Excitement of the day

I'll skip the making customers mad stories of the day and move on to the suggestion that I go see this smashed up car a customer miraclously survived with the drivers side of the car gone. The guy pulled over the road to take a nap and some of the car was still in the driving lane which got hit by a semi truck. So then found out it had already be removed from our lot. The estimate was $22,000 of damage while the car was worth only $14,000. Plus there is the question of if this guy has insurance or is it expired at time of accident. Then after asking to the guys to take me over to the wash bay (I am not walking), they said I could help shuttle cars over. Sure why not. I brought over 4 cars and guys said I was slow. Had to ask how to put the window back up, had to exit the car to swipe my badge, get back in the car, switch to drive from park, all before the gate arm went back down. My arms aren't long enough to reach the box even with the car hitting the curb. Then, every time I had adjust the seat to reach the pedals (all my guys are taller than me), had trouble seeing behind me because the head rest blocked my view, and the last car I drove in I could not remove the keys from the ignition. I didn't have the keys back far enough to unlock. I jerked them as back as I could. But other than I had fun and got on the guy's good side for a while. Post later. Bye!

I won the British Lottery

I received a couple emails stating I won 3 million pounds stirling in the British Lottery. My email address was picked out of a quarter of million email addresses that were entered.

Gee, I don't recall entering any British lottery. They want a reply with my full name, address, phone number, sex, occupation, etc. and if I want a cheque or bank transfer. Ya think it is a scam to implant a virus into my computer or the real thing. I would think people entering a lottery would include contact info in their entry, don't ya think. I think it is a scam targeted at stupid people. Phishing is it called now? Anyway, later. B.

Nice Weather

We are having lovely weather this week, in the 50's and 60's. Cats were outside an hour yesterday and today not so long cause the cars driving by frightened them. And today the price of gas went up to $3.09. They said it is going to get up to $4 a gallon. Checked out the new and much larger grocery store. Mom would despise it since she has arthitis. I had to walk everywhere to find my stuff. At least I got my exercise. My sleep aid wasn't listed in the aisle signs (neither was family planning section). It was on the bottom shelf of the aspirin. They should set it by the allergy stuff since half the pills contain my allergy medicine. Ran into one of airport janitors and finally met the wife I hear so much about. The good thing is my bank outlet is in the store so I don't have to go all the way to another town to deposit stuff, and maybe cash the occasional check. They have the gas station there too. They have a glass waterfall where water streams down a pane of glass to a pool. Oh, and the new can/bottle redemption machines are cool too. I just recalled not turning the receipt to the cashier. Oops, got to go back tomorrow to get my $3. Well, nothing else to say. Post later. Bye!

A List

I was reading Oprah Magazine and found letters to the editor about people grateful for the article in a past issue about making a list of traits you want in a husband, and that will come to you cause you are focusing on what you want, not traits you don't want.

Also, in the magazine they had articles about friendships, which I skip since I don't really have friends. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of email pals that never write except for the generic "Everything is fine" note at Christmas. Sure I talk to people at work but we never converse outside of work. Though whenever I do think I'm gaining a friend at work, she turns into the makeover artist changing my clothes, shoes, hair, make-up, etc. I don't like being someone's project or clone so I pull away. I also despise people who insist on coming to their church when I keep telling them I will never come. I guess my definition of friend is anyone who can tolerate my presence.

So in that here is my list for people I want in my life, husband or friend.

Traits I Won't Tolerate:

Control freak w/abusive personality cause I get enough verbal abuse from my family that I don't need any more from friends.

People who answer every story I tell with "What you need to do is". I'm not asking for advice, I am telling a story, period. I also get plenty unsolicited advice from everybody I know that I don't need more.

Guy who gets a agressive/vicious dog breed simply to prove to everyone how tough and strong he is. I will not have a vicious dog attack my cats or bite off the fingers of my 4-year-old niece in my home. Besides, a vicious dog will prove how neglectful and ignorant you are of needs of something that depends on you for care, not how tough you are.

I don't wish to be close to the stupidest people on earth dependent on me telling them what to do.

I don't want someone who loves cooking cause I enjoy it so I don't want compeition for the stove.

What traits I do want:

Kind, generous, funny, willing to take me out, imagination, good communicator, good negotiator and cooperative, likes to hold hands and snuggle, someone who takes care of themself, likes cats and other creatures (nothing that would cause harm to my cats), and a nice smile. I prefer tall, blond, and muscular, but can fall for any hair color or stature.

Now where do I find someone like that? I bet guys like that are already married with 3 kids. Post later. Bye!

Glad it is my Friday

Had a customer come up to the counter with fur coat, manicured hair that looked like she jumped out of a Vogue magazine, brand name purse, pulling giant black suitcases, and knew instantly she is going to be a bitch. I was not disappointed.

She whined about her contract, frowned that I didn't know exactly where her home office was located, and had to argue what most corporate accounts contain in their contract. I was wrong of course. Whatever. She comes back demanding to know where her car is cause it is not in our lot outside the door. No, it is not, it is in another lot. She has rented from us a dozen times and never had to pick up a car in another lot. Yeah well, there is a first time for everything (I did not say that part to her). I offered to walk her to the exit door to point out the lot. Someone outside said she has to take a shuttle to it. No, that person was wrong. She shouts, Nevermind I'll just walk all over the airport finding this car myself. Unnecessary, I will go with her. Then walking out the door, she whines how her luggage is heavy and it is unfair to make her walk so far with it. I neglected to point out the luggage carts. Outside, w/out my coat, I point out the lot the car is in.

She comes back again cause the car is not in the stall I wrote down on her folder. She orders I put on my coat and go with her to this spot and see for myself it is not there. Unnecessary, I will just give another car. While exchanging cars in the computer, she asks how long I have worked here. Almost 7 years. Oh really, she replies in that doubtful tone. If this snow queen thinks she is going to shake me up, she has another thing coming. If I am upset, it's because of my coworkers writing incorrect stall numbers so I have to abandon my counter and to hunt this car down, and often times it is on the wash bay area. With coat on, walk her to her new car and hit the unlock button to make sure this one is where it is suppose to be. She whines again about how I don't know what it is like carrying her heavy luggage all over this airport. This car is in our closer lot. She demands I go check the stall for her first car. I apologize and assure her I will look for this car.

Go look for this car in the other lot. It is not in the other lot. Okay, now I'm pissed and check our closer lot. It is 10 paces from the exit door and we passed by it on the way to her new car. Those jerk coworkers. I explain to the other rentals I pass by on the way back in why the lady was yelling at me including that if the car washers get mad cause we sit on our butts all day reading magazines while they are working their butts off washing cars, I say they don't have to deal with people screaming in their faces so that makes us even. At least it is my Friday. Joy to the World. Oh then I come home to find all the most parking spaces taken, even by the curb where you are not suppose to park. Is there a party of some sort going on? It sure is not a holiday and it is a Sunday night. I circled around twice and parked at the bottom of the hill. Post later. Bye!

Funny work story

I have a funny work story for ya. Guy comes up to the counter asking if the car rental next door person is here. Yes, he is right there behind the counter. There are 3 customers in line at this counter. Guy doesn't see him. I explain he is sitting down, he is on crutches so he has to sit down. There's not more than one employee there? Nope, they have been cutting back on their workforce so people are working alone by themselves. He gets in line behind the other 3 people. When he reaches the counter, I take off for the rest room since nobody is coming by my counter. When I walk out of the stall, the guy is standing by the sinks. I tell him he is not suppose to be in here. Oh sorry, he says and leaves. Only male janitors and little boys are allowed in the ladies room. Post later. Bye!

Days off

Not much happened on my days off. Frodo finally took a couple of naps atop of the new cat tower, and it only took him a month. Frodo chased the laser light and fishing pole. Went grocery shopping and debated whether or not to give my baby niece an Easter present. If I give her one, my other nieces in another state will feel left out. And then there is the fact that one year my niece got 4 Easter bunnies. Then my sister despises candy being given to her by her preschool during any event: birthdays, Halloween, Chirstmas, Valentines's. So chocolate bunny would be frowned upon. I saw cute Princess dolls of Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Ariel, but how does one pick. My niece has 4 Cinderella dolls. My sister said I could get Snow White, she loves Snow White though she never seen the movie. Okay, I'll get the Snow White Barbie. I thought I could get the movie to go with it online with my Disney Movie Club membership. Nope. Not there. What is the deal with all the Princess dolls, Princess Christmas DVD, and the books with the storyline (my niece has 5 Cinderlla books), the movie sequels, but you can't buy the DVD? No Snow White, No Sleeping Beauty, No Beauty and the Beast, and now No more Cinderella or Aladdin DVDs. I do have The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and the first Aladdin. Only 2nd hand DVDs that don't come in their original containers or scratched up. Whose wants to spend $50 on a scratched up DVD on amazon.com? As any collector knows, mint condition and original packaging make the most money. So I got Roo's Springtime from Winnie Pooh instead. Niece loves Pooh.

I babysat while sister to a meeting. I brought Lilo and Stitch. My sister got confused when I told her my niece pouted when the aliens refused to rescue Lilo for Nani. She crossed her arms and shouted at the TV, Go get Lilo! My sister never seen the original. I had to explain there have been more movies made after the original she could be confusing it with. Despite my niece's earlier objection to watching anything she has not seen before, she did enjoy the movie.

Come home to my kitties and played with the laser light. Read a couple pages about feeding a ferret. It may be more natural to give a ferret pinkies (baby mice) or chicks, but the thought of handing over baby animals makes me want to vomit. I rather give any future ferret a chicken leg or wing. I liked the idea of human baby food, boiled egg, or kibble ferret food with chicken broth on top much better. My carnivore cats seem to get along with cat food and cat treats along with the occasional eating off my plate (Precious loves pasta and Frodo loves cheese).

Well, better go to bed now. Gotta work tomorrow. Post later. Bye!

Happy Snowstorm

I was counting the cash drawer when the loud and booming PA system announced the airport (or rather the actual runway) is closed and for those waiting for the flight from Denver was diverted to Omaha and the flight from Wisconsin was sent back to Milwaukee. That means we get to go home. Took a few minutes to wipe off my car (snow, no ice) with a cd blasting through the glass. I finished at the end of the remake of Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue, so I'm guessing 5 minutes.

I went out to 4" of snow. I took my regular route by the airforce base thinking it would be plowed like the street running by the airport. No, it wasn't so I tried to stay in the tire tracks. I thought it amusing it wasn't plowed because it is a snow route (gets plowed first) so the military personnel can get through (it is not a main drag road so I'm guessing that is why it is a snow route). But whatever. Get home and there is a big pick up truck in the middle of entrance. What is he waiting for? He backs out into the street and I zoom up the parking lot. I was a bit crooked parking but tires got stuck so couldn't straighten my car better. Kitties are scratching the glass balcony door to go out, but I'm refusing to open the door. It's cold.

Happy Snowstorm. I think I'll have a Harry Potter Marathon tomorrow when I get up. Post later. Bye!

Weird bug

There must be some weird bug going around. I have not had a cold all winter and now I caught one. I know I cursed myself by being glad not to have a cold all winter hearing about the state high school basketball quaterfinals starting. We usually get our last blast of snow during the tournament and then winter is over.

Sunday had a bit of runny nose, then Monday I started to feel sick with less appetite. Tuesday I felt the worst with a sore throat and coughed all night I couldn't sleep. Wednesday I did laundry at home cause I didn't want to drive across town. Sore throat went away, but still was congested. Thursday start to feel a little and go to work. I thought of calling in sick, but then I felt better. Darn my luck.

Coworker has a cold too. She said she got it Sunday and had a fever at 101. Stopped smoking when her lungs hurt from coughing. I didn't have a fever. I did feel hot and sweat a little, but temp was 98.2. She said other people said to enjoy the cold cause it is the kind that never leaves. Then guy at the grocery store said he had my same cough this week and had a fever, called in sick on his day off, and had to call grandma for relief. My sister had a cold when I picked up my niece Monday so something must be going around.

Oh, I also got my turning signal pushed back in from Monday's skidding over a curb and almost hitting a street light. Guy at work did it for me. Another guy said he would do it if I go out with him and then later asked when I was coming over to his place for DVD's and Champagne. I told him my coworker already said he did it, so this guy gets nothing. My coworker said he thinks a piece of plastic holding the light is broken so it is loose, but in the hole. He said I could ghetto tape it in. I had to ask what ghetto tape was. Duct tape. But then when it gets wet, the tape won't hold as well. I might have Daddy look at it later. I'll try not to hit anything else.

Nothing else to report. Post later. Bye!

This week's events

Enjoyed Sunday since I have the next day off. Then I almost fell on my face three times walking from my car to my front door, from the ice melting in the day and freezing at night. I was hopeful of the snow predicted for Monday so I didn't have to grip the steering wheel to keep from falling down trying to step into my car.

Monday I got a call from the UPS guy because he didn't wish to carry my 80 lb. bookcase upstairs if I wasn't there. Cats got excited when I opened the fire door and ran inside the apartment when the guy got closer. He had this thing on his shoulder. He told me he saw the exact thing at Target for $3 less. Yes, I saw it too, but couldn't lift it. If I can't carry it to my car, I won't be able to carry it upstairs so I might as well order it online and have it delivered. I put it together in about 2 hours and placed most books on the shelves. Then I realized I need to stop to get my niece from daycare.

It rained when I took the cats out but later it turned into snow. So when I left I had to not only battle the snow, but rush hour traffic. I got there right when they close and almost missed the street corner having difficulty stopping. One other boy was there lying on the floor waiting to be picked up. The boy's mother came right after me. Niece had drawn a picture for me. We left and when I came to her street to turn, I skidded, jerked the wheel to at least skid towards the street I want in. Hit the curb and luckily barely missed the street light. The last thing I need is a banged up bumper with a kid in the back seat. I couldn't back up. I tried and tried and there was a truck behind me ready to turn at the same corner. I hoped he would just turn so I didn't have to worry about slamming into him. He turned the corner and came over with his friend and informed me the problem is that there is a bunch of snow behind my tire. I handed him my window scraper and he bashed the snow away. Still couldn't back up off the corner. So he and his friend pushed while I hit the gas and got me unstuck. I told my niece, at least we have a story to tell my sister when she gets home. She was at parent-teacher conferences.

Niece was very good. We had supper and watched Cinderella. Then we got into her pj's and read stories when my sister came home. Sister offered things on my grocery list, but then it will be a nightmare driving from her house to my apartment, so a stop to the grocery store won't change anything. When I finally got home, I checked the bumper and the turning signal on the front bumper had popped out a little. I tried to push it back in to no avail. Maybe I'll ask my male coworkers to push it back in when I work again. How much snow did we get? 2.6"

The cats today didn't go out for long. Frodo got scared of the bookshelves box I was taking to the dumpster and jumped on the fridge. Precious came out but stayed away from the box. He was at the door when I came back. I let him out and ran up upstairs to get Frodo. Precious is outside meowing like crazy and I run back down to let him in. Then he runs back upstairs with Frodo just making it downstairs. Frodo follows all the way to the apartment door. That was a short walk. Well, post later.

Wow

Today a car washer was coming over with a car, the car ahead of him stopped suddenly, and his front bumper went under the rear bumper of the other vehicle. And yes the car washer screeched his brakes, but hit the suv anyway. And the guy just clocked in. He got a bloody nose and a chemical burn on his wrist from the air bag that deployed. I just ate so I didn't look at his wrist. Poor guy. My male coworker flinched when he saw the burn, but then he is a bit of a pussy. When he filled out the accident report there was still blood on his nose. He looked awful. He wasn't sure if he should stay or go home, his nose and wrist were killing him but he still could work. The owner came out to inspect the car and said it was messed up. The guy said it was drivable, but I would not send out a car with a deployed air bag. The owner also told him to go home. So after he filled the accident report, I checked it over (he was a little ditzy and shaken up) and put it in the owner's drawer with the police report. Then I said, Bye Bye Go Away with a wave.

So there is today's excitement. I would have had a delayed flight to wait for after closing, but it was cancelled so went home at closing time. Yippee.

Oh, I did have a guy who didn't have a reservation and didn't have a credit card cause his people told him was everything was taken care of. Well, he was short for a cab ride and the hotel didn't have a shuttle van to the airport. So he was trapped here. Finally his boss got his head out of his a** (guy's words not mine) and booked a reservation using their direct billing to the company which doesn't require a credit card. So after an hour the guy went on his way. Post later. Bye!

Funny one

A gal at work told us about letting her husband sleep in since it was both their days off. He stirs as she gets up and asks her, while she is up, to load the dishwater and start the laundry. She loads the dishwasher and puts in a load of laundry, then waits for him to get up. She hears him in the bathroom, meaning he is about to go into the shower. Then she turns on the dishwasher and clothes washer at the same time. Her husband was most unhappy about the shower spitting out cold droplets. Post later. Bye!

Happy Birthday to Precious

Precious is 2 years old today. I got him a birthday cake for me and a can of tuna for him (and Frodo). I even got new sparkle candles for the event. I already got them a cat tower for both their birthday presents so I'll just lay a large piece of wrapping paper on the floor for them to crawl under.

At work I had 2 cat owners from same litter ask me when our cats' birthday. One I just told our cats' birthday is tomorrow. Yes, I am the only one who would remember something like that. I commented to a coworker, why don't you people write this down on a calendar so you don't have to ask me every year when our cats' birthday is.

We got a new monitor for the computer today at work. It has been broken a week. I commented to someone that we are taking bets on how fast a certain person realizes it is there. He never noticed the monitor was broken until I pointed it out touching the hanging on/off switch. He noticed it wasn't turned on, but didn't ask why that was. But didn't notice the broken switch hanging down. Post later. Bye!

Today's adventures

Today I went shopping to find a nice bookcase, plus anything else on sale. I found a cute coffee with a mirror glass top. But I couldn't find a price tag and it looked too heavy. Sure I could have a big strong stock boy carry it for me to my car, but I can't take him home to carry it up to my apartment. I once got a media thing resembling a book case, but it took forever to push and pull it up 3 flights of stairs. The box was all torn up by the time I reached the door 20 minutes later. But it made due til I could afford a normal bookcase that were very expensive at the time. I found cheap at the store, but I couldn't lift it up. I thought I'll just get online. Nope, not there. I did find something similar that was twice the price. I said, screw this and went on another website. Ooh, la, la. My dream bookcase in the price range I'm looking for. And in the right color too that will match my media center thing that I shall use to display my doll and figurine collection.

While I was browsing at the store I got a cheap movie, some cute unmentionables, and adorable Easter cards and stickers. I checked and Easter is at the end of March. I hate the way they figure Easter nowadays, the Sunday after so many moons making it land in March or April. I liked the old way when it was at the end of Passover where it belonged. After all, that is what the Last Supper is, celebration of Passover. I felt sorry for the guy who checked me out at the cash register, but then he probably enjoyed touching ladies undergarments. You think? Post later. Bye!

Visit with Mama

I got my second tax refund check from the feds so I went to my bank to deposit both. Then, I went to see Mom in her assisted living place. I asked how they were treating her. Just fine. She doesn't remind them to use the "torture machine" on her more than they do it. They do it 3 times a day for an hour each rotating her legs (lift up your leg and make circles with your foot is what I mean by rotating) to stir up her circulation and when you just had knee surgery, having it rotated is torture. Both legs are rotated, 1/2 hour each, so her good leg doesn't go bad from lack of exertion. Her doctor thinks it should be done 6 times a day. Mom disagrees that it is too much when you're in severe pain from surgery to have that much exertion on it. She thinks she is in more pain than last time and they changed her pain med to make her feel better. Her right had more stuff to take out out and put in so it probably does hurt more than the left leg done last year January. Her staples come out tomorrow and she is not looking forward to it. There is at least 30, though I forget the exact number. She thinks she will go home at the end of the week.

Yesterday they had a sweetheart dinner for residents and spouses for Valentine's day. Dad mentioned he is running out of food. Mom answered back that he knows where the grocery store is. A guy who sits with her table smiled, and he rarely smiles or speaks. Though Mom thinks Dad meant prepared food and would have to cook something, which means dishes need washing. Mom commented how the 2 men she sits with seem to enjoy her company and Dad said to be careful. Mom is a talker with strangers. One guy had a stroke and can only use one hand. The staff doesn't cut up his meat so Mom does it for him so he doesn't have to hold the whole piece on his fork and gnaw on it like an animal. I think a few times he dropped his meat and it stayed on the floor of course. Mom disagrees with the proportion of staff and patients needing special attention.

Mom got a visit from my sister and niece Annika. They brought cupcakes, but Mom didn't have room for them. My flowers were taken home and my sisters' flowers were in her room. And a Little Mermaid Valentine my niece picked out. She was watching the end of Dr. Phil when I came and I left after Oprah ended so I was there about an hour. My uncle's brother died recently (emphysema) so my aunt and uncle stopped by to see Mom. Mom made Dad go to the visitation, even though he wasn't thrilled at going where he knew few people, he is very timid. He did find a few people he knew. A cousin is pregnant with her second child.

Got an update on another aunt and uncle's trials. Uncle who just got out of the hospital from his fall, went home for a while, and is now in a nursing home cause my uncle was confused about things. Mom was getting third rate info so it was unclear what confused meant. Aunt is worried about spending all her money on nursing home care costs. She was told by someone she can keep her townhouse and car. Not very comforting thought.

I went shopping afterwards for new shoes since I got some money. Couldn't find anything I loved. Didn't really love the clothes I walked by either. So I got the cats a new cat tower as an early birthday present. It has a larger cubby hole than my other cat tower so cats would fit in better. Well, Frodo fit in it. I saw Precious attempt to jump in it and only got his front half in. I measured his tummy and hips with a tape measure, then meausred the hole. He should had fit in the hole. Plus cats can squeeze their bodies in the fit through tiny spaces like snakes do. Oh well. I put both cats on top to put the idea in their head they can get on top. Precious sniffed around and jumped down. Frodo poked his head through the hole of the basket and grabbed at Precious's tail. The hole is too small for either cat to fit through, but they play with it. Frodo jumped right down when I put him in the top basket. He still won't go on top. He is sniffing it from the other cat tower that is a foot shorter. When he does that, Precious likes to paw at his hanging tail. Oh wait, Frodo just jumped up on top. Oh, went back to the shorter tower basket. He is making prgress. I wanted a taller tower (like 5') so they could watch more outside, but I didn't think it would fit in my car so I settled for the 3' one. No more towers for the kitties, they have things to jump and climb. The other night my dresser stuff was knocked over so some kitty tried to jump on top or moved around in the jeans shelves underneath the drawers. Better go to bed. Post later. Bye!

Oops

Precious was relaxing next to my warm laptop. Then I started to print pics of the snow and kitties. I had to do a test page. I forgot to pull out the tray that catches the paper. Well Precious was stirred by the printer shaking the computer desk and sniffs at the noise. The test paper spits out, hits Precious, and Precious jumps to fall off the desk, nearly missing Frodo resting on the floor. Frodo licks his ears and Precious looked shaken up. I petted him. I pulled out the tray to catch the pic paper. Post later. Bye!

Snow all week

More snow fell today, the heavy wet stuff, and they predicted 6-9 inches. I went over to pick up my niece and she was distracted by a man on a snowboard holding a rope tied to a pick up truck sliding around the parking lot. I ask, Look fun?

I took Finding Nemo to watch for her. No scary or bad things happen (Ok Nemo's mom and eggs get eaten but that is not actually shown). She liked it. She kept asking when the dad will find Nemo. I spoiled it a little telling he has to find the turtle on the DVD cover, then the bird on the back, then Nemo has to get out of the fish tank, then he finds Nemo. I made it home in one piece w/out hitting anything or spinning. Well better go. Frodo wants to play. Post later. Bye!

Amazing

I knew a guy at work was a weasel but even this amazed me. He was talking about his tax person finding tons of deductions for him (that border between unethical and illegal): college courses he takes, work clothes he has to buy, mortage, car title, losses on stocks, and this year his medical bills from his motorcycle accident which were in the six figure range. I mentioned his settlement from the lady that pulled out in front of him causing him to drop his bike that he has to report as income, I heard it was close to a million. Settlement, he asks, What settlement? Oh, he is not going to report his settlement on his taxes.

I'm sorry to ask this, isn't that tax fraud? Oh no, his tax person has him sign a paper stating the tax guy is responsible for all the tax filings and nothing will happen to him if he does it wrong. He assured me the tax guy does nothing illegal (how does he know if he doesn't read the tax forms he is signing?). Yes, but weasel not reporting his settlement to the tax person would not be the tax guy's responsibility, it would fall on weasel. Plus having thousands of dollars in medical bills and no settlement mentioned could raise suspicion worthy of an audit, at least. I just said I'm not a tax attorney so what do I know and casually mentioned that my coworker is mad at his tax people (who also guarentee their work) cause he got a letter stating undeclared income and forced to pay a tax bill plus interest. Besides, why should I care when it will not be me going to jail for tax fraud.

Then I got another surprise. A guy that quit months ago came by to pick up an application. I teased him asking if he was sure he wanted to work here, he quit remember? He laughed. I first I thought it was for a friend, but no, I saw his application filled out in the boss's drawer. Post later. Bye!

Visit with Mama

I visited Mom in the hospital today, for about 30 minutes when I had to go to work. She is doing better. She had a fever last night and today they said her blood was low so gave her her 2 pints. The first pint was done when I left. She announced that she would not be strong enough to climb the steps to the house so she will visit an assisted living place for a week to build up strength. She hoped Dad wouldn't be disappointed she wan't coming home right away. I said, He'll survive. We talked last night so there was not much to say really. I gave her the plant and her card.

Nothing else happened. Oh, cats were outside 30 minutes today when a guy started his motorcycle and they suddenly wanted back inside. Frodo was fascinated by the melting snow by the playground, it dripped down the pavement hill like a river and he had to paw at the moving drop of water, then shook his wet paw and sniffed the tiny river. Post later. Bye!

Today's events

Took the cats out as usual and the light outside my door is out. A paper falls from the doorknob to reveal the frustration of the apartment managers of violations of their pet rules. Yeah, well a rule is only as good as its enforcement. It stressed renters are to sign a pet agreement, pay pet deposit, and monthly pet fees with their rent. Violators will be evicted. Then it continued how dogs are to be on leash at all times outside their apartment, waste is to be picked up, please call office if pet station needs new bags or basket emptied, and pets are not to be left unattended outside on porches or balconies (define unattended) nor tethered to their porch railing. Fines will be placed upon violators.

After our half hour on the staircase and 2 minutes outside in the cold, I waited for my father to call to say where my Mom was located. She had her surgery today. Had to get going to my sister's house so I left. Dad called sister's house. She sounded awful on the phone and was in misery so we didn't talk long. She goes home on Saturday. I will try to visit tomorrow. I bought a flower pot since they have no vases for sale for their carnation bouquets. I got a balloon with band aids stuck on hearts saying Get well soon, but it untied itself and flew away when I walked out the door. It is in heaven now. I cut the last pieces of my niece's cake. She wanted to eat the candles too. I removed them despite her protest.

Now I'm getting worried over my cats. I went to clean the litterbox and the litter has not been disturbed. It doesn't stink as usual either. Their food hardly touched, but canned food was mostly gone and cat treats were gone. Why are my cats not eating or pooping in eight hours? Perhaps they will by tomorrow. Frodo was racing the laser light so he should get hungry from the energy he used up. Precious jumped at it, but Frodo got in the way. Precious got his exercise running up and down the stairs. Nothing else to report. Post later. Bye!

Taxes done

Packed up my Christmas decorations to place in my storage facility (parents' house) and went over to my brother's house to get my taxes done. I stink in the math department so I prefer someone good in math doing them for me, plus someone who understands lawyer talk that confuses me (and customers I rent cars to). The standard deduction and tax exempt amount went up so I got more back than last year from the Feds. I broke even with State because they do not mail refunds for $1, but at least I don't have to pay. With my tax refund I think I'll get a pet, perhaps ferret or hedgehog. Yes, I know I have 2 cats to love but since no guy wants my love and affection, I'll surround myself with animals who desire my attention. I'm happy. Cats are happy, especially when I come home.

It was such a lovely day yesterday I put on a lighter jacket rather than my heavy winter coat. Cats didn't want to go back inside. Then this morning I wake up to flurries outside the window. Brrrrrrr. Grab a donut and orange juice bottle at a gas station for my breakfast, and it is so windy I'm afraid to let go of the wheel to eat my breakfast, plus the orange juice bottle won't open. Closer to my parents' house it got peaceful, so took off the gloves to open the bottle and eat my donut finally. Put on the cruise control hoping I'm passed the worst of the storm. Then, it gets worse as I reach my parents' neighborhood. Mom is freaking out with worry that I'm going to crash cause schools are letting out early in the area. Put the Christmas decorations in the closet the way Mom wants the placed (I put them away once by myself and she got upset that I didn't do it right). Mom wanted me to stay rather than drive in this storm. Got to feed to cats and go pick up my niece from daycare. Must brave the wind. Get home and call Mom. Take care of cats and visit outside a few minutes.

Call sister's cell phone asking if her class is canceled due to the weather to double check that I do need to pick niece up. She says class is still on, but they can leave early. She could pick my niece and I just stay home. It suppose to get worse and I might get stuck at her house if I stay to do laundry. I can stay home (I'm not arguing against driving in this mess) and come tomorrow for laundry. I did one load here so I wouldn't have as much tomorrow, as I told Mom I would try to visit her in the hospital. She goes in for her new replacement replacement surgery tomorrow morning. Perhaps, my sister, niece, ane I can go together. I watched movies after the news advising to stay home, the worse is yet to come. Better go to bed now. Post later. Bye!

Good one

The FBI has arrested a woman in Michigan for soliciting a hit man on craigslist to kill the wife of a man she met through an online college course and physically met for 2 days in Reno. Their only other comminucation is through phone and email (not much of an affair if you ask me). The posting was vague as a freelance job and only people emailing her were told she was offering $5000 to eradicate a female living in California. She gave phone numbers along with work and home addresses. Gotta watch out for those vague job descriptions.

The article on msn.com stated prostitutes have been noted advertising on find work sites and a Minnesota woman was killed responding to ad for a babysitter. Gotta be careful about people you meet on the internet, they might be crazy. And learn to do background checks. I met a few weirdoes on myspace.com offering tongue lashing or a good time (neither man had a profile beyond age and city listed, or pic of themselves), and a woman with a link to look at naked pics of her since myspace can't contain nudity. I hit delete on those offers. Post later. Bye!

Ka-boom

Took the kitties for our daily walk outside and I could hear the ice melting, cross between a snap and pop. Then a loud ka-boom wush wush sound of ice chunks ran down the gutter pipes (or whatever the terminology for the pipes than run from the guttered eave to the ground). It made the cats jump and race back inside. OK, the first time Precious jumped out into the snow and got his paws all wet. Poor dear. The second and third time both cats ran inside. Then we met a dog and the cats hid behind the door and me. Then another dog came outside and gained the interest of the first dog so kitties crept outside until the ka-boom wush wush down the gutter pipe. Cats ran upstairs to go home. Precious grabbed at Frodo to play on the steps, but Frodo wasn't ready for play. He hates going outside from his fear of people and any moving object bigger than him, but he hates being left behind in the apartment. I can hear his lonely yowl all the way downstairs when he refuses to come out and I get tired holding the fire door open.

No crazy people tonight. But I discovered a car washer next door quit his job when it was announced that he would be laid off for a week from the slowness of the season and the company couldn't justify the expense of having all these car washers with the lack of business. That threw a monkeywrench into the gears and people working by themselves doing a 4-person job. But that's business for ya. Oh yeah, and they close an hour earlier than usual on Fridays and Saturdays now. Lucky ducks.
Post later. Bye!

New Insult

Had a guy call up asking if I was (my company name) at the airport. I answer, Yes I am (my company name) at the Des Moines Airport, How may I help you. He asks again if I am (my company name) at the airport. I answer again I am (my company name) at the Des Moines Airport, How may I help you. He yells, Lady! I'm asking you a question!, Are you (my company name) at the airport. One more time, Yes I am (my company name) at the Des Moines Airport, How may I help you. Excuse me, it is not my fault his cell phone keeps cutting out. He asks again if I'm in a airport. Yes, I'm in the airport in Des Moines.

That established, he tells me he has one of our cars and the GPS he bought from us is a piece of shit. They almost got into a car crash following the instructions. It says they located at the Houston Airport when they are really in the parking lot. I say, OK. This is piece of shit. I say, OK, what can I help you with. He says I'm not listening and asks if I'm in the Houston Airport. No, Des Moines, I answer. Where?, he asks. Des Moines, I answer. You're a f-cking retard!, he shouts. I hang up, I had enough of this conversation. He calls the wrong location and I'm a f-cking retard. That's a new insult. When I left work I noticed there is indeed a full moon out. Post later. Bye!

No water

Yesterday, I dumped out the kitty water bowl to get fresh water and the water is shut off. I melt snow in the microwave in order to give the kitties fresh water. We go out for our walk and come back to hear the toliet tank filling up so turn on all the faucets to remove the air from the pipes. And frighten the cats when the water spits out. Refill water bowls cause the cats are accustomed to chlorinated water.

Hours later I go to wash my hands and the water is shut off again. Damn these people. Do I need a bottled water supply for the repeated shutting off the water? I rinse my hands in a kitty water bowl and melt snow to refill it. This time there is a note on the front door that was not there last time announcing the water was shut off. A water main leaked needs to be fixed to get our water back and note says not to drink the water for a couple of days. Wonderful. Does that include cooking and brushing teeth with bottled water too?

I go pick up my niece from daycare and do laundry at my sister's house. Come home and the water is refilling in the toliet tank. I check and it just came back on. Plus the stopper chain is twisted up so it is good it has not been running a long time and flooded the bathroom. Turned on all the faucets to remove air from pipes again. Then, brushed my teeth and went to bed.

Today I have water.

Care package for niece

I sent out a care package for my niece in college. She just got it today. It was very hard finding prepackaged food for a diabetic. Looking at the sodium content alone freaked me out. I don't want to get her diet plan stuff like Slim Fast or Lean Cuisine that would imply she's fat and insult her. I got her single serving soup and macaroni and cheese, cereal bars, Crystal Light packs for water bottles (0 calories), sugar free candies that are 5 grams of carbohydrate or less per piece (as long she doesn't eat the whole bag she'll be fine), microwave popcorn, some Conversation Hearts and Hershey Kisses (she can have a little sugar), purple mug on sale, new fashion magazine, and pink teddy bear. Niece loves her package. If I picked a flavor she doesn't like, she can share or just toss it. I love doting on my nieces, even if I have to be careful not to dote too much or too much becomes the expected.

Though in my browsing I noticed single serving cakes and brownies that you just add water and bake inthe microwave for 5 minutes and eat. But too much carbohydrate for my niece, her high calories should come from more nutritional food. My coworker commented how she started Weight Watchers and in group sessions people complain about hating their celery diet. No, my coworker heats up her single serving of cake, only a few points counted, and is happy. Better go now.

Post later. Bye!

Another snowstorm

One thing is for sure, we won't have a drought this year from all the snow that keeps falling this winter. It was snowing when we went outside for our daily walk and is still snowing. During rush hour, they were reporting cars sliding around and it is very slick out so stay indoors. Long list of cancellations on the TV. At nightfall is was suppose to get blizzard windy and unsafe to drive. I couldn't tell how windy sitting inside playing with the cats. I'll have fun wiping off my car tomorrow. I did a little cleaning. It needs more but it's a start. Precious is driving me nuts meowing to go outside. I open the balcony door for them. Two minutes sniffing the snow and they want back in to meow again 15 minutes later wanting out. It's still cold and snowing. I got my first Valentine from my aunt. I tried to take a picture of Frodo looking so cute spread out on his back on the floor, but the battery was dead. By the time I got a new one in the camera, he was curled up on his tummy again. I got plenty of those.

Babysat my niece Tuesday. Picked her up at daycare. Played usual games of Cinderella dolls, sang Disney songs from a cd cover, she even handled the songs by herself, kitchen, I draw pictures on her etch-a-sketch, and staring on the pictures of her Cinderella book. I swear she has a Cinderella addiction. She even did a weird thing with her Cinderella dolls. Cinderella and Prince Charming were dancing and then Niece claims Prince Charming is dead. Dead? Is Prince Charming sleeping? No, she says, he's dead. Then she says Cinderella is crying and very sad cause he's dead. Then the Fairy Godmother waves her wand and Prince Charming is awake. Must had a death in the family or friend's relative died. A little too abstract thoughts for a 4-year-old, I thought. Mommy came home and put her to bed. She announced she is sleeping at my place tomorrow. Not yet. Later. Well nothing to report. Post later. Bye!

Babysitting

I babysat my niece tonight so my sister could go to a meeting. My niece cried her eyes out because she wanted to go with Mommy. Then my sister got stuck backing out of the driveway, it is very narrow and I hate it. My niece and I were going, What is that noise? We looked out to see my sister running her tires but not moving. After 15 minutes she got unstuck with help from a neighbor, she hit the side going into the yard. And she was off.

She still refuses to poop in the toliet so my sister has switched from rewarding when she does with stickers to punishing her by not allowing any niece programs and movies until she does. After 3 days she is getting use to reading her books and playing with her toys more. She didn't eat any supper saying she wasn't hungry so about 7:00, when I needed a snack, we had some popcorn and granola bars. I thought they were more nutritional than cookies. We played kitchen with plastic food until my niece said she was full, played flashcards, Cinderella figurines (Prince Charming had trouble dancing with Cinderella due to the circle around his feet but it made niece laugh), read a Cinderella book, found the words to Disney songs on the paper from a CD, and I sang the songs for her. Oh yeah, and petted the cats. I got her in her pj's and gave her bedtime snack as requested by sister and waited for Mommy to come home. My niece kept asking when Mommy was coming. I gave my sister a good report.

Then went grocery shopping. I'm shocked there is much Valentine stuff to look at and I can't find any stickers. I made up a care package for my niece in college. I wish they made better prepackaged food for a diabetic, but then my sister commmented how when she goes on a fad diet she has to cook much more to keep the calories down. Such as life. Post later. Bye!

Oh lovely

Oh how lovely, I hit one of my boss's cars while backing out to go home in my personal car. Didn't turn fast enough. I didn't have manager's number on my cell so I called her from home. I didn't feel a thing, just heard a crunch and thought oh shit. It is just red scratches and a crack on it. My car is the same with white scratches on the rear bumper (suv I hit was white). It hit the same place a white car scratched me years ago when we parked in the employee lot. I don't know who own the white car but everybody I know had white scratches and dings on their cars and the reason we stopped parking in the employee lot. I didn't look at the license plate, but remember the stall number. I wans't sure if it was ours or another city's, but thinking about it I think it is another city's because I gave away our suv to my reservation, so it has to be another city's. Manager said she'll call the morning person and I can fill out a damage report when I come to work tomorrow (or rather today). Post later. Bye!

I love my job, wait, I hate job

I had an usually slow day for a Thursday, but the problems never stop. I extended a rental originally prepaid through Priceline and the guy asks to extend under the Priceline rate. Sorry, to get that wonderful rate he has to make a new reservation for it through Priceline, any extension of a rental is under our rate no matter how much customers dislike it.

Another phone call from a guy complaining how his tire pressure warning light and the oil change light came on. The car drives just fine, but he wants us to know that. The moisture in the air often sets off those microchipped warning lights. I didn't go into the fact that mechanics don't always reset the oil change warning light after changing the oil and cold temperatures make tires shrink setting off the tire pressure light. I explained that if he feels uncomfortable driving the car, he can come in to exchange them. He answers back that his car is suppose to be prepared when he picked it up. I bet he would not like me coming to his office and telling him how to do his job, but many customers feel entitled to point out they know how to do my job better than me. I refrained from explaining that cars are machines and do often go awry with or without routine maintainence. I offer a second time to come into the counter and exchange cars of he feels uncomfortable driving the car. He replies it is too inconveinent to exchange cars. Whatever, it will be him sitting alongside the road waiting for a tow truck and that is more inconvienent than exchanging cars if the weather isn't setting off the warning lights.

Next I get a woman returning a car to complain about her rate. I didn't rent this car nor did I sign her company's account with my company's sales reps so I don't know what this bitch expects me to do about it. She continues on how another company charges a better rate (so why didn't she rent from better company instead of whining to me about her company's contracted rate?). She explains she will just rent from this other company from now on. OK, the better company owns my company so she is not breaking my heart.

Then I get a woman in desperate need of a car and she doesn't have much on her debit card. My price was a little steep so she decided to check around. I pointed out the car rentals that take debit cards and their conditions for using them that I am aware of. She comes back a few hours later (I thought she already left) saying someone transferred money into her account and made a reservation for a better price than I quoted earlier. She is on the Do Not Rent List so couldn't rent to her. Drat, it was a good walk up revenue too.

Even better, a guy returned his car and didn't have the mileage so I went out to check it. The headlights were still on. Good thing I checked the mileage or that car's battery might have died. And he would be fortunate not to be charged for that, leaving lights on and running the battery out is not covered under any insurance we sell.

On a better note, my coworkers got all excited about the basketball players dropping off keys came by. The owner is buddies with the coach so the players leave their personal cars in our lots when they travel. I don't watch sports so couldn't care less.

I'm done whining. Post later. Bye!

New controlled substance

Move over meth. Step aside computer keyboard cleaner. Drop dead morning glories. Good-bye strangling yourself til you pass out. A news report just had a story of grocery stores noticing huge amounts of poppy seeds in the spice section being stolen to the point it is now behind the counter in Des Moines grocery stores and must be asked for in order to purchase. If you are uninformed, poppy is translation for opiates or narcotics. Opium, morphine, heroin, codeine, etc are best known pain killers with addictive personalities.

In the American determination to get high, pounds of poppy seeds are believed to being brewed into a tea that can get the drinker a high. A boy north of Des Moines was reported dying from drinking this tea.

I guess sniffing airplane model glue or spray paint is just too past generation's cheap high. Today teenagers need an unknown addiction their parents won't suspect.
Post later. Bye!

News update

In the category of I'm sure you don't care, I have baby news from work. I heard about the 2 fathers to be found out the sex of their babies. One is having a boy and one has a girl, if I recall correctly. Then I found the newly adopted foster kid of someone who not longer works at the car rentals had a her 2nd birthday party (I think, maybe 3rd) and got her little brother taken away from the same mother recently. The boy is about 4 months old. Apparently the mother is still on drugs.

I also received compliments on my sweaters that I have been wearing all winter. One guy was sure he hasn't seen me wear it before and asked if it was a Christmas present. No, had them for a year or two. I did get 2 new fuzzy sweaters the day after Christmas cause they were on sale. Maybe they recall me showing off my new sweaters (the fuzzy ones) and thought they were the same one.

We had a thick fog last night when I drove home from my sister's house. I could barely see the road signs or the line on the road where you stop for a light. I bet they had fun at the airport with diverted flights and people wanting one way cars cause flights were cancelled. It was foggy Sunday night too and I had to scrape ice off the windows. Weird. Anyway, post later. Bye!

Lovely day

Such a lovely day today (or rather yesterday since it is now officially Monday) that I had to carry the cats back in after they ran away when I opened the door. Naughty kitties. I hope it snows soon.

Anyway, thanks to the caucauses last week our cars are so crowded in our lots ready for washing and half need oil changes, that not much is getting done. I am sure a truck or two will be coming this week to carry off our overflow of other cities' cars that we send one way to other cities needing cars. They can have the oil change ones. Better still, a couple flights got diverted here but the rest to Cedar Rapids were cancelled instead of diverted. Damn them, I want to get rid of these cars and unsqueeze the squeezed in cars. Though I only got one w/out reservation person going to Cedar Rapids. Then she wanted a free upgrade and claimed she was a club member demanding that discount. That bitch didn't have a membership in the computer and if she doesn't like my price she is welcome to stand in other counter's line to find a smaller car. I did give the frequent flyer discount. She rolled her eyes stating she'll take it.

Well, I'm done whining. Nothing else to report. Post later. Bye!

Funny people

Hey there. The cop dating a car rental gal next door stopped by to chat with us since his woman was busy with a customer. He told a story of a woman talking on her cell phone at the front of the airport, realized his squad car was stopped in front of her, and crashed into him. She quickly got off the phone and after their conversation about her not paying attention to cars in front of her, she got back into her car and dialed up her cell phone and started talking on it again. He gave a sarcastic, Sorry to interupt your conversation but you just ran into me. Funny people. Post later. Bye!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everybody and for those in Iowa, Happy Caucaus. I spent the day shopping and got Christmas stamps out of the machine at the post office, usually they are the most boring stamps like a flag or bell. Watched Shrek 2 on TV and then Dick Clark's Rockin Eve. It has been tradition since childhood to watch Dick Clark. I started putting Christmas decorations away while listening to the music. Will take down the outdoor lights, tree, tree skirt, and bubble lights tomorrrow. I leave up the winter decorations like snowmen, sleds, angels, and ballerinas up. Even though I stopped going to church and often claim to be an atheist, I like surrounding myself with angels cause it reminds me that deceased loved ones are not that far away. The cats are enjoying their last naps on the fuzzy tree skirt. As the clock on the wall struck midnight, I wished my Precious strecthed out on the couch with his paws on my leg and Frodo under the blanket cuddled on the floor a Happy New Year and kissed their foreheads. My New Year's Resolution is to just be happy. I don't need much improvement. Post later. Bye!

Had a good Christmas

I woke up early, 8AM, opened my and the cats' gifts from Santa. Cats got a circle that a ball rolls around in, rope covered balls, and a fuzzy teaser (shorter version of a fishing pole w/out the long string). I got a soap and lotion bath set in vanilla and milk scent and some candy canes with a light up pen. Took cats out and then went over to my parents' house. Had hamburgers for lunch. Dad had to announce the hamburgers came from the extra supplies from the 4th of July (Mom is on the committee). I said "We love to eat 6 month old hamburgers". It tasted like hamburger.

We started Miracle on 34th Street with Natalie Wood and opened presents. I got 2 sets of pj's my Mom shorten before I left, a large bottle of Target moisturing bath wash with no scent, and a kitty calendar. Tried on pj's for Mom to shorten and they fit nicely so I won't be taking them back. Mom thought they were a little big, but then pj's should be baggy for rolling around in your bed. I promised to give her my old pj's since they make good quilt blocks, they are getting thin and ragged around the waistband exposing the drawstring so I'm sure charity wouldn't want them. I caught Mom working on her quilts when she should be relaxing in front he TV watching college football, there has to be 200 games going on Christmas Day. Yeah, she said, the ones she wants to see are all on cable. Dad refuses to pay for cable and gets my siblings to record shows for him.

Finished Miracle on 34th Street, watched my brother's present of Pixar short films, and then my Grinch That Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. The last got left behind in Dad's rewinder so I'll get it later. Then ate supper of pork, I think, it was some kind of meat cut into slices. Ate up my Christmas cookies and my brother's rolls and then said good bye. Kitties were happy to see me and chased the laser light. Watched A Christmas Story and went to bed. Now I'm off to see what I can grab for 50% off. I noitced often things are not on sale because merchants expect this after-Christmas splurge. If the day Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, then day after Christmas must be second place.

Then I have to come up with a New Year's Resolution. I think I will resolve to completely give up on trying to find a boyfriend and try a new hobby to get my sense of adventure out of my system. Wait a minute, I think that was last year's resolution and my friends tried harder to find a warm body for me to date. I swear this just like high school where people kept asking why I sat by myself at lunch and never once sat down next to me so I wouldn't be alone. Until someone else validates me as a wonderful person to know, no guy will have anything to do with me. I noticed I wasn't asked out by guys I knew for months and months until I broke up with my last boyfriend. And people can't figure out why I'm not swooning over their attention. Cause they had plenty of time to get to know me and ask me out, and they waited until I was heartbroken to do it. But then, they just wanted to hang out on my couch instead of takign me out so they were boring anyway. Perhaps I will just try a new hobby and have fun by myself. Then tell no one about it since the people I know can't handle me doing new things. I cut my hair short once and they freaked out like someone died. Post later. Bye!

Merry Christmas Eve

Had the day off to go to Omaha for the family Christmas with aunts, uncles, and cousins on my Mom's side Sunday. My aunt had ham and vegetables baking so we had a wait a while til all was done. My Des Moines sister and her family was there already. Baby niece danced around with the music like a ballerina. Soon more people arrived and we dug into the buffet. Next we chatted in the living room and my brother and sisters and parents exchanged gifts with my Nebraska sister. As I was picking up the wrapping paper I grabbed one of my nieces' presents and gave it to her. She said it wasn't hers. I wrapped their gifts so I know I put in them. Apparently my niece was feeling bad because her sisters got light up pens and she didn't. It was under the wrapping paper. Yes my nieces rip open presents in their piles and then can't remember whose stuff is whose and who gave it to them. In their going around the room thanking everyone for their presents, we have to remind what we gave them. At least they were separated when opening them this time so they didn't get confused which presents were theirs. I got a kitty lap blanket from my sister.

Anyway, one niece was given Kill Bill 1&2 from me and my sister shouted "Who gave Kill Bill, I said it was too violent!" I raised my hand. My defense was that niece is 20 and it was on her wish list. After the paper was tossed, my cousin got on the floor with my baby niece and growled like a bear. She ran away crying for mommy. My niece bounced my baby niece on her knees for a horsy ride. Baby niece wanted her to get on the floor to get on her back. I let her ride on my back about the room and since she doesn't hang on she falls off and doesn't want to ride anymore. My aunt went about the room offering stuff from her job that they give to the employees as a reward for being an employee. The stuff are things that didn't sell by a specific time frame. One thing was candles that are battery operated. My aunt said they didn't work. My brother took it apart and figured out the battery was put in backwards. Then they worked. The family discussed the big news of my niece's mock trial team going to the national competition in Delaware. My Mom asked if my brother-in-law was going too. My brother-in-law shouted from kitchen, Yes, leave the coach behind! He is a history teacher for the high school and coaches the mock trial team for the past 20 years and this is the first they won the state championship. My aunt asked if there was a international mock trial competition. My brother-in-law said that would be hard since other countries have very different laws and court systems, though a South Korea air base school and an Australian school was in last year's national competition.

Then a niece wanted to watch one of her new movies and I watched it with her, I never seen it before so she had to explain some of it. When it was over everybody started going home. When I got home we heard a scratching noise in the living room wall and the cats watched it constantly pawing where the noise was. We might have a mouse in our wall. Watched a Christmas movie and went to bed. Today got up, took cats out for their walk, and watched movies ever since. Merry Christmas Eve. The TV said Santa is in visiting Australia and moving across the Pacific. Santa already stuffed our stockings a couple weeks ago. Post later. Bye!

Weirdoes

My mother can never understand why I'm not dating anyone I know from my workplace. Here's why: I work with weirodes or they are already married.

Example: Tonight I get a guy working for another company asking if these keys belong to my company. Yes. I reach out for them and he takes them away stating I owe him $1. Excuse me? Yeah see, he gets a quarter for returning luggage carts so we owe him $1 since he is returning our keys he found on the sidewalk. Sorry, we don't give out money for turning in keys, have to ask the owner about that. He threatens to throw them back on the sidewalk where he found them if I won't give him $1. Go ahead, I reply, my coworkers will find them. He finally hands them over yelling somebody owes him a dollar. I'm sorry to ask, but is this male humor and this conversation suppose to be amusing?

Later he comes by and tells my coworkers what a horrible and mean person I am for not rewarding him for turning in keys and still yelling how we owe him a dollar. Then he gets mad over the obvious fact that I'm working on crosswords and not paying attention to their conversation. Male conversations tend to be very boring so I make an effort not to eavesdrop on them. After his slamming his hand down on the counter and imitating my "Huh", he explains they are badmouthing me, What do I think of that? "Whatever," I say, "I'm use to it" without looking up. He walks away telling us we still owe him $1. Get it from the owner, I answered. Is this more male humor I'm not getting? I work with weirdoes. Post later. Bye!

Crazy cat lady

I read an amusing article about dating crazy cat ladies. I may be a 2 cat owner, but I wouldn't call myself crazy. Yes I am fully aware they are animals, not people with fur. Though I often refer to them as my babies with fur or fur-covered sweethearts since I have none in the human form. I simply treat them as beings with feelings and needs instead of decorations lying around the house like many people do. I also gladly point out to friends that I don't have many of the problems that other people have with their cats because I pay attention to their needs so they are not destroying furniture or scratch visitors. Then again I do have a calm temperment too.

Though they do have the emotional range of many humans so that could be why they thought as people with fur. They get sad, lonely, elated, excited, angry, fearful, bored, curious, content, (horny if not spayed or neutered) and spiteful. They need attention, exertion in play, cuddle time, naps, windows to look at of, high places to observe things, companionship, clean fur/brushing, and then basic needs of a warm bed, food, water, and a toliet/litterbox. Then to keep a animal healthy: vacinations, flea killer medicine, and yearly checkups by a vet.

Well post later. Bye!

Oil change

Went over to my parents' house for my oil change (Dad insists on doing this so I let him). He used the last of my oil supply so he will get some more on sale. Sure I'll pay him for it when I get my tax refund check. Then just before the big curve before entering the town, I saw a fox. Haven't seen one by the road before. It came up to the gravel shoulder and ran away as I passed.

On the way there, I pawned my promise ring to get rid of it. I got $14 for it, $1 for city fee so it was $15 originally. Dad said those pawn shops pay 1/10th of an item's value so he who shall not be named paid plenty for it. It is 10k gold and 1/10 carat diamond on top so I am sure he didn't pay more than $100 for it. Probably got it at Walmart. The guy weighed it saying the ring is all gold and no weight from the diamond. Oh well, it's gone like him. Ta ta.

Tree branches still cover the town park and everyone's yard. Someone built a manufactured home next to my parents' house, but no one has moved in yet. I dropped their and my brother's Christmas presents so I didn't have to drag them over later. I said not to open them until Christmas. Saw Dad's new jukebox he bought to hear music as he works in the basement, but needs another person to help lift it so it sits unplugged in the living room. My wimpy muscles don't qualify as help. Mom gave me a willow basket for my stuff animal collection. The label said "laundry basket" but too small to hold much laundry. Let's just say it could hold 2 days worth of clothes, maybe 3. But perfect for stuffed animals. My stuffed animals got squeezed in so the larger ones have only their heads sticking out. The cats jumped in it and then jumped out. They prefer the top of the cupboards anyway.

And guess what was in the parking lot when I came home, the mail van at 7 PM. Must be a lot of mail for them to be at it this late at night. That's Christmas for you. Well, nothing more to add. Post later. Bye!

I don't believe this

I don't believe what just happened. Rephrase: I can believe it, I just don't want to.

I'm up waiting for the Hershey kisses off the peanut butter cookies to solidify so I can stack them in a container, otherwise I would be in bed. The phone rings at 12:30 AM and guess who it is. The guy from work who would never give me his number and last time we spoke was right before Halloween when my niece was visiting. In the message he gives me his cell to call him back and says he will try to get me at work. Ha, I don't work til Thursday.

Why do I always get the weirdoes? After a month and a half of silence, he finally gives me his number. What game is he playing cause I don't like it? Think I should call him back? I'm guessing he was drunk and found my number in his cell directory and thought, Oh let's call Jordan to see what's she's doing. Men.

Post later. Bye!

Heroin Diaries

I finished The Heroin Diaries written by Nikki Sixx. I read The Dirt twice and love Nikki Sixx, don't ask why cause I'm unsure the what the draw to him is. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in drug recovery. It is not quick solution of getting sober and all the problems disappear, the problem is staying sober when hit with heavy stress. Emotional trauma will overcome all logical thinking, as the book proves. I quote "My marriage hit the rocks. I hit the drugs." Though he does ask why didn't anyone say anything to him about his falling apart. I know why, cause he wasn't ready to hear it. When he saw a fortune teller forecasting that he will die if he doesn't change his ways, he laughed and refuse to believe him. He does die and has an out of body experience. And what does he do when he wakes up, he rips the IV out of his arm and cusses at the nursing staff to go home to do more drugs. Need I say more? I think in The Dirt after he fell down airplane steps, Demi Moore came up to him and told him that he needed help. I think at that point, he was more ready to hear it. I think if one works on the emotional problems first, giving up an addiction becomes easier since that is how drug abuse starts in the first place. But what do I know?

My draw to Mr. Sixx could be the fact that I met him once. On a trip to Arizona, I was leaving a gift shop on the way to a Spanish Mission museum when I hit someone with the door. I found a tall man holding his nose and humbly apologized, then said "Oh my God, you're Nikki Sixx." when he lowered his hand. My friend Ryan wanted to be Nikki Sixx when he grew up so I asked for his autograph for him. All I had were postcards for him to sign and borrowed a pen from the gift shop lady. He even signed one for me. even though I didn't ask for one. He asked if I should be in school. I said the teachers gave me my homework before we went on vacation. I told him we were heading for this mission but my parents were arguing how to get there by the car. He actually knew where it was and walked over to my parents and gave them directions. He asked about the license plate, the county name is at the bottom of it. He was wearing all black and my mom asked if he was hot in that outfit and I said he was. He laughed. I just stared at him while he gave directions as if he were a god and waved good-bye. I stared out the back window until he was out of sight. My friend Ryan was shocked at his present, he was expecting a key chain or post card. My classmates were shocked to hear this bad boy of rock and roll was the perfect gentlemen in that moment of time, and yes we found the mission with his directions. When I heard right before Christmas at breakfast that he had died, I cried. I was happy to hear he returned back to life like Frankenstein and actually thought of him while opening my presents Christmas morning, and hoping he was happy. Sure I may seem like an obssessed fan wondering what he is doing nearly every day, but really, I just want him to be happy whether he is in the tabloids or not. I wish Oprah would interview him, I'm sure he could help a lot of people telling his story. At least she would know he was real, unlike the Thousand Little Pieces fraud. Though I am unsure if her viewers could handle the foul language and sexual content of this book. If you can get over that, it is a good read. Post later. Bye!

Crackle, crackle, crash

Don't you just love the sound of tree branches falling in the morning. We had a nice little ice storm here. Many w/out power, but not here, down southern Iowa. I decided to postpone my shopping and visiting sister for laundry. She said the niece is watching xmas specials on tape or dvd. Ticker tape on TV said hospitals and clinic centers were closed along with basketball games in local high schools, so it must be bad tonight. Mom said tree branches were falling all around the yard and snow plows were tossing them in people's yards. She made Dad take a picture. One big one crashed through the neighbor's house and the guy put a garbage can lid to catch the drips after he tried to plastic sheet the hole. It hit the guest room closet so only valuable junk being stored away got soaked. No branches falling here, though when it got dark I thought someone put lights on the trees outside but no it is just covered in ice. Though it is pretty reflecting in the street lights. I've been watching xmas specials on VHS, I saw the DVD specials at work on my portable player. Right now I'm on Scrooged with Bill Murray. I guess my aunts in Missouri and Oklahoma are having fun in the ice and snow that hit them this weekend. Post later. Bye!

Let it snow, let it snow

Friday they were predicting a snow storm this weekend and my manager called in sick. I heard a coworker said he went shopping when the ice storm hit last weekend, when he called in saying he was too scared to drive to work. You can imagine how angry the manager was hearing that. A janitor came by saying hello. He told me another janitor was promoted to Airport Operations so I gave him the guy's Christmas card to deliver. Apparently, the other guy got a puppy for his nephew who wanted it so badly and begging for it for days, and then 2 days after receiving puppy lost interest, so this guy is stuck with this puppy he didn't want. Recently the puppy messed the floor cause nobody took it out all day and puppy couldn't hold it in any longer. I took it that the place he got the puppy didn't allow returns. This janitor I'm talking to has cats so he couldn't take it from him. Poor puppy. I called my manager asking if she will be well enough to feed my cats this weekend. The storm was hitting after the Nutcracker performance so felt comfortable going. Mom on the other hand was worked up over the snow and wouldn't come to the performance that night. My niece played a Chinese tea dancer. I was a little late because I spent too much time at McDonald's giving my hands a rest. Found sister at the door and at intermission moved to the other seats where aunt and uncle, and other niece were sitting. Talked to my aunt. She complimented my Christmas letter as being so funny, she doesn't have my sense of humor. I called Mom on my cell so she knows I made it okay. Sister talked to Mom too. I took the other niece home and the car got very warm with the defogger running on high cause the ice kept sticking to the windshield when I turned it down. I drove under the speed limit, but made it home in one piece.

Niece called her Mom and I called mine. Mom said I was very brave to drive in this weather. Yeah, well, I've driven in blizzards before so a little powdered snow doesn't frighten me. If half an inch falls, Mom thinks I should not drive cause I'll go into a ditch. Mom also informed me that niece and her group won the State Mock Trial competition (beating Omaha School) and will go to the National Mock Trial Competition in Delaware in the spring. My brother-in-law is the coach for it for the past 20 years so he was really happy. Niece failed to mention this when I asked her if anything big is happening in her life. She said it happened 2 days ago so she is still absorbing it all. Niece played on her computer and I watched TV. We heated leftovers in the microwave. Later everybody else comes home and we go to bed. Next day, sister and the girls were gone to church and brother-in-law was cooking hamburgers for us when I got up. Nutcracker dancer niece finished her report and took pictures of her bird feeders for it. Soon it was time for the church program and soup supper and the girls quickly wrapped up sister's birthday present.

One niece held the cue cards and wore no costume. Other niece wore a robe and was the first scripture reader. It was very nice program. Brother-in-law and the girls went to pick up sister's ice cream cake among other things and sister and I went to the soup supper. They came back and we celebrated sister's birthday. She got a new very large jewelry box with ring, necklace, and velvet compartments from her family. I asked if she had enough jewelry to fill up the box. She said no. I said she has to get some more. I just got her a card I mailed last week. Watch The Tin Man on the Sci-Fi station based after other books of The Wizard of Oz writer, this takes place a couple generations after Dorothy Gale went to Oz. Go to bed and wake up to only sister present. The others are at school. Sister and I chatted as we loaded my car. A can of Mountain Dew left in the car expanded and then as I opened it later squirted pop all over so I learned something not to do. I expected it to freeze but not explode when opened. Got home and let cats out as I cleaned up the mess with paper towels. Things were moved so I know my manager was here to feed the cats, and clean litterbox. Put stuff away and called Mom to let her know I made it home safely. No snow today so I was going 70. They they are predicting more snow Tuesday. Post later. Bye!

We made the news

Let it snow...Someplace else. We made the national news today when 2 planes on opposite sides of the airstrip tried to take off, wiggled, and skidded off into the slush. One guy slipped when exiting the plane and the fire department was present and had the guy in a neck brace. No planes were permitted to come or go between 8 AM-2:30 PM. According to my manager. I read an article on msn.com about it and it said 1 plane skidded, no injuries, and closed airport a few hours. Whatever you wish to believe.

Manager was happy I arrived at 3 when I was suppose to be there at 2. I went outside in the rain, poked the key through the ice several times to break through, and couldn't turn key. Hit and kick the door and manage to turn key. Kick some more and door still won't open. I give up. Call manager to have someone get me cause my doors are iced shut. I can rent a car to get home. At least the kitties refused to leave the doorway with the pouring rain and actually ran back upstairs to go into the apartment. Half hour later, I'm still waiting for the owner's brother to show up cause the car washers and other counter guy didn't make it to work either. I live 5 minutes away so I don't get to stay home, besides I need the money. I decide to try again. Hit and kick the door a dozen times with a few bad words escaping my lips before hearing a crackle. Oh my, I may get this door open yet. It opens. Call manager on cell and whack the ice with the ice scraper.

Make it to work reliving my drama. Manager says she will pay for a cab if I can't get into my car tonight. It stopped raining so I was good to go. Manager was so happy to go home and relived her drama of a closed airport mentioned above and nonstop phone calls of delayed travelers. She was too busy to get our commission figured, but promised to have it done tomorrow. I told her that my coworker who opens picked a good week to take her vacation time. About 4 PM is when the flights started landing again. I joked with a customer how people's plans get messed up when things like this happen but it's not my fault mother nature copped an attitude. She was from New York so she understood winter better than people down south. One flight I was waiting for went passed the cut off for waiting so I went home. Now back to bed to face tomorrow again. At least I know to kick the door 20 times to get it open. Post later. Bye!

Christmas letter 2007

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. Is it December already?

Closed early New Year's Eve, kissed the cats at midnight, and went to sleep. New Year's Day I had off so I had a Cocoa Day where I sit on the couch wrapped in a blanket and drink cocoa. New Year's Day was also our first snow for the kittens and paws flew in all directions over the ice. No injuries though, except pride. They despise wet paws so we didn't play in it for long. Mom had her knee replacement replaced and had the luxury of nursing home care after surgery this time around for frequent physical therapy. She didn't have to cook, clean, or wash, but had to tolerate being awoken by alarms when patients fell out of bed. Soon she came home and lived on the couch while Dad did the cooking, cleaning, and washing, for a while. Precious celebrated his 1st birthday making him a fully grown adult tomcat. He got a can of salmon and new placemats for the food dish and water bowl.

Despite the Brown Christmas of 2006, it snowed through March until Mother Nature copped an attitude and gave us an ice storm, then a snowstorm. Most of the ice storm hit eastern Iowa, but we got plenty of trouble during the snowstorm. We say in Iowa that winter is never over until a snowstorm hits the Girls State Basketball Tournament, no matter what Mr. Groundhog says. In southeastern Iowa, 20 miles of utility poles fell down under the weight of the ice hanging on the power lines. I had to call my brother Ronnie in Fairfield to make sure he had heat and electricity in his house. He did. Even better, the Governor issued a No Towing Ban over the entire state so we had to inform every car renter that if they get stuck, they have to call 911 cause we can't rescue them. One Arizona guy exploded at us when we explained he isn't getting to his destination that night, flights are cancelled and roads are closed, and if he stole a snowmobile from the neighbors he will freeze before leaving the city. It was so cold that we needed a sweater over our sweaters. I told many people that they have to lodge their complaints to the Governor's office. On a better note, a friend at work gave me the email address of a single guy, he was her friend's cousin living in Muscatine. For once I had a Valentine in the male single form not covered in fur, not that I'm complaining about fur-covered Valentines.

Spring came bringing birds the cats love to chase. The airport turned on the air conditioning too soon in this nice weather that we had a space heater on to keep warm. The apartment put in a new exercise room that is very nice and gave us keys so it can be used 24 hrs. Frodo celebrated his 1st birthday and he was ready to take on the now equal-sized Precious in their cat games. Precious is slightly bigger, but slightly enough to Frodo to challenge. Frodo got a can of crab meat and a new water bowl to aid in hydration during the upcoming heat of summer. The great pet food scare erupted and I carefully watched for any changes in behavior. I changed brands not under the recall list and hoped for the best. Frodo got stuck behind a neighbor's fence during one of our daily outdoor walks and I ripped my sweatpants retrieving him, then he hides from me. I chased him down and tossed him back over the fence. Then the cats started squinting and soon got goop oozing out of their eyes so got to chase both cats around the apartment to give them eye drops for their inflammation, in both eyes. I took Mom to the Dexter Cemetery (her side of the family) so she didn't have to drive that far. Dad took her around Milo (his side). Cats begin getting fussy about ending their daily walk outside and once got rained on before returning. Poor Frodo slipped on the sidewalk and Precious had to swim across the parking lot. At least they were very soft after their shower.

Summer came with my niece Alex's dance recital, my sister Sylvia's knee surgery, 4th of July in Milo, and Brooks family reunion (Mom side). My niece Annika slept over my place while Mommy Sylvia was in the hospital for her first knee replacement. Sylvia didn't get the nursing home care my Mom had and went straight home after surgery. Her husband Lance was quickly tested on his nursemaid skills. I took Annika to the zoo and the swimming pool in the apartment complex. I introduced my new boyfriend to my family on the 4th of July and family reunion. As the heat turned up, the cats looked dead so I turned on the air conditioning to bring them back to life. Frodo caught his first bird and carried it in his mouth like a trophy. I stole his new toy and carried the frightened bird back to a tree limb. We took trips to the vet for our annual checkups and booster shots. Frodo learned a new trick spreading all four paws to keep from entering the cat carrier. Both cats are healthy, but Precious should not gain anymore weight (15 lbs. is top weight for a tomcat and he was 14.7 lbs.). He has been on an exercise regiment of chasing squirrels and racing Frodo down the stairs. Frodo is shortly behind him at 12.5 lbs. I visited my boyfriend's hometown and met all his family and friends there.

Autumn brought a promise ring given for my birthday present and 3 weeks later boyfriend got cold feet and ran away. He was weird anyway so I'm not feeling too bad about it. Soon after learning I'm available again, two guys chased me around the airport and quit talking to me just before Halloween. I had to ask my friends if I'm being dumped because neither guy wanted to dress up in a costume and go out for Halloween. It's okay because their idea of a date was turning into hanging out in my apartment watching TV. I do that every day of week so that is not MY idea of a date. I took niece Annika to my apartment manager's Halloween party and she got a bag of candy. She was Cinderella and I was Little Red Riding Hood. This year we have been practicing parental separation with monthly sleepovers to accustom Annika for their impending trip to China to pick up Annika's soon to be adopted baby sibling. Mom announced that Dad got her a pretty door to go on the outside of the new kitchen addition so Dad is making great progress towards completion. He has the walls and ceiling up, but needs to cut out the windows.

We had a white Thanksgiving with me working. My dinner was a hamburger in the cafeteria because turkey was not on the menu. Precious has a longer coat of fur so he can stand being outside longer than Frodo. Most of our daily walk has been running up and down stairs pouncing each other. I decorated my apartment into a Winter Wonderland. December will bring my niece Alex's Nutcracker performance, nieces Tory's and Alex's church program, and spending the family Christmas at Aunt Mary's this year. Then kissing my cats at midnight on New Year's Eve, again. We Wish a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love Always, Jordan
Precious and Frodo say Meow.

Christmas light up

I got some multicolored icicle lights for my balcony and gutters. I misjudged the length of the balcony. At first I didn't think I could reach the gutters, but with help of my foot stool I did. So I go to the store to get 3 more cords of lights (4 all together) and an extension cord to reach the outlet. There is no outdoor outlet so the extension cord must be shoved into the sliding door. Get down to the last cord and the 3rd cord I put up falls down off the gutter and one bulb breaks. I realize I read the instructions wrong, but then the picture had a white hook against a white gutter so it was hard to tell how to position it. Hey, I did figure out what a gutter lip was on my own. Change hook positions and finish the gutter lights. I double check and check to make sure there is no outdoor outlet. Plug in the lights and the extension cord makes an inch or two gap in the door. Wiggle the extension cord to make it bend and slam the door as hard as possible and check for cold air coming in. I broke 4 fingernails putting up these lights. All in the name of holiday spirit.

I read through the cautionary info included in the boxes, Guess what the extension cord is an indoor cord so I have to go get another cord for the lights and pray this new cord doesn't leave a bigger gap in the door. Those outdoor cords are very thick to protect the wires. Then I read that one should never slam extension cords in doors or windows because the it can wear on the wire insulation. Well I don't have an outdoor outlet so slam it will be. What am I suppose to do run a generator to make the lights work? Call Mom to ask if she had any bright ideas on this gap problem. Socks, hand towels, inserted with help of a knife (will kitchen butter knife do?). Unlike her I toss socks I don't wear anymore and use paper towels to clean, and that is a lot socks to cover the door, plus I have an inside and outside door. And I'm not using my bath towels on a filthy door. Nor my kitchen or hand towels either. Well better go to bed. Going to Mom's tomorrow to pick up the rest of my xmas stuff and have her shorten some pants. Post later. Bye!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to Everybody. Precious ventured outside for 25 minutes in foot prints everywhere snow. Frodo made it out 2 minutes and spent the rest inside the stairwell. Then they ran upstairs and went right in the apartment door w/out fuss. I served turkey and gravy cat food for their snack. Frodo is now playing with the plastic package that contained my lunchmeat turkey that I tossed in the garbage after making my sandwich for work. Must love that turkey smell. It's not just dogs that pull things out of the garbage can. Gotta go get ready for work. Have a good day. Post later. Bye!

Ah Autumn

Yesterday I wore my winter coat the first time since March, today I wore a T-shirt outside. Then they say we will get a white Thanksgiving. Ah Autumn, you put away your summer wardrobe and a few weeks later drag it back out.

I saw on the news parents placing spyware on their computers to keep tabs on what their teens on doing online, then read an article about a teen hanging herself because of a hoax. I'm glad the internet wasn't full force when I was a teen, my archenemy would had a field day with that, she spread lies about me from 1st grade to 12th grade, making my school days a living hell. Her mother was the school librarian and gave me a talking to after I pushed her daughter down the stairs (she tripped me on the stairs so this was returning a favor). Yes this mother explained to me that is was acceptable for her daughter to be nasty to me because her older sisters were mean to her. Excuse me? The archenemy even offered her hand in friendship, under the condition that she picks my friends, wear the fashions she chooses, and beat up people she doesn't like. I said no. It took me a long to figure out what her problem was with me. I decided in her offer of friendship that I was the one person she couldn't control cause I didn't fear her. Strange as it seems, and felt at the time, this girl and I actually shared a plate of fries at our 10th year class reunion and talked as if old friends. I ran into her later at a 4th of July celebration and we were cordial and I introduced her to my baby niece I was pushing in a stroller. Funny world isn't it. Post later. Bye!

Christmas is coming, ready or not

Ah Christmas shopping: The Pain of Giving. Yes, I start shopping for gifts before Thanksgiving. The early bird gets stress out of the way so she can enjoy the holiday season before it ends. If only Lucy (from PeanutsCartoons) would stop demanding gifts we can't afford and then demanding we stop exchanging gifts because she never gets what she wants (if you expect the sun, moon, and stars you are bound to be disappointed). She protests every year by donating to a charity in our names. I don't have rich in-laws or a spendthrift husband so I don't look forward to buying my own Christmas gifts because Lucy is a selfish bitch. Though I don't think they are really rich in-laws, they just spend more money on frivolous things that would give my mother a heart attack. I buy my own birthday gift and hate it, enough said?

I got a soap, lotion, and candle bath set for the sister or niece who doesn't give me a wish list. I usually get a wish list threatening them with a bath set, or cologne/aftershave for men in family. I always say that if people don't tell me what they want for Christmas that they shouldn't complain. I got mother a Oprah Magazine subscription from my niece's fundraiser so she already is enjoying her Christmas gift. Post later. Bye!

What a night

Everybody says there's no full moon so it must be something in the water making the fruitcakes come out of hiding on my shift. Warning: Work stories coming so delete now if you don't like my nightmare customers.

Where to start. I had to turn away 2 people with checkcards. First one said to just run it through as a credit card instead of a debit card. That is not how it is done. I wanted to say "You ain't at a grocery store buying a bag chips, you are renting a $30,000 car", but not allowed to be that rude. I directed her to the next door counter. We do take check cards if they have proof of a return flight leaving DM and the 2nd person said he was flying out. No he isn't, he lives in DM. He is flying to Ames. There's no commercial airport there. Gets on his phone since I won't take his $100 in cash and wants me to talk to his friend about overcoming this problem (it is overcome when he produces a credit card). Is he is giving me a credit card ?, I ask. Yeah. Don't take credit cards numbers over the phone. He gets pissed off cause his ride just left and he has no car and tells me to delete everything cause he ain't renting from us now. I tried to tell him that about 4 times.

Then I get a lady with coupons that were not in her reservation. Reading the coupon, I see why. The coupon is for regular cars and she is reserved a van. Said the reservation guy said couldn't get the coupon in so we will just figure it out when she comes pick up the car. No, we don't figure things out, it goes in or it doesn't. Told her that her reservation boy didn't solve any problem so let me figure out how to get this in. Bastard. Probably one of those people in India whom I know ain't called Mike. So, figured the price difference per day between largest allowed car and her van. Added the difference in her upgrade to get the coupon in. New problem. Coupon states at the very top up to 3 coupons may be used on the same rental. The computer will only accept 1. So do a misc. credit for the same amount as the first coupon took off to equal 2nd coupon in. Then I get to explain what I did so she doesn't get confused reading her rental agreement. She gets it. Thank God, a normal person.

Then I get a call from someone who had his receipt emailed to him when he still has the car. Another location returned it, in Anchorage, Alaska. I explained poking one wrong number pulls up the wrong contract so I will have to leave a note on this one. We can't undo returns once they are printed or emailed so called the manager and she said just let her deal with it. Whew.

And finally the longest, return on record. Tried to return car and it has it returning back to the renting city. Customer shows me the contract with our DM location as returning city. Look up contract and it has a different car on it and it was returned 2 hours after it was rented. Get on the phone with renting city. Ok, there was a car exchange, then the original contract was incorrectly returned (probably wrong car number poked in), so they made a new contract for the people, called the customer about mishap, but on the new contract they have the customer returning to the renting city instead of here, plus they did it as a cash rental (only a manager can pull something like this) with 0 down so I had to take the man's credit card. The price also changed from original quote so I read off the prices (weekly, daily, hourly) and guy changed it. Then there was discount so that messed up the guy so he changed it again to get less than what was quoted. Customer disapproved of paying more for his rental when it was not him who screwed up.

If you wish to here a good one from the car rental next door. Some guy claiming to be a musician for the city's symphony ran out of room on his credit card and tried to pay with his food stamps card. No, it has to be a credit card or debit card. I can't believe someone tried to pay for a car rental with food stamps. Must not be a very good musician to be on food stamps or incredibly stupid. I'll stop boring you with my silly work stories. Good night. Post later.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!

I walk into the airport and guess what I came face to face with: The airport employees were putting up the Xmas decor, I think someone counted the wreathes to be 84 one year. The tree is still plain w/out ornaments. What are are they thinking?, It's not even Thanksgiving yet. Is it not bad enough to look for Halloween decor with Thanksgiving and Xmas right next to it. At least they haven't started music yet. One blessing counted. Post later. Bye!

Strange kitty

Normally Frodo is terrified of dogs and hides from them. Yesterday, a puppy came out and rolled over onto the ground near the cats. The owner pulled on the leash and then picked it up to go on their walk. Frodo was riled up as usual. Maybe it was me petting him to soothe him, puppy there Frodo here, thus Frodo is safe. Puppy goes around the corner and Frodo calms down, then follows puppy around the corner. Curious over this strange behavior, I follow Frodo to see him stalking the puppy from a distance asking him what he thinks he is doing (Yes I speak to my cats, they just don't answer back). Leave the puppy alone, I say to him and try to pick him up. Last thing I need is another dog owner screaming at me for antagonizing their dog. Frodo escapes and approaches puppy at very close range. Puppy owner asks if my cat is friendly. He is usually afraid of dogs, so not really friendly. Curious puppy sniffs Frodo, nearly touching noses. Frodo hisses with fur riled up. I grab Frodo and take him around the corner. I wonder where that came from. Are my cats realizing that these dogs are being held back from hurting them so like a kid at a zoo, are sticking their fingers (or paws) through the fence to see what happens.

Today Precious discovered a dog behind a glass door barking at him and Frodo refused to come over where we were, then he disappeared. When I called him home, he meowed from behind the garages. That's my Frodo. I grabbed Precious off the porch and set him behind the railing so the dog didn't see us. Then the owner came out with said dog while I was looking for Frodo and dog ran into Precious. The man was hanging on to the leash ordering dog to sit. There you are!, I yelled and apologized to the man (I lost Precious when looking for Frodo). I guided Precious away from dog with him hissing at it. I do think it was because the puppy was less intimidating for Frodo because it was small and wasn't barking at him to make him curious to follow it. Post later. Bye!