Grades were finally posted. I finally found out that all my worrying, stressing, studying, sweat and tears all paid off. Especially when studying history.
I think I did pretty well, If I can only keep it up.
Math 095 - Intermediate Algebra 4.0
English 101 - Essay Writing 3.9
History 128 - World Civilizations 4.0
Only a 3.95 Cumulative grade...I don't think that is too bad...
Now to only keep it up from here on out. Have to maintain the grade.
All in all it wasn't worth the stress but it was definitely a learning experience taking all the classes online rather than in a classroom.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
The Countdown to Christmas is On...
Only Seventeen Days left Until Christmas.....
So much to do....NOT ENOUGH TIME!!
I will again repost the poem I wrote last year...Again Enjoy!
So much to do....NOT ENOUGH TIME!!
I will again repost the poem I wrote last year...Again Enjoy!
'TWAS
'Twas 2 nights before Christmas and all through the place,
People were buzzing it looked like a race.
Stockings were hung on the bookshelves with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas wouldn't leave coal in there.
Kids were playing, arguing and such,
Mom and dad were in a rush, rush, rush.
Getting presents wrapped under the tree with care
Dad trying to keep mom from pulling out her hair.
While cooking dinner there was a loud cladder
I ran outside to see what was the matter.
There on the ground in the cold rain
laid dad on his back in terrible pain.
He fell down making a huge cladder
we found him on the ground next to the fallen ladder.
We rushed over to him to find out if he's okay
"No worries, no worries," we all heard him say.
As he limped across the yard pulling lights behind
We could hear him cry and we could hear him whine.
"These stinking lights, why, why, why?
Oh they need to go up or soon I will cry!"
Cookies and fudge were cooling in the kitchen,
Children were lurking and drooling hoping they were finger licking.
The house was clean the dishes done
Now the whole house was ready for fun!
What do you do 2 nights before christmas?
Unsure of this the boys were restless.
In hopes that Chistmas would come a day sooner
Or they would go crazy could they get any loonier?
Will Santa find us? Will he be here?
Of Course, of coures he will!
He won't forget you or me
Take a good look at our tree!
With everything ready, wrapped, packed and cooked
I settled back with no more time booked.
This holiday seemed busier than most
No longer the director, no longer the host.
After the weary day I layed down to rest
We know the kids all gave their best.
The kids were filled with worry and strife
wondering if they had done everything right.
Just about to doze all snug and warm
Dad tried to turn on the charm.
When I said, "No, I have a headache tonight."
He rolled on over and turned off the light.
"Merry Christmas," he grumbled,
"Merry Christmas, Yeah Right."
People were buzzing it looked like a race.
Stockings were hung on the bookshelves with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas wouldn't leave coal in there.
Kids were playing, arguing and such,
Mom and dad were in a rush, rush, rush.
Getting presents wrapped under the tree with care
Dad trying to keep mom from pulling out her hair.
While cooking dinner there was a loud cladder
I ran outside to see what was the matter.
There on the ground in the cold rain
laid dad on his back in terrible pain.
He fell down making a huge cladder
we found him on the ground next to the fallen ladder.
We rushed over to him to find out if he's okay
"No worries, no worries," we all heard him say.
As he limped across the yard pulling lights behind
We could hear him cry and we could hear him whine.
"These stinking lights, why, why, why?
Oh they need to go up or soon I will cry!"
Cookies and fudge were cooling in the kitchen,
Children were lurking and drooling hoping they were finger licking.
The house was clean the dishes done
Now the whole house was ready for fun!
What do you do 2 nights before christmas?
Unsure of this the boys were restless.
In hopes that Chistmas would come a day sooner
Or they would go crazy could they get any loonier?
Will Santa find us? Will he be here?
Of Course, of coures he will!
He won't forget you or me
Take a good look at our tree!
With everything ready, wrapped, packed and cooked
I settled back with no more time booked.
This holiday seemed busier than most
No longer the director, no longer the host.
After the weary day I layed down to rest
We know the kids all gave their best.
The kids were filled with worry and strife
wondering if they had done everything right.
Just about to doze all snug and warm
Dad tried to turn on the charm.
When I said, "No, I have a headache tonight."
He rolled on over and turned off the light.
"Merry Christmas," he grumbled,
"Merry Christmas, Yeah Right."
Cinderella
Cinderella
It was a cool fall day, as I was running to meet my date for the evening; I was hoping not to tumble like a tall pine tree in the forest. TIMBER! That was the last word I wanted to hear. I was in a rush hoping not to fall off of the two inch heels I had to endure for the evening. I was on my way to attend a semi-formal business event for my company with another business acquaintance of mine who did not want to go alone. Amazing how someone who owns a septic installation and repair company could fully change and attend a formal event. It was so much better than the dirt encrusted, and goodness only knows what else, clothing I had to wear for work.
As I walked hurriedly I thought back to when my whole adventure to get ready for this event began. I was very uncomfortable with the idea of having to go shopping and focus on hair, nails and make up almost like Barbie. “You know, like, wow!” using her princess wave as she walked by. It brought to mind Barbie saying, “B-bye, bye now. B-bye, bye-bye.” Wondering how long she would have to stand in those high heels smiling and having her face hurt if it didn’t fall off and crack first. Or was that what I was hoping would have happened to Barbie since she always seemed so perfect.
Having to think about finding the “right” dress or outfit to wear was a scary thought. A Halloween costume of Frankenstein would work for me for all I cared about dressing up. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of going through the hassle, but I wanted to network with the right people; sometimes I wondered if hobnobbing with this crowd was worth the effort of going through the torture of preparing for the night. I thought about the experience and tried to justify to myself that the whole thing was worth it from the shopping, the shoes, the hair, nails and make up. I had a week to get ready.
I asked my friend Marta for help for this event, “I have a week, it’s plenty of time.” Marta is a fashion designer and cosmetologist. When I told her about the event she screeched in a high pitch squeal that you would only hear on American Idol; the try outs of an out of tune high pitched opera singer. I thought she was going to pass out. I was panicked enough about this event; I didn’t need her panicking as well. Instead she threw her arms around me and hugged me talking unintelligibly. Maybe her words were unintelligible due to the death grip she had on me made me see stars as she cut off the oxygen flow to my brain. Marta wasn’t panicked, she was thrilled. I was going to have to dress up, do my hair and make up. She had been waiting a long time to get her “cosmetological” hands on me. She turned and looked at me, wrung her hands together and smiled; “Now it’s my turn.” In the echo around me I could hear a deep voice maniacally laughing “Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha.”
Marta was just chomping at the bit to get me out shopping. I have never seen someone so ready to run out and spend money. Something she lived for. After careful discussion she and I agreed that she would design and make her masterpiece, the dress I would be wearing for the evening. “Great! I always wanted to act like a mannequin, being poked and prodded like a pin cushion during an annual exam, as someone created their masterpiece.”
Marta’s talents always seemed to be right in line with whatever she did. The many talents of this woman were scary. I could count on her for almost anything. If someone needed a nuclear reactor shut down in minutes in a crisis, there was Marta, and she would do it. I rarely needed her but at a time like this she was worried a week wasn’t going to be enough time. I thought to myself incredulously, “How could a week not be enough time to get a dress, do my hair, make up and go?” I was so looking forward to acting like a mannequin being poked and prodded as someone created their masterpiece.
I realized within the first hour how truly creative Marta is. She uses her creative talents to make others happy or miserable depending on how you looked at it. I had just entered my worst nightmare. Marta was calling me every hour except for when I was at work. If I didn’t know what it was like to be stalked I was finding out. I wonder if she didn’t call my work and hang up to make sure I was there and hadn’t skipped out of town on her. With the way she was acting I was wondering if I didn’t want to be high-tailing it out of town like John Wayne at the end of a movie riding off into the sunset in fast forward where even Miss Kitty didn’t have a chance to come out and yell, “Wait, don’t go!” I think she is still in the background waiting for her cue.
We spent an evening shopping for material. Her idea of elegant was neon bright and polka dot colorful. My idea of elegant wasn’t quite the bright neon pink she seemed to adore. I like looking good, however, being the center of attention by being able to be the replacement disco ball was not my idea of colorful. I prefer the traditional black or calm colors like blue and green or aquamarine. I would rather blend in with the walls or fish tanks than stand out in a crowd. After a bit of no, that’s not going to happen, absolutely not and not on your life we finally agreed on a black satin material with a thin lace cover over in the same pattern. I would be wearing a thin satin floor length black dress with a spider web thin lace over the top. It truly was elegant.
She worked night and day for two days creating her masterpiece. She so wanted things to be perfect. Two days before the event she decided, after looking in my closet, that I didn’t have any shoes to match the dress. My mouth fell open and I looked at her as though she was insane. How many pairs of shoes did one person need? I already, in my opinion, had too many pairs. She looked at me and stammered, “ I can’t believe what I am hearing! Any self respecting woman could never have enough shoes.” I sat and laughed quietly to myself as I didn’t want to offend the queen of chic.
We were out the door to find shoes. We went from store to store having her force me to try on shoes. “One inch, two inch, three inch floor!” I thought to myself, “How in the world do women walk in these things?” She looked at me as though she could read my mind and very sternly said, “You will get used to it. Deal with it!” After going to at least eight different stores we ended up back at the original store buying the one pair I had tried on first. Ugh!! All of that for the first pair I tried on? What’s up with that?
She wanted me to go home and practice walking in them so I wouldn’t stumble all over myself the night of the event. I laughed and agreed; I would have to, I wasn’t accustomed to walking around in two inch high heeled shoes. I wasn’t even sure I was going to be safe. One trip and I was going over like a tree. Maybe at this point life insurance would be a good thing.
Marta gave me a day of reprieve from what I considered to be her malicious endeavors. As the day arrived I was nervous. Marta kept discussing all that we had left to do, as though it was some major construction project. In her mind it was, in my mind I kept thinking, “What is the big deal?” Marta was acting as though she was a Fairy Godmother and she was getting Cinderella ready for the ball. I sat and laughed I didn’t truly realize what she had in mind. I wasn’t prepared. Feeling completely caught off guard as though someone walked into the room while my pants were down, Marta started talking about waxing. I thought at first she was talking to herself. I realized as she tried to approach me with a stick that had a bunch of goo on it that she was talking about me. I sat thinking, “Now what was she going to do with that? It wasn’t going to touch me in any way shape or form. Working in the septic industry having someone approach you with some “brown stuff on a stick” just isn’t right.” I explained this to her and she just started to laugh an evil laugh. At this point I knew I was in trouble. She applied what she needed to my eyebrow and then applied a small square. I knew what she was about to do and I was a bit fearful. I am not one for allowing pain especially when it is happening to me. She suddenly changed the subject and got my attention diverted when all of a sudden she ripped that piece of cloth from my body. Bloody Hell!! She almost had to tie me down. Nothing like having a good patch of hair ripped from your body when you least expect it! There was no way I was going to allow her to do that again. She once again approached me with that stick with the goo on it and told me if she didn’t do it one more time that I would look like the biggest dork on the face of the planet. My thought was that if I looked like a dork I didn’t care I wasn’t going to experience that kind of pain again. After the being shown my face in the mirror and realizing how big of a dork I looked at that moment, I reluctantly let her approach me with more “goo” on a stick. I was cringing when I noticed she was attempting to divert my attention again. I should have let her. It hurt more the second time knowing it was coming. How do women put up with this on a regular basis?
After the waxing that wasn’t supposed to hurt a bit, came the hair and make up. Marta thought that during the time she was doing this she would put on the appropriate movie. Here I thought “Pretty Woman” would be, just from it’s title, the choice. Nope! She put on “Miss Congeniality” where one person goes from Attila the Hun to Miss
Marta was more excited about this event and to be able to have her way with my hair that I finally sat back to enjoy the manipulations of her hands. She was so excited, I had finally relaxed to let her put the final touches on her “project”. This part wasn’t so bad. All I had to do was sit there as she cut and styled my hair. She was moving so fast Edward Scissorhands would have been put to shame. I watched her closely. I could not believe the difference when she was done. I felt so pretty! She definitely had a way about her to make everything right.
The time to go had come and gone. I was running late. Marta was fussing and fretting. The accessories had to be on just right. I had to hold my bag in the proper manner. She reminded me to use my manners. I told her enough was enough. It was time to go, my date would be waiting. I was in for a night of being the “belle of the ball”. It was going to be a night like no other; a night discussing septic systems and the crap that goes in them.
As I approached the doorway to enter the ball room I stopped to catch my breath. Looking around at all the people I knew standing in that room, I wondered why I was nervous. I still don’t understand the reasoning behind going through all that torture just to be “presentable”. To people who during the day would regularly see me at my worst. As I approached my date and saw the look on his face, I was going to need a shovel to put his tongue back into his mouth the way it was gaping open. I had to look behind me twice to make sure no one was there. For that response it was truly worth it.
One Quarter down....Five to go!!
My first quarter of school is done...FINALLY...it only took a lot of sweat and tears, only a very slight amount of blood and that was because I fell on the job after tripping over a book bag, breaking a bone in my wrist and kissing the wall. Like I said only a small amount of blood.
Oh well...I have more time to get things done around the house, cooking, cleaning.
Kirby has been awesome in handling less time with me while I study. Over the next month we will have lots of time together. In January my class time gets tighter and I have less time at home in the evenings. I have class Monday through Friday. Mondays and Wednesdays early evening until very late. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Late until very late. Just my luck...I could not get any classes online this quarter and have to attend classes. **SIGH** It's that much more time away from home. Kirby is more than excited for me to attend classes. He keeps telling me I am getting almost as smart as him. We of course laugh about it since I can't win in the game, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
As we get closer to the holidays we are playing more family games and getting very much involved in activities together. I am looking for the game "Pigs" the pigs are like dice. When you roll them and they land a particular way you score points. I so miss playing it. My one Christmas Wish has already been fulfilled, family time....my second one we will have to see. I have told Santa but we will have to see if he will fill my Christmas Wish. I have written my letter...have you?
WE BELIEVE!!
Oh well...I have more time to get things done around the house, cooking, cleaning.
Kirby has been awesome in handling less time with me while I study. Over the next month we will have lots of time together. In January my class time gets tighter and I have less time at home in the evenings. I have class Monday through Friday. Mondays and Wednesdays early evening until very late. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Late until very late. Just my luck...I could not get any classes online this quarter and have to attend classes. **SIGH** It's that much more time away from home. Kirby is more than excited for me to attend classes. He keeps telling me I am getting almost as smart as him. We of course laugh about it since I can't win in the game, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
As we get closer to the holidays we are playing more family games and getting very much involved in activities together. I am looking for the game "Pigs" the pigs are like dice. When you roll them and they land a particular way you score points. I so miss playing it. My one Christmas Wish has already been fulfilled, family time....my second one we will have to see. I have told Santa but we will have to see if he will fill my Christmas Wish. I have written my letter...have you?
WE BELIEVE!!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Time Flies...
Having fun or not time flies. Thanksgiving has come and gone. The Holiday Season is in full swing.
We had a great Holiday! Kirby's birthday always falls in between. This year his birthday fell on the day after Thanksgiving. Of course we celebrated his birthday early on the 17th with all of his friends, a VERY loud bowling alley, and a lot of fun!
I find now that he is 13 it is much easier to have a birthday party with 13 year olds than it is with kids much younger. They actually listen! I know that won't last for long but you have to enjoy it when you can. He had his friends from school and a long time family friend over. We had 5 boys stay the night. Most of the boys were special needs. 3 Aspergers, 1 Aspergers combined with adhd and a few others. What a great group! To see how everyone is treated in this group always amazes me. How there can be so much acceptance amongst young people. I wish it would carry through into adulthood with everyone. I think in this group it will.
The guys just wanted to "hang out" the played video games and had dinner, they watched a movie and had snacks, they "hung out" and had more snacks, they played hide and seek in the dark in the back yard and came in for another snack....Do they ever stop eating? Noooooo......I know how much Kirby eats....hehehee...you would think I could multiply that times five and it would be enough? Nope...they eat more when they are in a group...or would you call five or more of them together a pack??? Ravenous perhaps??? You just don't know...
All in all though it was a good birthday. Kirby got to celebrate birthday number 2 at my parents house. All 5 of my brothers and sisters were there at Thanksgiving...since Kirby is the only grandchild at this time he of course is lavished upon...So of course Birthday #2 is a success....Birthday #3 is usually his dads side of the family. We make these arrangements to make sure no one misses out and that family conflicts don't break out. This year his dad definitely out did any gift anyone could have given him. His dad gave him what he wanted which was the Nintendo DS. I just looked and shook my head. Another electronic game...after getting to look at it for all of 15 seconds and having Kirby take it back telling me I had held onto it long enough. I just sighed and smiled. His dad had made his day.
Although Kirby has gotten a lot more use out of the Unicyle that he received from myself since he knows how to ride, the DS still takes the day as the coolest gift! Amazing the gizmos and gadgets they come up with.
It is now the Monday after Thanksgiving. Little Sisters Birthday is 2 days away. Christmas is around the corner. I am on the two week countdown to my first quarter back to school being over. I only have 6 quizzes 3 tests, an essay and a peer review and 2 discussions to complete...and only 14 days to complete them....Nothing like a little bit of pressure to make things happen.
I am holding onto an A average right now, unless I really mess things up, which it could happen, but I am not counting on it...I should end at a point to be able to have a great GPA to apply for more scholarships and actually get them!!
Time to get back to studying!!
We had a great Holiday! Kirby's birthday always falls in between. This year his birthday fell on the day after Thanksgiving. Of course we celebrated his birthday early on the 17th with all of his friends, a VERY loud bowling alley, and a lot of fun!
I find now that he is 13 it is much easier to have a birthday party with 13 year olds than it is with kids much younger. They actually listen! I know that won't last for long but you have to enjoy it when you can. He had his friends from school and a long time family friend over. We had 5 boys stay the night. Most of the boys were special needs. 3 Aspergers, 1 Aspergers combined with adhd and a few others. What a great group! To see how everyone is treated in this group always amazes me. How there can be so much acceptance amongst young people. I wish it would carry through into adulthood with everyone. I think in this group it will.
The guys just wanted to "hang out" the played video games and had dinner, they watched a movie and had snacks, they "hung out" and had more snacks, they played hide and seek in the dark in the back yard and came in for another snack....Do they ever stop eating? Noooooo......I know how much Kirby eats....hehehee...you would think I could multiply that times five and it would be enough? Nope...they eat more when they are in a group...or would you call five or more of them together a pack??? Ravenous perhaps??? You just don't know...
All in all though it was a good birthday. Kirby got to celebrate birthday number 2 at my parents house. All 5 of my brothers and sisters were there at Thanksgiving...since Kirby is the only grandchild at this time he of course is lavished upon...So of course Birthday #2 is a success....Birthday #3 is usually his dads side of the family. We make these arrangements to make sure no one misses out and that family conflicts don't break out. This year his dad definitely out did any gift anyone could have given him. His dad gave him what he wanted which was the Nintendo DS. I just looked and shook my head. Another electronic game...after getting to look at it for all of 15 seconds and having Kirby take it back telling me I had held onto it long enough. I just sighed and smiled. His dad had made his day.
Although Kirby has gotten a lot more use out of the Unicyle that he received from myself since he knows how to ride, the DS still takes the day as the coolest gift! Amazing the gizmos and gadgets they come up with.
It is now the Monday after Thanksgiving. Little Sisters Birthday is 2 days away. Christmas is around the corner. I am on the two week countdown to my first quarter back to school being over. I only have 6 quizzes 3 tests, an essay and a peer review and 2 discussions to complete...and only 14 days to complete them....Nothing like a little bit of pressure to make things happen.
I am holding onto an A average right now, unless I really mess things up, which it could happen, but I am not counting on it...I should end at a point to be able to have a great GPA to apply for more scholarships and actually get them!!
Time to get back to studying!!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Almost Thanksgiving and I am just posting...
So much has been happening and there is so little time to keep up on all the small things I want to do. Since the first day of school for Kirby I have had my first day of school. I am now 8 weeks in to classes and holding a minimum of a 3.8 GPA at this time.
I have had an issue with the History class from day 1. I only have to take it to fulfill a Humanities requirement. After this I hope I don't have to look at another history book.
English is pretty easy since I have written a form of each essay. I can take it and run with ones I have already done.
Math is not an issue. I am usually the instructor in the study groups so its not an issue.
Only four weeks left to go in the quarter. I have to make sure I don't slack off at all. Then I get a month off and get to start all over again with a new quarter of classes.
This next quarter I won't be able to take all my classes online. I will have to go to a class 2 nights per week. I prefer having all my classes online like the ones I have now.
It's a wait and see game. Luckily, I applied for and received the pell grant and the Washington State Needs grant. It doesn't cover all my tuition and books but it covers most of it allowing me to finally go back to school and get my degree.
I have had an issue with the History class from day 1. I only have to take it to fulfill a Humanities requirement. After this I hope I don't have to look at another history book.
English is pretty easy since I have written a form of each essay. I can take it and run with ones I have already done.
Math is not an issue. I am usually the instructor in the study groups so its not an issue.
Only four weeks left to go in the quarter. I have to make sure I don't slack off at all. Then I get a month off and get to start all over again with a new quarter of classes.
This next quarter I won't be able to take all my classes online. I will have to go to a class 2 nights per week. I prefer having all my classes online like the ones I have now.
It's a wait and see game. Luckily, I applied for and received the pell grant and the Washington State Needs grant. It doesn't cover all my tuition and books but it covers most of it allowing me to finally go back to school and get my degree.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
1st Day of School
It is the first day of school. I don't know who is more excited. Kirby, Monkeydude Jr. or me. I am so ready for them to be back in school. I know along with back to school comes the annoying nag about homework and find out that it's not all getting done. Kirby now has 6 classes to follow up on with homework going into Jr. High (middle school), and with Monkeydude Jr going into 3rd grade the pestering gets to be so much fun. (NOT!)
They are both so ready! So am I!
They are both so ready! So am I!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tenderfoot...
Kirby has made his first rank in Boy Scouts. He will soon reach his second rank as well, which is second class. He was so proud. The process of making a rank, the boy scouts have to complete several different skills, then they have to meet with the scoutmaster for a scoutmaster conference, and then finally go through a board of review.
I couldn't believe it, Kirby was actually sweating having to face his first board of review. After all was said and done all the parents in the board of review came up to talk to me about how funny, mature and insightful he is. Although they knew he was nervous they were thrilled about how well he did.
He came through with flying colors. He was so excited he ran up and shook his scoutmasters hand and almost hugged him and then ran to me for the hug. He was so thrilled and exhilarated. He called his dad and grandparents to let them know. I don't think anyone understood his excitement except his new friend from camp who came up and gave him a great big hug as he understood completely how Kirbly felt. A common bond. Amazing to watch. The innocence of childhood yet a child wanting to be older. The clashing is a coming to terms with his growth.
Onto a second rank advancement in the next month! He is now understanding of the fulfillment he can get for a job well done.
For me it's a wait and see, I help him and he advances at his level. Unbeknownst to me he schedules his own Scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review. I didn't even know this was happening until the night it was supposed to happen.
What a guy!
I couldn't believe it, Kirby was actually sweating having to face his first board of review. After all was said and done all the parents in the board of review came up to talk to me about how funny, mature and insightful he is. Although they knew he was nervous they were thrilled about how well he did.
He came through with flying colors. He was so excited he ran up and shook his scoutmasters hand and almost hugged him and then ran to me for the hug. He was so thrilled and exhilarated. He called his dad and grandparents to let them know. I don't think anyone understood his excitement except his new friend from camp who came up and gave him a great big hug as he understood completely how Kirbly felt. A common bond. Amazing to watch. The innocence of childhood yet a child wanting to be older. The clashing is a coming to terms with his growth.
Onto a second rank advancement in the next month! He is now understanding of the fulfillment he can get for a job well done.
For me it's a wait and see, I help him and he advances at his level. Unbeknownst to me he schedules his own Scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review. I didn't even know this was happening until the night it was supposed to happen.
What a guy!
Junior High....
When did that happen? When did he grow up enough to move onto this stage? Kirby is headed into Junior High. We had orientation this week. After all the work I did in meeting with teachers last May and June I was really excited for Kirby.
He was going to get the classes he needed and still be integrated into Jr High and be with his friends. I am having to take Kirby to school each day but that is okay. I have worked out my work schedule to be able to take him to his bus stop and get him off to school and still get back to the house in time to catch my carpool to work and then have Wolfman pick him up from the bus stop and get him home. Not only that but the bus stop is at his grandparents house so he is safe even if we can't get there in time to pick him up. The schedule works out for now until things change.
I am currently seeking another job so that the hours will work easier than what I have now.
Kirby went to orientation only for me to find that he didnt have the right schedule. Everything that was discussed did not happen. The only class he was able to get into was Cadet Band. As I sent Kirby off onto his orientation (with the wrong group) I was hesitant. I am glad he went he met 2 more people that as of now they have become fast friends. Will the phone stop ringing? It is almost time to hook up a land line at home so he can talk to his friends.
As I worked on getting his schedule changed to what he was supposed to be in, he had a great time finding his classes and his locker. He was so excited. He is so ready to go back to school. I am again not sure this year who is ready for school to start more. Him or me...LOL...
He has grown not only in height but in maturity. He is helping out around the house without being asked. It's amazing what puberty and moving into a new grade will do. There are many other things that have helped him mature but I would like to think it has been parental influence, more responsibility, and I am sure the help of friends, boy scouts and the leaders in our troop, growth, and so on.
They grow up too fast! He is talking about finding a job and when he is going to be of age to drive! **UGH** I am not ready for that yet!!
**Sigh** Time moves on :)
School starts this Tuesday and the new year begins.
He was going to get the classes he needed and still be integrated into Jr High and be with his friends. I am having to take Kirby to school each day but that is okay. I have worked out my work schedule to be able to take him to his bus stop and get him off to school and still get back to the house in time to catch my carpool to work and then have Wolfman pick him up from the bus stop and get him home. Not only that but the bus stop is at his grandparents house so he is safe even if we can't get there in time to pick him up. The schedule works out for now until things change.
I am currently seeking another job so that the hours will work easier than what I have now.
Kirby went to orientation only for me to find that he didnt have the right schedule. Everything that was discussed did not happen. The only class he was able to get into was Cadet Band. As I sent Kirby off onto his orientation (with the wrong group) I was hesitant. I am glad he went he met 2 more people that as of now they have become fast friends. Will the phone stop ringing? It is almost time to hook up a land line at home so he can talk to his friends.
As I worked on getting his schedule changed to what he was supposed to be in, he had a great time finding his classes and his locker. He was so excited. He is so ready to go back to school. I am again not sure this year who is ready for school to start more. Him or me...LOL...
He has grown not only in height but in maturity. He is helping out around the house without being asked. It's amazing what puberty and moving into a new grade will do. There are many other things that have helped him mature but I would like to think it has been parental influence, more responsibility, and I am sure the help of friends, boy scouts and the leaders in our troop, growth, and so on.
They grow up too fast! He is talking about finding a job and when he is going to be of age to drive! **UGH** I am not ready for that yet!!
**Sigh** Time moves on :)
School starts this Tuesday and the new year begins.
Summer....The Busy Season
What a SUMMER!! We have been so busy and active that I have not hardly had time to stop and write, or continue on my blog for the time period.
Kirby has spent most of the summer with his dad leaving me ample free time to spend time with friends, boy scout meetings, work, research, applications to colleges.
Kirby spent a week at boy scout camp this summer. He had a marvelous time as usual! He was so excited that he made a new friend. His new found friend and he are hard to keep apart. After a week at camp I went up to spend the final campfire evening with him. He earned the rifleshooting merit badge and the archery merit badge. He has spent 2 years working on those 2 merit badges. It was enough to spur him onto the next level of advancement in boy scouts. He has earned his tenderfoot rank and is headed for his second class.
For as much as I found some of the rules and regulations of boy scouts to be not what I wanted for Kirby, Kirby has taken too them like a duck to water with the structure and routine the program offers. He lives by the scout oath and law. He came home from camp a young man this year. He has managed to make a new friend. He has taken on a position of leadership in the troop. He has matured more than I expected.
**Tear**Sniff** They grow so fast. :)
Not only that but we have been spending some Wednesday nights at movies in the park. I love it we would pack a picnic basket, the back of the trailblazer would be filled with our chairs, blankets and pillows and we would head to the park after work with a group of friends. We would pull up a huge piece of grass and all of us would sit around and chat, play bingo the kids would win prizes and we would have a good time.
We have one more movie night for the summer and it will be the perfect way to end the first week of school and the end of summer. We are going to see Wild Hogs. The kids are so excited to see a motorcycle movie. We will have to wait and see.
We have spent a few weeks camping this year (since I have more vacation time now). So many thing so little time.
Kirby has also had his challenges. I am really having to watch his anger over past experiences. He holds onto it, we are finding ways to let it go when we talk about an incident. It's a practice we have to get into both he and I so that he can find ways to let go of emotions he still can't control. He knows what they are but how to handle them is a different aspect all together.
The other aspect I am working on with Kirby is spending one on one time with him. He is almost 13 and stepping into time where he doesn't want to be around anyone. He wants to hole up and avoid the world. I can't fully let that happen. I give him his time but I make the time for him and I in a cozy, quiet corner, a tent or a homemade tent and we take the time and talk about what happened during his day or while at his dad's or what is bothering him.
Making time as the Busy Season Ends....:) Just in time for the busier season to start!
Kirby has spent most of the summer with his dad leaving me ample free time to spend time with friends, boy scout meetings, work, research, applications to colleges.
Kirby spent a week at boy scout camp this summer. He had a marvelous time as usual! He was so excited that he made a new friend. His new found friend and he are hard to keep apart. After a week at camp I went up to spend the final campfire evening with him. He earned the rifleshooting merit badge and the archery merit badge. He has spent 2 years working on those 2 merit badges. It was enough to spur him onto the next level of advancement in boy scouts. He has earned his tenderfoot rank and is headed for his second class.
For as much as I found some of the rules and regulations of boy scouts to be not what I wanted for Kirby, Kirby has taken too them like a duck to water with the structure and routine the program offers. He lives by the scout oath and law. He came home from camp a young man this year. He has managed to make a new friend. He has taken on a position of leadership in the troop. He has matured more than I expected.
**Tear**Sniff** They grow so fast. :)
Not only that but we have been spending some Wednesday nights at movies in the park. I love it we would pack a picnic basket, the back of the trailblazer would be filled with our chairs, blankets and pillows and we would head to the park after work with a group of friends. We would pull up a huge piece of grass and all of us would sit around and chat, play bingo the kids would win prizes and we would have a good time.
We have one more movie night for the summer and it will be the perfect way to end the first week of school and the end of summer. We are going to see Wild Hogs. The kids are so excited to see a motorcycle movie. We will have to wait and see.
We have spent a few weeks camping this year (since I have more vacation time now). So many thing so little time.
Kirby has also had his challenges. I am really having to watch his anger over past experiences. He holds onto it, we are finding ways to let it go when we talk about an incident. It's a practice we have to get into both he and I so that he can find ways to let go of emotions he still can't control. He knows what they are but how to handle them is a different aspect all together.
The other aspect I am working on with Kirby is spending one on one time with him. He is almost 13 and stepping into time where he doesn't want to be around anyone. He wants to hole up and avoid the world. I can't fully let that happen. I give him his time but I make the time for him and I in a cozy, quiet corner, a tent or a homemade tent and we take the time and talk about what happened during his day or while at his dad's or what is bothering him.
Making time as the Busy Season Ends....:) Just in time for the busier season to start!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Dreaded Phone Call
I was not able to share this with anyone as it has been difficult. I am moving forward in life and the more I write the more I share the more I heal.
This happened a few months ago…
The dreaded phone call this morning.
I am at work trying to make it through my day. I am not someone who usually gets upset or depressed about a lot of things. Today is a different kind of day. I feel like I have lost so much.
I knew it was coming. I had a long talk with a friend of mine into the wee hours of the morning. It was like déjà vu all over again. Over the past few months I have been talking with a friend I made at the hospital when I had to be in the hospital for heart problems.
During one of my darkest moments “Annie” appreared in my doorway. When no one else was there she walked in like my guardian angel. There weren’t any lights or music or wings but, you always hear about that one person who shows up when you are at your lowest to pick you up. This was “Annie” for me.
I had been in the hospital having my heart checked and a stint put into my system. This was an overnight stay and I was feeling very alone, tired and weak both physically and emotionally. The doctors didn’t know what was going on. They were saying one thing, and then trying to determine another. Congenital heart disease was a term that kept popping up. I researched it and didn’t like what I was hearing. To me this was not an option.
The doctor admitted me to the hospital so that I could have my heart procedure done first thing in the morning. As I sat in the hospital, feeling very alone and not happy with my doctors final visit to my room that night, I wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear. This was one of those times I really had wished I had reached out to my friends for support but I didn’t want to so they wouldn’t worry. It was my own fault and I knew it but after the phone call to my parents and their response to all of this was, “Oh don’t worry, you will be okay. I have to go now I have to take your sister shopping.” That didn’t make me feel all that great. So from that point on I didn’t tell anyone.
As I sat there I started to cry. It was late and I didn’t want to bother anyone by calling that late. I wasn’t allowed visitors I couldn’t eat or drink anything, and I was there. A figure appeared in my doorway. She was petite long brown and gray hair, sparkling green eyes, and a smile that would light up a room. She was wearing those full body pajamas. She looked at me and in a very comforting way introduced herself, “Hi, I’m Annie.” We talked for a few minutes. She explained why she was in the hospital and couldn’t sleep either so she went wandering and noticed my light on and that I was still awake. She didn’t ask why I was crying, she just sat and talked to me about herself and family, why she was in the hospital. As she went on I didn’t feel lonely any longer. She really made me feel better, I knew I wasn’t the only person going through all this “stuff” as I will refer to it.
She had her purse with her and she pulled out pictures of her husband, kids and grandkids! She was so proud. She had a personality that was outstanding. Nothing could get her down. She became my support system for the next year and a half. We talked. She introduced me to her single son, I was invited to family dinners and gatherings. I found I was just as much a support system for her as she was for me. Her heart problems didn’t allow her to be as active as I know she wanted to be. She would get frustrated and sometimes herself break down and cry as she couldn’t do everything she wanted to do. As time went by her health deteriorated. She would call me and talk for hours into the night when she became scared she wouldn’t see the next morning.
She shared hopes and dreams with me. Her husband and her son became close friends with me as well. Her and I would take time on a warm night and sit out under the stars and talk about hopes and dreams. She was always telling me to go after what I wanted. I did and was shot down only to pick up and keep going. She was my inspiration. No matter what everytime I left she always told me she loved me and I knew it, I could feel it.
I asked her how many people from the hospital she spent time with. She didn’t answer. Her husband told me later that I was the only person. She didn’t know what had drawn her into the room to talk to me but I am so glad she took those steps.
She called me one night pretty late and we talked. We talked until the wee hours of the morning. This was not unlike other conversations we have had. She shared with me that she was scared. We talked out her feelings and she was feeling tired so we ended our call. We told each other how much we loved one another and hung up. The word Goodbye is not in our vocabulary.
I got up the next morning feeling very tired as I headed off to work. About 10 am Annie’s husband called me. Annie had passed away quietly in the night. We knew this day was coming and I valued all the time I had spent with her. She was such an inspiration.
I was invited to the memorial service and the graveside burial. I was also asked to sit in on her will reading as she had a very special message for me.
When I walked it the memorial service after helping her husband and son with some of the details, the room was half filled and it was still 20 minutes until the time of the service. Annie’s husband approached me and asked me to sit with the family. Her memorial service was beautiful. The pastor at the end of the prayer for Annie asked if anyone wanted to share or say anything on her behalf. I was asked to say something and I had a few things written down in note form. As I got up to speak Annie’s husband handed me a large stack of notecards that were in Annie’s writing. His comment was, “She wasn’t going to let you off that easy. She wants you to read this first.” Without looking at the cards I searched for my extra hankerchief. I knew I was going to need it. The cards read please read this as it is and have people hear my voice.
Each card was focused on individual people and what they meant to her. She must have had a card for every person in the room. There was not a dry eye in the room. Even my eyes weren’t dry but I didn’t care I could hear her voice and exactly how she would say these things to everyone. Each was a huge positive thought. I had to change my words after and explained how Annie and I met. I explained that she was my “angel”. The one person who could pick you up at the times you were down, when you least expected it. I had a few more experiences to share which had us laughing. She was a great person and will be greatly missed. Others got up to speak but kept it short as “Annie” had already shared so much.
For a few weeks after her passing, I spent time with her husband and son to help out where I could each day. She had so much spirit and tenacity. She was so loved and adored. They are standing strong and doing well.
I miss Annie and her smiles, her contagious laughter her attitude. She is still my inspiration and I know as my angel she is watching over me.
Monday, July 16, 2007
How did your day start?
This is how my day started today…
Things are rocky in the beginning but get steadier. The light dawns, bodies sway and move to a rhythm all their own. They touch then move apart. Time and again like waves moving and crashing on the shore. To move all in one motion as though they are one.
It gets warmer, moving, touching with each sway. Eyes closed in repose, the heat and the humidity rise. The touching continues moving and swaying. It is a long time before we can move apart. The touch lingers, moving forward we are almost there. So close!
Then it all suddenly comes to an end and it is time to get off the bus.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Love Sick...
Kirby keeps telling me how much love hurts. He has a crush on a very nice girl. I know her parents and we keep in constant contact just to keep on top of what the kids are doing.
He has written hearts with her name in them. He talks about her when he and I are one on one wanting to know what he should do. He thinks about her alot, I can see him off in day dream wordl with that face and silly smile. I know what he is thinking. He has a picture of her he can look at.
And here I thought it was only the girls who did that.
**As the stomach churns**
He has written hearts with her name in them. He talks about her when he and I are one on one wanting to know what he should do. He thinks about her alot, I can see him off in day dream wordl with that face and silly smile. I know what he is thinking. He has a picture of her he can look at.
And here I thought it was only the girls who did that.
**As the stomach churns**
He's Graduated!!
Okay, it's only from the 6th grade but still. On he moves to Junior High! Can you believe it? He is that age moving on to the next level of education.
Kirby was so excited, his dad showed up!
His dad doesn't come to many things, but when it is truly important I can usually count on him being there.
Kirby went through a 90 person graduation ceremony with his friends all things considered he did extremely well. He was a bit upset with a few of the pictures I submitted for the slide show but it wasn't anything embarrassing. Only one of him on a unicycle and one of him on the beach at Camp Casey last year. Apparently he didn't expect them to be in there and he was embarrassed.
He had a lot of fun during graduation with his friends and made arrangements with them and the parents for the summer. Sounds like they want to get together a few times throughout the summer for movies and "hanging out" as Kirby tells me.
He is so excited tonight since we are about to celebrate with an Ice Cream Sundae...
Kirby was so excited, his dad showed up!
His dad doesn't come to many things, but when it is truly important I can usually count on him being there.
Kirby went through a 90 person graduation ceremony with his friends all things considered he did extremely well. He was a bit upset with a few of the pictures I submitted for the slide show but it wasn't anything embarrassing. Only one of him on a unicycle and one of him on the beach at Camp Casey last year. Apparently he didn't expect them to be in there and he was embarrassed.
He had a lot of fun during graduation with his friends and made arrangements with them and the parents for the summer. Sounds like they want to get together a few times throughout the summer for movies and "hanging out" as Kirby tells me.
He is so excited tonight since we are about to celebrate with an Ice Cream Sundae...
CONGRATULATIONS KIRBY!!
I am very proud of you!!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Underestimated...
Many people underestimate me and my accomplishments and abilities. I have been researching cars for a few months now. I needed a vehicle that would support 4 people who are over 5 feet 1o inches tall, and Monkey Dude Jr who is maybe 4 feet tall. I figure no matter what vehicle I chose I could fit him in somewhere.
I searched and researched for what vehicle would work for me that I could afford with the amount of savings I had. I really didn't want to finance the vehicle. I would take my friend Wolfman to dealerships with me and the salesmen would sell to him. One dealership actually tried to sell me a vehicle I didn't want. You can guess I didn't go back to their dealership.
I researched for a few more weeks and finally found a very large dealership that had about 8 cars I wanted to look at. I arrived at the dealership and we were taken around in a small car to look at all the vehicles that were in my price range. As we approached vehicle #8 I was getting very discouraged. Wolfman was doing a great job keeping the salesman busy while I really got to look at the vehicle. I was tired and ready to head home...when I walked around a vehicle that caught my eye. It was a year older than I wanted but had a lot less miles than the one I was looking at. I looked in, it seated 7, it had 4wd, and all the features I was looking for. I wasn't overly excited yet. I walked around to the front of the vehicle to check out the price tag. $20,900. I shook my head and said, "No, No, No...." I didn't like the price...I wasn't going to pay that type of money for a vehicle that had that many miles, when just that morning I had driven a vehicle almost identical to it for half the miles and they wanted only $14,988.
As Wolfman and I sat down with the salesman to negotiate the price with "The Big Boss", he placed a piece of paper with the price and vehicle make, model and vin # in front of Wolfman. Wolfman calmly and gently looked at the salesman, looked him in the eye as he slowly slid the piece of paper in front of me, "SHE is the one buying this vehicle, not me." The salesman was a bit shocked since he had spent most of his time selling to Wolfman, my roommate, he is not even on the loan. The salesmans face turned red as he seemed to sit and realize his mistake of the day. He had been selling the vehicle to my roommate and did not pay much attention to me. A few times he seemed to blow me off during the "tour" of vehicles. He focused on the man of the group. He didn't find out who was truly buying the car...Go figure huh?
I looked at the piece of paper when it was finally placed in front of me. I still didn't like the price and I told our salesman so. He told me to name a price and he would see what he could do. I explained that I had driven a vehicle that morning that was almost identical to what I was looking at here. The difference is the vehicle was gold and not white. It also didn't have Mickey Mouse on the window. Other than that the vehicles were identical. Now that wasn't necessarily true. The vehicle I had driven that morning only seated 5 people and was only a 2 wheel drive vehicle. Yet it did have 20K miles less than this vehicle and was a year newer. I still didn't want to pay the price they were asking for it. I looked at the salesman and said, "I will offer them $15, 500 Cash for the vehicle." He replied with a chuckle saying, "I don't know if the Big Boss will go for that, what would be the highest you would pay for this vehicle?" I looked at him and replied with, "I won't pay more than that." He shook his head as he walked off to talk to "The Big Boss".
I sat and waited, and waited, Wolfman headed off to find the restroom. The salesman came back and I was a bit shocked at what they came back with. They offered the vehicle back to me at $16500. I still wasn't sure about the price but I told him to go talk to "The Big Boss" again. This time "The Big Boss" came out to talk to me. I pulled out the ad for the other vehicle. No where on it did it show a 2 wheel drive vehicle but it did have the Vin# and what year mileage etc. No one said anything about it. He just looked at me and said, "That's the lowest we are willing to go on this vehicle." I shook my head and said, "Let me think about it." At that point "The Big Boss" whom I found out goes by Bulldog....Bulldog isn't as fierce as he would like to think. He and I were going to butt heads and he knew it.
I came back after fully thinking through the need for this vehicle. I did need it, it wasn't just a want. However it was, it was one of the vehicles I wanted and in a way needed. I accepted the offer. Off I went to the finance department! How quickly they move you on to the next room.
At this point they finally asked me how I was going to be financing this vehicle. I chuckled and said, "My bank has preapproved me at 9%, can you do better?" He asked me, "Why at 9%?" I explained about my divorce and how I have a few blemishes from my ex-husbands mistakes. I need to pick things up and start over. This is a good way to do it." He shook his head, this finance person didn't look to be older than 20 and he kept saying, "I understand." How the hell did he know? He barely graduated from high school, he couldnt have that type of experience yet. Sure enough he hadn't. He had been married for a year and they just had a little one. So he worked his magic and was able to finance me through a local credit union. I said okay...let's do it."
In order to get me financed the way they wanted they had to lower the sale price of the vehicle. I ended up paying in the end, $15,550 for the vehicle. Amazing that after all of that they had to drop the price even further.
I walked away with a new vehicle. The knowledge that I had just educated a salesman to the fact that you can never be certain who you are really selling to. Not to mention don't try to tell me that I don't know my vehicles, or have not done my research. At the end I was telling the salesman about their vehicles not them telling me the information. People tend to underestimate my knowledge and ablilities, and the fact that I am a woman and a man should know more. Amazing that sex has to come into play more often than not.
Anyway....
They made their money on the vehicle from the credit union on the back, and I went into the bank this last week and paid it off. Talk about not building credit. I have other ways to do that. However that was a most justifying experience.
**Reminder** Don't underestimate any woman, she has and will use the ability to prove you wrong.
I searched and researched for what vehicle would work for me that I could afford with the amount of savings I had. I really didn't want to finance the vehicle. I would take my friend Wolfman to dealerships with me and the salesmen would sell to him. One dealership actually tried to sell me a vehicle I didn't want. You can guess I didn't go back to their dealership.
I researched for a few more weeks and finally found a very large dealership that had about 8 cars I wanted to look at. I arrived at the dealership and we were taken around in a small car to look at all the vehicles that were in my price range. As we approached vehicle #8 I was getting very discouraged. Wolfman was doing a great job keeping the salesman busy while I really got to look at the vehicle. I was tired and ready to head home...when I walked around a vehicle that caught my eye. It was a year older than I wanted but had a lot less miles than the one I was looking at. I looked in, it seated 7, it had 4wd, and all the features I was looking for. I wasn't overly excited yet. I walked around to the front of the vehicle to check out the price tag. $20,900. I shook my head and said, "No, No, No...." I didn't like the price...I wasn't going to pay that type of money for a vehicle that had that many miles, when just that morning I had driven a vehicle almost identical to it for half the miles and they wanted only $14,988.
As Wolfman and I sat down with the salesman to negotiate the price with "The Big Boss", he placed a piece of paper with the price and vehicle make, model and vin # in front of Wolfman. Wolfman calmly and gently looked at the salesman, looked him in the eye as he slowly slid the piece of paper in front of me, "SHE is the one buying this vehicle, not me." The salesman was a bit shocked since he had spent most of his time selling to Wolfman, my roommate, he is not even on the loan. The salesmans face turned red as he seemed to sit and realize his mistake of the day. He had been selling the vehicle to my roommate and did not pay much attention to me. A few times he seemed to blow me off during the "tour" of vehicles. He focused on the man of the group. He didn't find out who was truly buying the car...Go figure huh?
I looked at the piece of paper when it was finally placed in front of me. I still didn't like the price and I told our salesman so. He told me to name a price and he would see what he could do. I explained that I had driven a vehicle that morning that was almost identical to what I was looking at here. The difference is the vehicle was gold and not white. It also didn't have Mickey Mouse on the window. Other than that the vehicles were identical. Now that wasn't necessarily true. The vehicle I had driven that morning only seated 5 people and was only a 2 wheel drive vehicle. Yet it did have 20K miles less than this vehicle and was a year newer. I still didn't want to pay the price they were asking for it. I looked at the salesman and said, "I will offer them $15, 500 Cash for the vehicle." He replied with a chuckle saying, "I don't know if the Big Boss will go for that, what would be the highest you would pay for this vehicle?" I looked at him and replied with, "I won't pay more than that." He shook his head as he walked off to talk to "The Big Boss".
I sat and waited, and waited, Wolfman headed off to find the restroom. The salesman came back and I was a bit shocked at what they came back with. They offered the vehicle back to me at $16500. I still wasn't sure about the price but I told him to go talk to "The Big Boss" again. This time "The Big Boss" came out to talk to me. I pulled out the ad for the other vehicle. No where on it did it show a 2 wheel drive vehicle but it did have the Vin# and what year mileage etc. No one said anything about it. He just looked at me and said, "That's the lowest we are willing to go on this vehicle." I shook my head and said, "Let me think about it." At that point "The Big Boss" whom I found out goes by Bulldog....Bulldog isn't as fierce as he would like to think. He and I were going to butt heads and he knew it.
I came back after fully thinking through the need for this vehicle. I did need it, it wasn't just a want. However it was, it was one of the vehicles I wanted and in a way needed. I accepted the offer. Off I went to the finance department! How quickly they move you on to the next room.
At this point they finally asked me how I was going to be financing this vehicle. I chuckled and said, "My bank has preapproved me at 9%, can you do better?" He asked me, "Why at 9%?" I explained about my divorce and how I have a few blemishes from my ex-husbands mistakes. I need to pick things up and start over. This is a good way to do it." He shook his head, this finance person didn't look to be older than 20 and he kept saying, "I understand." How the hell did he know? He barely graduated from high school, he couldnt have that type of experience yet. Sure enough he hadn't. He had been married for a year and they just had a little one. So he worked his magic and was able to finance me through a local credit union. I said okay...let's do it."
In order to get me financed the way they wanted they had to lower the sale price of the vehicle. I ended up paying in the end, $15,550 for the vehicle. Amazing that after all of that they had to drop the price even further.
I walked away with a new vehicle. The knowledge that I had just educated a salesman to the fact that you can never be certain who you are really selling to. Not to mention don't try to tell me that I don't know my vehicles, or have not done my research. At the end I was telling the salesman about their vehicles not them telling me the information. People tend to underestimate my knowledge and ablilities, and the fact that I am a woman and a man should know more. Amazing that sex has to come into play more often than not.
Anyway....
They made their money on the vehicle from the credit union on the back, and I went into the bank this last week and paid it off. Talk about not building credit. I have other ways to do that. However that was a most justifying experience.
**Reminder** Don't underestimate any woman, she has and will use the ability to prove you wrong.
Friday, June 15, 2007
New BBQ Grill...
Memorial Weekend....time for friends, family and a BBQ, hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, chips, polish sausages, juice, pop and fun. It wasn't much fun purchasing the BBQ...let me tell you about what happened.
I looked online for a number of BBQ's. I am not a huge fan of Walmart but I shop there. I can't explain why, probably becasue they are cheap and if I can get play clothes for Kirby pretty inexpensively then so be it. Frugal is good. However I wasn't looking for anything too expensive something to last a few years until I could upgrade.
I entered into Walmart with Wolfman, we walked back to take a look at the BBQ's. Ok...to the front...in the Garden and outdoor department. I noticed this particular Saturday it was very busy. I had started in the Men's department looking for shorts for me. All I wanted was one pair of jeans shorts for around the house. They didn't have any...so off to the womens department and again they didn't have any. In each department I asked a sales clerk if they knew when they were going to get any in. They didn't know. They were very short and definitely didn't have any customer service skills. I am not sure what I was expecting but someone to be alot nicer. I am in a customer service position, I guess I take my job much more seriously.
Anyway, as we made our way back to the BBQ's we made a decision, so I stood in line to ask the guy FINALLY if the propane tank came with the BBQ. So here I stood, humming to myself with 6 other people in front of me. So I started humming the jeopardy tune. I felt like someone on a commercial, with a speaker in a deep voice behind me saying, "Have you ever had this happen to you, where you stand in line for ever and ever**cobwebs start growing** and you never seem to get anywhere or any help? Well, come on over!" Then I am startled out of my reverie by the cashier asking the next person in line, "May I help you, " this pubescent person screeches.
I am finally the next person in line after more than 10 minutes. I ask the guy if the propane tank comes with the BBQ, "No it doesn't come with the one you are looking at." As he started ringing up the items for the next person in line. I looked at him and said, "Those aren't mine." He replied, "Oh, I thought you were done." So I stepped back thinking he would ring up my purchase next since I stood there waiting. Nope....he moved onto the next person in line...So out of frustration there were only 4 other people I got back in line.
As I got to the front of the line again, I asked him if we could get it put together before the end of the afternoon. "Hold on, let me check, can you stand over there and I will let you know." As he got on the phone and commented that he was going to start helping the next customer. He turned his back on everyone in his line to find out if my BBQ could be put together before 3pm that day. When he got off the phone, I thought I would at that time be able to pay for my purchase. He then moved onto the next customer. At this time there were 7 people now in line...**Sigh** Here we go again. I got back in line, the cashier saw me and didn't make any indication to allow me to pay for my purchase. I started getting louder, and making humourous comments. I finally got back up to the front of the line....I looked the cashier in the eye and said, "I would like to buy that BBQ, with a new tank, with that BBQ set, I would like to do it now. I am not waiting, you said they could have it put together by the time I need. Now take care of this for me please, I have been through your line 3 times." His response to me was, "You can blame my manager, he called in sick today." I looked at him and said, " I can't blame your manager for your lack of customer service and incompetence." The guy shut up and rang up my purchase without another comment.
As I left the store through the garden center I ran into 2 more employees. One of the women looked at me and said, "We are really short handed today." I looked at her and said, "Yes I can see that, you have several people here who are really short minded too." She laughed with her co-worker as I walked out the door. I collected my propane tank and left.
Sightseer came over that afternoon and he and I headed back up to Walmart to pick up the BBQ, I borrowed a truck from my ex thinking everythign would work out. It did not....The BBQ was too big to fit into the back of the Ford Ranger (that has a canopy on it). So we did the next best thing.
Sightseer and I tied the BBQ onto the tailgate of the truck to get it home. Nothing like driving a beat up truck with a BBQ tied to the back coming out of Walmart!! Talk about redneck....it was absolutely hilarious! I should have gotten a picture of it all. If not I hope someone who wins the best redneck picture gives me a portion!
So now at home we BBQ, and very well. Both, Wolfman and I don't do half bad a job if I don't cook it on high heat...Its been fun and yummy at the same time.
I looked online for a number of BBQ's. I am not a huge fan of Walmart but I shop there. I can't explain why, probably becasue they are cheap and if I can get play clothes for Kirby pretty inexpensively then so be it. Frugal is good. However I wasn't looking for anything too expensive something to last a few years until I could upgrade.
I entered into Walmart with Wolfman, we walked back to take a look at the BBQ's. Ok...to the front...in the Garden and outdoor department. I noticed this particular Saturday it was very busy. I had started in the Men's department looking for shorts for me. All I wanted was one pair of jeans shorts for around the house. They didn't have any...so off to the womens department and again they didn't have any. In each department I asked a sales clerk if they knew when they were going to get any in. They didn't know. They were very short and definitely didn't have any customer service skills. I am not sure what I was expecting but someone to be alot nicer. I am in a customer service position, I guess I take my job much more seriously.
Anyway, as we made our way back to the BBQ's we made a decision, so I stood in line to ask the guy FINALLY if the propane tank came with the BBQ. So here I stood, humming to myself with 6 other people in front of me. So I started humming the jeopardy tune. I felt like someone on a commercial, with a speaker in a deep voice behind me saying, "Have you ever had this happen to you, where you stand in line for ever and ever**cobwebs start growing** and you never seem to get anywhere or any help? Well, come on over!" Then I am startled out of my reverie by the cashier asking the next person in line, "May I help you, " this pubescent person screeches.
I am finally the next person in line after more than 10 minutes. I ask the guy if the propane tank comes with the BBQ, "No it doesn't come with the one you are looking at." As he started ringing up the items for the next person in line. I looked at him and said, "Those aren't mine." He replied, "Oh, I thought you were done." So I stepped back thinking he would ring up my purchase next since I stood there waiting. Nope....he moved onto the next person in line...So out of frustration there were only 4 other people I got back in line.
As I got to the front of the line again, I asked him if we could get it put together before the end of the afternoon. "Hold on, let me check, can you stand over there and I will let you know." As he got on the phone and commented that he was going to start helping the next customer. He turned his back on everyone in his line to find out if my BBQ could be put together before 3pm that day. When he got off the phone, I thought I would at that time be able to pay for my purchase. He then moved onto the next customer. At this time there were 7 people now in line...**Sigh** Here we go again. I got back in line, the cashier saw me and didn't make any indication to allow me to pay for my purchase. I started getting louder, and making humourous comments. I finally got back up to the front of the line....I looked the cashier in the eye and said, "I would like to buy that BBQ, with a new tank, with that BBQ set, I would like to do it now. I am not waiting, you said they could have it put together by the time I need. Now take care of this for me please, I have been through your line 3 times." His response to me was, "You can blame my manager, he called in sick today." I looked at him and said, " I can't blame your manager for your lack of customer service and incompetence." The guy shut up and rang up my purchase without another comment.
As I left the store through the garden center I ran into 2 more employees. One of the women looked at me and said, "We are really short handed today." I looked at her and said, "Yes I can see that, you have several people here who are really short minded too." She laughed with her co-worker as I walked out the door. I collected my propane tank and left.
Sightseer came over that afternoon and he and I headed back up to Walmart to pick up the BBQ, I borrowed a truck from my ex thinking everythign would work out. It did not....The BBQ was too big to fit into the back of the Ford Ranger (that has a canopy on it). So we did the next best thing.
Sightseer and I tied the BBQ onto the tailgate of the truck to get it home. Nothing like driving a beat up truck with a BBQ tied to the back coming out of Walmart!! Talk about redneck....it was absolutely hilarious! I should have gotten a picture of it all. If not I hope someone who wins the best redneck picture gives me a portion!
So now at home we BBQ, and very well. Both, Wolfman and I don't do half bad a job if I don't cook it on high heat...Its been fun and yummy at the same time.
Busy, busy, busy...
It has been a very busy past 6 weeks. I have helped a friend move. Packing and somewhat unpacking. I am getting there but life keeps getting in the way.
The first day I made it over to his place to unpack about 3 weeks ago I managed to unpack his kitchen. The second time, I managed to unpack his office, the third time I was supposed to arrive life got in the way three different times.
The first time the kids and home got in the way, the second time I got sick, the third time my new car broke down. Did I mention I got a new vehicle? Well, now the cat is out of the bag I sure did. I will go into more detail about my experiences there in another post.
Not only that but I also took care of Jolie's cats while she was out of town for Memorial Weekend. I bought a new bbq! Yes, I cook on it quite frequently. I have been told I am actually a pretty good cook. I have to post about that purchase too! What a great time I have had...
So beyond the bbq, the moving, the new vehicle, the cats, Boyscouts, cub scouts, drives for marketing for the business, social activities, work....did I mention I cut back on my business and hired out part of my job? I had to take some things off of my plate. It was time for me to cut back. So I did.
Aftger typing out this post...there are so many things to think about that I want to put on the table and open up for comments. Any would be appreciated or any point of view I might not be seeing. Next posts coming up....
New BBQ Grill...
Jealous or just Angry...
New Car (truck?) no no...SUV. I am so excited about this one...plus the breakdown one week later.
Stay tuned!!!
The first day I made it over to his place to unpack about 3 weeks ago I managed to unpack his kitchen. The second time, I managed to unpack his office, the third time I was supposed to arrive life got in the way three different times.
The first time the kids and home got in the way, the second time I got sick, the third time my new car broke down. Did I mention I got a new vehicle? Well, now the cat is out of the bag I sure did. I will go into more detail about my experiences there in another post.
Not only that but I also took care of Jolie's cats while she was out of town for Memorial Weekend. I bought a new bbq! Yes, I cook on it quite frequently. I have been told I am actually a pretty good cook. I have to post about that purchase too! What a great time I have had...
So beyond the bbq, the moving, the new vehicle, the cats, Boyscouts, cub scouts, drives for marketing for the business, social activities, work....did I mention I cut back on my business and hired out part of my job? I had to take some things off of my plate. It was time for me to cut back. So I did.
Aftger typing out this post...there are so many things to think about that I want to put on the table and open up for comments. Any would be appreciated or any point of view I might not be seeing. Next posts coming up....
New BBQ Grill...
Jealous or just Angry...
New Car (truck?) no no...SUV. I am so excited about this one...plus the breakdown one week later.
Stay tuned!!!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Road of Life
I have finally found my Road of Life Drawing…and here I thought I was never going to be able to post it.
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007
It works...Can you believe it???
I can post to my blog from work! I have been messing with this all day and of course I can't access my personal email from work so I couldn't look at the site. So here I am sending in update after update hoping it would all be posted by the time I get home...Nope...not happening.
It takes clicking one little box and Lo and Behold it all shows up where I want it to be!
I am so excited. Now I can bring all the information anyone wants at the moment I feel like it!
I was starting to think all that free time at work was going to be wasted...
Its the excitement of the little things that keep me happy!!
It's all in a days work I suppose :)
When this becomes the "Buzz" of the office....
“They are connecting into the sewer line today in the construction at the end of the hallway downstairs. They are trying to make it short but, we all know how that goes.
If you should happen to smell the aromas of the sewer don’t panic it should dissipate shortly.”
I would think that if that is the most exciting email of the morning then I might need to find something else to do!
I have figured out how to blog from work via email!! Had I known this I would have been blogging all along. Now I can do something more with my time than sit here and twiddle my thumbs. Yes, yes I am looking at other options, but for now…This is as good as it gets.
Back to car shopping!
Song Stuck In My Head...
There is a song stuck in my head from the time I woke up this morning. Anna Nalick sings it.
It starts out... 2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake,
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake,
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize,
Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason.
I am laying here thinking well I was at 4am anyway,
It's 4am and I am awake
unraveling why I made this mistake,
I don't like this, mornings just aren't my best times.
Yeah I wake up and smile, rub the sleep from my eyes,
sit and wonder just what I am doing, why do I try?
Lazy butts they are all still sleeping...Why not I....
Okay its not a great work of art but at 4am and half asleep what can you expect? I'm definitely not a song writer. It is however almost 5:30 am and I am sitting here on the balcony of my bedroom enjoying the quiet sounds of the birds chirping and not much else. No one else is up except Wolfman who headed off to work already. I leave in less than an hour but I am quite able to take some time to myself.
Sitting here I am wondering what I have to do. Things seem so clear but yet they don't.
I am in the process of having to buy a new car. We are so in need of one. I can no longer fit 5 people in my little escort. It just won't hold up. With so many activities going on I just am not able to split my time driving and trying to get to all the extra curricular activities, pick up and drop off of Kirby to and from his dad's all the while trying to get Monkey Dude Jr off to his activities. I am running between or walking or taking the bus which are all good but really takes up too much time when you need to get other things done.So I have been researching, calling, making notes and trying to decide which car is best what will work for what I want. I do know that no matter what, this vehicle will not be a commute vehicle. However, it will be driven.
Amazing when you mention buying a new car how much advice you get. What is best, what is not. Go Toyota, Go Ford, Go Chevy....Well, not sure which way I am going to go but I have to get there soon. Luckily I am already preapproved. At this point it's finding my new car! Time for another cup of coffee and getting a move on...**Sigh** The demands of time....Have a good day!
It starts out... 2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake,
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake,
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize,
Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason.
I am laying here thinking well I was at 4am anyway,
It's 4am and I am awake
unraveling why I made this mistake,
I don't like this, mornings just aren't my best times.
Yeah I wake up and smile, rub the sleep from my eyes,
sit and wonder just what I am doing, why do I try?
Lazy butts they are all still sleeping...Why not I....
Okay its not a great work of art but at 4am and half asleep what can you expect? I'm definitely not a song writer. It is however almost 5:30 am and I am sitting here on the balcony of my bedroom enjoying the quiet sounds of the birds chirping and not much else. No one else is up except Wolfman who headed off to work already. I leave in less than an hour but I am quite able to take some time to myself.
Sitting here I am wondering what I have to do. Things seem so clear but yet they don't.
I am in the process of having to buy a new car. We are so in need of one. I can no longer fit 5 people in my little escort. It just won't hold up. With so many activities going on I just am not able to split my time driving and trying to get to all the extra curricular activities, pick up and drop off of Kirby to and from his dad's all the while trying to get Monkey Dude Jr off to his activities. I am running between or walking or taking the bus which are all good but really takes up too much time when you need to get other things done.So I have been researching, calling, making notes and trying to decide which car is best what will work for what I want. I do know that no matter what, this vehicle will not be a commute vehicle. However, it will be driven.
Amazing when you mention buying a new car how much advice you get. What is best, what is not. Go Toyota, Go Ford, Go Chevy....Well, not sure which way I am going to go but I have to get there soon. Luckily I am already preapproved. At this point it's finding my new car! Time for another cup of coffee and getting a move on...**Sigh** The demands of time....Have a good day!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Egads!! Its Been...
Way too long since I last posted. So much has happened and there is so little time! This spring has been sooooooo busy.
There have been moments and then there have been MOMENTS!! I am taking steps to clear a few things off of my plate for work and home events to clear my schedule a little more to have some more free time. Time to run through the sprinkler with Kirby and Monkey Dude Jr. Time to pack the boxes in my room I have wanted to go through for the past year. Time to visit my Nana who always wants to cook a meal for me and any guests I should bring over.
She asked me recently if I was going to find a wonderful man to be in my life. She really misses my ex husband. More so she says she misses the fact that I don't have someone to spend time with. I miss that to, to an extent but it is not a requiremtent in my life. However nice it might be to find the right one. I figure eventually I will find him.
I have been to Reno, NV for a weekend get away...Can you believe it?!?! I took some time off...an actual 48 hour vacation...Woohoo!!
While I was doing this Kirby was in Florida with his dad on a 9 day vacation to Disney World, the NASA-Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens, The Beach and spending time in a 7 room house where everyone got their own room! I should mention his dad, his dad's fiancee, the nanny, and all 5 kids went on Vacation! What a trip. Kirby called me 2-3 times a day..The next time we take a trip I will have to teach him time zones. Reminding him that a call at 7am his time was 4am my time however I am up on the days I was supposed to sleep in it was difficult to have my phone ring at 4am with a huge....."Good Morning Sleepyhead! If I have to be up, you have to be up!" and he would laugh and say good morning.
I enjoyed his entire trip from his perspective daily. He had a good time and came back quite tan and I think a few inches taller. I am 5 foot 10 inches and he almost looks me in the eye at the same height.
School stuff, junior high meetings, band concerts, boy scouts, friends moving, a new bbq grill, family in town, grilling on the new bbq grill, garage sales, family (youngest sister) in court, grilling for friends on the new bbq grill. Ok I will let the idea of the new bbq grill go but it sure makes some yummy goodness with the right cook :)
For those interested my book is off to an editor for an initial editing job...and soon I should have some results! I am hoping to see it on bookshelves in the future! Have to wait and see!
There have been moments and then there have been MOMENTS!! I am taking steps to clear a few things off of my plate for work and home events to clear my schedule a little more to have some more free time. Time to run through the sprinkler with Kirby and Monkey Dude Jr. Time to pack the boxes in my room I have wanted to go through for the past year. Time to visit my Nana who always wants to cook a meal for me and any guests I should bring over.
She asked me recently if I was going to find a wonderful man to be in my life. She really misses my ex husband. More so she says she misses the fact that I don't have someone to spend time with. I miss that to, to an extent but it is not a requiremtent in my life. However nice it might be to find the right one. I figure eventually I will find him.
I have been to Reno, NV for a weekend get away...Can you believe it?!?! I took some time off...an actual 48 hour vacation...Woohoo!!
While I was doing this Kirby was in Florida with his dad on a 9 day vacation to Disney World, the NASA-Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens, The Beach and spending time in a 7 room house where everyone got their own room! I should mention his dad, his dad's fiancee, the nanny, and all 5 kids went on Vacation! What a trip. Kirby called me 2-3 times a day..The next time we take a trip I will have to teach him time zones. Reminding him that a call at 7am his time was 4am my time however I am up on the days I was supposed to sleep in it was difficult to have my phone ring at 4am with a huge....."Good Morning Sleepyhead! If I have to be up, you have to be up!" and he would laugh and say good morning.
I enjoyed his entire trip from his perspective daily. He had a good time and came back quite tan and I think a few inches taller. I am 5 foot 10 inches and he almost looks me in the eye at the same height.
School stuff, junior high meetings, band concerts, boy scouts, friends moving, a new bbq grill, family in town, grilling on the new bbq grill, garage sales, family (youngest sister) in court, grilling for friends on the new bbq grill. Ok I will let the idea of the new bbq grill go but it sure makes some yummy goodness with the right cook :)
For those interested my book is off to an editor for an initial editing job...and soon I should have some results! I am hoping to see it on bookshelves in the future! Have to wait and see!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Anger, frustration, why?
Who has time? Whats the point? Life is really too short. Wow! It's amazing how short life really is. It's amazing how things come full circle.
Being single isn't all its cracked up to be. You find someone you really have an interest in. You date for a while. Things go great....then all of a sudden they want more than you and things aren't as good as you thought they were. They become pushy and controlling. They want to know about every detail of your life. They want to know where you are at every moment of the day. They start to call you throughout the day at work. To make sure you are really there? To find out what you are up to? Where is the trust? Where is the respect? Not going to happen. They start to order for you when you go out to dinner? What the hell is up with that?
It comes to a point where they want to know your email passwords and if you don't give it to them they start talking about lack of trust and how you don't trust them. My email, my work is not their business. Where is the trust of them for you? It's that one fable...someone who can't trust is someone who can't be trusted. Amazing he has displayed traits of someone like that. He became controlling. I am not interested in that.
Then comes the time you really need to exit the situation. How do you make it a simple process. How do you make it so you don't hurt them? How do you make it so you don't hurt yourself? Being that I am the one who got out, I wasn't really hurt. I know he was though. I know when I talked to him that I had hit him hard and it hurt. He became angry and belligerent, starting to yell, pace. Why? Will it change anything? How I feel? From my perspective it had to be done. I can't live that way. I won't have someone trying to control me in that way. It's either a 2 way street of respect, trust, honesty and caring or it's nothing.
So today I sit here alone (thats a good thing), it's quiet. It's only Lil Sister and me home today. Monkey Dude Jr is at his grandparents and Kirby is at a Boy Scout Campout. Pondering how free and good I feel. Pondering what life now holds for me. Enjoying the fact that no one has control or a part of me. Living life free and single is a wonderful thing.
My plans of the day include, cleaning, reading, writing and relaxing. Who needs a vacation? I get the time right here at home today. Although come the end of the day that will end so I am going to take advantage of all the time I can get. Enjoying my freedom from being in a relationship that is now over! Hooray!!
Being single isn't all its cracked up to be. You find someone you really have an interest in. You date for a while. Things go great....then all of a sudden they want more than you and things aren't as good as you thought they were. They become pushy and controlling. They want to know about every detail of your life. They want to know where you are at every moment of the day. They start to call you throughout the day at work. To make sure you are really there? To find out what you are up to? Where is the trust? Where is the respect? Not going to happen. They start to order for you when you go out to dinner? What the hell is up with that?
It comes to a point where they want to know your email passwords and if you don't give it to them they start talking about lack of trust and how you don't trust them. My email, my work is not their business. Where is the trust of them for you? It's that one fable...someone who can't trust is someone who can't be trusted. Amazing he has displayed traits of someone like that. He became controlling. I am not interested in that.
Then comes the time you really need to exit the situation. How do you make it a simple process. How do you make it so you don't hurt them? How do you make it so you don't hurt yourself? Being that I am the one who got out, I wasn't really hurt. I know he was though. I know when I talked to him that I had hit him hard and it hurt. He became angry and belligerent, starting to yell, pace. Why? Will it change anything? How I feel? From my perspective it had to be done. I can't live that way. I won't have someone trying to control me in that way. It's either a 2 way street of respect, trust, honesty and caring or it's nothing.
So today I sit here alone (thats a good thing), it's quiet. It's only Lil Sister and me home today. Monkey Dude Jr is at his grandparents and Kirby is at a Boy Scout Campout. Pondering how free and good I feel. Pondering what life now holds for me. Enjoying the fact that no one has control or a part of me. Living life free and single is a wonderful thing.
My plans of the day include, cleaning, reading, writing and relaxing. Who needs a vacation? I get the time right here at home today. Although come the end of the day that will end so I am going to take advantage of all the time I can get. Enjoying my freedom from being in a relationship that is now over! Hooray!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Training Days
Kirby is involved in Leave No Trace training with his boy scout troop. They have several campouts coming up and overnights. I am really looking forward to the family camp out this year! So many things to do and not enough time. I just got him the shovel for backpacking so he can take care of anything he needs to when he is on a long hike.
He has to keep his pack at 35 pounds or less to make it comfortable. We are still working on that. So far between his mat, sleeping, bag and tent we have that down to 13 pounds but it just doesn't seem like its enough yet.
He came home from training the first night and looked at me and explained that it was a lot of information. Surprisingly he can repeat it without too many problems. He was excited tonight to be headed off to his training for night number two. He had a lot of research to do before he went in order to complete other tasks during the training. We will see how it goes tonight.
He is back from his dads for only tonights training and then I have to take him back to his dad's. He is excited to be training and learning (hands on) all this new information. What a kid...now if he were only this excited about school. :)
I will have to see what he has learned about tonight! He is going to be going through a day long test where he will have to test his skills and knowledge on a test and hands on to prove he has learned all the requirements for this particular training. He will finally be in a position to teach rather than always be taught. Exciting times!
He has to keep his pack at 35 pounds or less to make it comfortable. We are still working on that. So far between his mat, sleeping, bag and tent we have that down to 13 pounds but it just doesn't seem like its enough yet.
He came home from training the first night and looked at me and explained that it was a lot of information. Surprisingly he can repeat it without too many problems. He was excited tonight to be headed off to his training for night number two. He had a lot of research to do before he went in order to complete other tasks during the training. We will see how it goes tonight.
He is back from his dads for only tonights training and then I have to take him back to his dad's. He is excited to be training and learning (hands on) all this new information. What a kid...now if he were only this excited about school. :)
I will have to see what he has learned about tonight! He is going to be going through a day long test where he will have to test his skills and knowledge on a test and hands on to prove he has learned all the requirements for this particular training. He will finally be in a position to teach rather than always be taught. Exciting times!
Bus Humor...
Riding the bus has made me open my mind to some sick humor. I really think the bus drivers are really into some perverse humor. Today I ended up leaving work late, thankfully a co worker drove me to the bus stop. As I looked down the row of busses at the transit center I noticed my bus sitting there. The bus brake lights were on which usually indicates they are about to leave. Not wanting to wait another half an hour for the next bus I started running along with 4 other people. Making our ways very quickly through the streaming crowds of people towards our bus.
As we got closer I realized there was a bus directly in front of my bus and it couldn't go anywhere unless that bus moved. I slowed a bit thinking I had more time. Suddenly the bus in front of mine started its engine and proceeded to pull out of the transit center, leaving mine to be the next one to start his engine. As we ran I felt like I was in the final stretch of a marathon and the finish line being the doorway of the bus. It would end if the door closed before I could get on it. My bus started its engine and proceeded to pull forward. Here came the final sprint! Would we make it in time? Stay tuned....
We made it to the door of the bus as he was coming to a stop. As we showed our passes or paid our way onto the bus, the driver turned off the engine. He still had 6 minutes before he had to leave for the north end of town. We ran and ran and ran....to get on a bus that wasn't going anywhere. I personally think the driver opens and closes his door to make people panic. If they see the door close they start to panic and run if they think the bus is going to leave without them. It's almost as though it is the doorway to freedom! The transport to the real world! It is a safe haven for everyone a time of peace and quiet until they enter the next world of chaos from work to home.
Amazing as I sit in my seat and watch the driver open and close the door for other riders and he chuckles. Right before the bus takes off from the transit center he makes a notation on a clipboard. I think he is marking down how many people he made run, to his wonderful inner delight. He takes delight in seeing other people run, and panic. The joy he gets from opening and closing the bus doors. Open and shut....Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Open and shut...Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Open and shut...Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Its a vicious cycle. He opens and shuts the door, watches people panic and run for the bus and he gets a chuckle.. Does he think he has the power? The control to instill fear and panic?
It's the bus drivers evel delight. I guess you have to look forward to something in your job each day.
As we got closer I realized there was a bus directly in front of my bus and it couldn't go anywhere unless that bus moved. I slowed a bit thinking I had more time. Suddenly the bus in front of mine started its engine and proceeded to pull out of the transit center, leaving mine to be the next one to start his engine. As we ran I felt like I was in the final stretch of a marathon and the finish line being the doorway of the bus. It would end if the door closed before I could get on it. My bus started its engine and proceeded to pull forward. Here came the final sprint! Would we make it in time? Stay tuned....
We made it to the door of the bus as he was coming to a stop. As we showed our passes or paid our way onto the bus, the driver turned off the engine. He still had 6 minutes before he had to leave for the north end of town. We ran and ran and ran....to get on a bus that wasn't going anywhere. I personally think the driver opens and closes his door to make people panic. If they see the door close they start to panic and run if they think the bus is going to leave without them. It's almost as though it is the doorway to freedom! The transport to the real world! It is a safe haven for everyone a time of peace and quiet until they enter the next world of chaos from work to home.
Amazing as I sit in my seat and watch the driver open and close the door for other riders and he chuckles. Right before the bus takes off from the transit center he makes a notation on a clipboard. I think he is marking down how many people he made run, to his wonderful inner delight. He takes delight in seeing other people run, and panic. The joy he gets from opening and closing the bus doors. Open and shut....Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Open and shut...Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Open and shut...Panic attack and run! **Chuckle** Its a vicious cycle. He opens and shuts the door, watches people panic and run for the bus and he gets a chuckle.. Does he think he has the power? The control to instill fear and panic?
It's the bus drivers evel delight. I guess you have to look forward to something in your job each day.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Human Kindness! Chivalry is not dead!
Many men on the busses can learn a lesson from this. My bus in the morning is usually standing room only. It's amazing the kindness people show, especially the older generation. I think many men could take lessons from this one kind gentleman.
Last Tuesday the bus was packed this particular morning. Standing room only for the last 8 people on the bus. One older woman stood wondering where she was going to hold on to keep her balance. One older gentleman packed up his book and belongings and set his bag next to me. Knowing what he was going to do I moved my foot next to it so it wouldn't slide across the floor. He smiled and said, "Thank you." And offered his seat to this woman. She embarassingly declined but as the bus lurched forward she lost her balance. She was caught from a nasty fall by 2 other men sitting close by, and encouraged to sit. She did sit very thankfully and the other men remained standing. They encouraged the older man to sit and he declined. They both sat back down and after some time I noticed the older man having trouble standing. At that point I got up and asked him to please sit. He did, he was sweating from trying to keep his own balance. He again thanked me. I at that point sat on the floor and we talked.
Since then each time he sees me he reaches for my hand gives it a light squeeze and a smile and moves to sit down.
I am a firm believer in you reap what you sow...Today I think I got my payback.
As I left work today I saw my bus coming off the freeway. I ran to the bus stop...As I got there the bus was approaching I turned to wave and let him know I was waiting my backpack flew open and out flew my laptop and all the paper and notebooks that were in it. All over the bus stop and all over the road. As I frantically picked up everything just knowing the bus was going to continue on a man bent down next to me grabbing some paper and said, "Are you getting on the bus?" I told him yes, and he proceeded to pick up a stack of stuff and take it onto the bus.
As I looked up and got on the bus I realized the bus driver had stopped, parked his bus in the street blocking traffic and stopped to help me pick up the loose papers flying all over the road.
I was shocked, amazed and very, very grateful, more than I could tell him. Human kindness, random acts of kindness, or just plain helpful. One person, one act of kindness goes a long way.
I don't know his name, but I want to say again Thank you to the driver of the MT 232 at 4:32 on 112th St. NE. You know who you are if you ever read this. I can't say thank you enough!
Last Tuesday the bus was packed this particular morning. Standing room only for the last 8 people on the bus. One older woman stood wondering where she was going to hold on to keep her balance. One older gentleman packed up his book and belongings and set his bag next to me. Knowing what he was going to do I moved my foot next to it so it wouldn't slide across the floor. He smiled and said, "Thank you." And offered his seat to this woman. She embarassingly declined but as the bus lurched forward she lost her balance. She was caught from a nasty fall by 2 other men sitting close by, and encouraged to sit. She did sit very thankfully and the other men remained standing. They encouraged the older man to sit and he declined. They both sat back down and after some time I noticed the older man having trouble standing. At that point I got up and asked him to please sit. He did, he was sweating from trying to keep his own balance. He again thanked me. I at that point sat on the floor and we talked.
Since then each time he sees me he reaches for my hand gives it a light squeeze and a smile and moves to sit down.
I am a firm believer in you reap what you sow...Today I think I got my payback.
As I left work today I saw my bus coming off the freeway. I ran to the bus stop...As I got there the bus was approaching I turned to wave and let him know I was waiting my backpack flew open and out flew my laptop and all the paper and notebooks that were in it. All over the bus stop and all over the road. As I frantically picked up everything just knowing the bus was going to continue on a man bent down next to me grabbing some paper and said, "Are you getting on the bus?" I told him yes, and he proceeded to pick up a stack of stuff and take it onto the bus.
As I looked up and got on the bus I realized the bus driver had stopped, parked his bus in the street blocking traffic and stopped to help me pick up the loose papers flying all over the road.
I was shocked, amazed and very, very grateful, more than I could tell him. Human kindness, random acts of kindness, or just plain helpful. One person, one act of kindness goes a long way.
I don't know his name, but I want to say again Thank you to the driver of the MT 232 at 4:32 on 112th St. NE. You know who you are if you ever read this. I can't say thank you enough!
It's Spring!
Spring came in like lion this year. 2 weeks in and we already have 75-80 degree weather and then the next day its raining and 45 degrees. Welcome to Springtime in Seattle. Today it was sunny and cool. By the time I got home from work I missed all the sunshine and it was dark, gloomy and ready to rain by the time I got off the bus from work.
Amazing! I love this time of year and so does Kirby! Kirby loves to ride his bike and scooter up and down our rural road. He and Monkeydude Jr race each other back and forth. Surprisingly Monkeydude Jr can keep up for being a 1/3 pint of Kirby.
We have been out in the yard almost any chance we get cleaning it and mowing it for springtime cleanup. All the gardens are clean, weed free, the grass is short. We have had a great time setting up all the patio furniture so we can enjoy evening meals or iced tea on the back patio. Just waiting for the warm summer where the sun will shine and we can run through the sprinkler, eat cherry, orange, banana, grape and rootbeer popsicles.
It's only a matter of time. Just counting down. Until summer, until school gets out. Until, Until, Until...I think its a matter or waiting. Waiting and waiting...It will be here soon enough!
Amazing! I love this time of year and so does Kirby! Kirby loves to ride his bike and scooter up and down our rural road. He and Monkeydude Jr race each other back and forth. Surprisingly Monkeydude Jr can keep up for being a 1/3 pint of Kirby.
We have been out in the yard almost any chance we get cleaning it and mowing it for springtime cleanup. All the gardens are clean, weed free, the grass is short. We have had a great time setting up all the patio furniture so we can enjoy evening meals or iced tea on the back patio. Just waiting for the warm summer where the sun will shine and we can run through the sprinkler, eat cherry, orange, banana, grape and rootbeer popsicles.
It's only a matter of time. Just counting down. Until summer, until school gets out. Until, Until, Until...I think its a matter or waiting. Waiting and waiting...It will be here soon enough!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Happy Spring Morning!
It is 7:45am on a Saturday Spring morning. The birds are chirping, the coffee is hot and steaming in the cup next to me. The blanket I am wrapped in is soft and fuzzy. Kirby is at his dad's for the weekend, and I am just sitting, pondering, what to do, what to do....
I know I have my taxes to wrap up. I have a house to clean. I have other things to do, but sitting here enjoying the quiet before anyone gets up, before I have to run to meet another schedule, before I have to do anything at all. I have to sit and listen and enjoy. It's not often there is actual quiet time in this house. With 5 of us here to find a quiet moment is sometimes difficult.
The joys of having roommates. Everyone has their own room but it is not the same as when it was just myself and Kirby in our own place. I do miss the lack of privacy from time to time.
Just listening, again to the birds, the quiet, the car with no muffler coming down the highway in the distance. The car hopping down the highway to the beat of whatever the driver has playing. The dump trucks warming up in the lot about a half mile up the street. Its all there but somehow it brings a peaceful feeling. Calming, soothing, relaxing....with that steaming cup of coffee that I still can't drink because its still too hot! Hope you are having a Great Spring Morning!
I know I have my taxes to wrap up. I have a house to clean. I have other things to do, but sitting here enjoying the quiet before anyone gets up, before I have to run to meet another schedule, before I have to do anything at all. I have to sit and listen and enjoy. It's not often there is actual quiet time in this house. With 5 of us here to find a quiet moment is sometimes difficult.
The joys of having roommates. Everyone has their own room but it is not the same as when it was just myself and Kirby in our own place. I do miss the lack of privacy from time to time.
Just listening, again to the birds, the quiet, the car with no muffler coming down the highway in the distance. The car hopping down the highway to the beat of whatever the driver has playing. The dump trucks warming up in the lot about a half mile up the street. Its all there but somehow it brings a peaceful feeling. Calming, soothing, relaxing....with that steaming cup of coffee that I still can't drink because its still too hot! Hope you are having a Great Spring Morning!
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