This is the first year, I don't have to worry about anyone being drunk at JITH. I posted about this event last year, and the end result of that weekend was my two daughters fighting, and having a miserable time. Not this year! Woohoo. Thedaughter is working and enjoying what she can on TV. Daughter2 is at JITH as far as I know, so I hope she has a good time and doesn't over-indulge too much.
In the past this four day event was televised from beginning to end, with one or two performers "not allowing" their acts to be televised. This year, with the economy being in the toilet, WTOV had trouble finding sponsors as in the past, so only Thursday evening and all day today will be televised. Grrr....
I'm not totally disappointed as the lineup this year essentially SUCKS! Here is a list of past line ups for this event. If you notice, Garth Brooks was here in 1990 - one of the many years I attended - and after the show, he made the statement, "they can't pay me enough to perform in a cow pasture again" - and refused to return. This was when he was just "coming up" in the industry. I've always had a hard time seeing him as a mega star - with that attitude. A lot of stars, bigger than Brooks have been here repeatedly.
This year is so different though, weather wise. The third weekend in July (meteorological fact) has proven that this is the most ideal, less rain weekend for the event. Although, I remember the one year I had to pay $50 to have my car PULLED out of the mud. But today is abnormally cool - 70 degrees, cloudy and possibly a rain shower later. None of this deters the die hard party animal.
But this is where my ass will be parked for most of the day - enjoying the performers (can't wait for Neal McCoy) and the closing act of Toby Keith. By that time thedaughter will be home and I will either be sipping on an appletini or my Cafe' Zin.
Have a great weekend all...and catch ya.....later..........
...and shredding so many papers, just call me Nixon! And this is only ONE bag of three that I have managed to fill. There comes a time, where I have to clean out my clients files. In some I realized I had copies all the way back to 1994 - what was I thinking. The reality of a shredding moment hit me, because I could no longer fit some files in their bins.
Neatness was not happening either. Since my paper shredder is the size of a bathroom waste basket, I was constantly emptying the animal - and it has this trap like mechanism on the bottom, which sent shredded paper flying all over the floor, each and every time. Grrrr..... In the past, I have gathered all the old returns - and had a fire in the backyard to "destroy" all that data. Since it is early in the season (plus we have "dry air - fire") weather alerts - I chose to spin the dial on the electric meter.
I still managed to accomplish a significant amount today. I started tanning - because my pasty white skin is driving me nuts, and besides that - it is a tradition. Since I am usually getting psyched about a cruise by now, old habits die hard. I'm trying NOT to get depressed about no travel this year. Several returns completed, grocery shopping accomplished - it is now time for a break.
Our sunshine is on the way out, and we are supposed to have rain for the next three days - that sucks big time. Have to go figure out something for dinner - so have a great time all.....later............
Now that sounds just dreadful, doesn't it? Well, it's not like I have anyone sending me flowers, just to die at the ends of my black thumbs. I am not a big fan of chocolates either, although my body shape says otherwise. So what's left? A day full of completing tax returns - that's what. That sounds rather cold-hearted, wouldn't you agree?
Trust me though, I am not complaining, as this holiday is definitely for the commercial markets. I did have a good friend bring me a cheesecake and a Valentine's wish yesterday, with his girlfriend in tow. Curses, she always has to tag along - that's my sort of luck.
All the clients who "picked up" their returns today, were exclaiming about their wonderful dinner plans or gifts they received, to which I graciously smiled and respond "that's so nice." It's 8:15 pm and I don't think I have to say that again till next year. Whew!!!
Enough of all that crap. I was tickled to see that the House and the Senate both passed the stimulus package yesterday. I say enough of trying the bipartisanship garbage. When the repukes had the majority, they crammed more garbage through the legislature than chickens through the bread pan. So I say "stick it to 'em!"
I, as well as a majority of the people, am not 100% happy with this package - but that would be a pipe dream to think that would happen. Have you ever tried to get everyone to agree with anything 100%? I doubt it, because there is always going to be differing views on EVERYTHING. Considering the huge clusterfuck that exists - the package has the potential to re-organize and begin anew.
I do love how there will still be a cap on all top executives and the highest paid employees at all 359 banks that have received government aid. Granted it is not the $500K that Obama had asked for but it limits to 1/3 of their annual pay and has to be in the form of stock. Stock which cannot be redeemed till all government monies have been paid back. Utilizing the better mouse trap theory - I am sure these CEO's have figured out a way to get around this - such as basically raising the base salaries. DUH!?!?! But all this wording was to concede to the "other side of the aisle" - bullshit.
A chief lobbyist for the nation's financial services stated "this is a big deal. This is a problem - it undermines the current incentive structure." If I get this guys address we may have to deal with his idiocy. It is just that incentive structure that has enabled the theft from many hard working individuals in this country. This lobbyist says that most executives will just leave their companies and go to foreign banks or to those NOT receiving government funds. Let them go - I couldn't care less.
Another interesting tidbit - as I read on the Huffington Post - poor, poor George W. Bush is having a very hard time raising money for his Memorial library. He is actually going to make a plea to his "fan" base for donations. I don't want to have to beg here - but if one of you sends a dime - I will arrange to have your fingers broken. Doesn't that sound vicious?
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I have done just about all I can today, the tax returns, a load of wash, dishes washed, babysitting the grandson - now I am headed in for a super HOT bath and just soak. If I'm lucky, hopefully I can get thegrandson to crash early tonight. (That would be by 9:30 pm). I'm worn out and getting a headache so - hopefully I will have something better to write about tomorrow.
Oh, after several 50 - 60 degree days, we have snow all day today (not sticking), but still cold again...grrrrrrr. I wish Spring were here - I'm ready to get the sandals out again.
Have a great evening and Sunday. Happy Valentine's Day to all - and I really do mean that!
Well, I'm back in the warmth of my home and all of a sudden I seem to be rushing to get so much accomplished. Needless to say, Tax Season is upon me, so I finished downloading my program this morning...now all I need to do is get some supplies.
I had the most super, wonderful, marvelous time in the Boston area. Although, these are the relatives of my late best friend...I have adopted them as my own - and they can't get rid of me now! It is so comfortable to just sit around and catch up on news and not have to be entertained the entire time.
I do believe we celebrated THE birthdays, the entire five days. What a great time. The trip home was another story. the plane left on time from Logan in Boston and arrived on time in Pittsburgh to a steady snowfall. What normally is a 50 minute drive to the airport - took over two hours in getting home. We fought idiots, ice and snow the entire way...and at a speed of 30 - 35 mph. My nerves were shot. So now we are staying inside out of this horrendous weather.
Thedaughter and thegrandson could not wait to give me my birthday present, so they had me open the box in the car on the way home last night. I am on cloud nine again...they know me so well....here is the super present:
Curses, I should have wiped the fingerprints off before taking this picture. But it has my name and #1 Fan, engraved on the plate. I could not have been any happier - and to see the smile on thegrandson's face - priceless.
I have to show you - my birthday present to myself - I'm so stupidly generous sometimes.....
This little guy stands 11" high and is called a "garden gnome", but trust me, it will never get close to any dirt!!! He is just adorable. I may be obsessed here, but I will get over it - or not!
I have to run for now - lots to do, but I will get back with pictures from the trip and more updates. Oh, by the way....I never travel without my camera....until this trip. I was so mad at myself, but theJo burned a CD of the pics taken during my visit and I will be sharing.
So take care for now - so glad you all didn't forget me. Later............
OK - I went to the doctor today and he says my lungs sound good, but it will probably take about a month to totally clear up the pneumonia. Woohoo!! The throat closing problem he is ascribing to the prednisone. I should hope that gets out of my system soon, as it is a pain in the ass. Of course, I got the obligatory "you need to quit smoking", to which I replied, "I will get right on that!" **fingers crossed behind back! when he said he was going to do all the CAT scans while I was in the hospital, I was hesitant - and told him OK, but if there was ANY bad news, I didn't want to know! I'm funny that way. But he said they were perfect. Kewl! So, that means I have more time to gum up my lungs from nicotine right???? I am not an idiot by any means, and I do know the dangers, but quitting is so very hard. He said in jest, he would rather I have a 12 pack a day - and we then argued about the ramifications of weight issues with all choices. I won...still smoking!!!
I know I have said this so many times, but I have the greatest son in the world. I got an e-mail this morning for my e-tickets to fly to Boston on the 22nd (a week from tomorrow). I wasn't really going to go this year, as money is really tight, but out of the blue, he and my daughter have been collaborating on this surprise. I have gone there for many years, but for the past four years, I have always gone up for my birthday, and celebrate with my adoptive family - and there are two there with birthdays at the same time. So, they better be getting the apple martinis ready!! I will fly up on the 22nd and come home on the 27th - wonderful, I repeat, wonderful family and we always have a great time. Plus, I get to shop at the Christmas Tree stores - we don't have them here. It does not take a whole lot to make me happy.
On to other things....how about Bernie Madoff??? That fucker has to be paying off these judges. His ass should be behind bars until he is convicted and sent to "the big house." Crapola, you hold up a 7-11 and get away with $100, your ass is behind bars ASAP, do not pass go, do not collect $200. WTF....$50 billion seems not to be a big thing here. Especially when the asshole tried to mail over a million dollars worth of jewels to family members, and had checks made out for another $173 million. This entire thing boggles the mind. I guess the Feds have a few worries for his safety (hell, I'd let him run the gauntlet), and made him wear a bullet-proof vest to court today. If someone really wants him, they'll take the head shot! Boy, I'm in a mean mood at the moment it would seem.
I just have a very low tolerance from those who can "pay" there way out of scrapes. And the way the economy has turned, and I think of all the people this man has ripped off - even to the point of two suicides...my blood pressure definitely rises exponentially.
This is very short and sweet, as I am tired and heading to the bedroom, to laugh at the stupid American Idol wannabes. Please note, I never watch the show till maybe the last couple, but watching these preliminaries is hysterical.
We are getting the snow dumped as I type. We have about 4" and more coming, so I am going to crash and let Mother Nature have at it! Behave and see ya tomorrow.
Thanks to Momocrats, for finding this little piece of nostalgia from 2006. McCain appears near the end and has high praise for the many organizations present, and apparently as a U.S. Senator, I am sure he knew who he was going to be addressing beforehand! Aren't we amazed how these politicians have memory issues regularly and definitely when convenient?
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McCain just made a speech in Blue Bell, PA, and introduced his "new" economic plan, which was supposed to be introduced yesterday, but then aides said no there was not going to be a new economic proposal, and on and on and on....! Reality folks...anything proposed by either candidate is just words at the moment. Any number of these proposals would still have to follow the chain of legislation to fruition before we would see ...a change. I do not see how, well yes I do, if a RUSH is placed on these tax issues, starting January 21st - that our 2008 taxes would be affected. The IRS is not overly fond of having to redo tax booklets, tax law and forms, and this process is already started for the upcoming season.
If the Senate and House are in session, now is the time to get back to Washington and introduce these measures. I would much rather see our representatives working on these issues right now, than this stimulus package they are proposing. I have to admit that I do not see another "stimulus" as practical, not to mention the fact that WE ARE BROKE!!
Now for some reality...although I like some of these remedies, as proposed by the candidates, with the market and economy changing daily - I have to question if some proposals may be premature, do they address the right areas, and are they the right move for the future? I just don't think EITHER candidate should be throwing out all these proposals to appease the public for the sake of a vote - it is a much too serious matter.
One proposal I AGREE with is to lift the taxation on unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits have only been taxable since 1986. (Reagan proposed this in '82). The treatment of unemployment benefits up until that time was as follows:
Singles with AGI of $12,000 or more (formulated portion of benefits taxable)
Married couples with AGI of $18,000 or more (formulated portion of benefits taxable)
I don't remember the actual formulation at this time, but after factoring in exemptions and itemization's, the taxable portion was usually low. I was against the taxation of these benefits when it was introduced (Republican tactic) - because it totally boggled my mind that these people, who did not ask to lose their jobs, were now being told they had to pay tax on the benefit. The clincher was - the state unemployment offices DID NOT withhold on these benefits originally - the burden fell entirely on the taxpayer. Withholding federal taxes came into play within two years I believe. State withholding began in the last decade.
Now for my debate hypothesis. I expect John McCain to say "my friends, we have to be very afraid of Obama, because he is dangerous - look at the domestic terrorist he hangs around with, Bill Ayers! " I just know the curmudgeon is going to address this - to endear himself to the wacko, brain dead, gullible masses. BUT - I then expect Obama to say, "well Mr. McCain, can you explain to this audience and the rest of the country of you close friendship and bond with G. Gordon Liddy, who STILL IS a domestic terrorist? ...and let the fireworks begin.
I'm sure Stephen Spielberg could do a much better job at painting this scenario - but I do my best.
It is a cloudy, yucky day today (but warm) and I feel like doing nothing! I spoke with theson on Skype and he will be heading back to Egypt tomorrow - after his fun times in Munich and Prague. He says he has some painful blisters on his feet from all the walking...but beer helps! Give me a break. I just happened to check a long range weather forecast and apparently next Wednesday, we are supposed to have SNOW!!! the high temps will be in the low 40's.......now that sucks bigtime!!!
On probably one of the hottest days of the summer (heat index was at 100), theson is up early and decides "oh my, what a wonderful day to change my spark plugs!" Now really, take it from me, he is not actually a mechanic, but when he opens the book and uses all his logic, things turn out pretty well. I am sure a master mechanic could have accomplished this task in a fraction of the time, but three cheers to the son for pulling it off.
At one point in time (as the cuss words were flying) he had dropped the ratchet down into the motor area (like I know what it is called) and cannot retrieve it. Logic enters, he gets some twine and manages to rig something in order to retrieve the tool and to also utilize on remaining plugs, so as not to lose the tool again!! Again, three cheers for ingenuity.
Having started this project around 10 am, in unbearably humid, hot weather, he finished around 3:30 pm I believe - a greasy, gunky mess. Thus, the final pic of theson with thegrandson - one relatively clean and scared of the dirt on the other. All in all, what a wonderful day for theson (who is lying down at the moment because of a muscle strain in his back). He managed to complete the task even in unbearable heat (and a rain storm) and the 17 year old truck is running great.
LATER THIS WEEK HE IS ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE HIS EXHAUST SYSTEM!!!
Born and raised in Parkersburg, WV - moved to Bellaire, Ohio in 1974. I am the proud mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. Opinionated of course and political follower. Blog as a therapeutic outlet - whether it makes sense or not. Enjoy.
