Thursday, June 30, 2005

Busy, Busy, Busy

With the arrival of our new batch of hot humid weather also brought the arrival of my aunt from England. Unfortunately, she didn't stay long enough. It had been eight years since she was last here, and on one income, we can't afford to go over to England as much as we'd like. :-( Needless to say we got to see her for 3 1/2 of the 14 days she was here in the U.S. Still sulking and upset over that!!!

Now that things are settling down a little, I hope to have the site updated soon. But because it was my little brother's "Wedding Party" (they actually eloped last month and this was the follow-up celebration) last weekend, everyone is off for the week and I've been spending more time keeping cool in the pool than actually staying inside on the computer. I will remedy that this weekend when it is cooler. FINALLY.

But before I leave, I have one question. WHY do McD's new "exercise with ronald" ads all finish with the kids heading off to McDonald's for food? Doesn't that counteract the entire exercise and get in shape promotion they are running? At my local McD's, kids meals still consist of fried chicken nuggets or greasy burgers. I'm glad my kids were smart enough to pick that issue up immediately!

Monday, June 27, 2005

Camping

I don't know about everyone, but I have come to the conclusion that camping is JUST not for me. This weekend was my baby brother's "after the wedding" party. They eloped and had a stupendous wedding ceremony down in the Bahamas. But this weekend was the celebration and everyone stayed in tents. Bugs, dampness, hard lumpy floors or air mattresses that bounced more than a ship in a gale... I can't say I found camping impressive -- especially not after 2 nights.

So last night I went to bed at 4:00 and slept for a straight 14 hours. I know many people will go for camping WEEKS. How on earth do you camp for a straight week. Don't the bugs...sticky bug repellent mess, noisy younger campers, and dampness get to a person? We didn't have showers, just hoses, and even after 2 nights I couldn't take it. I just don't get how people can go a full week!!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Great mysteries in life.

Yesterday was an interesting day. I now am left with more questions than answers I think, but it does lead me to wonder a few things...

1. If you (an internet provider) know the system you switched to a few months ago was not compatible with the cable modem boxes that some of your "older" customers are using, why not notify them? Why wait until their internet goes out completely and then reveal that is the problem when they have to call you in for service/troubleshooting visit?

2. A convicted murderer here served his time for murdering his wife in 1964. Unfortunately, he was declared insane, so his sentence wasn't any where what it should have been. He was released 6 years later. 15 years passed and he murdered another woman. He served 21 years for that murder. Why he didn't get a life sentence is beyond me, I just can't tolerate the "Oh, I'm insane" excuse. Upon his re-release, he stole a truck and tried to take off. Police caught him, but now he's saying that it is the media's focus on his past crimes that made him run. Oh, PLEASE. You've killed two innocent woman and you're upset that the press keeps publicizing your story to warn off other women. The logic beyond that escapes me. More so, I'm upset that this man was declared "incurably insane" back in the 60's and yet the legal system keeps letting him walk out the doors and into the community with the rest of us.

3. WHY does my hairdryer warn you not to use while sleeping? Does this mean someone has actually tried it? There are sites dedicated to stupid warnings of this nature, I highly recommend http://www.angelnetweb.com/jokes.html for a list of some of them.

4. I was in Walmart a few days ago and the watch I purchased set off their alarm. What amuses me is that the computerized voice says - "We're so sorry but an item in your bag has set off our inventory contol system." So they are sorry that I might be trying to steal something? That always cracks me up.

5. Summer vacation. Why do teachers assign over the summer homework knowing full well that the kids are going to wait until the very last second to actually do any of it? Kudos to my son's upcoming teacher who sent a note saying, "This summer your only assignment is to play and have lots of fun so that you can tell me about all the exciting things you did when you come back in August."

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

School's Out

So school's are finally shutting down for the summer here. My daughter is crushed. She's already missing her teacher and classmates. She's all for year round schooling!

Meanwhile, my son is loving life. He slept in late for the first time in ages and loved knowing it was just about 9am and that he didn't have to get moving until he was good and ready.

This summer both plan on enjoying our small pool in the backyard, camping is another thing we are going to delve into. What are others doing for summer vacation?

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Respect

For years, I've battled with some of the local teenagers by telling them that they will earn my respect when they respect me in return. That's pretty sound logic by my reasoning and I think some teenagers just want adults to treat them as they would expect to be treated.

So last night for an early Father's Day treat, my kids and I surprised my husband with a trip to see the new Star Wars movie. What occurred in the theater really ticked me off.

We'd arrived early so that we could get great seats. Ten minutes before the movie, people started pouring in. A man and his wife or girlfriend to the two seats beside my husband and threw their coats into the two seats next to them. Five minutes later, two teenagers were looking for seats -- there were only 4 seats left - two on the floor or the two near us in the top row of the stadium seating. This couple told the boys that those seats were reserved for their "friends". So the teens ended up leaving because the floor seats suck - you have to bend back and look straight up. My understanding is that the teens got tickets for the next showing instead.

So the movie started, and no one ever filled those two seats. We overheard later that the couple didn't want to sit next to teenagers, so they lied. Though I can spout off to them, by that point it was too late for the teenagers to come in and watch the movie from those seats. I find that behavior to be rude and juvenile--appalling comes to mind. When adults treat teens like that, how can the rest of us try to show today's teenagers that we just want them to act like adults??

Friday, June 17, 2005

Hit Me Baby, One More Time TV

Has anyone else watched this show? They take artists from the 80's who have seemingly vanished into thin air and bring them back on in a "competition" to see who can do the best current hit. I've watched it for the past three weeks, and I think the best way to describe it is as a train wreck before it occurs.

Last night featured Irene Cara, Sophie B. Hawkins, Howard Jones, Wang Chung and Cameo. Every single one of these artists can no longer hold a note properly. Howard Jones sang his original hit best of the bunch and even then he lacked the spark he used to have. So I'm wondering, how much are these artists paid to come on and prove they just don't have it anymore?

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Poker Addictions

I discovered Texas Hold'Em a year or so ago after watching a Celebrity Poker challenge. Now I am completely hooked. For those looking to start, I found that Party Poker is a great site (I have a link to them in the "Important Links" section.

The neat thing about Party Poker is that you have two options - you can play with play chips, which is what I do. OR you can play with money you safely deposit from your checking account.

I started entering the "Play Money tournaments" a few months ago and have gotten to the point now where I can usually make it into the top three. So now my next decision is how well would I do if I were to use real money? Gambling is not usually my thing. I have no urge to head to a casino. But... I am really enjoying the entire gameplay involved in Poker--reading other players, deducing what they might be holding for a hand, deciding when and if they are bluffing... It's like a mystery just waiting to unravel.

So for now, I'm utterly hooked and am still toying with the decision to try playing with real money or not...

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Innocent?

I guess M.J. is "innocent." I didn't think they'd find him guilty, unfortunately. The evidence seemed too weak. But this brings me to a point I want to know...

Michael Jackson is an oddity; I've always thought so. I'm not surprised that he was under investigation the first time. I wish they'd had a stronger case this second time, but no such luck. But I guess my big question remains: WHY did these parents send their kid to Neverland knowing he is freakish and had been accused in the past? Would I let M.J within 100 feet of my child? No way!!! Let him spend the night at M.J's house? NEVER. So why do these other parents?

I was reading that M.J. said he won't share his bed with kids anymore. He never should have in the first place, not at those ages, and especially not with someone else's child. However, he isn't saying he's keeping away from all children. That's what I really think should be happening.

My gut feeling is that he did it. And I am certain he did because he was abused by his own father as a child. Someone needs to get him in for intensive counseling, and then they need to make sure he is NEVER left unsupervised with a child ever again. If we can't find him guilty, someone needs to step in and protect any other children.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Keeping cool

Vermont has been stuck in a heatwave of sorts for the past week. High temperatures are bad, but I can take them, it is the humidity levels of 80% that haven't gone away that are getting to me. Yesterday was a struggle to stay cool - plenty of showers and damp clothes are my method.

So I was talking to my husband yesterday about things that I want to do since the weather is hot and sultry. One was sitting on the back deck sans clothes - did that last night, but the mosquitoes don't make it easy. Thankfully, our deck is sheltered by a higher wall on one side, lilac trees lining the back and then rows of pine trees along each side of our yard--privacy isn't a big issue at all, so while my husband did the "I can't believe you..." bit, I felt a lot cooler than I had been! I can see why nudists find appeal in bearing all!

Another is trying mint juleps. Seems southern belles do a lot of that, so since I have to deal with their weather, I think I should see if they have a key to survival by sipping Mint Juleps on the porch... That's my goal for later today, I think. Course I'll have to run out to the liquor store first...

Lastly, we have one of those inflatable 8 foot wide, 4 feet deep inflatable pools. I'm putting in a call for water now... We've put off filling it since we are on a well and have to pay a water hauler for water. Usually we don't get the long stretches of humidity this early, so now that we have, we really need to get ourselves in motion!

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Graduations

This weekend launches many high school graduations throughout the U.S. I remember graduating and thinking that we now owned the world. Boy what a dose of reality that turned out to be!

I know a bunch of teens who think getting a real job and making money is going to lead to riches and huge wealth. In reality, this happens very rarely. I know of one person from my high school who became very wealthy--of course, years of "doing business" down in Jamaica helped to make him wealthy--dealing drugs is NOT something to be proud of, so he's kind of the laughing stock among my friends and I now. But, I digress.

In the real world, this is something that not all teens think about--the state and federal government take a good chunk of your money away in taxes. 35% is what I pay as a self-employed person. They take away money for electricity, computer/internet if you have it, auto loans, auto insurance, mortgage/rent, homeowner's insurance, water bills if you have town water, heating costs, phone bills, etc. Then a good chunk of your money goes to upkeep of your home, your car, yourself.

These are things that they didn't teach back in the late 80's when I was in high school. Hopefully, they do now! Enjoy your graduation, but also don't let the real world overwhelm you when you really enter into it!

Friday, June 10, 2005

Heat

Okay, I'm betting a good majority of us are dealing with heat and storms. As a Vermonter, actually more as someone with hair that LOVES to frizz up in humidity, I've had enough now. I'd love it if the weather pattern would change a bit.

Meanwhile, I have my fingers crossed that those along the Gulf of Mexico aren't hit to hard by the tropical storm, potential hurricane, heading their way. I'll keep you all in my thoughts.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Responsibility

Summer vacations are almost here, so it is time for one of my bigger pet peeves. I do understand that today's world means most parents must work at least one job in order to survive; I know many families putting in 50 hour work weeks or working two jobs each to afford cars, health care costs, houses, insurance, utilities, and the likes.

My issue is with teenagers in the neighborhood. We struggle financially, but it is a choice we made. I was not having my children growing up without parental supervision. My kids are responsible, polite children, much like my brothers and I were growing up. Yes, we did our "bad" things, but our "bad things" were usually reserved to crossing the river to sneak up to the waterfall, staying up past our bed times... Typical children reactions...

In my neighborhood now, I watch teenagers hanging from the hoods of their friends' cars while racing down the road to see IF they can stay on around the curve near my house. ATV's driving all over other people's lawns with no respect for boundaries or property rights. There are issues in this neighborhood with eggs being thrown at houses, dog poo placed in empty mailboxes, mail stolen from houses where people are often gone. Around here, mailbox baseball is all the rage, so my husband and I created what we thought was an indestructible post and mailbox. It worked for quite some time. Our neighbor's mailbox was hit half a dozen times, but ours remained untouched. Until one day, witnesses saw a car full of local teenagers back up their station wagon and run it over twice. We'd put in an 8 foot length of 4 inch steel piping and filled it with concrete, I know there has to have been serious damage to that car's front end and undercarriage. Police do their best, but can't patrol around the clock and local teens know it.

Which leads me to my question, where do the parents come in to all this? Can your child really come home with a seriously wrecked car and still be allowed to drive mom or dad's car? Why do people let that happen? I don't think television is to blame at all, despite what some will say. I think too many people are leaving their latch-key kids at home and those bored children want attention. A child who WANTS attention will often take the worst route to ensure they get it...

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Horror Movies

I know this is a semi-pointless topic, but can't Hollywood get it right? I am a horror movie addict; and that said, I watch them for their comedic value. Sorry, but The Exorcist was the only horror movie to truly scare me and even then it was more because of the music than it was the "special effects."

So last week I put The Boogeyman at the top of my list for Netflix. It arrived and we watched it over the weekend. Not one of Hollywood's best, but it was watchable. Then I reached the ending. What on EARTH were they thinking? I think the ending to that movie is now top of my dumb ending list. I don't want to spoil it for those planning to watch the movie, so I won't say what happens. It wasn't until I watched the "alternate ending" that I realized the writer did have a clue, for some reason they just opted against the ending that would have been most reasonable.

So another horror movie has been added to my "Been there, done that" list and once again, Hollywood has failed to truly scare me out of my pants. I throw the gauntlet out - has anyone seen a movie that truly raises the fear factor?

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Weekend

We took our kids to their very first concert this weekend, and they had so much fun. To start, I had a concert first - front row, center seats to see Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers) & Great Southern. We had so much fun and the seats made it an unforgettable experience! My daughter was named after Dickey's song - Jessica - so when he played it I expected her usual bout of embarrassment, instead, she got up and danced.

I only hope this is the beginning of more family times of that nature. With ear plugs in place, the kids couldn't have had a better time! And I'm always for the kids getting exposure to music.

Friday, June 03, 2005

Site is updated!

I finally caught up on everything that was ready. So now for some more reading!

What is everyone else reading?

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Sunshine on my shoulders...

Makes me very happy. We've finally broken the pattern of rain and are getting high 70's and nothing but sun.

I have a number of reviews to add to the site, but I'm opting to do that tomorrow and instead go spend some time with my very favorite little man--my nephew--who is turning 6 months old tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Made In America

I saw a snippet of Hillary Clinton this morning. She was discussing some companies using the "it's cheaper overseas" excuse for not having their product made in the U.S.A. I'm finding myself rather intrigued with that statement.

My Levis all have "Made In Mexico" tags. So I checked other brands (Vanderbilt, Lee, Riders, Old Navy...) Not one said Made In The U.S. Not many stores actually carry clothing that is made in the U.S. and when I do find it the price is four times what similar clothing costs. I'm dying to know--why so much?

My husband is being shifted to 32 hour work weeks again. The company he works for has been booming since it was bought out a couple of years ago. Things were looking fabulous. And then a MAJOR automobile manufacturer decided to pull out... They want to have their brake cabling made elsewhere...It is cheaper. Thankfully, I don't own a car or truck by this company. I doubt anyone will see their ads saying they are made in the U.S. anymore.

But I guess my response to Hillary would be - how can the government keep ignoring the drastic cost of living expenses? My heating/propane bill is double what it was five years ago. Our property/school taxes are triple. Meanwhile, in the 12 years we've lived here - we've seen my husband's hourly rate go up $4. That's certainly not on par with a doubled or tripled cost of living! This year, if he's lucky, we'll see him get a 40 cent pay raise, and for that we are thankful. But, that 40 cents is already long gone as our propane company just said that fuel prices are going up at least 40 cents per gallon by next winter.

It all makes me want to pack up, find my own deserted island somewhere and create my own country...