Christmas 2010

Pretty subdued this year.
They had been hyping up a possible snow storm for a week, and
today there were a few snow flakes on top of the leaves, officially
it goes down as a white Christmas ~rolling my eyes~ .

Merry Christmas

Speaking of customers

I have worked with the public through most of my working career.
I have lots of stories.

The bank alone could fill up several pages. People just
in general can get rude, cranky, funny, stupid, absent
minded, and obnoxious.

I usually never got mad at a customer. Especially if I
worked for someone else...I mean, let them bawl out the
business all they wanted, what did I care? At the
International Bank though, one person stands out. Can't
quite remember his name offhand though. I waited on him
one day - he cashed a paycheck. He worked at the mine.
Didn't have an account at the bank but we would cash their
checks anyhow...the mine was a big employer at the time.

I counted out his money to him and handed him an envelope.
He pushed the envelope back to me, swooped up his money
and walked out. An hour later he returned.

He calmly told me that he counted his money and it was
$100 short. Not knowing at this point if I had shorted
him or not, I invited him to take a seat while I closed
and tried to balance my drawer. He did. I counted and
balanced to the penny. I went and told him that I had
not shorted him, as my window drawer balanced. He was
ever somber when he looked me in the eyes and said, "Of
course you balance, because you stole my money."

Well.
Knock me over with a feather.

At that point I went to the savings department
manager, and told him what was going on. I invited
the customer to go see him. I guess he went in there
and gave some story about how there was an unfortunate
error, and he had been accidentally short changed on
his paycheck. I wasn't there but heard this later.
WHAT? What about me stealing from him?? He didn't
mention that to the manager.

Manager told the head teller to go count and balance
my drawer with me watching and with customer watching.
Head teller was ready to crawl through the floor by
the time I was done.
As head teller counted and my window balanced to the
penny, the customer, in a low voice, said to us:
"Of course it balanced because she took my money."
(All the while looking at me).

I said something like "Excuse me?"
It was then that head teller told me to be quiet and
not say anything else. After all, it was a bank
you know, reputation and all.
It was then that I told head teller quietly to
shut up. It was then that I started yelling at
customer walking away. I shouted stuff - don't
remember exactly what I shouted as he was walking
away but I remember it ended with, "...AND I DON'T
APPRECIATE BEING ACCUSED OF STEALING!"
As bank employees all turned red and lowered
their eyes to their desks.

That guy worked with my brother in law who had
nothing bad to say about him, except that he was
a bit of a space cadet at times. Because he had
left the bank with the money before returning saying
I had shorted him, because my window balanced, the
bank backed me up. And I didn't get in any trouble
for yelling at the guy either. And I never, ever
waited on him again.

The random stupid stuff one suddenly thinks about

As I was waiting for my hot chocolate to get uhm,
well, hot, I was writing in the calendar for January, 2011.
I looked at the calendar, it was from the USO. Probably
something that came in the mail soliciting for donations.

That got me thinking about how the propane man used
to bring us calendars every year, but stopped about
two years ago. Then I remembered when I worked at
International Bank in Raton, NM. The bank used to give
these beautiful calendars away to their customers
every December...filled with beautiful photographs of
New Mexico. Customers, especially older people, would
get irate if they didn't get offered a calendar, or
we were temporarily out. I mean, they'd start yelling
and going into a tirade about how long they've
been a customer, yada yada. I was not responsible for
the supply of calendars at the bank. I just would stare
blankly at them and think about a what I was going
to have for dinner or something.

Seriously

Last Tuesday morning at 2am the phone started ringing.
I have elderly parents in another state. I know
people. No one EVER calls in the wee hours of the night.
Well except for that one time 2 years ago when the
neighbor's were fighting, she threw him out, he called
at 2ish am to see if I'd go over and tell her to
answer the phone (no I didn't).
Anyway.
Said a quick prayer and answered the phone. The voice
on the other end:
"Hello? This is (name) with (name) Security Company.
I'm calling for (husband's name)."
Me: "HUH?"
Voice: "He's on the contact list for the (business name),
and the security alarm is going off there. May I speak
to him please?"
I go give hubby the phone. He tells her to call the
sheriff's department and if they find anything to call
him back. I lay awake waiting for the phone to ring.
At least 60 minutes later I fall asleep.

Come to find out something tripped the motion sensor.

The next night, 3am, phone rings. I spring out of
bed still half asleep and answer.
Voice: "Hello? This is (name) with (name) Security Company.
I'm calling for (husband's name)."
Me: "Yep right here, this is getting old."
Voice: "Well if you know the password I can talk to you."
Me: "I know the password but no way am I getting in
on this one, thanks anyway."
I hand hubby phone. He mutters why did I answer it.
I don't know why I answered it.

That night the phone got turned off. Apparently the
alarm went off again too. If they tried to call too
damn bad. So for awhile at night I was turning the
phone off, then I was forgetting to turn it on
again the next morning. Oops. Can't find good help
anymore.

I miss Raton

I'm In Raton! - watch more funny videos

I do miss it. Living there were some of the best times
of my life. I know it's easy to forget what's bad about
it and remember what is good about it - I know absence makes
the heart grow fonder. The house, the land, the air, the
sky, the weather, the in laws......just miss it.

This video was shot mostly on 1st street, a 'dead' area
for the town. The action was on Second Street, that's where
most of the businesses are, etc. Some of this was also
shot at Goat Hill, where the Raton sign is. And I know I
lived there long enough when I can look at any of the mountains
in the background and know what mountain it is, what is in
that direction, etc.

Thankful

Forgiveness

Ah this is a tough one isn't it?

I have been screwed over moreso than probably most.
Mainly because I am a go getter for what I want,
including the people in my life. I do have common
sense and lots of street smarts, so I've never (thank
God) been robbed or lost money or anything to that nature.

But many have done me wrong. Most wrong doing I forget
about (life isn't worth it) and move on, having little
or no contact with the person after that. But sometimes
you have to continue to have contact, or sometimes you
have no contact with them but are still reeling in
the injustice of it all, and have trouble getting past
that. Hate them forever? Hold a grudge? Be miserable
cuz someone did something wrong?

I hate very very few people. At present I would say
one person who is still alive I can honestly say I hate,
and will hate, for the rest of my life. Okay two...but
the second person doesn't even deserve hatred, pathetic
loser that the person is.

And as I've said I've been screwed by many people.

For one it helps me to realize that I've done stupid
stuff as well. We all do stupid stuff. Not always
intentional either. Who knows what I was thinking at
the time I did stupid stuff? For two karma is a bitch,
and it is a great (secret) pleasure to sit back and
watch karma in action on someone who did me wrong. Hehe.

Three - if someone did me wrong, moreso than not they
did someone else wrong, and that person or persons might
not be as fortunate as I am. Think about that, it's a
little deeper than the other stuff I'm saying. Four
life is short, I mean, REALLY short. Do I want to spend
it hating someone or holding a grudge? Not really.
Besides, living well is the best revenge of all :)

Relatives are tougher - if they are still alive I still
have to see them, interact with them to a point. I
learned in my 20's to put on a game face in any situation;
shake hands, smile, talk, whatever; and not mean a word
of it. I have one relative that I will be friendly to
him in front of the others but have nothing to do with
him in private - and I do have a reason. I have another
relative that I will banter and kid with but wouldn't
trust her one bit again. And these people pretty much
know what I think of them too. But then when I'm on
my own away from them I'm fine, not thinking about them
or worrying about them, not holding anything against them
to speak of but at the same time I wouldn't do much
for them if asked. I hope that made sense!!

I think the key here is to be at peace with oneself and
have a life outside of the circle that any of these people
are involved in. So one doesn't really give a rat's
butt what they think of you. Have several circles, that
way if one breaks you can jump in another one without
hesitation. I don't believe in allowing what someone
did in my childhood to affect me in my adulthood, now
that I'm in my 40's. Especially parents. Parents are
human too, and many times are ignorant about decisions
and child raising. I guess I didn't realize this until
I became a parent myself...we do the best we can as
parents and hope to hell the kid turns out okay and without
emotional baggage. But he'll go through that stage just
like we all did of questioning why I did something the
way I did, or worrying if his childhood was ruined because
of something. It happens.

Forgiveness. It's a tough one. While I write this on
forgiveness let it be known that I NEVER forget, I just
won't let the issue drag me down for long, otherwise they
continue winning throughout my life! Forgiveness.

Dogs part two

top photo - Dusty chewing on a bone, the poodle monster saying,
"Hey I want that!"

Middle photo - Miss Ginger squeezing into Tommy's bed.

Bottom photo - Storm giving a doggy sniff to baby Jacob.

Dogs

l to r - Storm, Levi and Casey

I've had 13 dogs in my adult life.

Tiffani - Lhasa Apso and Cairn terrier mix, she was
purchased when I was 12 years old for $25. She was
put to sleep with many health problems at the age of 14.

Bimbo - I met this dog
when Bimbo was 13. Bimbo was a mixed terrier, and was my
husband's dog. He had quite the personality and bonded with
me almost instantly, becoming KCRT's official mascot. I had
an automobile accident in 1991 and Bimbo sadly broke his back.
It was a terrible day when Bimbo had to be put to sleep at
the age of 15.

Levi - A collie who came to live with us at the age of 3, via my vet. Died at the age of 9 from diabetes
related complications.

Spot - A fox
terrier type of dog. Levi (collie) took him for a long walk
(on purpose) and left him. He never returned. This dog
also came to us via my vet at the age of 2 months.

BJ - Another doggie
that came via my vet. She was an older terrier type dog
who was overweight and very lazy and unmotivated. 8 months
after we got her a neighbor lady accidentally ran over her
in our driveway.

Storm - Arrived at
8 weeks of age, when she and her sister Cloud decided to
walk to our house from a neighbor's. Neighbor sold them
both to us for $25 each. She was a husky, german shephard
mix, died at the age of 9.

Cloud - Arrived
in 1992 the same time as Storm. She was given away a
year later as she was a fence jumper and sheep chaser,
and she was headed for disaster.

Lucky - Someone
was giving Lucky away at the age of 7 or 8 months. Lucky
was a poodle/chow mix and he was trouble, but extremely
intelligent. I worked so diligently trying to reroute that
trouble part. I taught him anything and everything. Sadly
he died at the age of 3 after someone poisoned him. The
person I am almost sure that did the poisoning met his
death a couple of years after Lucky, after a very quick and
very painful bout with cancer.

Shiloh - Shiloh was
a corgi/terrier mix. He belonged to a rancher and decided
to keep trekking to our house, as it was more exciting. We'd
call his owner who would come pick him up and by the next
morning there would be Shiloh again. Eventually the owner
gave up, although he was saddened not to have his dog anymore,
and Shiloh was ours. Age he arrived was uncertain, guessing
about 5. He was with us for six years before he was sadly
killed one night on the road.

Casey - A border collie/
aussie shepherd mix, Casey came to us via a veterinarian (and
not our usual one, go figure) at the age of 3 months. He
was put to sleep at the age of 14 1/2, after health problems.

Dusty - A chow/collie mix,
Dusty was another neighbor's dog when he decided it was more
fun at our house. He was but a few months old. A year later
he was officially given to us when his old owners just gave up
(Yes this sounds like Shiloh's story but we had moved since
then go figure). Dusty died at the age of 12 1/2 after health
problems.

Tommy - Tommy is
my poodle monster. I call him that by the way he turns into
a snarling vicious monster when I'm grooming him. Tommy is
an 8 pound toy poodle. He came to live with us in 2004 after
(get this) deciding it was more fun at our house than at his
own house (do you see a pattern here?). He was given to us
almost right away by the neighbor (hehe did I mention
the monster part?). Tommy is old now (probably around 12)
but he's still ornery and kicking.

Ginger - Ginger was
a dump/stray that decided our house was where it's at.
It was MY HUSBAND's idea (I want to make that clear) to
keep her. She arrived April 17th, 2010. The vet puts her
birthday at August of 2009, and says she is a dachshund,
miniature pincher, and JRT mix (oh the joy).

Fall

It is my second busiest time of the year. Spring
is my busiest (or should I say, has been in the past,
I'm changing some things).

Sometime in September, I start in with 'fall' cleaning -
I give the house a good cleaning, I wash the windows,
light fixtures, valances. Clean the refrigerators and
oven. I then take care of any doctor or dentist appointments
if needed. There is a bit of a break after this (depending
on how quickly I work) but then things start popping.

Leaves fall. They need raked and burned, or mowed or
mulched. I'm talking millions of oak leaves. They are
still falling, so it's an ongoing project. There is
baking to be done - banana bread and your basic chocolate
chip and peanut butter cookies for the freezer, to be
used for party trays at holiday time. A poodle monster
(when being groomed) that needs groomed, a many day process
as you can only work on him for ten to fifteen minutes
at a time, once per day (to keep from losing fingers).
Thanksgiving to prepare for - food bought and prepared,
china washed. Christmas gifts planned and bought then
wrapped. And the regular everyday stuff going on too -
laundry, trash, dishes, cooking, housework, telephones.

Right now I am in the cookie baking for the freezer stage,
the latter stages of grooming the poodle for the winter,
and lots and lots of leaves yet to do (we've been so windy
and so dry, plus leaves are still falling). Many Christmas
gifts have been purchased as well. Soon it will be just
winter and I'll be goofing off more!

Enough already, we get it

Was reading an article earlier in the day. It was about
meals and snacks we feed our kids that we think are healthy
and nutritious, but really are not. On the list were
peanut butter sandwiches, applesauce, whole milk, and
more.

Yesterday it was announced that the mayor of Springfield,
MO wants to push to raise cigarette taxes in the state
simply because ours are the lowest in the nation and
apparently we can't have that happening. He wants to
do this by enforcing the Hammond Law, which goes ahead
with a tax despite it being voted down again and again.
A cigarette tax increase has repeatedly been voted down in the
state.

Today it is announced the FDA is putting graphic images
on 50% of a cigarette pack - images of people dying.

San Francisco is trying to ban toys in Happy Meals.

Oh I could comment on all of these issues, but I will
just say this:

I get it already, shut the hell up. We are all fat
smokers who drink too much.

By the constant bombardment of everything we do wrong,
we get to the point of "What the fuck?"

Is it any wonder why more and more people are flipping
out? Hell I'm surprised more don't. Unemployment being
on the rise, taxes constantly increasing, housing and
living expenses rising out of sight, but hey, let's worry
about something really stupid. Especially if someone else
is doing it.

Ready for another vacation part two

Ready for another vacation part one

Just a few pics from the September, 2010 Nevada trip.
How about some damn good food? NOT in the photos are a couple
of lobster tails, more ice cream, chocolate samples at
a chocolate factory, a shrimp stir fry, some of the best
Italian pizza I've ever had, a breakfast with home grown eggs
and all the fixings, cheddar popcorn, nacho popcorn, caramel
apples that are huge, and more. The king crab legs in the
middle photo are an APPETIZER at the Conductor's Room,
Railroad Pass, Henderson Nevada. Yummy stuff.

Miss Ginger

It's that time of year again

First Halloween.
Then Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's....
I've barely started my holiday shopping.
(Unusual for me).

Someone on Facebook said Target is selling Booberry cereal,
that sounds good. Haven't had that in years and years.
Oh wait, I never really liked it.

Not much has been happening. The leaves are starting to
change and fall. All I can think about is what a pain it
is going to be to clean them up. The kiddo and I have
been sick with a cold or something and tomorrow am
sending the hubby to the school for parent/teacher
conference - hehe.

Trying to plan a 2011 girls' trip, am thinking about
Mississippi. It's NOT Vegas though. Hmmm. Then before
I get there I HAVE to get back to Indiana at some point
or I'll never hear the end of it, and when do I (or we)
want to do that?

I bought some unfrosted strawberry Pop Tarts the other
day which are now in my secret stash. Had one today.
A friend on Facebook got me craving them when she announced
not to leave one in the microwave and forget about it,
as the smell is worse than burnt popcorn.

Ah life.

Vegas stories, part five

It Rained

Tuesday morning, I called a friend that was staying in another
room at the hotel. "It rained this morning" she said.
"Oh" I replied.

Going down into the casino several employees looked at me
over the course of the day and remarked, "Did you notice
it rained this morning?"
"Oh" I replied.

Visiting another friend that night, her husband remarked
that it had rained that morning.

Three days later having lunch with some other people, all
of them commented on the fact that it rained Tuesday morning.

Living in Missouri it's just something I take for granted,
all the moisture. I had forgotten what a big deal a little
rain is (officially 1/100 of an inch) in the desert.

Vegas stories, part four

In Business

Several times while in Vegas and surrounding areas
I was approached by people, dollar in their hand,
to sell them a cigarette. Each time I told them
to keep their dollar, but they insisted. Considering
the low tax I pay for my cigarettes in my state a
buck would actually buy me ten cigarettes. I'm sure
in someone's eyes (the state or the feds) the cigarette
for a buck transaction was illegal. As I've told my
husband on numerous occasions, there are so many laws
anymore I probably break ten of them unknowingly
before I get out of bed each morning.

Vegas stories, part three

The Door

When I got my room at the Excalibur, I was later than the rest,
as it wasn't ready earlier. I had left my luggage in a friend's
room. So after I got checked in, I went straight to my room.
Tried the door with both keys - nope. Straight down the hall,
there was a security guard. Went and told him I was unable to get
into my room.
He came with me and watched my earnest attempts before taking
one of the keys and opening it right up. 'Thanks' I told him.

Went and retrieved my luggage from the friend's room and went
back with it to my room. Got out my keys, tried the door again
and again, and nope. Started mumbling under my breath.

A couple of guys that worked there were walking by.
"Are you sure you have the right room?" One of them asked.
"Yep" was my reply, without looking up.
One of them came over, took the key, and opened the door right
up.
Ugh.

Friend and I went out - we went to In and Out Burger, Wal-Mart
and Target (for snackies and stuff). I told her we needed
to stop at my room first so she could open my door for me, LOL.
Thankfully I was able to get the door open then and didn't
have too much of a problem the rest of the week.

Vegas stories, part two

Valet Guy - What Are the Odds?

Saturday night, my last night in Vegas, I was going to be alone
for the first time on the trip. Didn't bother me in the least but
I was delighted when a friend called and told me they were on their
way to spend a few hours with me on my last night there.

For those that don't know, Vegas on a weekend can get kind of crazy.
The parking lots get full and you need a room key to get your
car parked. My friend wanted me to meet them as they drove up so
we could present my room key to get the car parked. No problem, I say.
Ha!
Waiting on them near valet, which was backed up several cars deep,
they called and said they missed the turn and would be there shortly.
So I waited and watched.

A valet guy noticed me and asked if he could help me.
"Nope just waiting for friends" I said. He then asked me about my shirt,
a Bakersfield baseball t-shirt, and we talked awhile about that.
Hehe.
There were at least ten to 15 guys working valet that night.

So valet guy left, and I finally saw the friends drive in. I went
over and got in their car as they were in the wrong lane, and we
went around again.

Pulled up to valet, friend has room key in hand, and
GUESS FREAKIN WHAT?
SAME VALET GUY that was talking to me earlier. He says,
"Hey I remember you - I was talking to you and you said you were
waiting on friends."
We told him we changed our minds about going out.
I told him friend can't drive for shit.

Valet guy laughed and parked the car.
What are the odds of that happening? To get the same guy?
Mama mia.

Vegas stories part one

I brought back many stories from Vegas, but let's start
with the ride home.

3:30am Sunday, September 12th, I took my suitcases to the
front of Excalibur and hailed a cab. Climbed in with the
cab driver and told him, "Airport the fastest way please."
He asked me, "Do you know the fastest way?" I replied that
I was familiar with the area and yes, but offered nothing
more than that.

So on the way to the airport cab driver tells me he is
from Indonesia, and I am his very first fare EVER. Wow.

Driving along on Tropicana, we suddenly encounter police
cars with at least 3 blocks of the road closed due to
an accident or something. Cab driver curses under his
breath. He makes a turn around and goes up a side road
to bypass those blocks. When he gets on the detour, a
residential street, he floors it. I'm not sure what the
speed limit is supposed to be but I'm pretty sure it wasn't
as fast as we were traveling! Get to the airport, he
drops me and my luggage at the door. I give him a good
tip as I am his very first fare. Yes I wondered if he told
all his passengers this, but oh well. He'll remember me.

Checking in was uneventful. Made my way to security.
Security.
I was patted down in security.
O-kay. I really don't care at 4:15am.

Get to my gate somewhere around 4:45. How did I do this
so quickly? Oh yeah the cab driver :) Okay plane leaves
at 6:30, that leaves snooze time.

EXCEPT for the Allegiant gate employee. Little Miss Chipper.
She arrives, coffee in hand, saying a loud boisterous 'Good
Morning' to everyone she passes. I hate morning people!
Then she starts announcing everything about the flight - and it
isn't even 5am yet. By 5am I knew how long the flight lasts,
who the pilots were, how much potato chips sell for on the
flight, and much much more.

FINALLY we board.
Found my seat, buckled my seatbelt, and settled in for a
snooze. Oh wait. Miss Pissed Off gets on the plane and
wouldn't you know it - her seat is directly in front of
mine. She starts off bitching to her poor husband how
someone else's suitcase is in her assigned luggage bin.
She sits down and it's just yip yip yip for awhile.

Then the pilot announces we have a mechanical problem and would
be delayed. Seems there was no water pressure in the bathroom
sink. 5 minute delay he says. Right I say. Sigh. 15 minutes
later the mechanical people decide they don't know what's wrong
and need to just drain the tank and put wet wipes in the bathroom.
5 more minutes they say.

We take off over 1/2 hour late.
'Not a problem' the pilot says. We'll make it up in the air.
Okay time for that snooze.

Halfway through the flight, I'm guessing somewhere over Kansas,
Miss Pissed Off starts yelling for help. Seems another man in
her row was having a reaction of some sort. Flight attendants
come, pilot comes. I thought for sure we'd be landing in Kansas
so he may get medical attention but he fortunately was okay.

We arrive at the intended destination about 20 minutes late, but
otherwise alive.

74's

*I have nothing to blog about so am ripping off quizzes from other
people's Facebook accounts and am replacing the questions with
my own answers.*
Molly

74 ?'s...

1. Elaborate on your default picture?
Ah just pictures of me enjoying myself.

2. What's your current relationship status?
Married

3. Ever have a near-death experience?
I guess you'd call it that, a very bad
car accident.

4. Name an obvious quality you have.
Integrity

5. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
The Things We Do For Love

6. Name of a celebrity that you would marry?
Oh wow - I don't know.

7. Who will cut and paste this first?
IDK

8. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?
No

9. Do you wear a watch? What kind?
Not usually.

10. Do you have anything pierced?
No

11. Do you like pain?
Yeah right.

12. Do you like to shop?
NO

13. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
Groceries at the store.

14. What is your favorite lamp that you own?
Who in the hell has a favorite lamp?

15. How many TVs are in your house?
5

16. What is on your desktop background?
A pond in a canyon in the mountains, somewhere
in Colorado or NM.

17. What is the background on your cell phone?
Background on my cell phone? I don't know.

18. What was the last movie you watched in a theater?
ROFL

19. What was the last book you read?
LOL

20. Do you talk in your sleep?
Don't think so.

21. Ocean or pool?
Ocean

22. Did you ever have a party that was busted by the cops?
No

23. Current Crush?
I've sworn off crushes

24. What's your favorite color(s)?
Purple

25. Window seat or aisle seat?
Window, I sleep with my head on the window
and the blind pulled.

26. Ever met anyone famous?
Several people - Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott, Buck
Taylor, many politicians, the current NRA prez, several
more.

27. Do you feel that you've had a truly successful life?
It depends on how one defines success doesn't it?
Yeah I've done well.

28. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Cut it

29. Ricki Lake or Oprah Winfrey?
YUCK

30. Baseball or Football?
baseball

31. How long do your showers last?
ten to fifteen minutes

32. Do you know how to drive a stick?
Yes

33. Cake or ice cream?
Ice Cream

34. Are you self-conscious?
At times

35. Have you ever given money to a homeless person?
Yes

36. Have you been in love?
Yes

37. What is your favorite part of the Day/Night?


38. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Unfortunately several times

39. Can you tango?
No

40. Last gift you received?
Flowers I think

41. Last sport you played?
I dunno

42. What would you like to spend a lot of time doing?
Computering (oh wait, I already do)

43. Last wedding attended?
hmmm

44. Favorite FAST food restaurant?
YUCK

45. Most hated food?
HOT DOGS

46. Can you sing?
HELL NO

47. Last person that called you?
Well the phone rang today, think I can
remember who all called??

48. What's your least favorite chore?
Cleaning bathrooms

49. Favorite drink?
Coke

50. Have you been on a cruise?
No

51. Are you a vegetarian?
No

52. Do you believe in Heaven?
I think we all have a definition of
our version of heaven. If you mean
we all sit on a cloud playing harps then
no I don't believe in that.

53. Favorite show?


54. What jewelry do you wear?
Not a lot

55. Are you eating right now?
NO

56. Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Yes

57. Do you make commitments?
As in - yes I have and do

58. Can you dance?
Not that badly

59. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
Depends

60. What do you wear to bed?
Sweats and t-shirt

61. Have you ever done anything illegal?
Yes and I had fun!!

62. Can you roll your tongue?
No

63. What kind of shoes are you wearing?
flip flop slippers

64. What is your hair color?
brown

65. Future child's name?


66. Do you snore?
Sometimes when I'm really tired out

67. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Mountains

68. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
NO

69. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Move somewhere

70. Gold or silver?
Gold

71. If you could be with someone for the rest of your life, who would it
be?
Who I am with now

72. City, beach or country?
Country

73. What was the last thing you touched?
A glass

74. Where did you eat out last?
Chinese tonite

Mean dogs

I've never met one. Seriously.
And I've met an awful lot of dogs.

I believe it's your attitude in most cases
(this does not apply to some situations).

Dog stories - I've come home to a pack of dogs
in my yard. People in the country have this need
(or laziness) to let them run free. I chase
them off. They run, but inevitably there is always
one hanging back, defying me. I go after
him - walking towards him, challenging him,
then yelling "GET OUTTA HERE". He takes off
every time. He's not on his property and he
knows it, and sees me as the alpha of the house.

My favorite 'mean' dog story:
There was this racetrack in New Mexico. It went
under and my husband was hired to get everything
ready for auction. The caretaker had a guard
dog that roamed the property at night, and
sometimes he forgot to tie him up during the day.
I heard stories from bankers and others how
this dog was mean and would eat your tires if
he was loose when you drove up.

I went to the racetrack the day before auction
to film it, it was rich in history. As I was
roaming around the property with my camcorder,
I turned a corner. There was a dog, cautiously
watching me. He didn't wag his tail, he didn't
bark, no growl, nothing. Just quietly watching.
On camera you can hear me say 'uh oh'. I was
sure this was the dog and I was about to be his
lunch. I thought my last moments will at least
be captured on film. I filmed the dog, and
commented that this apparently was the guard dog
I had heard so much about, and the caretaker had
forgotten to tie him up. Welp, nice knowing ya
people.

But as I turned to walk away and looked back, the
dog was still sitting there, watching me. I
tapped my thigh and said, "Well, come on if you're
coming." His tail gave a little wag and he came
running up behind me. We walked all over the place
and he was always at my side. A bit later, a
banker and another person pulled up in a car, the
dog went nuts trying to eat the car. They wouldn't
get out of the car. I went up to the car and
made the comment, "Is this THE dog?" They nodded
yes, looked very embarrassed since I was standing
there next to him, and got out. I told the dog
to settle down. We became fast friends I guess at
that point and he turned and jumped up on me, his
mouth inches away from my face. THAT made me
a WEE bit uncomfortable and I told him to get down.
He worshiped me after that, I guess seeing me
as his alpha. Later the caretaker came and we
talked a while about the dog. The caretaker told
me stories of other animals trying to get into the
property and the dog killing them. I believed it
after seeing the way he attacked a car.

With bears it is important to try to make yourself
bigger than the bear and act like you're not ready
to pee your pants. I guess it's the same with dogs.
If you act afraid, they do know it and will take
advantage of the situation. Let the dog know you
are in control but you are not going to challenge,
and if you are on his property respect that. Of
course never try to outrun a dog, instead once
you have established contact then try to back away
or walk away slowly in a non challenging way.

Certain things should be extinct

There is no need in my mind to protect poisonous
snakes, alligators, mice, rats, or......bugs.

In New Mexico we never had a flea problem, the environment
was just way too cold and dry for a flea to want to ever
move there.

The first Christmas after moving to Missouri we had fleas in
the house so I quickly educated myself on the little
buggers.

Been using Frontline Plus on the doggers for six
years, and it has always done such a wonderful job
I admit I don't always check the dogs for critters.
Until recently, when our son noticed a few fleas
on the short haired pup.
Uh oh.
Maybe I had forgotten that month's Frontline application,
so I re-applied. It had been three weeks anyhow.
Welp it did help but there still were those pesky
few fleas left. That is the WORST FEELING EVER
when you apply a chemical that is supposed to kill
all the fleas on your pet and it doesn't - you cannot
just re-apply the stuff without risk of poisoning them.
YIKES. My trusted Frontline no longer was doing
the trick.

So to the internet to do research. And wait.
Treat carpets, wash and vacuum religiously. Wait.
Treat the yard. Wait some more.

Ordered Advantage. It arrived yesterday and I
immediately applied it to all the doggers and cat.
Today it looks like Advantage is doing its' job.
I will know more in a few days after washing and
vacuuming and reassessing the situation This stuff
is too expensive to just experiment with.

Like any drug that people can build up a resistance
too, it's possible the doggers built up one
to the Frontline. Frontline is a good product.
I had thought about a bad batch but I had two
different batches and same results. I will use
the Frontline again (have some left) once the
weather gets colder and the fleas aren't as active.
To re-test and see what the results are.
UGH.

New idea

I have a wonderful idea that could generate millions by
taxing a new group of people.

Got this idea today while reading yet another new study
concluding that Missouri folks are getting fatter. The
comments that followed were insulting, demeaning, rude,
etc....imploying all overweight people are lazy, freeloading
pigs. That lead me to thinking of recent comments regarding
smokers and how rude smokers are.

Let's tax this new group of people who are growing by
leaps and bounds - typically thin and non-smoking, they
are the rude, ignorant, loud, obnoxious idiots who
go around judging everyone else and would like nothing
better than to be an honorary police person on morals
in this country.

Mediocrity is easy......

Part of a line from Seger's Lock and Load....

I hate being ordinary. I hate defining
normal and going along with the flow in
most cases. If I die tomorrow, I'd like
to be remembered as making a difference in
someone's life..hopefully more than one...
even if I just made that person smile when
nothing else did. Oh I know I won't be
forgotten by a bunch of people, LOL! But
I hope to make a difference in a POSITIVE
way.

So it's the middle of summer, and the first
half really REALLY sucked. Hubby has been
sick for a month, he's getting better but
it's been tough. A friend I knew since the
6th grade died unexpectedly. A new pup
in the household. Hot. Dry. It just
all stacks up eventually.

The friend I knew that recently passed away -
he apparently had problems with depression, and
chose to end his own life. I've known
far too many people who have chosen this
path, and I know with the economy etc. there
are hard times out there. I don't particularly
know his exact situation, I just know
it's sad and if we only had a clue maybe we
could have done something......but we had none.
We had just re-connected last December on
Facebook and had many things in common. We
loved joking back and forth with each other
and did so almost daily. After, I have heard
he had problems with depression and refused to
take medication. So I am urging anyone reading
this to please please please seek help if you
have problems with depression. The feelings
and situation are temporary and the condition
is treatable. Don't rely on someone else
or try to go it alone, it's just not worth the
chance and you deserve to be happy.

Mediocrity is easy, the good things take time.

If only I felt as young as I look

If you don't get close enough to me to see the wrinkles and
sprouts of gray hair coming out of my head, I can look pretty
young. I keep my body in semi decent shape just by
working outside and walking daily. My legs stay toned, my
weight proportionate, etc. A good bra takes care of the
saggy boobs, a bottle of hair color takes care of the gray.

I've been blessed to look young enough to have guys that are
young enough to be my son ask me out :) I've been asked
to leave drinking establishments, also came very close to being
refused service at retailers when trying to buy cigarettes.
All while in my 40's.

So it's such a shame my body doesn't feel as young as it looks.

A car accident in 1991 (a rollover, I am lucky to be alive and
tickled to have the head of the ambulance district at the time,
the man that rode in the back of the ambulance with me, as
a Facebook friend) left me with a 'weak' back (for lack
of a medical term). I had test after test done and everything
healed up but the muscles just are not very strong and will
ache after standing long. I also get these sinusy migrainish
headaches from hell in the winter, when the barometer changes.
And every summer, sure as crap, I manage to severely strain some
body part to the point it takes months to heal (this summer
it was my shoulder). Joy of joys it's so great to be old!!!

A quiet Fourth of July

For the first time in 20 years - we did
nothing for the 4th of July. In the past
we'd go (in New Mexico) to my in laws'
house for a cookout and watch the city
fireworks from her lawn, or here in Missouri
we'd either go to Skyfire at the airport,
go to the Lodge, or go to the Country Club.
We did none of them this year. Been
a wee bit strange but also kind of a nice
and peaceful holiday.

I was asked today what Molly wanted (in a nice
way). I wish I knew! I thought about it -
Molly really would like to move, but Molly
has no idea where she would move to.
It's not that I don't like it here in
Missouri-land....it's just not the
weather I want. Okay it gets too damn cold
in the winter!! But where would I go?
I've narrowed it down to the deep south
and west, but each have their own set of
problems. Then Missouri-land doesn't look
half bad anymore. NOT moving ONE INCH
further north though, I'm such a whiny butt
when it's c-c-c-old!!

4th of July

As in, have a happy.

Bob Seger Lock and Load

Seriously.
This song is where the name of this blog is derived from.
This song is my THEME SONG FOR LIFE!
Give it a listen.

You asked for it

I am smoking but only about 1/2 as much as I used to.
In a few months I will cut that to half as well.
Then I'll be smoking so little it won't matter - I
won't be paying much tax (geez, wonder how they'll
make that up) and my body will be absorbing any
chemicals (the car exhaust we breathe on a daily
basis is greater than what I inhale or exhale in the
way of cigarette smoke).
Actually I'm well on my way there, as it's more like I'm
smoking about 1/3 of what I used to.

Why?
Not because of my health or anything along that nature.
It's because I refuse to pay the tax.
Granted Missouri has the LOWEST tax in the country on
ciggies. I can buy a carton for under $20. BUT in
a few years that will probably change.
PLUS
I'm sick of the holier than thous preaching what lepers
smokers are. Seriously, in two days time I read a few
posts from the 'do what I say not do what I do' group
saying us smokers just love to blow smoke in the face
of non smokers, then throw our butts on the ground
littering, laughing, and walking away.

Hell yeah!

One of my favorite past times ever is standing in the
doorway of restaurants with a lit cigarette - grabbing
the first non smoker to walk through the door, hold
them up by the hair, and blow smoke in their face.
Then stubbing out my cigarette in their undies. It's
great fun!

GROW UP.

Remember, with some of us, you accuse me of it often
enough I just might actually do it. I'm getting blamed
for it anyway what do I have to lose? Hehehehehehehe.
Also keep in mind - as you sit there telling ME what
to do, I am taking stock in what YOU do - both in front
and behind closed doors. SO WATCH OUT!

Welcome to Michigan

A friend of mine just returned from a vacation to Michigan.
"Oh my God" she exclaimed, "It's horrible, you can't do anything!"
I already knew. Many don't. We don't realize just how
protected we are here, in the Ozarks. We aren't a liberal state
with high taxes. We don't have more laws than we know about.
They don't do much stupid stuff just to satisfy the people
that bitch the loudest. The gas tax is low, property tax low,
personal property tax low, cigarette tax low, government involvement
at a minimum, and the list goes on.

We can smoke at a bar. We leave it up to individual businesses
as to how they want to run their establishments, we aren't
a primary seatbelt state, etc. etc. etc.

OF COURSE we get people moving in that try to change that -
so far they haven't succeeded. And I would hate for us to
go there.

Yes it has its' downsides - but we cope and aren't dependent
upon government assistance or bail out for all of our problems.
For instance our county roads are lucky to see a snowplow days
after a storm. Stray dog? Forget it, no shelter. Deal with it.
And we do.

I am not that old, in my 40s. But what I am seeing is
a generation of people that WANT to be told what to do,
and I just shake my head. When is it our job to judge
others, to legislate morals? And when was it hip to be
politically correct? God help me the day I have to hide
in the closet to do the things that once were accepted
in society. Stop judging others. Clean up your own house
then mind your own business. I hate political correctness.
And I would never move to Michigan.

It's Summer

Welcome to another summer in Missouri-land.

Around this time each year, after a few weeks
of 90+ degree temps, I want to move. Ironically
I don't want to move to a cooler climate, I want
to move to a warmer region. Here the seasons
are too extreme for me - hot hot hot in the
summers, cold as hell at times in the winters,
snow, ice, tornadoes, wind, hail, etc. etc. etc.
I'd love a warmer climate which can get hot
but not have much of a winter. Deeper south
I guess would be a good pick.

MY choice would be Nevada, living in the mountains.
Hot in the summers, but a dry heat. Very few bugs
and little humidity. Mild winters. It's a very
BIG DEAL if they get any snow. The people there are
more the kind of people I identify with as well.
Probably from living in the southwest for many years.

Just sayin'.
Back to summer in Missouri-land.

HOT

Okay so it's hot.
How hot is it?

Hot hot. But not omg hot.
Necessary to give the garden and flowers tons of water
daily to keep them alive.
Flies are hoarding together in the shade and will
descend upon a poor unsuspecting soul (ME) and bite
the crap out of ME.
One is instantly covered in sweat when walking out
the door.
Worms and toads are frying on the driveway.

YOU will know when it's OMG HOT when:
Your scalp burns in under 5 minutes unprotected.
Flying bugs will automatically get stuck to sweat covered you.
No one has any energy.

When I've got something to say

When I have something to say more times than not I will say it.

This gets me in so much trouble sometimes.

I don't believe in the phoniness, the political correctness,
that is so common with people today. Oh if I have harsh
words I usually refrain from saying anything, but most
anything else goes. By the same token, I usually don't
talk just to fill up dead air, I instead then get quiet.

I'm a complex person, that I know.

The other half got called to a special meeting they 'forgot'
to tell him about tonite. He's picking rugrat and I up
a Sonic Blast on the way home - aaaaaah.

60 degree temps are on the horizon, just have to hang in
there a few more days.

Friendship - a two way street

Friends don't get pushy and take advantage
of other friends.

Friends respectfully return emails, phone
calls, and text messages.

Friends don't demand you be available at
a certain time.

Friends take the time to listen as much
as they take the time to talk.

Friends respect your need for privacy or
to be quiet.

Friends don't get mad if you're having
an off day.

Friends make time, even if it's inconvenient
for them.

Friends don't lie or put on airs.

Friends root for you when the chips are down.

Karma

Do I believe in karma? Well to a point. People don't learn
and don't change, thereby making the same mistakes over
and over again...eventually it comes back to bite 'em.

One of the things that really drives me bananas about people -
it is their persistence to negativity. Sure we all get down
and have our rough spells, but negativity breeds more negativity,
and soon one can fall in that constant state of despair mode.
And that can lead to all sorts of bad things - depression and
worse, constant whining, friends leaving by the droves..etc.

ONLY if one is taking inventory of the situation and making
changes, any changes, to improve the situation do they have
the right to whine in my book. The constant whiners, the
constant negativity without trying to change anything really
sets me wrong.

EVERYONE in the WORLD makes mistakes. It is if we learn from
those mistakes with no regrets and move forwards instead of
backwards that matter. I respect those that own up to their
mistakes without placing the blame on others. I respect those
that take the necessary steps to change things in order that
things may improve.

And yes it sucks there are just cruel people in the world...period.
Will they ever get theirs? Probably. If they recognize it.
Those without a conscience will never get theirs because it
doesn't affect them..they just keep moving along causing chaos
and destruction to those they love.

We are given so very many paths in our lives...we can sit there
at the fork in the road and weigh the options of choosing which
path forever.....or we can choose our path and take it. Later
we cannot however look back and say, "If only I would have chosen
the other path." That is not an option. We must look at the
good in the path we've chosen and be thankful, we must weigh
the bad and perhaps choose yet another path at the next fork.

What other people think of us is none of our business. What we
think of others is none of THEIR business. And it is fruitless
to sit back and get caught in that vicious circle of asking yourself,
"Why?"

Facebook

The opinions expressed below are purely my own and
do not necessarily reflect the views of....... blah blah.

Facebook.
I had put off joining it for years. I don't like the fact
that one has to make their identity known. Some have no
problems with it apparently.

Facebook.
It's made for dummies. Seriously. One only has to point
the mouse over the little box and type, no thinking
required. I think that is the way the world is going!

Facebook.
Yes it is awesome. It has some great points. It's a
way to connect with people you haven't seen nor heard from
in years and years. It's easy to stay in touch. Awesome
games. Almost everyone does it. It's also a great
way to connect with new people.

Facebook.
Think about it. Do you really really really want to
connect with those people you've lost touch with for
20 years? Maybe there is a reason you lost touch?
I'd love to find some old boyfriends on there!!!!
Hehe.

Facebook.
Will they really start charging per month and do I need
to join that group everyone joins that is against charging?
My guess is no, they are making a killing on the ads,
people! Remember all the MSN rumors about charging and
how people just came unglued with just the thought?

Facebook.
Seriously. I know people who have to post about every
single itty bitty thing they are doing at every second
of the day on there. I know others that spend every
waking hour on there, and time they should be sleeping
they can be found playing games on there.

Facebook.
Annoying in the posts about "If you are a true Christian
you will post this 'I love God' message on your page,
if you aren't you won't. Seriously, does God really
care what's on our FB page? Or "If you love your
siblings you'll put your profile pic to a pic of all of
you." Well that sums it up, LOL. Does every one in the
world really, REALLY need to know ALL of your view on
even the most PERSONAL of issues? Does the saying
"TMI" come to mind?

Oh and a note about the whole Christian thing. I do not
put my religious views on my FB nor on any other thing
I do on the internet. I do not speak about it in public
or to anyone other than hubby and the most closest of
friends. I have friends that are NOT Christians (gasp).
I have friends that have done more in ten years than
most do in an entire lifetime, giving and expecting
nothing in return and living their life in a very
good way, yet they don't believe in the Bible. Why
does it have to be a badge of honor to people to
have to announce to the world their religious beliefs?
ESPECIALLY on FB. LIVE YOUR LIFE the Christian way
and stop broadcasting what a good Christian you are!
Do it silently! THEN and only then will you earn
my respect.

Whoops I wandered, LOL.

LOVE IT Loved the Man!

"I was teaching a Sunday school class at one of the churches in Waycross, Georgia, where I grew up. And the lesson dealt with equality and all of us being one under the eyes of God. All of a sudden it hit me!! This isn't true! The church was - is- the most segregated place one day a week there is in our country. And it's so ironical and so tragic that here's a philosophy which preaches and teaches human understanding and brotherly love and practices, in essence, the most vicious form of human relationship there is." Pernell Roberts (1928-2010)

Various Angles

I’ve come to realize that my job... Is important and has played
a very big role in who my child is and how we fared overall in
marriage and in the business.

I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving... I'm busy looking
out for nuts on cell phones, people taking curves over the yellow
line, and people pulling out in front of me. I'm a more
defensive driver now than I ever was, especially since moving
to Missouri.

I’ve come to realize that I need... Attention and love. Just
from a few trusted people.

I’ve come to realize that I have lost... Innocence from life's
experiences. I am no longer a naive person, I am not stupid
by any stretch of the imagination.

I’ve come to realize that I hate it when... Someone lets me down.
This rarely happens because I am the last person on earth
to expect anything of anyone, so when it does happen it
is a big deal.

I’ve come to realize that money... Is necessary for a
comfortable life, but is not the answer to everything.

I’ve come to realize that certain people... Will forever
be lying, cheating, worthless skanks.

I’ve come to realize that I’ll always... Be okay. Sure
I'll have those down moments, but I have a good head
on my shoulders for just about any situation.

I’ve come to realize that my siblings... Are from another
planet, I mean, another generation. We do not think
alike, we do not share the same life experiences.

I’ve come to realize that my mom... Is who she is and
it will only get worse.

I’ve come to realize that my cell phone... I only have
when I'm traveling.

I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning...
That the sun was shining and it was a brand new day.

I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...
That some fantasizing is okay, as long as one makes
sure not to try to make anything real.

I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking...
When did I get so old and wise?? LOL.

I’ve come to realize that my dad... Is bored and old.

I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook...
It's something to do, a time killer. Most of the
people on there I do know in person (or once did anyway).
Most of the people are connected in my life in
some way. Most are special to me.

I’ve come to realize that today... Is a new
beginning.

I’ve come to realize that tonight...Is peaceful.

I’ve come to realize that tomorrow... Is another
day to start fresh and make a smile.

I’ve come to realize that I really want to...
Be content and at peace with the things in my life.

I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re-post this is...

I’ve come to realize that life... Happens, whether we're
ready for it or not. That we must face each challenge
with a clear head. That we can go in circles forever
if we want to, but that will solve nothing and
only serve to make us miserable.

I’ve come to realize that this weekend... Is
almost here!

I’ve come to realize that my friends...
Are divided into acquaintances, good friends,
trusted friends, and super duper special friends.

I’ve come to realize that this year... Will have
ups and downs, and I hope to face each challenge
bravely and intelligently.

I’ve come to realize that my husband...
Is my bestest friend. Without him I wouldn't
be who I am.

I’ve come to realize that maybe I should...
Stop taking things so seriously.

I’ve come to realize that I love... Happy,
upbeat people. Those that don't constantly
complain and whine. Those that have integrity.
Those that mean exactly what they say and stick
to it no matter what!

I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand...
The sadness in the world and the nutty stuff
people do - some serious, some just dumb.

I’ve come to realize my past... Isn't really that
bad. In fact overall it's pretty good :)

I’ve come to realize that parties... Are okay
with enough alcohol, as long as it isn't an
everyday or every week thing.

I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified...
Of water.

I’ve come to realize that my life...Is whatever
I make it out to be...I choose to be miserable
or be happy. I choose to live it or complain.
I choose to focus on the negative, or focus
on the positive.

Going back

It's funny, the older I get, the things that pop into my head.
I'll suddenly remember someone that pi$$ed me off 20 or 30
years ago, and get rip roaring mad all over again. Like the
9th grade assistant principal, who sent a note to summon me to
the office. I was in P.E. class. The note said, "She skipped
class on August 25th." I did no such thing. So there I go down
to see MR. WHITE, in my gym clothes, and he promptly assured me
that yessiree, I did skip school that one class. After the
urge passed to strangle him, I thought about the day and
class in question. We had a substitute teacher that day. The
girl who sat in front of me had the same last name as me.
She never went to class. I knew the substitute just wrote down
the wrong person on the absenteeism list. I told this to
MR. WHITE, who promptly told me it was MY RESPONSIBILITY TO
MAKE SURE TEACHERS DON'T MARK ME ABSENT.

So I had images for days of going up to all the teachers
and asking to review their absenteeism list. THANKS MR.
WHITE. JACKASS!!

But what's even more humiliating is remembering 20 or 30 years
later the STUPID THINGS I DID way back then. Granted I
was younger. Granted I was stupid at times. But oh boy.
I never hurt anyone emotionally or physically, I never
TOTALLY broke the law :-0

I'm wondering what I'm doing now that when I'm old and in
a nursing home I'll think back on and turn red, LOL.