O Christmas Tree

It's that time of year again. Time to push back the annihilated turkey carcass and pull out the Christmas decorations. My neighbors have already set up the fake lighted deer and the huge massive snow globes with Frosty in them.
I am a big fan of the less is more approach. A simple wreath and a few tasteful white lights suites me. But I have to admire the gung-ho Christmas enthusiast who spends several thousand dollars on light displays and plastic critters.
Last year, a family that lived just north of us went a little crazy. You see, the dad was an engineer. Do you know what happens when you give an engineer free reign with the Christmas lights? Things get a little crazy. This guy had about a million lights on his house, synchronized to electronic type music. It was something to see. In fact, so many people wanted to see it that the city asked him to please turn off the display. He was causing traffic problems in his neighborhood. He lived in a standard American sub-division. Wouldn't you just LOVE to be his neighbor? His display was so impressive that he was featured on the Today show. I'm just wondering if he is going to do it again?
I don't ever remember my family going over the top at Christmas with the decorations. At most, I think we just strung a few multi-colored lights around the windows, trees, or whatever happened to be handy.
We always had the fresh Christmas tree. We would travel to the nearest tree lot and pick one out. We always argued about what tree we were going to get. Then the tree man would lash the tree on top of our 1982 escort and away we would go. When we got home, it was with much grumbling and mumbling that dad finally got the tree into the stand. One year, the tree was horribly bent, and we had to tie it up with some wire. Another year, our cat Hoggles decided that it was a good place to hang out. He would piss all over the tree, marking his territory. It was a little rank. This cat also had issues, so he would hide in the tree, and then pounce out and attack your ankles. That was a great cat.
I found quite by accident several years ago that I'm actually allergic to live Christmas trees. I was sleeping on the couch at a family members house with my face about tree feet away from the tree. I had a terrible allergy attack, and could barely open my eyes. I was a mess.
So now we have a lovely fake tree. Last year, I upgraded and bought the tree with the lights already on it. All I have to do is take it out of the box and plug it in. It's the best invention ever.
My son has discovered the tree this year. Luckily, I had the foresight to buy all plastic ornaments. He likes to pull them off and throw them around the room. Last night, I picked up about 10 bulbs and reattached them to the tree. He has also decided that he really likes the plastic bead garland I have on the tree, and throws a fit every time because he can't quite figure out how to get it off.
I guess in a few years I'll be able to put the fancy glass ornaments on. Until then, I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it.
Happy Holidays!

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

I've been working on getting the house in order lately. Maybe it's a nesting thing. My mother-in-law came over and helped finish the nursery.

I wanted the baby's room it to be just perfect. My son was early, and with the following chaos, I never really got to do the nursery the way I wanted. Luckily, it had been previously painted blue, so at least it wasn't just plain white.


I also didn't want it to be too pinky pink. So I picked out a nice pale purple color and some lovely decals. I went with the decals because I'm too lazy to do stenciling and I didn't want to mess with borders. Plus, once she gets a little older, we can just peel them off. Easy!

So we took a grand trip to the fabric store and bought yards and yards of pretty frilly eyelet and fabric. Luckily, my mother-in-law is really good at that kind of thing. When I start a craft project, I usually end up over buying fabric.

So we spent the weekend planning cutting and sewing. I think that it turned out fabulous. Now we just need the star to make an appearance.

In other news, we are starting to THINK about potty training my son. I’m really not pushing it, but we bought a potty and put in a bathroom. He has been ignoring it, but today decided to test it out. I made sure to make a big deal about it. Now his potty is his favorite place to sit.

My little cowardly lion

Here are some pictures of my son dressed up like a lion for Halloween. I was surprized that he actually consented to wear the mane/hat. He was cute as a button. We took to a few houses, and he even got to munch on his first candy bar, a Twix. He loved it. He had chocolate all over his hands and face. He got a little scared at all the strangely dressed kids that came to our door. He was my little cowardly lion. It would have been perfect if I had dressed up like Dorothy, and my husband the tin man, but we didn't get that together.

Trick . . . Or treat?

It's that time of year again, and I'm having difficulties.
It's the time of year when thoughts turn to crisp autumn leaves, mulled apple cider, and hayrides. It's that time of year when the plump juicy pumpkins seem to be mocking you from the grocery aisles, "Come on, you know you want to plunge a long sharp knife into me, scoop out my insides, and display my carved head on your porch!"
Since moving recently, I've had a really hard time getting into the autumn spirit. First of all, my yard is barren of any type of trees that might actually lend some color to the surroundings. Of course, I can enjoy all the wonderful color around me while driving places, but it just isn't the same. Next year, I think I might just plant a couple of maples and a few burning bushes, just to spice it up a bit.
I recently purchased a few cutesy things to decorate the house with. I bought an inflatable pumpkin because I'm too lazy and busy to actually carve a real one, and two plastic trash bag ghosts that I hung on my porch.
The first day, my fake pumpkin blew away. The second day, one of my ghosts decided to get lost, and the third day, the last lonely ghost decided that we were pretty lame, and joined his buddy. Someone in my neighborhood is probably wondering why all these cheap chintzy Halloween decorations keep blowing into their yard.
But, as I only spent $2 on these decorations at the dollar store, I really don't feel bad.
Halloween has never been my favorite holiday. I think it goes back to when I was a kid. I was usually always a witch, clown, or a hobo. My costumes where made out of various items we had around the house. Part of the problem was that since I was so tall, I could never fit into the cool costumes they sold at the store. On the few occasions we did buy costumes, I usually had to modify the outfit to fit somehow.
I was just trying to get into in this year for my son, who is now 18 months. He is going to be a lion this year. I hope he doesn’t get to scared by all the people in funny outfits.
I past years, I've been a bit of a stick in the mud about the whole thing. I just get really annoyed at having to answer the door bell ever few minutes. My husband loves it, and he usually gets the candy duty. This year, I might take him around to a few houses. 30 something isn't too old to trick or treat, right?
I'll be the really tall woman, wearing a witch hat.
Muhahahahhahahahah
Happy Halloween!!

Why I love thhe Bureau of Motor Vehicles

I found a BMV in Brownsburg, not so far away, and really not busy at all. I was trying to get away with just getting a replacement ID. I told them that my old one was destroyed, which wasn't a lie because Ohio BMV destroyed it! But they figured me out and I had to take ANOTHER written test. The Indiana test is so stupid. They ask you all sorts of dumb questions about rules for teenage drivers and when you can get your license. I'm 31. I already have my license. I don't care how long you have to hold a learners permit before you can get the real thing. Arrrgg. Anyway, passed no problem, and got the new ID. My son was really good, but I was bribing him with goldfish the whole time I was taking the test, so he was happy. I was afraid they would think I was cheating, because I get getting into his diaper bag for treats!

Then, when I went back up to get my test graded, the lady said, "I thought you lost your ID."

Yeah, whatever. I just played stupid. I told her I thought I could just get a replacement. Then they gave me a hard time about switching my license, because they had three different addresses for me in the system. They wanted to know why I moved around so much. I told them that my new address should be the only one I have for a while. I wanted to tell them to mind their own business.

The BMV totally pisses me off, but I don't have to go back for a while. By the way, they told me that Indiana is going to get a new plate design next year, so everyone will need to pay for new plates. Great huh? Illinois has used the same plates for a few decades now. I love it when they make you pay for new metal.

New Home

Here is a picture of our new house. I'm kind of itchy to get started on the landscaping, as the huge grass bushes in the front aren't doing anything for me, but that will have to wait until spring.
Our move was really crazy. I think everyone was in such a rush to get the heck out of Cinci, that we went a little to fast. My bed got broken, but thank goodness my father-in-law fixed it. Everything else is scratched up and dented. But hey, we all made it in one piece, right?
So we have a long list of projects we want to do, and not enough time to do any of them. On a good note, I did get my curtains hung in the kitchen today. Not easy to do when you have a great big tummy like I do right now. It only took me four tries.
For the uninformed, we found out we are going to have a little girl. I've picked out a lovely paint color for the nursery, and my son's new bed arrived today. So we can start working on getting him out of the crib. Easier said than done, I think.
My son is starting to get a temper. His new thing is to bite mommy when he gets mad. So he's had his first time-outs already. He has a breakdown when my husband or myself reprimand him. It almost breaks your heart. After a minute or two, I give him a big hug, and tell him to keep his big teeth to himself. Hopefully, his little sister doesn't have the same urge. I don't know if I can handle two biters at once!

Procrastination

My son and I went to the park today. He loved playing on the swings as usual. I thought I would take him over to the creek to take a look. He took one look at it and proceeded to walk right into it! It's only 1 inch deep, so I wasn't worried, but that's really not what I had in mind. Then, he proceeded to SIT in the middle of the creek. So at this point, I figured what the heck, he's wet anyway. Then he decided to give ALL the rocks in the creek a taste test. Sigh . . . needless to say, I had to strip him down in the parking lot and change his diaper before we went home.

Once home, my plans of packing daunted me. I really hate to pack. It always seems like I get stuck doing it while my husband is off working in a different state at a new job. Sure, when he comes home on the weekends, he packs up speakers and computers and bits and bobs, but the drudgery gets left to me. I hate cleaning out closets, I hate packing dishes, and I hate packing knick-knacks and associated goods. Blah.

That’s why I having a moving sale this weekend. At least, I think I am. I have to get up off my tired butt and make up some flyers. It's really not going to help to have a sale if I never advertise it.

I already sold my fridge and range. I placed the ad in the local newspaper over the weekend and then promptly forgot I did it. I really didn't forget, but when the first caller rang up at 7:30 in the fricking morning, I realized that I hadn't even thought about cleaning out the fridge. 10 fridge viewings later, I decided that I needed to clean it up and drag out the cooler. Finally, a cantankerous old man showed up and bought the set for his grandson. What a nice thing to do. Except they trashed my house getting it out. The fridge spilled water all over the floor, and the walls have some lovely dings and scraps now. Oh well, I guess we would have caused just as much damage. Besides, it's my landlord's fault for not supplying basic kitchen appliances in the first place. Then, when we offered to let him buy them at a discount, he refused, saying he didn't want the bother of maintenance.

Well, I can see that. But now, after who knows how many tenants dragging appliances in and out, the carpet is trashed. Oh yeah, and the tile is now cracked and chipped in the kitchen. So sorry.

Sigh. . . . On that note, I have some boxes to pack. I guess I’ve procrastinated enough. See you all in INDY!

Walmart Woes

I've developed an unnatural love/hate relation with Wal-Mart. I love the low prices, but I HATE everything else about the store.
How to I hate Wal-Mart, Let me count the ways!
1. Dirty stores -- not all the stores are dirty, only the old ones. The new ones are usually relatively clean, but NEVER trust the bathrooms. Even in the newest stores, the bathrooms rival bus stations and rest stops for dirtiness. I think I've been in cleaner port-a-johns.
2. Customer Service -- What customer service? At a store nearby, I walked in to exchange an item at 10 am. There were 10 people in line, and 1 worker. That one worker was arguing for 10 minutes with a customer about a return. Finally, I gave up and left. When I returned later that day, it was the same situation.
3. Unstocked Shelves -- I was buying the Wal-Mart brand of baby formula. However, they would constantly run out. I would go to the store and face an empty shelf. I would ask the clerk if they had any in the back. They would just shrug and point to the liquid formula at the bottom. I don't want the liquid, I want the powder you idiot! Baby formula is not something stores should run out of. It's not like you can switch brands back and forth. My son was sensitive, and would take a day or two to adjust to a new brand.
4. Crazy fellow customers -- Wal-Mart attracts the craziest fellow shoppers. One time, a guy came up to me and pointed to my purse in the front of the cart. "Is that your purse?" "Yes," I answered. Then he berated me for 5 minutes about how he could steal my purse in 10 sec. flat and how I shouldn't leave it in the cart. Go away crazy man! It's my problem if my shit gets stolen by crazy Wal-Mart Shoppers. Also, never leave your CART unattended in Wal-Mart, even if it has stuff in it. Someone will steal it quicker than you can say "mental ward".
5. 100 check out lines -- 2 open checkouts. Why! I don't understand why they taunt you with unused lanes when you are standing in a long line with screaming children. It's like waving free crack under the nose if a crack head. Open up another line already! Put those greeters to work!
6. Speaking of greeters, they creep me out. Get rid of the greeters. They always smile a creepy smile at you, and try to strike up an inane conversation. Also, they will tackle you if there security system goes off by mistake. There is nothing better than being tackled by an 80 year old in a blue vest.
7. Inattention to detail -- In the Wal-Mart I shopped at in Indy, a three year old boy just died because a store display (a mirror) fell on him. What? Did someone forget to tighten the bolts, or did they just haphazardly stock the display? Once, when I was in a Wal-Mart, I went to grab a plastic produce bag, and the very heavy metal holder came crashing down on my foot. It wasn't attached to the display properly. Although my smashed toe wasn't life threatening, it could seriously hurt a child. Apparently you take your life in your hands when you shop at Wal-Mart!

Toxic Boss

Everyone at some point has worked for a terrible company or a toxic boss. I had the pleasure of working for both at the same time. I think a pre-requisite for management in that company was a small brain and an over active libido.

My manager was a 19-year-old girl who was hired for her looks. She was blond and giggled a lot. I was hired for my previous experience. As it turned out, I was the only one in the whole department who knew what I was doing. I would do my manager’s job, and basically run the whole show. She would then take all the credit.

Her boss was an egomaniacal jerk. Six of us were crammed into a little office. He had a plush office right next door. The thermostat was in our office. He would get furious at the heating system, and would then run into our office and start swearing and beating on the little plastic box that covered the thermostat. The customers on our phones would always ask what was going on.

Meanwhile, he would sexually harass my young manager. He would offer to buy her clothes and give her money. Of course, he wanted a little “something” in return. I might add that he was married.

He would encourage all the managers to sleep with clients. He said this was good for business.

When it came time for my performance review, they told me they couldn’t give me a promotion from a Representative to a Specialist because I was already a Specialist. Apparently, they hired me as a Specialist, but never told me. They also wouldn’t give me a raise, because they said I was already making more than my 19 year old manager.

Then the final blow came. They won a new account, but promised the client the world without ever asking the people who actually did the work if it was possible. I was a member of a four-person team. My manager was always out on business, so I had to do her job, my co-workers where slackers and were never at work. Basically, I had to run the entire department myself. I got an ulcer and literally had a breakdown one day at work.

When we lost the client, I was told that it was my entire fault. I should have “tried” harder. When I offered to give my two-week notice, they back peddled and said that it wouldn’t be necessary. I stood up, walked to my desk, penned the notice, and slammed it down on his desk. I have never regretted leaving that horrible company. What is your worst experiance? I would love to hear. Leave a comment and share with us all. It will make us ALL feel better.

This is a picture of our son "helping his dad". He is already showing an aptitude for computers and hard work! Hopefully, he never gets a toxic boss.

Books I've Read -- Summer 2006

I saw something like this on another web site, and thought it was a pretty good idea. I'll leave out the kiddie books. But I do read a lot. Hey, it's more entertaining than drivel on network TV. A summery of books I've read this summer.

Inge: a girl's journey through Nazi Europe--Bleier, Inge J. -- This book, or rather the author annoyed me. She finds fault with everyone and everything. Her insecurity and churlishness infect the whole book. First, she says it is her father's stupidity they didn't leave Germany earlier. After her sister leaves for the US, her jealously is apparent. She is sent to live with her uncle, and she doesn't say nice things about that part of the family either. Her uncle ships her off to live in a group home, and she is angry about that. It's really frustrating, because you know that the people around her are doing all they can. An interesting read, if nothing else. And I guess I can understand her anger. It is just very raw, like wounds that never heal.

A Midwife's Tale -- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich -- A fantastic, if not slightly dry, look at daily life at the turn of the 1800's. The diary of Martha Ballard covers births, deaths, and everything in between. The author draws connections to the diary to cultural changes that were occurring in America after the revolutionary war. All in all, a good read, even if I did skip a few parts. The author got a little long-winded at times. This book has now been made into a documentary on PBS's American Experience.

Hiding in plain sight: the incredible true story of a German-Jewish teenager's struggle to survive in Nazi-occupied Poland, Lauer, Betty -- The title tells you everything about this book. It is a true story of a young girl that manages to elude the Germans with a fake identity card. Even though she has the official card and has relocated to larger city, she lives in constant fear and poverty. Throughout the book, she has several close calls with both German citizens and soldiers. Sadly, she loses many family members to the tragedy of the Holocaust. The most amazing thing about her story is that she never gives up, even when her life appears hopeless and lost.

Double Deuce Parker, Robert B. -- Okay, as you can tell, this is my new favorite author. A mystery. The main characters, Spenser and Hawk try to solve a double murder, a young mother and her 3 month old child who where gunned down in a drive-by near the projects where they live. Gives a lot of insight on my favorite silent tough guy, Hawk.

Night passage Parker, Robert B. -- The first in a new series by Parker, this book introduces us to Chief Stone. Stone is a cop that has problems, but he is trying his best to work them out. I hate the ex-wife. I wish he would lose her. I don't think he does, because she keeps showing up in later books.

Love stories of World War II -- Larry King -- This was a really good book. A very heartwarming story about how couples meet and came together during the worst of times. Although all the stories didn't have happy endings, it still left you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. This book leaves you believing in romance and true love. Probably not the best book if you just broke up with your significant other.

Stolen Lives: Twenty Days in a Desert Jail - Malika Oufkir -- Malika was born into a life of privilege in Morocco. Her father, a general in the King's army was close to the royal family. She is "adopted" by the king to be a companion to his daughter, who is about Malika's age. She misses her family dreadfully, but feels like she can't ask to go back. The first part of the book describes her life of fancy and luxury in the palace as a pampered child. When she gets older, she returns to live with her family. After her father falls out with the king, he is arrested after a failed coop attempt. In retaliation, her, the rest of her family, and two family friends, are thrown into a desert jail. Unbelievably, they are held in harsh conditions for 20 years. After a daring escape, they are eventually released. Many readers find Malika arrogant and spoiled, however I feel like she is just relating her life in the best way she can. She was, after all, practically a princess. This is a very hard book to put down. I would highly recommend. It is amazing that things like this still happen in the modern world.