet them. Cats and nieces never starve for attention around me.

We played on and popped in a movie. The baby likes watching TV too, especially when music is playing. We read books and played ball. She kept throwing the ball down the dark areas of the house. I finally rested from picking up the ball so many times.

My sister gave me a newsletter from the local animal shelter. It had a few paragraphs about a program they were looking for volunteers to help with. It is a educational seminar for children and adults about taking care of animals, approaching unfamiliar animals, and how to tell the difference between wild animlas and pets. They asked for outgoing people who are willing to touch such animals they have at the shelter, like rats, snakes, ferrets, birds, bobcat kitten, or tiger cub. Yes exotic pets end up in animal shelters when the owners decide their pet is longer adorable and easy to control. Do any of these owners think this cute little creature will be as an adult, like adult tigers weighing 300 pounds and can rip your arm off? I doubt it. I think exotic pets should require to be licensed like cats and dogs, for public safety if not for protecting the pet from neglect. Would you like a pet boa constrictor, alligator, wolf, cougar, lion, or tiger running around your neighborhood? I wrote down the email address for the coordinator for the program, but then I'm not well educated myself on animals so I'm unsure if I will be accepted.

Now I'm back home and ready for another nap. My niece wore me out. Post later. Bye!

Suffering from TMI

Today I have suffered through TMI (Too Much Information) while reading a book on a famous king. I hate it when authors must give a 2 paragraph biography of every person the subject of the book has met. I just want to know how these people affected the subject's perception on the world. One biography was like reading a list of famous people. The daughter of Dame Fifi means nothing to me when I have no clue on who Dame Fifi is. Well off to bed when I'm done with my cocoa. Post later. Bye!

Black History Month

February is designated as Black History Month. Persoanlly, I think Black History should be taught in school all year around instead of just in February.

I recall in high school a test of various groups to name 20 Famous African-Americans who are not performers (actors, singers, musicians) nor athletes, at the top of their head. In the papers then, they said no class they gave this test to could do that. My high school economics class almost made it, but a few names short.

I shall try that test again on my blog: though I warn you I took a Black Literature class in college so it may be easier for me.

OK, 20 Famous Afircan-Americans who are not performers nor athletes. () are things I had to look up in a black history book to refresh my memory and spell names correctly for this posting.

1. Phillis Wheatley: Ensalved poet taught by her mistress to read and write in Massachusetts, later set free and married. She once met George Washington during the Revolutionary War to read a poem she wrote about him.

2. Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist who also spoke out on women's suffage. Gave famous speech "Ain't I A Woman" without notecards because she could not read.

3. Harriet Tubman: Abolitionist who lead slaves to freedon on the Underground Railroad.

4. Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist who dictated his autobiography and finally hid in Europe because he feared his fomrer master reading about his speeches. (his freedom was bought while in England)

5. Nat Turner: Led a group a slaves into protesting slavery by killing white owners. Hung after he was caught. (Virginia)

6. Denmark Vesey: leader of slave revolt and was hung. (Charleston, SC)

7. George Washington Carver: Scientist born into slavery by raised by white owners after his mother was killed in the Civil War to read and write. Attended college in Iowa to move to Tuskegee, AL to help farmers change from growing cotton to peanuts after loss of cotton crops by insect larvae by inventing 300 uses for peanuts.

8. Booker T. Washington: Head (Founder)of Tuskegee College where #7 worked and outspoken critic of race relations. (first black to be on a postage stamp)

9. W.E.B. Du Bois author of Souls of Black Folk who also was outspoken on race realtions. (founder of NAACP, editor of magazine The Crisis)

10. James Baldwin: author.

11. Alex Haley: Author of famous book and miniseries based on his book tracing his family tree all the way back to Africa, Roots. (first black to win Pulitzer Prize)

12. Maya Angelou: author of her biography split into several books. The first of the series is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

13. Oprah Winfrey: journalist turned talk show host who became the first black female billionaire. Founder of charity Angel Network.

14: Alice Walker: author of The Purple Color and another book speaking against female circumscion in Africa. (first black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize)

15. Toni Morrison: author of Beloved and Their Eyes are Watching God. First black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

16. Gwendolyn Brooks: author. (poet)

17. Rosa Parks: infamous refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man sparking a new civil rights movement.

18. Martin Luther King Jr.: civil rights activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize. Slain during a speech causing riots in cities across America for days.

19. Coretta Scott King: widow of #18 and became a civil rights activist picking up where her husband left off.

20. Malcolm X: leader in the Muslim Movement in America.

21: Elijah Muhammad: Leader in establising Muslim temples in America.

22. Louis Farrakhan: leader of American Muslims. (formed Nation of Islam)

23. Buffalo Soldiers: Black soldiers in the Wild West.

24. Tuskegee Airmen: Pilots who held the record of losing zero pilots in battles.

25. Quincy Jones: music producer.

26. Spike Lee: director of films.

27. Jesse Jackson: civil rights activist and ran for president once (1987). Negotitated the release of hostages in war torn former Yugoslavia in the 1990's.

28. Colin Powell: Secretary of State of current President Bush. (first black chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and first black National Security Advisor)

29. Condolezza Rice: Secretary of State of current President Bush and once same presiendent's Natioanl Securty Advisor.

30. Thurgood Marshall: judge on the Supreme Court. (appointed by Prsident Johnson)

31. Grandma Moses: painter who supported charities for single mothers.

32. John Crocken: lawyer of OJ Simpson among other celebrities.

33. (couldn't think of the name of the first black female astronaut, but it's Mae Jemison)

34. couldn't think of the name of the first black woman to graduate West Point at the top of her class a few years ago, my book is too old for that name.

35. couldn't think of the author of Invisible Man, but it's Ralph Waldo Ellison.

36. Claude McKay: poet who wrote If We Should Die.
Post later. Bye!

Bad day

My sister is having a bad day. She was dancing with my baby niece and hurt her knee. She goes into surgery tomorrow. Our Mom is there watching the baby this weekend. I may be requested for babysitting on my next day off, since Mom doubts she will feel like going back to work then. Post later. Bye!

Rejection #5 or 6

I have received my rejection notice from publisher #5 or 6, sorry I'm starting to lose count, on my manuscript. I give up on publishers. I think I will concentrate my focus on finishing my next novel and hope for the best. Post later. Bye!

Job loss

I found out my uncle has been laid off last week so he can be replaced by a less expensive newer employee. He is a few years away from retirement, causing us to think his company just does not want to pay him retirement benefits and pensions. Who is going to hire him so he can work a few years until retirement? He is still looking for a new job.

Ya know companies demand loyal to the company from their employees, but at the same time they throw away employees like yesterday's newspapers. Why should we be loyal, to get stock options and then lose our job because we earn too much? And companies complain they can't find good and qualified workers: You fired them. Post later. Bye!

Missed the snow

I visited my brother yesterday to get my taxes done. I owe the State of Iowa $4 and will receive a nice refund from the Feds. Like last year, that money will help pay off Christmas spending and help save a little for a minivacation. I haven't had a vacation for a year in a half. Where shall I go that is cheap, but fun? I much prefer going by myself than anyone in my family this time around.

Oh yeah, I have to save money for my kitten. Maybe my vacation will just have to wait another year. Post later. Bye!

Black switch

I discovered from one of the janitors at work that there is a black switch on ceiling fans that make the blades rotate the oppposite way, thus pushing warm air down to the floor and warming up the room. Today I grabbed my flashlight to move the black switch. Soon I have to turn them off. I am leaving to get my taxes done by my brother. I stink in the math department and always will.

Plus I get confused the way things are worded. Tax forms are suppose to be at a child's reading level, so it is like reading a Dick and Jane or Dr. Seuss book. It is not how many grown ups speak. Example: Subtract Line 25 from Line 15.

Is that Line 15 minus(-) Line 25 or Line 25 minus(-) Line 15? My brother says that's lawyer talk. Post later. Bye!

Ammo

I got some ammunition on a certain guy everybody at work hates and I ain't afraid to use it. A while ago this guy emailed another car rental's cooperate headquarters complaining that their employee was not wearing his uniform, among other things. This guy was fired and can not have foster children come into his home until he finds a new job. His wife doesn't make enough to support them both. Because this guy was fired over stupid reasons, everybody hates the tattle tale and gives him the cold shoulder. This tattle tale also feels no remorse whatsoever costing someone their job because he hated the guy whom he got fired.

Anyway, I found out this tattle taler was looking up porn on the internet using his company's computer. I can't wait to tell his boss that. Isn't that grounds for dismissal? I know one gets kicks out of libraries by looking up porn on the libraries' computers.

What goes around comes around. Post later. Bye!

Odd

My coworker's phone rang inside her purse. She picked it up, announced it was her ex-boyfriend who went back to jail when he violated his parole by hitting my coworker a while ago, and then announced he left a message on her voicemail. I guess some people have more trouble accepting the end of a relationship than others.

Another coworker suggests blocking his phone calls. You can't block unwanted phone calls on a cell phone, she answers back. Sure you can, the other girl says, just call your cell phone company and ask to block his number. Better yet, she continues, get a new cell phone number. My coworker thought that was an excellent idea.

After she left the other coworker asked us, Wouldn't it make sense to block a guy from calling you 3 times a day after 3 months?

Yeah it makes sense. When a coworker played a joke on my cell phone, I changed the number so he couldn't wear out my battery and use up any minutes again. The cell phone company was really cooperative when I said I wanted a new number because of harrassment and changed it immediately for free. Post later. Bye!

I hate internet dating

Well I cancelled my subscription to the latest internet dating service and I am still getting matches complete with emails. Guess they keep on record after you exit. One said that Dr. Phil said we match.

We do?

How in God's name do I match with this person? All we have in common is being single and white with boring desk jobs. Then he says my job sounds aweful and asked what I did in the same sentence. Huh? Sorry for not appreciating his weird sense of humor.

Then a second match from the service is from another state and asked for me to call him because he judges people on their voice. What does a Minnie Mouse voice say about me? Besides, I ain't calling anyone long distance.

Then a third guy said my profile caught his eye and wanted to be emailed before his subscription expires tomorrow. Not after looking at his profile, way too old for me.

Post later. Bye!

Happy Groundhog Day

Today is Groundhog Day. It is the day a person pulls an animal out of its burrow to determine if we will have 6 more weeks of winter or spring will soon be here. It heeds often inaccurrate predictions, but it is tradition. Has the groundhog seen its shadow today? Post later. Bye!

I'm a reference

My sister and her husband are going throguh the adoption process to have another child. They considered China as a possibility. We have a Korean cousin so there should not be any racist attitudes in our family. They need 6 references to their excellent parenting skills. She thought of me writing a 3 page refernce letter because I love to write. I am looking forward to this.

I talked to my Mom today about coming down to put away my Christmas decorations at her house on my way when I go over to my brother's house to do my taxes. She told me my cousin's girl had her eardrum break and it bled. They rushed her to a doctor and is fine now. Poor girl. First a lazy eye they had to cover for a while to train her good eye to see properly, now this. Post later. Bye!