...don't pay the ransom - I'M BACK!!!

I can't believe it has been a week since I last blogged. My how time flies..blah, blah, blah! I really have been busy, but can't think of anything major I have accomplished. Last Monday, took the daughter back to Columbus to get the cast removed, and that was a day from hell - a murphy's law day. She was in a lot of pain and still cannot move the wrist at all. The doctor scheduled physical therapy at Martins Ferry Hospital which is approximately 8 miles from home - so that is a good thing. Well, maybe!! She scheduled her appointment for Thursday and when we showed up, they didn't do the therapy because the doctor had written a therapists name on the form and she is no longer employed there. DUH!! Tried to tell them that it didn't matter, her name just happened to be a reference on the list he had. Mind you - this place is a specific HAND THERAPY office. But no, had to come home and get the doctor's phone number - give it to therapists office and wait to see what happens. The next day (Friday), therapist called and said doctor gave the OK -- whatever??? I truly hate dealing with morons.

Beginning yesterday, we are in the grip of a hot spell. Ninety plus degrees. Had to start the AC, and I am not a happy camper. That means an escalating electric bill, and higher utilities do not make me happy. Finangled with the phone company this week to get my bill lowered. It worked, had to add 2 types of service (call waiting and call forwarding) to get a break and it lowered my DSL by $10 too. Total monthly savings will be $20. Every little bit helps.

Got up early this morning (5:30 am as usual) and got dressed and got groceries for a cookout. Made potato salad, pasta sald, baked beans, my special barbeque sauce, and chicken. It was super. Mom2 and Kimberly came down and sent a plate hom to Russ. My oldest daughter and her new husband were supposed to come but forgot and made other plans. They may stop tomorrow before he heads back to Indiana. (Cable installer and works independently.)

I've been getting things together for my cruise, making lists, etc... getting excited really. Just to get away and chill out is such a relaxing thought. Just have to ensure that everything will be OK on the homefront while I am away. Don't want people in my house while I am gone. Quirky, but that is how I feel.

Slyght had a bout of "Delhi Belly" or Montezma's revenge of India, and I hope he is feeling better by now. Would hate to think he is pooping his life away, BAD MOMMY!!!

Gonna crash for now, I am worn out. Thedaughter and Colton have gone somewhere, but hope she brings him home soon, he needs a bath and to get to bed. He is a little cranky. BTW, gave him $5 bill to get something from the "Good Humor" man, and he picked a Spider Man Popsicle - $2 frigging dollars!! wtf!!! talk about inflation.
He came in with $3 and said "look what the ice cream man gave me!!" needless to say it was my change from the five - to keep him somewhat calm I had to give him a dollar so I could get two. Amazing what one has to do to keep peace.

More later, take care all!! 12 DAYS TILL CRUISE!! YIPPEE!!!

...daVinci debate or propaganda?

instead of the "infomercials" which run all night long, i have been switching channels and found that one religious channel was having a discussion (only one sided though) about "the daVinci code." It amazes me, that they are harping that this book and movie are only tearing away the deep seated traditions and mores of the bible. Now I have to consider this: the bible and daVinci Code are both BOOKS. each writtten about 2000 years apart. one was written by many individuals over a great period of time - with no hard evidence to support its claims or statements, and the other more recent book was written by one man with backup up reseearch from other books of the same genre. I consider that both belong in the "fiction" section of the library.

this one gentleman was referring to those who "fall" for the daVinci concepts as cultists, but then what are the people who swear by every single word of the bible? at one point the discussion moved to the sect (cult) within the catholic church called "opus dei." i saw an interview with four members of this cult and they are scary. well dressed and spoken individuals in high paying jobs and have nothing. Opus Dei requires that all financial assets be turned over to the "church" and they physically abuse their bodies in service to God daily. Oh by the way, Opus Dei has been an official sect for only 77 years. there is a barbed "bracelet" of sorts called a cellus (pronounced sill-us) they wear for hours at a time wrapped around their thigh. I suppose because your "bad thigh" made you do bad things. and not to forget the knotted whip for self flagellation.

My question is: where does religion start or cults for that matter? what are the organized religions afraid of from a movie? I taught my children at an early age, that movies are not real (unless otherwise stated), just created entertainment.

For a work of fiction, these anti da vinci groups are really hyping the movie whether they admit it or not. Now for Leonardo daVinci. Other than Stephen Hawking (the smartest individual I can think of at the moment), I can't think of anyone as versatile and of a genius nature that we should even comment "against" him. The man was a scholar, artist, engineer, scientist, and anatomy instructor. Definitely a man before his time. He invented the first machine gun for heavens sake. With a brain such as his, I would not be shocked to consider that he put subtle clues in his paintings and other works.

Slyght bought the book a long time ago and I have been wanting to read it, so I bought a paperback for my cruise. I hope there are no religious fanatics to rip it out of my hands and throw it overrboard.

This one gentleman had me laughing, he kept saying over and over, "I am not telling people to boycott the movie, but why should we put our dollars in Sony's coffers over a pack of lies." If he said it once he said it twenty times, makes me want to buy stock in Sony now. And all these new books are coming out to contradict da Vinci code, and reference the Bible, of course and writings from centuries past. Now back to my initial statements, who is alive to verify "old" statements and where is the evidence?

I may burn in hell, but so be it, that is how I feel, and I always love a good argument.

5 am and I think I will go back to bed now. Stay healthy all - 19 DAYS TILL SAILING TIME!!

***Note: daVinci Code grossed $224 million over 3 day span, second only to Star Wars. Gotta love Sony.

i have had enough....

Today started out with a plan. I was finally going to jump into getting my kitchen back in order. During tax season I had moved all my files up and it had become a mess. Files are now back in the basement, and it is 12:30 am Thursday morning - and I am ready for a breakdown, but I digress...

As I was "rearranging" the hutch (moving to another wall), and I then proceeded to move the unit holding my printers, laptop and some office supplies - it collapsed and everything went crashing to the floor. I had electronics strewn everywhere. While the daughter started unplugging and sorting the stuff out, I ran to WalMart to get a stronger shelving unit. When I returned home, she had gotten a friend to come help with the mess. We put the new unit together, and began reconnecting all the electronics and luckily - EVERYTHING IS FINE!!! Oh what a mess.

With all the moving and up and down on the stool (to clean things "higher" up), my body was screaming at me. I then fixed a baked steak dinner, and went to bed at 9 pm. I think I fell asleep instantly. Thedaughter then woke me at midnight to tell me we had water coming in the basement. My nerves cannot take anymore. I spent $65K to have a new foundation put under my house in 2001 so I wouldn't have a swimming pool for a basement, but the jerk who did he job either did not put a check valve in the drain system or used shite materials. I need to have a check valve put in and have been nagging this guy for over a year to do it, and now look where I am?!?!? Tomorrow morning at 8 am he is going to hear from me. It has rained non-stop for several days now and I need this done. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004 - and I lost $20K in property because the basement flooded - I cannot go thru it again. I will more than likely not be able to go back to sleep now.
WHY CAN'T THINGS GO SMOOTHLY?????

How ridiculous to get worked up like this - I have already gotten sick once, my stomach is in knots. I certainly do not handle stress well at all. I am my own worst enemy.

I am so glad Slyght finally started blogging again, I miss his humor and updates during the "down" time.

Gonna go for now - stay healthy all - 23 DAYS NOW!!!!

Lovely Mothers Day

Besides being rainy and gloomy most of the day, Mothers Day turned out to be a lovely event. Thedaughter loved her gifts from her son and was in a good humor all day. I spoke with (and viewed on webcam) the son for almost an hour in the morning. His beard is growing in nicely, the "bug bite" is healing (after his personal surgery with nail clippers - argh!!!), and he made my day complete, just by electronic comunications.

Mom2's brother Donald invited us to his house for a cookout, and it was divine. He cooked steaks, deep fried chickens, lasagna and we took some side dishes. Nice, laid back afternoon and early evening. Thedaughter came down and brought the grandson, Mom2's family and Donald's girlfriends parents were all there, and as usual there was more than enough food. Mom2's son came in later in the evening, which was a real treat for her. She becomes cranky sometimes when she doesn't have her complete family on holidays, so that scenario was avoided. (hahahahaha)

Thegrandson played with the other kids and literally wore himself out, to the point of being a real grumpass. He does not understand that the other kids have to go home at some point and playtime is not eternal. He almost takes it personally and becomes unbearable. (but still love him to pieces.) Our big problem is getting him to go to bed without TV or lights on. He has been spoiled in that way. I can get him to sleep easily by laying with him and rubbing his back, but his mother doesn't want that anymore. I feel at least we should wean him away from that slowly. If he watches TV, he never goes to sleep. I am to blame for some of it, but when I am watching him, I let him watch TV for awhile then do the back rub thing and all is good. Doesn't work as well for his mother. Uncle Zac turns the lights out and just lays quietly in the dark with him for awhile and "zap" he is out. I don't have the ideal solution, but hopefully we will work something out for the little booger.

Enough for the moment. SLYGHT START BLOGGING, miss your humor and insight. Besides, you have to blog and tell everyone about the new job description. Oooooh - now we have a mystery.

Later, stay healthy all - 25 days now!!!

dreary and depressing day...

It almost seems like a fall day. Chilly and cloudy and sends me into a depression of sorts. I have a tendency to dwell on all the bad and very little good, on days like this. The guy just cut the grass, but I am going to have to get my lawnmower out and get it running, this goofball charges me $25 for 1/2 hour of work. My side lot is flat and totally unobstructed and w/ all the junk in the backyard, probably isn't more than 50 square feet to cut. I like to cut grass, but everyone worries I may have another heart attack. Pshaw!!! I can do it in increments.

The neatest event happens every spring on my back deck. (Since 2001). When my sister died, I received a beautiful "spoon" basket, and I hung it and filled it with fake flowers shortly thereafter. Robins have been nesting in it since then. Each nest is made on top of the last. Right now there are 4 robin eggs in the nest and the mother robin gets highly pissed every time I open the back door. Last year, while I was on my cruise, the nasty blackbirds knocked 3 of the eggs out of the nest, so we try to watch them if possible. thegrandson is totally enthralled by it all. The dog can't figure out why the bird is screaming at her all the time. LOL.

Just cleaned thegrandsons toy room and discarded a lot of old toys and pieces of toys. Looks great for the moment, but probably won't stay that way for long. Laundry is going thru the process and going to start on the kitchen now.

Hopefully, my best friend and I will go to Red Lobster for dinner. We always have fun, and all we do is GAB!!! No one is safe from our clutches - the entire public is fair game. We can be merciless too.

More later, this was just a "fill the time" blog.

Stay healthy all - 27 DAYS!!!

He doesn't listen to MOM...

Well, theson has done it again. I specifically told him NOT to buy me anything for Mother's Day or for any of the immediate upcoming holidays, as he has done more than he should. Today the UPS shows up at the door with a box (from Amazon) and I sign for it (a rarity), and place it in the living room, as that is where all of thesons purchases go. later on, thedaughter asks me what I ordered from Amazon, and I said "nothing, what are you talking about?" She proceeded to tell me the box I signed for was for ME. (Note: I wasn't wearing my glasses when I signed for the package either.)

I verified that it was for me and tore into the box savagely. OH MY GOD!!! Theson got me a JVC Everio Hard Disk Camcorder. This thing is the bomb. Takes digital pics as well as recordings. Strange as it may sound, this morning I was telling thedaughter that I was going to dig out my old camcorder to take on the cruise. Well, fuggedaboutdat. This unit fits in the palm of your hand (no kidding), and is sooooo light. Amazing. I have figured out how to charge it, take a pic and record. As far as the special effects it has and all the "fluff", I will have to PRACTICE!! The unit came w/ 9 books. Actually only three are necessary, as there is a set in spanish and french also. My understanding is that I can then download pics and recording to a CD when I am done. This is too cool. Now I have to figure out how to beat my son for being so very good to me.

Now for the reality check. the daughter mentioned that this camcorder may very well be for Zac and somehow my name got on the packaging ---- NAH!!! Too bad, possession is 9 points of the law. lalalalalalalalala..! Too late, he will have to wrestle me for it, and that is just too over the top. I am old, fat and fragile. HEE HEE.

Rainy, crumby day here. Yesterday it was 80 degrees and sunny, now chilly (60 ish) and rainy. Gonna stay that way for the next 6-7 days. YUK!!

Thegrandsons last day of preschool was today. We spent the day with the whole class, ate a sack lunch (in the classroom as the rain precluded our trip to Wheeling Park.) Some of those kids I could have strangled. Wild, loud and apparently throughout the school term - learned nothing about sharing. I am sure the teachers are going to enjoy some solitude over the next couple of months. Hope I can teach him to ride a bike over the summer, haven't done that for awhile.

Gonna go for now, stay healthy all. 28 days from tomorrow - sailing, sailing!! lalalalalalala

just resting and catching up...

Well, almost a full week of unemployment. still scared, but guess that will last till i find another job. trying to cut back on some things (wish i hated to shop) to stretch the $$$. I have gotten my front porch in order and have to tackle the back deck now. that will be an alL-day project, as during the fall and winter months, i notoriously "throw" everything back there. so i guess you could call this pay back on me.

the daughter doesn't make it easier either. she misses the point that we have to work together (since she is currently in a cast and cannot work.) no matter what, there is always something that has to be done. she goes to bed late and sleeps till noon or 12:30 and it is hard to accomplish a lot on that schedule.

the grandson's last day of pre-school is this thursday, then he is off till he starts kindergarten in late august. then SCHOOL forever. poor baby. but he has a curious mind and loves to learn so hope he goes far in this world.

that damn "BUSH COUNTDOWN CLOCK" is not going fast enough. the a**hole is still fukking up everything. now he has appointed a "military" person to head the CIA ?!?!?! let's see, he bugs your phone and internet, and now wants a military guy in to suveil the masses even more. NOT. i think there will be a stink over this one. (at lease that is the ramblings so far.) poor me - may have to get on my soapbox again.

had a great day yesterday. mom2, oldest daughter (newlywed), and i went flea marketing and then to BW3's. mom2 was totally impressed with bdubs. guess we will have to do that again sometime soon.

everyone read slyghts blog today about the t-shirt "give away!" HILARIOIUS!!!!

STAY HEALTHY AND EMPLOYED ALL!! 32 DAYS AND I AM OUTTA HERE!!

Is this a midlife crisis?

I have either made a major step forward in my life or one helluva screwup. I quit my job yesterday, a job where I have been for 5 years and ended making $8 an hour. This employer (a family run operaton) hired a new girl a year ago (just at Christmas time), and I started noticing she was getting a ton of hours and no extras thrown my way. After my cruise last May, I had a conversation with the boss, and asked why she was making $8 an hour and in a full time position and nothing was offered to me. Dumb me, I listened and finally realized - HE GAVE ME NO ANSWERS WHATSOEVER. He offered me a quarter an hour raise - to a whopping $7.75 an hour. that was June 2005.

At Christmas time - the boss and I were working a Sunday before Christmas and as I laid the daily deposit record on his desk, he had the payroll record opened, and I noticed this girl wasn't making $8 an hour - she had been making $10 an hour since June. So apparently after our wonderful discussion and I was under the belief that our wages were in sync (somehwat) - fool that I am. Now I realize that after appeasing me, he gave her a $2 an hour raise.

I know he didn't offer me full time, because he didn't want to offer me health care, since I had had a triple bypass in 2004. Which is't a worry, because I have lousy health coverage with my late husbands pension. Anyway, I have been upset since December, and have been loosing sleep, wondering how to approach the subject again. You have to understand, I do not like confrontations, I can hold my own when confronted, but to initiate one - NOT. So Sunday, I laid the groundwork for my feelings in an email to the boss and hit the "send" button. His reply was "we will have a face to face on Tuesday" my next scheduled day to work.

Everything was chummy when I got to work. The boss's daughter didn't show up for work nor did the "full time" competitor, just the boss's wife. Hmmm... something is awry. At 1:00 pm he finally called me in his office and we started a conversation that went nowhere fast. Again, he could not answer my questions. Since he has only been an "owner" of a business for 13 years, I asked him to draw on his years as an employee, and how would he feel if the roles were reveresed? Duh, he really seemed like a moron. He made it clear that I was not getting any more hours and the $8 was the best he could do. Silence. I then asked, what was the best he could do to "bridge the gap" between our pay. Get this - $8.25 an hour. Let's see - she's making $10 - me to $8.25. I said "NO" and I had to leave. He said he was sorry to see me go and he was going to have to hire two part timers after I left. Now do the math, even at minimum wage he wuld be shelling out $10.30 an hour then. OK - I must have been born yesterday.

It is not like I have any savings and can afford to do this, but emotionally and mentally I had to sever the relationship. I am scared to death right now. I do not want to depend on theson, and fear of the future is great. The son arranged for my cruise while he was home, and if I could get a refund for him I would, but to late for that. I will figure something out. I truly do not like where I am at this point in my life, but things will work out I am sure.

Hope you all enjoyed this diatribe - rambling on at its best. Later.

Times Up! Back to India!

Well, I knew the ten or so days Zac was going to be home would go fast, but whew!! they just flew by. A lot had to be crammed into those days, which only accelerated the trip. We had Brenda's wedding on Saturday, Carrie's surgery on Tuesday and had to fit all the visits and playtime in between. It literally broke my heart to send him back today. I've been tracking him on Google Earth and he just passed over New Foundland a shor time ago.

I miss his humor so much when he is not here. We make fun of everything and everyone. We are definitely equal opportunity people. Everything and everyone is always fair game. As far as I know, he managed to get everyone everything he promised, except for 2 cans of Guiness - sorry to whomever that was promised.

The packing was the fun part. If Zac had to do it his way, he would need 14 suitcases. BUT I AM THE QUEEN OF PACKING. One bag was strictly canned goods and food products. His main suitcase was essentials, and I had left over space for more food products. Some non-essential things were left here, which I will get boxed and shipped this coming week. Should be interesting when and if he ever comes home (or leaves India) - he will have to have an entire FedEx semi hired to ship everything back home.

He had fun in Columbus with his "buddies", whether playing poker or going to those "gentlemans clubs." Such a worldly young man.

Totally exhausted, going to bed for now and watch my favorite "Real Time with Bill Maher." Laugh myself to sleep. More later. Take care all. 41 days til I am sailing.!! Yippee!!

PAY YOUR KIDS TO ELOPE!!!

I am a firm believer that all the money spent on elaborate weddings is just pissed down the tube. All that fluff and what do you have to show for it down the road? The same piece of paper you would have if you eloped!!

The ceremony is over the reception is over and the bride (my daughter) and groom are on their way to a hotel in Pittsburgh, as their flight is at 7 am tomorrow morning to Jamaica. AND MY FEET ARE KILLING ME!!!! Not to mention my legs, back and other body parts. So therefore, I must have had a good time. My daughter was a beautiful bride. My other daughter was a beautiful bridesmaid (considering she hates femininity altogether.) We went thru hell this morning just getting my daughters hair done.

I had made an appointment at the Regis hair salon at the mall for 10 am this morning for Carrie to get a wash, cut and style, possibly an updo. I dropped her off and went to get champagne and champagne glasses and when I got back to the mall, the girl was already pinning her hair in silly little curls on top of her head. I said the girl must be quick, and was then informed that they didn't have time to wash or cut her hair, just put it on top of her head. NOW I AM FURIOUS. I made a specific appointment for a specific job and they arbitrarily change the program. It was hideous and they then charged me $35. No wash - no product used - just a head full of bobby pins. I will get my $35 back - I will be contacting the corporate offices and any persons of importance. I had to take her to another salon and get it all redone. ($45 there) Now the wedding is at 2:30pm, the limo is supposed to pick Carrie up at home at 1:20 pm. That went to hell fast. We got out of the salon at 1:30 and made a mad dash home to get clothes on, me fix my hair and travel 11 miles to the church. We made it at 2:25 pm. I hate being late and hate being rushed even more. For that alone I will get even with REGIS SALONS.

All in all, everyone looked beautiful, the limo got everyone where they had to be, and the reception and food was all great. Now I am ready for my breakdown. Carrie and Zac have each gone out for the evening, Colton is at the babysitters, and all I want to do is cry. Just nerves and anxiety, I will get over it.

Zac is leaving for Columbus in the morning and that pretty much ends our visit, as I won't see him till the night before he leaves to go back to India. More heartbreak. I miss the big boy when he is gone.

Tomorrow will be "rest up" day for me, as Monday it is off to Columbus again, Carrie's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Always something.

Enough for now - I am pooped!!! Nite Nite!!

crazy, chaotic days

My oldest daughter is getting married this afternoon and it has really been chaotic the past couple of days. I must explain, that my daughter is 35 years old and I gave her up for adoption when she was born, as I was an 18 year old unwed mother (a real stigma in those days). I never stopped thinking about her, but knew I had made the right decision for me at the time. Many years later, with my new family, I had never kept it a secret about the child I gave up for adoption. Fourteen years ago, I had made an agressive search to find my biological family (I too, was adopted, with my twin sister), and made great strides. During this process, I got a call from the adoption agency I used in 1970, that my daughter would like to meet me, if I was willing. I had made the process easy for her to find me, and we met, she was married with a one year old son. since then, we have been one extended family. I get along well with her adoptive parents (who divorced) and the "steps", we are just one group of crazy people.

This is Brenda's 2nd marriage, and I truly love my new "son-in-law" and feel they will have a good realtionship. Zac and Carrie also get along wonderfully. Going to be interesting, Brenda with her Irish heritage marrying this Italian gentleman. Could be some interesting disagreements at times.

Had the rehearsal dinner last night and met Pete's family (a good many drove up from Florida), he actually has an "Uncle Vinny" and a "cousin Vinny" - so Italian. I just LOVE his mother Donna, she is a trip. Unfortunately, the weather is gloomy and may rain today - so we will just have to make up for it at the reception. Party hardy!!!

***Just a note - I made the arrangements for the limo (a good friend of mine) and have left messages for him with NO return calls and have been having kittens worrying about what to do. Well, the prick just called me and everything is COOl. Whew, another thing off my mind.

The best release of all is --- MY CRUISE, FLIGHT AND HOTEL ARE BOOKED AND CONFIRMED. Took care of everything yesterday, and I am sailing on June 10th to the Eastern Caribbean. Got my balcony room, a non-stop flight to Ft. Lauderdale (one change on return), and a hotel room the night before embarkation. I am soooo excited I could scream (oops, think I did that.) I wish my best friend could go with me (we always have super fun), but she has health issues at the moment that preclude her traveling. I have no problems with traveling alone, I make friends easy and enjoy solitude also. Maybe we will plan another group cruise for next year. I get free internet on the ship, will try to blog, but have to wait and see if it is feasible. Just 48 days from now (I will be putting the countdown in all blog posts) I will be in puppy heaven.

Okay, time to get some things done (hair, makeup and all the "fluff" stuff for the wedding). Details later (and hopefully some pics). Take care all.

my (big) baby is home!!! luv ya zac

Well, I picked up my son at the Pittsburgh Airport last night, and all is well with the world, albeit for a short time. He looks wonderful, has lost about 15 pounds, and his wonderful, crazy sense of humor is still intact. His plane was an hour late, so I made new friends in the airport while waiting, so not a bad waiting period. Got his baggage (it all made it) and headed home. He wanted a steak dinner more than anything, but all the steakhouses (Max & Erma's, Lone Star, Outback's) were all closed. Even his favorite Smokey Bones and Olive Garden were closed. So we ended up at Eat 'n Park (or Arf and Barf) for a burger. We were both starved so it was better than nothing.

Got back to Bellaire about 12:15 am, and Colton (the grandson) was just dozing off, when Zac totally surprised him - it was a Kodak moment and no camera in sight. The little guy LIVES for his Uncle Zac. We were all exhausted and crashed rather quickly.

Zac couldn't even sleep in this morning, he was up by 8:30 am. We had a full day planned, and quite hectic at that. Colton had a cold (coughing and hacking) which miraculously healed itself after we called him off of school. Zac, Colton and I headed to the mall, with a full agenda, and we accomplished 98% of that list. Colton kept his uncle really running, but Zac loves it. Note: Zac started opening all his presents to himself first thing this morning, and he is like a wide eyed child getting a new toy. OH... that is because everything was a toy. How he finds these creatively ingenious items totally amazes me. He has opened about 20 boxes and isn't even half done. Bless his heart.

Zac, Colton, the daughter, Mom2 and her husband, and her brother Donald and Mary, Anthony, Stephanie and Christa (whew!!!)oops and Kim, all went to the famous (or infamous) West Texas Roadhouse for dinner and it was hysterical. We all have an enormous amount of fun when we are there. Zac treated for dinner and left the waitress (or server) a beautiful tip, but that is the way he is. A very generous loving soul!

He has gone to "Flanagans" to meet Mom2's husband for a quick drink and laugh or two (right???) I am worn out and headed to my bed, have to work in the morning, then I am off till next Thursday. Yea!!!!

Hold tight for the next installment, will keep you all informed of Zac's (slyghts) latest adventure. Nite all!!!

Hoppy Easter!!!

Well, it was a beautiful day, baked a ham early, the daughter made scalloped potatoes, and I actually had the client from hell come at 12:30 pm. Now, this old man came to me 2 years ago and I was tickled to death when he didn't return. He questioned every little move I made, and hovered over my shoulder the entire time I was preparing his return, then called a million times after returning home, with the SAME questions. sunny beaches, he called Friday evening and wanted an appointment (and talked on phone repetitiously for over 1/2 hour), and I told him to come Saturday evening around 6 pm, as I worked till 5. He showed up, and said he changed his mind and was going to try and do his own return, which was super fine with me, and stood on the porch talking for another 1/2 hour. He really rambles on and on and never wants to leave. He called and left a message on the machine at 11:15 pm last night, but I didn't pick up - just said he wanted to ask me something. When he called at 9 am this morning - he changed his mind again, and being the nice person I am, I said to come between 12 and 12:30, BECAUSE it was Easter and we had to go somewhere. It took me probably 20 minutes to do his return, and he stayed 2 hours, with questions on the return. HE IS DEFINITELY OCD. With a little Alzheimers thrown in for good measure.

I make the whole tax procedure sooooo easy for my clients. When completed they are given a folder with all information supplied by them STAPLED in said folder, a cover sheet noting whether they get a refund or they owe (and who to make the check payable), and all information (returns) are paper-clipped with envelopes attached and marked where they are to sign. I must have explained this to the old guy a thousand times and he just didn't get it. He kept saying the tax book says this and that - and I explained that I do know what I am doing, have been doing this for 30 years and update necessary courses regularly. I finally had him make out his checks while here and attached them to the appropriate forms and son of a b**ch if he didn't call again at 9 o'clock tonite. If I weren't balding already I would be pulling my hair out!!! He asked if I had caller ID, so if he called and doesn't leave a message, I could call him back. I told him I DON'T have caller ID, so he would have to leave messages (I lied) and he said since he knows where I work, he might contact me there. I emphatically said he could NOT call me at work. I hope the Alzheimers takes over and he forgets where he put the return with my name and number, for next year. I will have to start a series of Prozac to deal with him.

I had 3 pick ups (of returns) and had 2 returns to complete today. In between all this, I got really sick. Barfing up a perfectly good meal. Took a lot out of me, and now feel like crap. I think it is a combination of nerves, end of tax season crunch and the anticipation of seeing my son on Tuesday. Not seeing him for eight months has been so hard. Thank god for the internet and the webcam or I would have gone completely nuts. His stay here will be way to short. He should be getting on his first airplane out of India soon.

Going to put my crappy ass in bed for now, head is exploding also. Happy Easter to all!! Felt bad I couldn't even get to Mom2's even. Will make up for it later. Nite Nite.

well i really got that wrong...

OK - forget everything I said about the daughters surgery last week. I misunderstood the doctor completely. Not that I am dumb or anything (because I definitely am not), but he talks so fast I guess I only caught PART of what he said. We went back for a follow up and to have the half cast removed today, and apparently he did find some bone problems and she will definitely have one bone removed and 3 fused if possible. If not possible, he will be removing several. With this procedure, her wrist will lose some back and forth motion but not enough to be disabling. But he guarantees she will no longer suffer the awful pain she has in the past. This doctor is a trip, funny as hell. Looks like Drew Careys TALL sidekick (c'mom tell me his name). He is at least 6'6". If I were 20 years younger I might chase after him (after beating his wife to a pulp). Right!! The surgery is set for April 25th. We will be in Columbus for another 2 nights again, hopefully for the last time. Probably at least 2 follow ups after that. She will have a full cast for 6 weeks minimum and unable to work at all for a definite 3 months.

They are so efficient at OSU it totally amazes me. Our appointment was at 1:50 pm, and we got there on the dot, and were in and out and on our way home at 2:30 pm. Incredible.

Great Sunday for me, up at 6 am, went to tan at 9 and my appointment was for 11:30 - blew that one. So I cancelled the appointment altogether and came home and worked on tax returns from 9:30 am - 11:30 pm - NONSTOP. I had an incredible headache all day today because of it. I got all but 3 returns completed, but now have to put them together, call the clients and collect my $$$$. I wish I wasn't so cheap. Usually I save most of my tax money for vacation, but have spent a good bit on gasoline and incidentals for all these trips to Columbus. No big deal, you do what you have to do!!! Thanks to Slyght, he used his hotel rewards points for the hotel on two occasions so far. Thank you baby!!

Well, it is 10:30 pm and I am totally exhausted - think it is time for me to crash - behave everyone!! Be back later.

DIDJA MISS ME?????

The end of tax season is ALWAYS crunch time and this year is even worse. Took the daughter to OSU for another surgery this past Monday and it actually had good results. The doctor will NOT have to remove any bones, but she will need another surgery to repair a 3-4" ligament tear. Excellent news. She will not be disabled. But after the next surgery the doctor emphasized she wil not be allowed to work for at least 3 months. The surgery to repair the ligament needs complete "babying" so the seamstress work takes hold. At the present time she has a half cast, and is still in considerable pain. Since OSU is a teaching hospital the anaesthesiologist was a student, and in trying to intubate her, he cut the piece of skin under her tongue, and now has swelling and eating has presented a few problems. (As if we can't afford to miss a meal or two!!! Right!) She is having trouble doing many chores, and i even had to bath her tonight. That was a trip - haven't bathed her in at least 20+ years. God, she is a bigger baby now!! haha - kidding Carrie.

I have all the last minute clients calling and still have some saying "I almost have it all together" - DUHHHH!!! Give me a break. Normally I don't let it bother me, but this year, with all the trips to Columbus, working part-time, tax season and my oldest daughters wedding - I would like to schedule my nervoius breakdown now!! Damnit - I haven't had time to book my cruise either. That is imperitive. That way I can have my breakdown at sea, and save everyone here at home from the gore of it all!

It is 10:15 pm and I have 10 returns sitting in front of me, I worked today till 5 pm, have tanned, bathed both daughter and grandson (and myself), and arranged for the limo for my daughters wedding. Nah - no returns tonite. Work till 6pm tomorrow and tan at 8 pm tomorrow, so I will not get to these returns till Saturday and alllllllll day Sunday. I love the pressure.

Gotta run for now - will be back as soon as time allows. Pray for me!!

...and how many years have these people filed taxes???

It always amazes me, at the END of tax season, all the people that finally decide it is time to have them prepared. The next 20 days are going to be hectic - actually 18 days as the 3rd and 4th of April I will get little done since Carrie is to have her surgery. I always amaze myself that I do get it all done though. Last year I had all returns complete and only filed 2 extensions. So far this year I know I will have one extension to file, as the gentleman (Uncle Windy) is working out of the area and won't return till the end of April.

Too tired to work on any tonight, got home from work, got into my comfort clothes - and Mom 2 has computer problems. Threw a coat on and up to phyldot's house I go. (**I always visit people in my jammies!! Hee Hee) got their broadband up and running again and BOOM, the daughter calls and I have a client waiting at the house. Now this is the heighth of etiquette to enter my house in my jammies to greet a client. Hell anybody can wear a business suit - NOT ME!! Tra-la-la-la!!

I am babysitting, the daughter has gone out with her friends. Think I will have Colton bathed and in bed by 9 p.m., since one of my favorite shows is on - HOUSE. Made sure I watched "24" last night, getting really exciting, and now another favorite tonight. All signs of a person who really needs a life!!

It appears Paul had a good "BIKE" weekend after all, even if the first planned excursion was a bust. Must be nice to ride free. You go Paul!!

Enough for now, more to come!!! TTFN.

looks like more surgery...

I guess you could say everything went well today in Columbus. The doctor is super cautious, and wants to exhaust every means before a possible FINAL surgery to remove the necrotic bones in Carrie's wrist. He has scheduled a bone scoping (surgical procedure) for next Tuesday. We will go up on Monday again, since she will have to be at the hospital as early as 5 am. The doctor said that 90% of the time he can correct most problems with this procedure but he seriously doubts that will be the case with Carrie. He just as well said that eventually he will be removing the bones. But due to her young age, he would prefer that be a last ditch measure. We have faith in him and will do as he says. We also scheduled the follow up visit for the 10th of April. (possibly to remove stitches.) If he should want to schedule a surgical procedure to remove bones, we told him it would have to be after April 22nd, which is Brenda's (my oldest daughter) wedding. Carrie would prefer not to have a messed up hand for the wedding. I can understand that.

This is really putting the pressure on me, all at the end of tax season. Hope I can get it all done. It is late and have to send some emails, so more later. G'bye for now!!

just don't know where to start...

I know it has been a few days since i last blogged, but I have been busy. The entire time I am thinking of all the idiot things I would like to blog. I think I really need a life!!! It is Sunday morning, and I have already tanned and am back home to begin the backlog of tax returns. BUT FIRST... I had to hook up a DVD (cheap at WalMart = $33) in the kitchen. You have to understand that I am always at the kitchen table, albeit eating a meal, working on laptop or just watching TV. I never go in my living room (Colton has taken that over) and when I watch TV in the bedroom I go to sleep. Since I have accumulated all these DVD's and never get to watch them, I considered this a good investment for myself. Now consider this, I have a cable box and and a TV with NO output jacks on the back. Hmmm...I purchased a RCA Combination RF Modulator and Switcher months back, at Circuit City, just because it was on a clearance table for $1.99. BARGAIN. Aha... just what I needed. I have wires everywhere, but now hidden well, and after only one misstep, it is up and running. I even have "FLIGHTPLAN" in as I type. (btw - excellent movie). NOW AM I THE QUEEN??

As I said in an earlier post, the President (I use the term loosely) was in Wheeling last Wednesday. The local Republican newspapers only praised the idiot and made statements as to how well this Ohio Valley loves the man, blah, blah, blah - wish I owned a newspaper. The next day the headline read "EDUCATOR-IN-CHIEF" - now does anybody have a problem with that. If I knew how to link in this blog I would refer you to slyghts past blog and the TV clips of all the ignorant, stupid, grammatical errors the boob has made in the past. I know I DO NOT consider him any kind of an educator-in-chief, that is plain moronic. There were about 100 protestors outside of the Capitol Music Hall, 100 yards away from the entrance (threats of being arrested if any closer.) I cannot believe all the people I have spoken to (and honestly kept my mouth shut) that think he is the best thing since chocolate. GAG ME!!! The man cannot think for himself nor can he make any strides to help the working man - rhetoric at its best. Enough of that for now - or I am going to rupture an artery.

Slyght is asking that his blogsite get passed around, via flyers or whatever it takes. I am trying to find out if we have any local cropdusters to drop the damn things. Right!!!!! I can see Mom 2 and I(because I won't do it alone) going around stapling the flyers to telephone poles and trees now. Hell with a lost puppy just log on to my son's blogsite PLEASE!! I THINK HE HAS FINALLY REACHED THE DESPERATION STAGE. Call the shrink!!

Mom2 and I took my grandson and her 2 nephews to dinner last night and then to WalMart. What a treat. Actually it went well, Colton ate what he wanted (a buffet place), jello, rolls and ice cream. I know there is nutrition there somewhere, but since he won't budge from the 32 pound mark, anything he eats makes me happy.

Tomorrow, we are off to Columbus again to see the doctor for Carrie's wrist. I am hoping he makes a final decision as to what he is going to do. These trips are killing me with gas at 2.50/gallon.

Better get cracking on the work. Everyone have a good day and enjoy yourselves. LATER!!!

senior moments...

OK - my wonderful plans for protesting are shot to hell. All due to my wonderful "senior moment." I'm plotting and planning how and where to approach this matter, only to find out the Bushista is coming to town tomorrow and NOT thursday as i had thought. to late for me to pencil in "protest" on my calendar. damnit!!! so much for democracy - elite frontment (troopers) making all the plans for an aggressive republican crowd (oops - i wouldn't last long there), and the lines were long to get tickets to see the twerp. IDIOTS. last time he was here (Nov. '04) the frontmen would eject anyone who even resembled the opposition and take them to a far away place till his hineyness left the state. (has anyone caught on to my feelings towards the man???) no free speech in west virginia - that's for sure. oh well, maybe later.

phyldot (mom2) and i went to dinner at outbacks (my favorite) and had a wonderful conversation, which we haven't done for awhile. while we were there, it started snowing (blizzarding). we headed home about 8:15 pm. thank god, we kept talking, because the roads were a sheet of ice. bad wreck by mall exits and once we got on rt. 7, there were at least two bad wrecks. (we were tied up in traffic on rt 7 for probably 20 minutes. (lookeelus). after we got off the highway, i finally told phyl how slick the roads were. didn't want phyl to get scared and dry mouth then have her teeth fly out - Lord have mercy - not a pretty site.

It's official, the daughter got fired from her wonderful pizza baking/bartending/groveling/low paying job!! I would rather she not work for the idiots anyway. (I have a very low tolerance for stupidity. and this "family" more than qualifies for the title.) now we can wAit and see what the doctor has to say about her wrist on monday and what the future may hold.

as one attentive reader has noted (paul) - the year is a quarter of the way over and i should probably update all on my new years resolutions: 1) lose 50 pounds....now who am i kidding. i have probably gained 5. 2.) quit smoking... only when i am asleep. 3.) get a better job...will possibly pursue this more aggressively after my cruise. 4) see my son...NOT YET - but quite possibly within the next month.

I think in the future i will only make one resolution and use the same one for giving up at Lent...NO SEX. it is ever so much easier to give up when you don't get it anyway!!! hahaha. so there slyght are ya blushing!!??? actually, i should consider being a nun...Not!!

OK, i am exhausted, time to crawl in bed. keep those comments coming - PLEASE!! ttfn!

have to take a break

OK guys. I have facts and figures traipsing thru my brain. Hitting the burn out stage for the moment. In order to get a small semblance of relief - i just watch Colton and his antics. He has inherited so much of his uncle's genes - IT'S DELIGHTFUL!! Have to check out slyght's latest - trying to wrestle a water buffalo - well, actually just try to chew the damn cooked meat. Hysterical. He is definitely making the most out of a bad place to be.

Talking to Colton is like talking to a small adult. He has the same expansive vocabulary his uncle had at that age. He has a seriousness (almost comical) when conversing. Can't wait for him to grow up (which will be sooner than we think.) He is all excited about going to kindergarten next year. He has been told to "quit talking" so much at pre-school so kindergarten will be a real treat.

St. Patrick's day was no big thing here, I was tied to the computer and tax returns. But looking forward to cruising, which keeps me sane. Was checking out the site today and looks like May 27th may be the day. Have to finalize things soon. May be going by myself, but no big deal - i make friends easily. But I have to get away to the blue waters and warm temps.

Oh, btw, our illustrious leader (cringingly) Bush, will be visiting here on thursday. Thought about actually being a protestor for the day. Already had one person say not a good thing to do - but I did grow up in the 60's and 70's.

Enough for now - back to the grind. Take care all!!!