Shhhhhh! She's coming....!

Happy Birthday, KANDEE!!! (insert horn sounds and "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow" here. (This is Mrs.4444--Kandee was foolish enough to give me her Username and Password a long time ago, so I snuck in here to throw her a surprise party!!)

Wait--You say you're not Kandee? Well, quick, hide! She's going to be here any minute! If you can't stay for the party, leave a birthday message :)

"Fly the Friendly Skies" - Friendly, My ASS!

Finally, the family was NYC bound for our much-anticipated annual vacation. We’d been waiting a whole year for this day, and we were so ready to be on that big birdie in the sky.

I’m the type of person who is late for everything. I will probably be late to my own funeral. The ONLY thing I am not late for are flights. I arrive 2 hours ahead of take off, as I fret that they may actually not allow me through security. I don’t know why I worry; it's not like I was ever “convicted” and have a record, but I like to believe that I could be a badass if I had to be (maybe).

I get all nervous and jerky a few days prior, making lists of things to do (which inevitably I forget to pack, or I forget where I’ve actually packed the item.) Who is going to take care of the dog, the cat, lizard, guinea pigs, fish and now the POOL? What happens if my cat/dog dies while I am away? (I have a DNR in place – do not REPLACE, just throw the animal in the garage freezer and I will deal with that particular crisis when I get home).

I actually hate to fly. I don’t need medication (for flying) yet but have visions that my “story” will one day be incorporated into the script of the TV show, Lost (note to self; lose weight before I am fatter than Hurley). I wear real shoes, in case the plane crashes and I have to make a mad dash/swim. I bring about a month's worth of food on the plane so that I will be the most popular (needed) person on the Island and they won’t eat me. I can offer my crackers, cookies and peanuts in exchange for the sparing of my flesh or the flesh of my family.

This year started out better than last year's trip for the fact that our luggage wheels did not break BEFORE we had even checked in for the start of our excursion. Actually check-in was smooth flying (no pun intended). Our layover was in Houston, at the George Bush Airport, and that is where the trouble began. Maybe it's got something to do with the name “George Bush” – irony?

Arriving on-time in Houston was a plus right? No –
Upon arrival through gate 34 we were told to proceed to gate C23. No problemo; we will take our time and grab some lunch enroute to our gate. Once we get to our gate and spread out, preparing for the 1.5 hour layover, we are told that we need to go to Gate 25, as they changed our plane. Ok, not a big deal in the whole scheme of things. All 5 of us grab our garb and travel to gate 25. A ½ hour later – opps, the lovely voice comes on the loudspeaker; there is another change - we need to go to gate 35. Now the gates are not that far apart, but it is a good 15 minute walk for my fat ass, with my purse and bag with all the Island food. Finally, we can board, after an additional 2-hour delay. Yea!

We all get on board, stow our luggage, and dang it's hot in the plane! I hear a stewardess over the intercom who proceeds to tell us that NYC won’t clear us for our arrival, due to a "baggage issue." How could there possibly be a baggage issue in NYC? There is no flipping baggage, as we are not even off the Houston ground yet! Then she tells us there is an additional hour delay, and we can either sit on the hot plane (hell no) or get off and hang out near the gates. I’ve decided to laugh, as otherwise, the old NY’er in me might have to come out swinging.

Its all good now, as I am typing this post a million miles above Houston. At least Continental Airline feeds me. I should have a couple drinks, but I don’t, as I could not possibly swim well or make that mad dash if I’m drunk. Guess I will just fall asleep and store up any energy I may need just in case I actually do have to swim to the Island.

I'm in my bikini, whats the hold up?

I came home early the other day from work excited to see the new (any) progress on our pool. Look what I found.

Freaking slackers.......

I grabbed their Sunny Delight container and pee'd in it.

Happy Birthday to You Ms. Rachael

Today is Rachael's 17th birthday. Time flies when you are having fun! Have a wonderful birthday my Lola.

Work.... It's so overrated.

When we moved to Cali almost 3 years ago, my two oldest were in high school, and Carly was in 2nd grade. I knew no one in the neighborhood, so I decided to possibly make another radical change in my life (besides moving 3,000 miles from my "home"). I decided to get a job.

I mean a "real" job." I only put quotes on a "real" job, because years ago, an elderly lady informed me that even though I was raising my three children and running a NYS registered daycare, I should get a "real" job - "a job outside of the home," for which I am paid (that is a direct quote from her, not me).

Over the years, I've worked for the Sheraton Hotel in their Sales and Marketing Dept. I've worked for lawyers, financial planners, doctors, and taught pre-school at the local YMCA.

I was actually on Craigslist, looking for an "L" shaped desk, when I saw a posting for employment. Ah, a new concept for me at the time; a job - one that I could actually make some $$ at. It was a crazy thought, but I was tempted nonetheless. I found a perfect job, close to my house, and it had flexible hours. I thought it was perfect, and for a couple years it has been, despite a few family squabbles I was dragged into to referee.

I have one employee I supervise directly (ironically, she has more hours than I do but that’s my choice). My "boss" is a lady (the "Vice President") and there is a "President" who runs the company. Oh, I forgot to mention that the Vice President and President are actually married, and one of the employees is his son, and his son's wife (whom I adore) also works there. You get it; it’s a "family business." All together, there are about 20 USA employees and 45 employees in a PI office.

The Vice President/my boss, has had her identity stolen at least 2x in the past three years, and apparently, on Friday afternoon, it happened again. Yesterday, I went to work, and my accounting program was locked; well not completely locked, but very little tasks could be done on my new "limited" software version of QuickBooks. I couldn't even access the flippin' petty cash register, for gosh sakes.

My husband says that I should not take it personally, but I am a woman, and I do. My husband says that she's just taking steps so that people (i.e. possibly someone in the office) don't have access to account numbers or social security #'s, or whatever items one snags when they "steal an identity." My husband, I love him, but he doesn't know much about office politics or how a woman thinks.

The person who took her identity could be anyone, not just someone in our office, but she makes many purchases on her cards; in fact, well over 150 transactions a month, so the credit card numbers could have been snagged by anyone. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact she also uses it to get her dogs groomed, purchase dogfood, write off daily business meals lunches, Ebay purchases, new business contacts pleasure trips to china , hairdresser appointments, bank loans, business meals Starbucks purchases, PayPal purchases etc. The point I'm trying to get across is that her numbers are in many, many places - not just in the office. Nonetheless, I'm a bit torqued and will be looking for a new job after I return in August from our Yankee trip.

Today, I was at work opening the mail, and guess what arrived? A new credit card with her name, complete with account information. (So much for restricting my Quickbook information so that I don't have access to account information.)

I guess I'm off to shop again...

I'm such a bitch.

Update-----> today (Wednesday), I've reread my post and I sound pretty nasty. I honestly think it is because my feelings are hurt and maybe Chuck is right, I shouldn't take it personal.

Where Will They Be?

I often think ahead to the future; as 5 years ago, I wasn't sure I would have one. Now, I allow myself the chance to wonder where I might be in 10, 20 or 30 years. I wonder where my children will be their lives. I wonder what they will be doing, where their paths in life will have traveled. Will they be working? Will they be married? Will they have children?

I think sometimes people expect pony rides and clowns to be available at their convenience. Parents don't want to tell their child "no," because God forbid we stamper their dreams or squash their self esteem. What happened to the word no? I've met so many parents who just allow their children to do whatever they want. I don't know if it is because they feel guilty about working, so they make it up to them by allowing them to do whatever they please and never say NO to the child? The parents go the store, and "Little Billy" gets whatever he wants; and believe me, "Little Billy" learns very quickly how to play the game.

I believe that kids need to help out in the home. I know that I, along with my brother and sister, did our share of chores. We had to clean our rooms, put away our laundry, fill the woodrack, clean the dinner table, cut wood, help out at the barn next door, mow the lawn (all 5 acres) and perform other tasks around the house. Geeze, we didn't even get an allowance (gasp!) Why did we do it? Because it was part of our jobs, part of being a member of the family. Did we bitch? Heck ya.. Did we do it? Yes we did. Did I enjoy it? Well, lets not get crazy...

Now that I think about it, I had it pretty good. I had a nice house to go to sleep in, I had nice clothes, I never had to worry about food. My parents did a darn good job, and I thank them for that. I actually belong to the group known as the "Orphan Club," so I just have to believe that somehow, someway, I thanked them previously for their gifts, as I can't do it in person now.

When I look at this picture, I wonder where my child will be in the years to come. I hope I've given her a solid foundation to do what she knows is right. I hope I've given her the skills to function in society. I hope I've taught her right from wrong. Most of all, I hope my kids are happy and glad that I was their mother; the big meanie who made them clean their rooms, mow the lawn, take care of the pets they begged me to bring home, wash their clothes and clean the litter box. I hope I've not spoiled them too much.

Like a Kid in the Candy Store

Yesterday Barb, Kendall, Carly and myself were in La Jolla California visiting the tide pools, the children's pool and all that La Jolla had to offer. While browsing the streets of La Jolla, Kendall and Carly were insistent that we visit Powell's Candy Store. We must have spent almost an hour in the tiny store but we discovered many, many varieties of candy. There was taffy, gumdrops, Pez dispensers, buttons, CHOCOLATE, gobstoppers etc. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was playing on the TV (which is my favorite movie of all times.)

There were items I remember as a small child and some that were new to me. I definitely did not need any candy but these things were not just candy but necessities for my life. I could not go without...

Here are a few things that really jumped out at me and right into my shopping basket.
After visiting that "time" in my mind, I decided to go forth and see what else I might need to purchase for use at a later time in my life. You know, I need to be prepared.
That purchase, of course, led to this purchase....
We had a blast in that store and bought a variety of items. I have to wonder, was it bad for me to allow Carly to purchase these?
Don't get all crazy on me with the cigarettes, if you look closely, the girls actually have them in their mouthes backwards! TOTALLY CLUELESS

I'm getting a visitor....

I've come to realize in my "old" age that good friends are definately hard to find. I mean a true friend, one you can not talk to for 7 years and then have contact with them and your friendship can pick up where it left off.

My friend Barb (some of you know here as Mrs.4444 is coming for a visit with her daughter. The last time I saw Kendall she must have been about a year old, so its been quite a while. I told them to bring their Thelma and Louise hats and rent a convertible to drive up and down the west coast! I've already enlisted my son Nick (see above) to teach Kendall how to surf. We've lived here in California for less than 3 years and for some reason we've aquired 5 surfboards not including our boogie boards, skim boards so we have plenty of beach "equipment". Don't worry, I will try to keep our guests safe - honestly there have been no shark sightings since the last episode (see about 4 posts ago).

Psych!

Road Trip

This summer, we are headed back to NY to see our family and friends we ditched when we relocated. Around Christmas 2007, I started thinking of what I could get for my husband for a special gift. I knew we were going "back east" in the summer, and I knew that this was to be the last year in Yankee Stadium. So I devised a scheme to have all of Chuck's family (around 22+) meet us in NYC to see the Yankees. I have to admit, it wasn't too hard convincing them, as they are all diehard fans. I couldn't keep a secret too long, as it was difficult to convince Chuck that we really needed to fly into JFK and not Rochester or Syracuse. I think he was actually still surprised just a couple months in advance.

Although I had lived in NY for over 40 years, I have never been to the "City." I have passed by NYC on my way to Long Island but never actually been in the "City." So, we will be tourists from California in July - I can gawk and take pictures and enjoy myself. I just hope we don't get mugged.

I'm definately over budget

For those of you who know me - you know how cheap I am.

I'm the lady who reuses plastic ziploc bags, refills water Dasani water bottles, cuts coupons and loves to dumpster dive. My husband is the type of man who begs me to go shopping, go to a real store and purchase items. But I rarely do, because I am so cheap. I am so cheap that years ago, when Mrs4444 and I lived near each other, we split the cost of a newsletter called "The Tightwad Gazette."

Today, I am definately over budget, as I spent $41,357.97. I have never spent that kind of money, unless you count my 2nd and 3rd house. My first house was $50,000.00 - it was actually $5.00 cheaper each month for me to own a house, rather than rent. The house was very small, 800 square feet - no basement, no attic and definately not a garage. It was a two bedroom, two story Cape Cod, and my middle child was conceived and brought home to that house. My second house was about double that both in price and square footage. The house I'm in now - well, I won't even go there, but its a bit more.

So, to say I spent $41,357.97 today is, for me, overwhelming - but I spent it anyways.
I bought a pool! Well, I bought the labor and materials for a pool, so technically, I did not buy a pool, although I do have one that I purchased 2 years ago on the side of my house that is held together with duct tape. We are all so excited! I grew up on Oneida Lake (near Syracuse, NY) and my husband grew up on the Hudson River - water is in our blood so to speak. My two oldest kids are lifeguards, and my youngest is on the swim team at the local Y.

After speaking to the salesman, I asked silly questions, like what color light I could get in the pool, but one of my main concerns for the structure of the pool was for my dog, Stella. She loves to swim, and I had steps put in just for her - I so love my stinky dog. Stella, like myself, could use the exercise. She's over 100lbs of love.

We all can't wait!!