Oh the joys of Loreal Preference. At the ripe old age of 24 I got my first white hair. It was an extremely traumatic event for me. I wasn't OLD. I was only 24. This was the same year I separated from my husband. I blame it on that.
The problem is that every year since then, the number of white hairs has increased dramatically. I can't in all fairness continue to blame this on my divorce. After all, that was years ago. I love the natural color of my hair. It's unusual, it's pretty even. When I finally resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to start coloring my hair, I was beside myself. I didn't want to change the color of my hair, I liked it.
I went to a wonderful stylist who was able to match my color very closely. I was so excited. I was NOT excited about having to pay 80 bucks for it. In fact, one could say that I was the opposite of excited. I kept this up for a while. This was during what I like to call my "Broke Phase". I was having a good deal of financial difficulties, so the 80 dollar visits to the stylist came to a screeching halt.
I just let the hideous white hair grow in. A couple of years ago, I was getting tired of the white hair. I am still a young woman and I don't want to look like some white headed witch. So, with much fear and trepidation in my heart, off I went to the drug store. It was the first time in my entire life that I attempted to color my hair on my own. I was petrified. What if it looked hideous? What if it looked hideous and I couldn't wash it out? What if it just stayed hideous forever? I agonized what seemed like forever over which hair color I thought matched my hair the closest. Finally I made my choice and headed home to change history.
I went home and read the directions carefully. OK. I could do this. With a little help from Sissy I colored my own hair. I was about 30 years old. I don't think most women go that length of time without at least trying a new color. Not me. I like everything the same........same, same, same. Sameness is comforting to me.
I was really surprised. My hair didn't fall out in clumps. It didn't turn some grotesque color. The coloring didn't sear my scalp, or break me out in a rash. In fact, it looked really good. It was VERY close to my natural color. This began a beautiful friendship between myself and Loreal Preference.
Because my schedule got really crazy the last part of the year, I really hadn't given much thought to my hair. It was the least of my worries as my regulars will know. I was REALLY looking at it Friday night. It looked bad. Really bad. The white hairs were attempting a hostile takeover of epic proportions. So, off I went to the drugstore on Saturday. It had been so long since I colored my hair, that I forgot how good it looks. I know that one day the WH (white hairs) will achieve their takeover attempts. Just not today. Thank you Loreal, thank you very much.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dear Dejah
Dear Dejah,
I know you are miserable, uncomfortable, and tired. (At seven months pregnant I wouldn't expect anything else) You are all the aforementioned things. You are also beautiful. I have never seen a belly like that look so cute. When you are not pregnant, you are sweet, generous and loving. You have become an excellent mother and sister. Every time I need you, you are there. Even when I don't need you, you are there. You are the sister who let me move into her two bedroom, one bath house when I decided I wanted to move here to be closer to my family. Yep, two bedrooms, one bath, four kids, and two adults. The kids were ages 2, 4, 6, and 12. Yet you gladly opened your small home to me and my daughters. Things weren't always easy, but we made it work. You helped when Sissy was going through what I like to call her "Adjustment Phase". I know I have not always been an easy person to love. I know I have not always been an easy person to reach out to. I thank you for loving me even when I was pretty unlovable. (And that was a lot.........for a long time) I know I go through phases where I seem to need you a lot. Thank you for putting up with me. Your acceptance, friendship, and companionship mean more to me than I could ever say. I have been so blessed to have you in my life. (Even though it hasn't always felt like a blessing to me) I remember when we were kids I would be mean to you, then you would steal my stuff. Then I would say mean things to you. Then you would steal more of my stuff. I really hated it at the time. As an adult I can understand why we did all the things that we did to each other. Now, I would give you anything that I could if I knew you wanted it. (Except for my Ipod) I know you are moody and ill. Remember, this too shall pass. I vow to put up with your moody, ill self, as you put up with me being that way and I wasn't even pregnant. I am sorry I threw the container of hamburger helper at you that time when we lived in NC. I didn't really want to hurt you, I just wanted you to shut up. I am sorry I pushed you away when you were pregnant with Nick. (Also when we lived in NC) I am sorry I smacked you around when were kids. (Until you got big enough to smack back) I am sorry that I didn't like you much for a while. It was because someone told me a lie about you and I believed it. I am sorry I hid in your room like a coward the other night when you and Marlette got into it. I confess that I was saving myself.
I know the road you are traveling now is not an easy one. I promise I will do whatever I can to help. You only have to ask. I am so thankful for the relationship we have now. I am thankful that you are the loving, forgiving, giving person that you are. I am glad you are my sister. I am also glad that since I am the smallest of the girls, that you would beat someone up for me if I needed you to.
Your Grateful Sister,
Sue
(Susie)
P.S. Thankfully, the ill, moodiness has not been directed at me personally(yet).
Epilogue:
Within hours of posting this blog I got the receiving end of your hormonal, ill-tempered self. That's OK I love you anyway.
I know you are miserable, uncomfortable, and tired. (At seven months pregnant I wouldn't expect anything else) You are all the aforementioned things. You are also beautiful. I have never seen a belly like that look so cute. When you are not pregnant, you are sweet, generous and loving. You have become an excellent mother and sister. Every time I need you, you are there. Even when I don't need you, you are there. You are the sister who let me move into her two bedroom, one bath house when I decided I wanted to move here to be closer to my family. Yep, two bedrooms, one bath, four kids, and two adults. The kids were ages 2, 4, 6, and 12. Yet you gladly opened your small home to me and my daughters. Things weren't always easy, but we made it work. You helped when Sissy was going through what I like to call her "Adjustment Phase". I know I have not always been an easy person to love. I know I have not always been an easy person to reach out to. I thank you for loving me even when I was pretty unlovable. (And that was a lot.........for a long time) I know I go through phases where I seem to need you a lot. Thank you for putting up with me. Your acceptance, friendship, and companionship mean more to me than I could ever say. I have been so blessed to have you in my life. (Even though it hasn't always felt like a blessing to me) I remember when we were kids I would be mean to you, then you would steal my stuff. Then I would say mean things to you. Then you would steal more of my stuff. I really hated it at the time. As an adult I can understand why we did all the things that we did to each other. Now, I would give you anything that I could if I knew you wanted it. (Except for my Ipod) I know you are moody and ill. Remember, this too shall pass. I vow to put up with your moody, ill self, as you put up with me being that way and I wasn't even pregnant. I am sorry I threw the container of hamburger helper at you that time when we lived in NC. I didn't really want to hurt you, I just wanted you to shut up. I am sorry I pushed you away when you were pregnant with Nick. (Also when we lived in NC) I am sorry I smacked you around when were kids. (Until you got big enough to smack back) I am sorry that I didn't like you much for a while. It was because someone told me a lie about you and I believed it. I am sorry I hid in your room like a coward the other night when you and Marlette got into it. I confess that I was saving myself.
I know the road you are traveling now is not an easy one. I promise I will do whatever I can to help. You only have to ask. I am so thankful for the relationship we have now. I am thankful that you are the loving, forgiving, giving person that you are. I am glad you are my sister. I am also glad that since I am the smallest of the girls, that you would beat someone up for me if I needed you to.
Your Grateful Sister,
Sue
(Susie)
P.S. Thankfully, the ill, moodiness has not been directed at me personally(yet).
Epilogue:
Within hours of posting this blog I got the receiving end of your hormonal, ill-tempered self. That's OK I love you anyway.
I Wanna Talk About Me(Well Not Really)
OK-Here is a question. Have you ever had someone in your life who is emotionally high maintenance and needy? And are they really this way or are they just self centered? There are apparently people in this world that think that everything revolves around them. Someone is not being nice to them, or someone never calls them, or they are being mistreated in some way. If you are one of these people, I have a news flash for you. The world does not revolve around you.
Neither I or anyone else I know, spends our time trying to come up with ways to please you. For that matter, neither do we sit around trying to think up ways to hurt your feelings. It is not my personal responsibility to see to your emotional well being. That's YOUR job. If you feel hurt or left out it is YOUR responsibility to express that to those around you. I have a suggestion. Call and invite some of the people you think are ignoring you over for lunch. Make the first move. If you are one of these people, it is not the job of everyone else in the world to keep the relationship going. YOU could take the first step.
I know it's scary. Maybe if you put forth a little effort, everyone would see that you are trying. All we see now is a lot of talk. And the fact that you hold US completely accountable for having a relationship with YOU. You put forth NO EFFORT what so ever, then blame everyone else for your lonely state. Get off your butt and do something about it. Quit blaming all of us for the way you feel about yourself. We all want to be your friend, but all you do is bring people down and point out everything that is wrong with them. YOU my friend, are not perfect either. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That includes Y-O-U.
Sorry if I seem harsh. Everyone is tired of the blame you place on others for your general lack of happiness. Sorry buddy, that's a burden I simply do not have to take on.
No one is going out of their way anymore to try to make you feel included. We have all done our part and yours too. From here on out, it's up to you. Take the focus off yourself and shift it to other people. You might just be surprised. Good Luck!
Neither I or anyone else I know, spends our time trying to come up with ways to please you. For that matter, neither do we sit around trying to think up ways to hurt your feelings. It is not my personal responsibility to see to your emotional well being. That's YOUR job. If you feel hurt or left out it is YOUR responsibility to express that to those around you. I have a suggestion. Call and invite some of the people you think are ignoring you over for lunch. Make the first move. If you are one of these people, it is not the job of everyone else in the world to keep the relationship going. YOU could take the first step.
I know it's scary. Maybe if you put forth a little effort, everyone would see that you are trying. All we see now is a lot of talk. And the fact that you hold US completely accountable for having a relationship with YOU. You put forth NO EFFORT what so ever, then blame everyone else for your lonely state. Get off your butt and do something about it. Quit blaming all of us for the way you feel about yourself. We all want to be your friend, but all you do is bring people down and point out everything that is wrong with them. YOU my friend, are not perfect either. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That includes Y-O-U.
Sorry if I seem harsh. Everyone is tired of the blame you place on others for your general lack of happiness. Sorry buddy, that's a burden I simply do not have to take on.
No one is going out of their way anymore to try to make you feel included. We have all done our part and yours too. From here on out, it's up to you. Take the focus off yourself and shift it to other people. You might just be surprised. Good Luck!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My Baby and The Baby
Today, another threshold to adulthood has been crossed. Sissy got her graduated license this morning. I have already planned her first errands that she will run for me. I have added her to my insurance policy, which was not as bad as I expected it to be. The final step is for me to get me a new car so she can have hers back. It’s almost comforting to me that we will have to share a car for a little while anyway.
The thought of her driving around town without me to help her makes my heart freeze with fear. What if she zones out? What if she is not paying attention and someone hits her? What if she is not paying attention and she hits someone? What if she gets a flat tire and doesn’t know what to do? What if her car breaks down? Will she know what to do?
What is she going to do without me there to help her?
As much as she is growing up, when I see her I still see my little girl. It’s so hard to let go. When I was a young mother, I figured that by the time my kids got to be this age that I would be ready for them to grow up and get out of my house. That’s just not how it works. You think that way when your children are small, but I find myself wondering what in the world my purpose in life is going to be after they are grown.
Baby Update
Isaiah Lawrence Feragola was born on January 22, 2008 at 8:45p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 6oz. He didn’t want to come out, causing the doctor to have to go in after him. That didn’t work out so well either. They ended up having to cut Alicia. No fun at all. Sissy and I had both taken the day off for her to get her driver’s license. Little did I know that the DMV here will not give road tests in the rain. After this devastating setback we headed up to the hospital. So we spent the entire day at the hospital. We had planned a day of celebrating and relaxation in honor of her getting her license. Obviously it didn’t work out that way.
The day nurse was rude and condescending, treating all of us as if we were all dumber than a box of rocks every time one of us asked a question. I don’t know if I have ever been treated that way by a healthcare professional in all my life. Maybe she thought we fell out the dumb tree and hit every branch on the way down, I don’t know. Then Alicia’s epidural was not as effective as it should have been. Even after she got it she was still breathing through her contractions. I thought it was abnormal for her to be in that much pain……… I was right. The lady came in and added some more medicine to her drip. You could really tell a difference. Quickly. Very quickly.
I have given birth twice. I have never before been in a situation where I was at the hospital waiting on someone else to have a baby. I didn’t live in this state when Dejah had her boys. It really sucks to see your sister in so much pain and know there is nothing that can be done. I am so grateful I could be here for the arrival of little Isaiah. Unfortunately, the doctor would not let all of us stay in the room. I can’t imagine why. But it was still great to be at the hospital when he was born, and to get to see him so soon. As soon as my mom came in the waiting room and said that we could all go down and see her and the baby, it was like a pack of wild elephants stampeding. My mother, who is not a forceful person, demanded that we all stop. She stated that the doctors and nurses would not let us in if we took off down the hall like that. We all came to our senses and walked sedately down the hall.
I cant post any pictures yet because the computer I am using is a loaner computer. Which means my photo program is not installed on this computer. Hopefully I will have mine back soon. I will post pics as soon as I am able. Pray for Melissa-out driving in the big ole world by herself. Pray for Alicia, Matthew, and baby Isaiah. Alicia is trying to breastfeed and is having some trouble.
The thought of her driving around town without me to help her makes my heart freeze with fear. What if she zones out? What if she is not paying attention and someone hits her? What if she is not paying attention and she hits someone? What if she gets a flat tire and doesn’t know what to do? What if her car breaks down? Will she know what to do?
What is she going to do without me there to help her?
As much as she is growing up, when I see her I still see my little girl. It’s so hard to let go. When I was a young mother, I figured that by the time my kids got to be this age that I would be ready for them to grow up and get out of my house. That’s just not how it works. You think that way when your children are small, but I find myself wondering what in the world my purpose in life is going to be after they are grown.
Baby Update
Isaiah Lawrence Feragola was born on January 22, 2008 at 8:45p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 6oz. He didn’t want to come out, causing the doctor to have to go in after him. That didn’t work out so well either. They ended up having to cut Alicia. No fun at all. Sissy and I had both taken the day off for her to get her driver’s license. Little did I know that the DMV here will not give road tests in the rain. After this devastating setback we headed up to the hospital. So we spent the entire day at the hospital. We had planned a day of celebrating and relaxation in honor of her getting her license. Obviously it didn’t work out that way.
The day nurse was rude and condescending, treating all of us as if we were all dumber than a box of rocks every time one of us asked a question. I don’t know if I have ever been treated that way by a healthcare professional in all my life. Maybe she thought we fell out the dumb tree and hit every branch on the way down, I don’t know. Then Alicia’s epidural was not as effective as it should have been. Even after she got it she was still breathing through her contractions. I thought it was abnormal for her to be in that much pain……… I was right. The lady came in and added some more medicine to her drip. You could really tell a difference. Quickly. Very quickly.
I have given birth twice. I have never before been in a situation where I was at the hospital waiting on someone else to have a baby. I didn’t live in this state when Dejah had her boys. It really sucks to see your sister in so much pain and know there is nothing that can be done. I am so grateful I could be here for the arrival of little Isaiah. Unfortunately, the doctor would not let all of us stay in the room. I can’t imagine why. But it was still great to be at the hospital when he was born, and to get to see him so soon. As soon as my mom came in the waiting room and said that we could all go down and see her and the baby, it was like a pack of wild elephants stampeding. My mother, who is not a forceful person, demanded that we all stop. She stated that the doctors and nurses would not let us in if we took off down the hall like that. We all came to our senses and walked sedately down the hall.
I cant post any pictures yet because the computer I am using is a loaner computer. Which means my photo program is not installed on this computer. Hopefully I will have mine back soon. I will post pics as soon as I am able. Pray for Melissa-out driving in the big ole world by herself. Pray for Alicia, Matthew, and baby Isaiah. Alicia is trying to breastfeed and is having some trouble.
Monday, January 21, 2008
It's Not So Bad
I found out that because Sissy has a 4.0 grade point average, I get a discount on her insurance. I called on Friday and got a quote to add her on my insurance. The insurance is only going to increase 31 dollars per month! I can't believe it. I was expecting to have to get a second evening job just to pay her insurance. Apparently, I was mistaken. Some of you may want to take of picture of these typed words. They may never be typed by these hands again.
I interrupt my own blog for a special announcement. My sister Alicia is going in the hospital tonight to be induced. Hopefully Isiah Lawrence will be here by morning.
I came home to a nice clean house tonight. Sissy cleaned up so we can have a nice relaxing day tomorrow, although we will probably end up spending most of the day at the hospital. Well I am too excited to blog anymore tonight. I will update as soon as more information becomes available.
I interrupt my own blog for a special announcement. My sister Alicia is going in the hospital tonight to be induced. Hopefully Isiah Lawrence will be here by morning.
I came home to a nice clean house tonight. Sissy cleaned up so we can have a nice relaxing day tomorrow, although we will probably end up spending most of the day at the hospital. Well I am too excited to blog anymore tonight. I will update as soon as more information becomes available.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Toothbrush Saga
This is an especially exciting time for our family. My baby sister Alicia is about to become a new mother. Sissy is getting her drivers license on Tuesday. My insurance will be skyrocketing on that day. Let me just say that I am really excited about that. More so than the new baby. (Just kidding) I did something I don't usually do last night. I let The DQ have a friend stay over on a school night. Big mistake. Mine. Of course The DQ did not want to get up this morning and she was cranky.
Why? Because instead of sleeping, she was playing with her friend. Which brings me to my next topic. Around Christmas I replaced all the toothbrushes in the house. I bought The DQ and myself one of those expense six dollar Crest Spin Brush Pro toothbrushes. The DQ of course promptly left it over at her friend's house when she stayed over there. This is the same friend who stayed with us last night. The kid hijacked my kid's toothbrush. Which would not be a big deal if it was a cheap two dollar toothbrush. I spotted the toothbrush, then casually asked the girl if she has seen The DQ's toothbrush.
She said she wasn't sure. Of course she has seen my kid's toothbrush because she is using it! The girls went into the living room. I went back into the bedroom kind of upset that the girl had lied. So, I did what every self respecting mother would do. I stole the toothbrush back. I opened up her overnight bag, took out the toothbrush and put it back in our bathroom. Vindication, that's what I'm talking about! I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I am not made out of money. The girl lives in an affluent neighborhood. She can get her mother to buy her a six dollar toothbrush.
Which brings me to my next point. Another one of her friends is asking that DQ return a pair of her shoes. This same kid has several of DQ's shirts and maybe some jeans. I told The DQ to tell her that she can have her shoes back when we get back the clothes. I know I am being ridiculous, I recognize that. But.......I can't afford to clothe the entire neighborhood. Am I the only mother to experience the swapping of clothes, toothbrushes and shoes?
I must devise a plan to eliminate the stress of trying to track down all of my daughter's belongings every time she leaves the house. First I think I should find some rags I can send her in. That way if she doesn't bring the rags home, I won't be out anything. I think having clean teeth is overrated, so I will no longer be sending a toothbrush with her. As for shoes, who needs em' anyway? It's only about 18 degrees here. The kid needs to toughen up anyway.
P.S. Yes-I disinfected the toothbrush. Yes- I think it is gross to share toothbrushes. Iam still unwilling to throw away the six dollar toothbrush.
Why? Because instead of sleeping, she was playing with her friend. Which brings me to my next topic. Around Christmas I replaced all the toothbrushes in the house. I bought The DQ and myself one of those expense six dollar Crest Spin Brush Pro toothbrushes. The DQ of course promptly left it over at her friend's house when she stayed over there. This is the same friend who stayed with us last night. The kid hijacked my kid's toothbrush. Which would not be a big deal if it was a cheap two dollar toothbrush. I spotted the toothbrush, then casually asked the girl if she has seen The DQ's toothbrush.
She said she wasn't sure. Of course she has seen my kid's toothbrush because she is using it! The girls went into the living room. I went back into the bedroom kind of upset that the girl had lied. So, I did what every self respecting mother would do. I stole the toothbrush back. I opened up her overnight bag, took out the toothbrush and put it back in our bathroom. Vindication, that's what I'm talking about! I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I am not made out of money. The girl lives in an affluent neighborhood. She can get her mother to buy her a six dollar toothbrush.
Which brings me to my next point. Another one of her friends is asking that DQ return a pair of her shoes. This same kid has several of DQ's shirts and maybe some jeans. I told The DQ to tell her that she can have her shoes back when we get back the clothes. I know I am being ridiculous, I recognize that. But.......I can't afford to clothe the entire neighborhood. Am I the only mother to experience the swapping of clothes, toothbrushes and shoes?
I must devise a plan to eliminate the stress of trying to track down all of my daughter's belongings every time she leaves the house. First I think I should find some rags I can send her in. That way if she doesn't bring the rags home, I won't be out anything. I think having clean teeth is overrated, so I will no longer be sending a toothbrush with her. As for shoes, who needs em' anyway? It's only about 18 degrees here. The kid needs to toughen up anyway.
P.S. Yes-I disinfected the toothbrush. Yes- I think it is gross to share toothbrushes. Iam still unwilling to throw away the six dollar toothbrush.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Fads
I beheld a sight last night that few people ever get to witness. The beauty of it nearly brought tears to my eyes. The DQ had two friends stay over last night. I pondered all day how I was going to entertain three 9-10 year olds. They solved the problem for me by asking me to take them to Fazoli's. Fazoli's is a chain that serves spaghetti, salads, pizza that kind of thing.
So we went to Fazoli's where I spent an ungodly amount of money to feed five people. We went by the toy store to look for Webkinz after that. They were closed(Thank God). We went home and Sissy got out her Ipod and was teaching the younger girls some dance moves. She is really good by the way. I don't know where she gets that from. The beauty part comes in here. How many 16 year old girls would take the time to teach younger girls how to dance? It was so sweet. The younger girls looked at her with adoration in their young eyes.
Younger kids are so enthralled with teenagers. They are older, wiser, and can drive. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a sweet teenager. Being their mother really is a fantastic voyage. Of course I realize having said this, that tomorrow Sissy will announce that she is quiting school and The DQ will run off with a band of gypsies. That's how it always goes.
Let's talk about Webkinz now. I should be an official stockholder for all the money I have spent on Webkinz. They are all the rage with the younger kids. First you purchase the stuffed animal which ranges anywhere from 10-13 bucks. Not bad I guess. The animals come with a tag that has a secret code on it. Then you log on to their website with your code and then your child can play games, buy furniture and clothing, food, add rooms and all kinds of stuff. They also have a pretty good selection of games that the kids can play. I will say that the games are very G rated and anyone can play them. They are not violent.
I just always thought of myself as the kind of person and parent that doesn't get all caught up in the fads of the world. For example, when shows like Friends and Seinfield were so popular and that's all people talked about, I refused to watch them. Not because of any notion that they were not good shows, I think it's just a rebellious streak I have. I am the same way about American Idol. I like to watch the first couple of shows of the season, then I am done. I have nothing else to do with it. I don't talk about. I don't think about it. I don't pick any favorite person that I hope wins. I could care less.
When I was pregnant with The DQ, Pooh was all the rage. So I bought Looney Tunes baby stuff for her. (I didn't know whether she was going to be a boy or girl) Yet here I am forking over my hard earned money for flippin' Webkinz. Where are my principals I ask you? What has happened to me? Am I slipping? This year will I be glued to my TV watching American Idol along with all the other followers in America? I shudder at the thought.
We still have our regular TV from ten years ago. Not a big flat screen. Our computer still has a regular bulky monitor. We don't have a home theater system or any of that fancy stuff. Frankly I don't care anything about it. Our DVD players are so cheap they are practically disposable. I used to care about having what every one else has. I think age and maybe a little wisdom has cured me of keeping up with the Jones' so to speak. Although I really wouldn't mind to have one of those LG Chocolate phones like Sissy just got. Her contract renewed and we got a great deal on a new phone for her.
I found out today that the IRS is restricting anyone with tuition credits, child care expenses and a few other tax credits from filing until Feb. 11th. So if you know anyone with any of these credits to claim, they wont be able to file. This is because of some kind of upgrade to the IRS system. Which means I will continue to drive Sissy's car until the end of Feb. I am so bummed. So......If anyone wants to loan me 3 grand until the end of February, contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the matter.
So we went to Fazoli's where I spent an ungodly amount of money to feed five people. We went by the toy store to look for Webkinz after that. They were closed(Thank God). We went home and Sissy got out her Ipod and was teaching the younger girls some dance moves. She is really good by the way. I don't know where she gets that from. The beauty part comes in here. How many 16 year old girls would take the time to teach younger girls how to dance? It was so sweet. The younger girls looked at her with adoration in their young eyes.
Younger kids are so enthralled with teenagers. They are older, wiser, and can drive. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a sweet teenager. Being their mother really is a fantastic voyage. Of course I realize having said this, that tomorrow Sissy will announce that she is quiting school and The DQ will run off with a band of gypsies. That's how it always goes.
Let's talk about Webkinz now. I should be an official stockholder for all the money I have spent on Webkinz. They are all the rage with the younger kids. First you purchase the stuffed animal which ranges anywhere from 10-13 bucks. Not bad I guess. The animals come with a tag that has a secret code on it. Then you log on to their website with your code and then your child can play games, buy furniture and clothing, food, add rooms and all kinds of stuff. They also have a pretty good selection of games that the kids can play. I will say that the games are very G rated and anyone can play them. They are not violent.
I just always thought of myself as the kind of person and parent that doesn't get all caught up in the fads of the world. For example, when shows like Friends and Seinfield were so popular and that's all people talked about, I refused to watch them. Not because of any notion that they were not good shows, I think it's just a rebellious streak I have. I am the same way about American Idol. I like to watch the first couple of shows of the season, then I am done. I have nothing else to do with it. I don't talk about. I don't think about it. I don't pick any favorite person that I hope wins. I could care less.
When I was pregnant with The DQ, Pooh was all the rage. So I bought Looney Tunes baby stuff for her. (I didn't know whether she was going to be a boy or girl) Yet here I am forking over my hard earned money for flippin' Webkinz. Where are my principals I ask you? What has happened to me? Am I slipping? This year will I be glued to my TV watching American Idol along with all the other followers in America? I shudder at the thought.
We still have our regular TV from ten years ago. Not a big flat screen. Our computer still has a regular bulky monitor. We don't have a home theater system or any of that fancy stuff. Frankly I don't care anything about it. Our DVD players are so cheap they are practically disposable. I used to care about having what every one else has. I think age and maybe a little wisdom has cured me of keeping up with the Jones' so to speak. Although I really wouldn't mind to have one of those LG Chocolate phones like Sissy just got. Her contract renewed and we got a great deal on a new phone for her.
I found out today that the IRS is restricting anyone with tuition credits, child care expenses and a few other tax credits from filing until Feb. 11th. So if you know anyone with any of these credits to claim, they wont be able to file. This is because of some kind of upgrade to the IRS system. Which means I will continue to drive Sissy's car until the end of Feb. I am so bummed. So......If anyone wants to loan me 3 grand until the end of February, contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the matter.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Girl Talk
I have probably said this before, but I am noticing a pattern in my moods that is eerily similar to PMS. Now this next part is strictly girl stuff. So if you are a guy, be warned. Get ready, this is really girl stuff.
OK-here goes. For years I suffered from the severe form of PMS known as PMDD. My mood swings were so terrible I could barely function. I would cry, rage, experience moments of euphoria. All within the time span of about fifteen minutes. I found that the Depo-Provera birth control shot relieved my symptoms immensely. In recent years, they have discovered that this shot causes reversible bone loss. Which means at the ripe old age of thirty two, the shot is no longer an option for me. A little over a year ago, I had an IUD implanted. It releases a low dosage of hormones.
It seems to reduce some of my moodiness, but I am beginning to think it is not as effective as the shot was. For example, this morning when Sissy locked her purse in the house with her house key inside, I was really angry. I shouldn't have been. That could happen to anyone. When she couldn't make up her mind about when to schedule her next orthodontist appointment I was irritated. As I was sitting at my desk this morning I started thinking about a rude comment that someone made to me. About three months ago!!!!!! The more I thought about my crankiness, I remembered that someone on Sunday night was rude to me and I cried my eyes out.
Not to mention unexplained soreness in the breastal area. I have very logically deduced that while I don't have a menstrual cycle any longer, I still suffer from some mild PMS symptoms at certain times of the month. I am actually relieved to realize this. I was really starting to doubt my sanity. Regular blog readers know I pretty much always doubt my sanity, but at least now I know that I am not psychotic. What really clued me was the fact that I sat at my desk fuming about a rude comment from THREE FREAKING MONTHS AGO! Hello!
I am really pleased that I am able to blame these emotional episodes on hormones. It would really be devastating if that was just my personality. I have enough character flaws as it is.
In other news, I found out that I will not be able to file to get my tax refund until the first of February. Which is not really a big deal except for the fact that I am so ready to trade my car in. If I could, I would get rid of it tomorrow. So, for the moment the car shopping has been put on hold. I have pretty much decided what I want, so now I am just waiting to have the funds in hand to knock off most of the negative equity on my Dodge. On that note, I am going to retreat to the living room. Super Mario awaits
OK-here goes. For years I suffered from the severe form of PMS known as PMDD. My mood swings were so terrible I could barely function. I would cry, rage, experience moments of euphoria. All within the time span of about fifteen minutes. I found that the Depo-Provera birth control shot relieved my symptoms immensely. In recent years, they have discovered that this shot causes reversible bone loss. Which means at the ripe old age of thirty two, the shot is no longer an option for me. A little over a year ago, I had an IUD implanted. It releases a low dosage of hormones.
It seems to reduce some of my moodiness, but I am beginning to think it is not as effective as the shot was. For example, this morning when Sissy locked her purse in the house with her house key inside, I was really angry. I shouldn't have been. That could happen to anyone. When she couldn't make up her mind about when to schedule her next orthodontist appointment I was irritated. As I was sitting at my desk this morning I started thinking about a rude comment that someone made to me. About three months ago!!!!!! The more I thought about my crankiness, I remembered that someone on Sunday night was rude to me and I cried my eyes out.
Not to mention unexplained soreness in the breastal area. I have very logically deduced that while I don't have a menstrual cycle any longer, I still suffer from some mild PMS symptoms at certain times of the month. I am actually relieved to realize this. I was really starting to doubt my sanity. Regular blog readers know I pretty much always doubt my sanity, but at least now I know that I am not psychotic. What really clued me was the fact that I sat at my desk fuming about a rude comment from THREE FREAKING MONTHS AGO! Hello!
I am really pleased that I am able to blame these emotional episodes on hormones. It would really be devastating if that was just my personality. I have enough character flaws as it is.
In other news, I found out that I will not be able to file to get my tax refund until the first of February. Which is not really a big deal except for the fact that I am so ready to trade my car in. If I could, I would get rid of it tomorrow. So, for the moment the car shopping has been put on hold. I have pretty much decided what I want, so now I am just waiting to have the funds in hand to knock off most of the negative equity on my Dodge. On that note, I am going to retreat to the living room. Super Mario awaits
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Customer Service
I am taking a break from my video games. My fingers feel kinda numb. I got The DQ a Super Mario game for her Gameboy for Christmas. I love that game. I am now officially addicted to it. It's kind of sad that this is how I am spending a Saturday night. Oh well, I could be doing worse things, like plotting how I am going to pop the woman at Wal-Mart eyes out like little grapes. Did I say that out loud? Oh well..............................
Let's talk about customer service shall we? About a week before Christmas Sissy and were at Wal-Mart grocery shopping. I love shopping for groceries at Wally World because I get so much more food for my money. I have tried shopping at the grocery store and come out feeling defeated. Defeated because while I would like to shop at the regular grocery store, I never get much food for the same amount of money. I like the convenience of the grocery store that is right down the road. I like that it's usually not terribly crowded. I like the produce. It looks much better than the produce at Wal-Mart.
I digress once again. Anyway, I have been going through the self checkout lane since I discovered that you can check out your own produce if you know how to do it. I like the self checkout because you don't have to deal with the cashiers. I mean no disrespect to these hard working individuals that have to put up with our crap. Well, other people's crap. I am never rude or unfriendly to a cashier. The problem is that most of them have the personality of a rock. It is so obvious that they would rather be anywhere but where they are. Sometimes they don't even speak to you as you begin unloading your cart. Of course, I would be upset to have to check out two hundred dollars worth of groceries. Here's the thing. I have worked with the public. I spent about a year managing a convenience store. I had to be nice to people, and clean the toilets. Now that' s enough to put a scowl on anyone's face. I was a server for a while. I even worked in a grocery store and a K-Mart back in the day.
I can honestly say that I was nice to people. I smiled and acted friendly even if I didn't feel like it. (Unless someone cussed me, it did happen a couple of times) My personal drama did not affect the way I treated my customers. Believe me, I had A LOT of drama going on during this period in my life. I was going through a divorce, I was broke, I was miserable and unhappy. Yet somehow I managed to treat people with respect and be friendly. OK-there is part of my tirade.
As Sissy and I approached the self checkout on this fateful day, a Wal-Mart worker approached us rapidly and shooed us out of the self checkout lane. She informed that those lanes are for 20 items or less. I asked her, "Since when?". She stated that it had always been this way. I told her that I ALWAYS use the self checkout. I could see that she was not going to bend and with Sissy with me, I didn't want to make too a big of a scene. But let me say that I could have. I was in one of those kinds of moods.
We went through one of the regular lanes. I was actually quite surprised. The cashier was very friendly and had an upbeat personality. I told her what had happened with the other employee. She said that she would have let me go through the line. I felt slightly vindicated.
Tonight Sissy and went to Wal-Mart to return an item and do some grocery shopping. This time I mentally prepared myself for war. I was not going to take no for an answer. I WOULD go through that darn self checkout if it killed me. I would make a stand. I would just ignore anyone who tried to stop me and just begin unloading my cart. After all, what could they do? Physically restrain me? Begin putting my items back in my buggy? I mentally prepared for anything to happen. I got all my groceries and approached the self checkout with determination. I would not be stopped. I am the customer. I am the customer who spends at least a hundred dollars a week in that place. Not to mention all the non grocery items I have purchased at Wal-Mart. I made it through the self checkout without anyone approaching me. I was almost disappointed. I was so ready to fight "The Man". I was ready to make a stand against being kicked out of the self checkout. I am a paying customer. I had myself all worked up. For nothing. Not even one little hint of drama. If anyone is curious, there are no signs stating 20 items or less.
The thing is, if they had workers with good attitudes, people would not care so much about going through a regular line. I know you get what you pay for and everything, but would it kill people to SMILE. I thought the self checkout was for my convenience anyway. The remaining question is-Why did that other lady kick me out in the first place? You would think the customers who are buying more stuff would get treated a little better. Just because I have fifty items, does that mean that I don't want to get out quickly? I think not. Shame on you Wal-Mart lady, shame.
Let's talk about customer service shall we? About a week before Christmas Sissy and were at Wal-Mart grocery shopping. I love shopping for groceries at Wally World because I get so much more food for my money. I have tried shopping at the grocery store and come out feeling defeated. Defeated because while I would like to shop at the regular grocery store, I never get much food for the same amount of money. I like the convenience of the grocery store that is right down the road. I like that it's usually not terribly crowded. I like the produce. It looks much better than the produce at Wal-Mart.
I digress once again. Anyway, I have been going through the self checkout lane since I discovered that you can check out your own produce if you know how to do it. I like the self checkout because you don't have to deal with the cashiers. I mean no disrespect to these hard working individuals that have to put up with our crap. Well, other people's crap. I am never rude or unfriendly to a cashier. The problem is that most of them have the personality of a rock. It is so obvious that they would rather be anywhere but where they are. Sometimes they don't even speak to you as you begin unloading your cart. Of course, I would be upset to have to check out two hundred dollars worth of groceries. Here's the thing. I have worked with the public. I spent about a year managing a convenience store. I had to be nice to people, and clean the toilets. Now that' s enough to put a scowl on anyone's face. I was a server for a while. I even worked in a grocery store and a K-Mart back in the day.
I can honestly say that I was nice to people. I smiled and acted friendly even if I didn't feel like it. (Unless someone cussed me, it did happen a couple of times) My personal drama did not affect the way I treated my customers. Believe me, I had A LOT of drama going on during this period in my life. I was going through a divorce, I was broke, I was miserable and unhappy. Yet somehow I managed to treat people with respect and be friendly. OK-there is part of my tirade.
As Sissy and I approached the self checkout on this fateful day, a Wal-Mart worker approached us rapidly and shooed us out of the self checkout lane. She informed that those lanes are for 20 items or less. I asked her, "Since when?". She stated that it had always been this way. I told her that I ALWAYS use the self checkout. I could see that she was not going to bend and with Sissy with me, I didn't want to make too a big of a scene. But let me say that I could have. I was in one of those kinds of moods.
We went through one of the regular lanes. I was actually quite surprised. The cashier was very friendly and had an upbeat personality. I told her what had happened with the other employee. She said that she would have let me go through the line. I felt slightly vindicated.
Tonight Sissy and went to Wal-Mart to return an item and do some grocery shopping. This time I mentally prepared myself for war. I was not going to take no for an answer. I WOULD go through that darn self checkout if it killed me. I would make a stand. I would just ignore anyone who tried to stop me and just begin unloading my cart. After all, what could they do? Physically restrain me? Begin putting my items back in my buggy? I mentally prepared for anything to happen. I got all my groceries and approached the self checkout with determination. I would not be stopped. I am the customer. I am the customer who spends at least a hundred dollars a week in that place. Not to mention all the non grocery items I have purchased at Wal-Mart. I made it through the self checkout without anyone approaching me. I was almost disappointed. I was so ready to fight "The Man". I was ready to make a stand against being kicked out of the self checkout. I am a paying customer. I had myself all worked up. For nothing. Not even one little hint of drama. If anyone is curious, there are no signs stating 20 items or less.
The thing is, if they had workers with good attitudes, people would not care so much about going through a regular line. I know you get what you pay for and everything, but would it kill people to SMILE. I thought the self checkout was for my convenience anyway. The remaining question is-Why did that other lady kick me out in the first place? You would think the customers who are buying more stuff would get treated a little better. Just because I have fifty items, does that mean that I don't want to get out quickly? I think not. Shame on you Wal-Mart lady, shame.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Commitment Issues
Well folks, I have come to a fork in the road. The question being which road should I take? The long and short of it is that my car needs a motor, and it's not paid for. Yet. I have decided that it is time for the Intrepid and I to part ways. We have been together for four years now. That's the longest I have ever been faithful to one car.
That's because I have always had piece of junk cars that only lasted a couple of years. At the most. I had a cute little fire engine red Pontiac Grand Am with a rear spoiler, it was a two door. When I traded it in I decided that I needed a more mature family car. Hence the Dodge Intrepid. Six months after I bought the car, I was tired of how big it was. Then it was too late. I was in for the long haul. In all fairness it has not had a great deal of mechanical failures. Except for the motor. Which is a pretty big failure in my book. My mechanic did some research and found there are known issues with the motor in the car.
My friends, I am not prepared to sink several thousand MORE dollars into the Intrepid. I don't like it, I am tired of driving it. So, with that being said, I am prepared to take my money to the local Carmax dealership and see what they can do for me. This time I am looking for a couple of things in a car. One-I want it to be small. Sissy will be driving her own car in a few weeks, which means The DQ is the only kid I will be hauling around. Two-I want better gas mileage. With gas topping out at 3 bucks a gallon here, I don't know how much longer I can afford to put gas in my car. You almost need a second job to afford to put gas in your car.
I am looking at a couple of really cute Toyota Corollas. I like the body style. They are small, yet dependable cars. They are reasonably priced. Maybe it won't be a Lexus, but let's face it....I can't afford a car like that anyway. The good thing is, I am not backed into a corner. If I don't like what they are offering as far as payments and interest rates go, I will simply tell them "No thanks" and with much sadness in my heart, repair the Dodge. I REALLY don't want it to come down to that, but I am sticking to my guns.
Also, I will be taking my mechanic with me. He has graciously agreed to accompany me to wild world of car shopping. I can always use an objective party (The fact that he knows his way underneath the hood of a car doesn't hurt either)
Wish me luck as I prepare to attempt to kick the Intrepid to the curb. I can't say I will be sad to see it go. I'm a player like that. Love em' and leave em'.......yep that's me.
That's because I have always had piece of junk cars that only lasted a couple of years. At the most. I had a cute little fire engine red Pontiac Grand Am with a rear spoiler, it was a two door. When I traded it in I decided that I needed a more mature family car. Hence the Dodge Intrepid. Six months after I bought the car, I was tired of how big it was. Then it was too late. I was in for the long haul. In all fairness it has not had a great deal of mechanical failures. Except for the motor. Which is a pretty big failure in my book. My mechanic did some research and found there are known issues with the motor in the car.
My friends, I am not prepared to sink several thousand MORE dollars into the Intrepid. I don't like it, I am tired of driving it. So, with that being said, I am prepared to take my money to the local Carmax dealership and see what they can do for me. This time I am looking for a couple of things in a car. One-I want it to be small. Sissy will be driving her own car in a few weeks, which means The DQ is the only kid I will be hauling around. Two-I want better gas mileage. With gas topping out at 3 bucks a gallon here, I don't know how much longer I can afford to put gas in my car. You almost need a second job to afford to put gas in your car.
I am looking at a couple of really cute Toyota Corollas. I like the body style. They are small, yet dependable cars. They are reasonably priced. Maybe it won't be a Lexus, but let's face it....I can't afford a car like that anyway. The good thing is, I am not backed into a corner. If I don't like what they are offering as far as payments and interest rates go, I will simply tell them "No thanks" and with much sadness in my heart, repair the Dodge. I REALLY don't want it to come down to that, but I am sticking to my guns.
Also, I will be taking my mechanic with me. He has graciously agreed to accompany me to wild world of car shopping. I can always use an objective party (The fact that he knows his way underneath the hood of a car doesn't hurt either)
Wish me luck as I prepare to attempt to kick the Intrepid to the curb. I can't say I will be sad to see it go. I'm a player like that. Love em' and leave em'.......yep that's me.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Well, let's take inventory of how the new year started off. First I had to work yesterday. The entire office was mostly off, except the accounting department. That wasn't so bad. We did leave early yesterday. I got a few miles down the interstate and my car broke down. Now...right after Christmas. When I am at my lowest point financially. Now, I am definitely not mechanically inclined but when your car sounds like it's never had oil, that's a pretty bad sign. The second bad sign is when your oil light comes on....and you just put oil in it a few days ago.
Back in the day if your oil light came on that meant you needed to add oil. Nowadays, if your oil light comes on, you better stop your car immediately. (This info is provided by the courtesy of my mechanic, John) Which I did. I pulled over the the side of the interstate. Let me tell you, that is not a safe feeling. I stopped the car and then decided I just wasn't far enough away from the traffic. I pulled the car over into the grass, which left my car sitting on an incline. I get out and try to check the oil. According to my dipstick, I had too much oil. Now that's not right. I add oil anyway and start the car again. It still sounds like the motor has blown. (Which it probably has) Next I need to figure which of my many family members I will call and ask for a ride home.
About that time my sister Alicia and her fiancee passed by on the interstate and saw me. How lucky is that? Actually I prefer to think that the Good Lord played a part in that. I didn't even have to call anyone. Help showed up.
So......let's recap the new year so far. My car probably needs a motor. Sissy is going to have to have some transmission work done. That's at least several thousand dollars between the two cars. Both of them must be fixed. There is no way around it. Yet I find myself without several thousand dollars lying around. What to do, what to do. Well right now I'm not really sure. Wait until John can look at my car this weekend and determine the damage, that's step one. Step two will be for me to formulate a plan on the likelihood that I can successfully rob a bank. Maybe I can get away with it. I don't look like the criminal type, no one will suspect me. Yet, that whole jail thing stops me dead in my tracks. I am too wimpy to go to jail. I admit it. I would cry like a baby. I find myself unable to stomach the thought of having to do my business in front of a bunch of strangers. I could never live without a hairdryer, and the food, yuck. Nope robbery is definitely out of the question.
I guess I will be forced to come up with some legal means of obtaining several thousand dollars. A second job? Nope, between school and work it just won't fit into my schedule. I know, I will make the girls get jobs, it's time they started earning their keep anyway. How long did they think I was going to support them? Until the end of time? Thankfully, there MAY be a tax refund in my near future. (Please God, please)
While I am pondering these deep questions, Happy New Year to everyone!
Back in the day if your oil light came on that meant you needed to add oil. Nowadays, if your oil light comes on, you better stop your car immediately. (This info is provided by the courtesy of my mechanic, John) Which I did. I pulled over the the side of the interstate. Let me tell you, that is not a safe feeling. I stopped the car and then decided I just wasn't far enough away from the traffic. I pulled the car over into the grass, which left my car sitting on an incline. I get out and try to check the oil. According to my dipstick, I had too much oil. Now that's not right. I add oil anyway and start the car again. It still sounds like the motor has blown. (Which it probably has) Next I need to figure which of my many family members I will call and ask for a ride home.
About that time my sister Alicia and her fiancee passed by on the interstate and saw me. How lucky is that? Actually I prefer to think that the Good Lord played a part in that. I didn't even have to call anyone. Help showed up.
So......let's recap the new year so far. My car probably needs a motor. Sissy is going to have to have some transmission work done. That's at least several thousand dollars between the two cars. Both of them must be fixed. There is no way around it. Yet I find myself without several thousand dollars lying around. What to do, what to do. Well right now I'm not really sure. Wait until John can look at my car this weekend and determine the damage, that's step one. Step two will be for me to formulate a plan on the likelihood that I can successfully rob a bank. Maybe I can get away with it. I don't look like the criminal type, no one will suspect me. Yet, that whole jail thing stops me dead in my tracks. I am too wimpy to go to jail. I admit it. I would cry like a baby. I find myself unable to stomach the thought of having to do my business in front of a bunch of strangers. I could never live without a hairdryer, and the food, yuck. Nope robbery is definitely out of the question.
I guess I will be forced to come up with some legal means of obtaining several thousand dollars. A second job? Nope, between school and work it just won't fit into my schedule. I know, I will make the girls get jobs, it's time they started earning their keep anyway. How long did they think I was going to support them? Until the end of time? Thankfully, there MAY be a tax refund in my near future. (Please God, please)
While I am pondering these deep questions, Happy New Year to everyone!
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