As predicted by the weatherman, today it is raining all day. Not a heavy rain, but steady.
I woke up feeling like crap. Sore throat, splitting headache, heavy chest and stuffy sinuses and I ache everywhere - stereotypical flu symptoms, but I go to work anyway.
Today is the day I was getting my cable hooked up in order to cut costs. I have received emails, postcards, and a message on my answering machine reminding me. Today, while at work, I get a call from the cable company, this time it is a foreign sounding voice calling on their behalf. He must have heard my sigh, because he started laughing and re-identified himself as a long lost friend of mine who now worked for the cable company! (name omitted to protect due to the PC joke) Totally made my day. Anyway, we made arrangements to move the appointment up - I wasn't feeling good and was relieved to leave a bit earlier than planned and he needed to finish up early. It was great to see him again and catch up. Granted, I felt like crap and he needed to work, but we did manage somewhat.
Then I ran to Houghton Lake to pick up an Rx, flu meds, and some milk and back home to hit the couch and wait for the meds to kick in. I am about to concede defeat on ever catching up on my posts and all those other things I mentioned yesterday. I have a bone density test tomorrow, Brandi will be back on Wednesday, and Thursday, I have an appointment at MiWorks for the No Worker Left Behind tuition grant consideration.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Later Sunday
I had to share these pictures of the girls on the lake. In the background it looks like the rain is moving in from the southwest.
We just got back home about 1/2 ago. We were advised when we arrived back to shore by one of the township's police that walking off leash is a no-no in Michigan. She was great about it, but recommended walking off leash is for private property only.
We
briefly discussed the possibility of a dog park...another project for me? I don't think I am ready for that right now, but maybe sometime down the road.
Sunday Morning
Lots of exercise this weekend. I walked the girls twice yesterday out on the lake. There are some icy patches, but mostly covered in snow and lots of room to run. In the morning there was no wind and we could hear the air moving under the icy. Kinda a spooky glug glug that makes you turn to see what's coming. Even the dogs stopped to look, but there was nothing to see. We spent an hour out there walking around. There are more cracks and the ice is started to push up onto the beach. All shanties are off the ice, but people can (and do) still drive their cars out there to ice fish. The ice is still plenty thick enough.
I spent a lot of time on the computer yesterday working on another one of my ideas. Zazzle. I will elaborate more on that later. What was funny was Brandi. She would lay on the couch and make all these groaning noises while staring at me. I had to laugh at her. It was so obvious she was bored.
She was quiet after the second walk and was content to hog the couch while I did some locker hooking. It became obvious that I am predictable while I was conducting my right-before-bedtime routine. When I eventually walked into my bedroom to sleep I was greeted by this picture....
And exactly where was I supposed to sleep?
Brandi has settled right in with us and made herself at home. She refuses to let me sleep in, and walks all over me in the morning until I get out of bed. I try hiding under the covers, but she finds me. Then she is glued to me while I drink coffee. No one told her that I am not a morning person. Her people must be though.
I still need to find time to catch up on my vacation posts, do a summary of my cost saving measures, and read two weeks worth of newspapers and magazines.
That reminds me...
When I went to the pharmacy in town they were displaying a magazine called "True North" at the counter. I have heard of it before, saw it in waiting rooms, and know one of the writers from my summer MEAP teaching. Right on the front is a mention of A.R.K., an organization I have volunteered for and taken my nieces there to volunteer also. I exclaim to the girl at the counter that they are located nearby and pick up the magazine to see what they have to say about it. Then I see an article on the Kirtland Warbler Festival, another volunteer project of mine. Well, that was it, I had to buy it. I haven't had a chance to read past the editor's column, but it is published by the Bay City Times four times a year if anyone is interested. There is a calendar of events for the state included. I used to subscribe to Traverse Magazine, but dropped it eventually because it was pricey. If I wasn't in cost cutting mode, I would consider there very reasonable subscription rate, which is just under $10.
Okay, nuff for now
I spent a lot of time on the computer yesterday working on another one of my ideas. Zazzle. I will elaborate more on that later. What was funny was Brandi. She would lay on the couch and make all these groaning noises while staring at me. I had to laugh at her. It was so obvious she was bored.
She was quiet after the second walk and was content to hog the couch while I did some locker hooking. It became obvious that I am predictable while I was conducting my right-before-bedtime routine. When I eventually walked into my bedroom to sleep I was greeted by this picture....
And exactly where was I supposed to sleep?
Brandi has settled right in with us and made herself at home. She refuses to let me sleep in, and walks all over me in the morning until I get out of bed. I try hiding under the covers, but she finds me. Then she is glued to me while I drink coffee. No one told her that I am not a morning person. Her people must be though.
I still need to find time to catch up on my vacation posts, do a summary of my cost saving measures, and read two weeks worth of newspapers and magazines.
That reminds me...
When I went to the pharmacy in town they were displaying a magazine called "True North" at the counter. I have heard of it before, saw it in waiting rooms, and know one of the writers from my summer MEAP teaching. Right on the front is a mention of A.R.K., an organization I have volunteered for and taken my nieces there to volunteer also. I exclaim to the girl at the counter that they are located nearby and pick up the magazine to see what they have to say about it. Then I see an article on the Kirtland Warbler Festival, another volunteer project of mine. Well, that was it, I had to buy it. I haven't had a chance to read past the editor's column, but it is published by the Bay City Times four times a year if anyone is interested. There is a calendar of events for the state included. I used to subscribe to Traverse Magazine, but dropped it eventually because it was pricey. If I wasn't in cost cutting mode, I would consider there very reasonable subscription rate, which is just under $10.
Okay, nuff for now
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Settled down?
Okay, I had to load 2 Kongs with peanut butter to get them settled down. They were at one point and then the couch chase started again. Round and round. Reminds me of the children's story, "Little Black Sambo" where the tiger runs in circles until butter is produced.
Brandy stayed with us last year at this time for 10 days while her family went on vacation. As payment for taking care of her, we bartered. Her dad is a builder and he removed the ugly black stovepipe from the middle of my living room ceiling. I recalled that the last time she was here I took them to Kelly Beach and they were playing in the water....water, not a frozen lake.
I am seriously considering changing the name of this blog to "It's a Dog's Life Up North".
That didn't take long, they are both staring at me now...
I attended a Web 2.0 workshop today, so look for some more widgets and gadgets to play with here in the future. I have more ideas burning in my head too.
I have many more pictures to share and I will work on this more this weekend.
Catch up
Wow, has it been almost a week since I last posted? So much has been going on.
Friday or Saturday we went to see Vantage Point and I liked it better than Fool's Gold, but I am a drama/suspense kind of girl anyway. Not much on the romantic comedies. At one point I leaned over and said to Jordan "Can you imagine president Bush in this situation?" This caused an inappropriate burst of laughter in the theater.
No matter what day it was, we ate a lot. There was always someone in the kitchen at my mom's house. (Did I tell you I did NOT win the ugly kitchen contest?) Cookies, protein balls, pork chops, prime rib, desserts, snacks, dips, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, granola, nuts & bolts, tea, coffee and then the dishes had to be done and the kitchen cleaned up so we could do it all over again.
By Easter Sunday, I had given up and wore sweats! I was not alone. Finally, I was comfortable after a week of overindulgence.
I carried a box with me all week. It was one of those paper boxes with handles, and I loaded and unloaded it every day. Games, ingredients for cooking, cameras, chargers, projects and more. It was easier on my back to carry the box rather than something on my shoulder. On Sunday, I took a locker hook project and a 1400 yard skein of yarn that needed winding into a ball. I sat at the table and colored my rug with markers so I could follow the pattern. The girls joined me and just colored on paper...everyone else watched basketball.
Before Easter dinner we finished off all the snacks we had made throughout the week. Shrimp, cheese, sausage, and crackers, artichoke dip and queso. Gee, and I thought I had mentioned everything in the last paragraph... Anyway, we polished it all off and then had prime rib and roast beef and all the fixings. Delicious!
Monday, I had to take the Texas gang to the airport. It wasn't the best of road conditions. 10 below after snow and melting the day before. There were some icy spots near West Branch but fine after that. I got them there an hour before their flight despite the detour off of Garfield due to an accident at a stop sign. It was just being cleared on my way back and I was able to go through.
More later, I am baby sitting Brandy this weekend. I will post some photos later. A big beautiful 75 lb lab that gets along famously with Sadie. I need to spend some time getting her settled.
Friday or Saturday we went to see Vantage Point and I liked it better than Fool's Gold, but I am a drama/suspense kind of girl anyway. Not much on the romantic comedies. At one point I leaned over and said to Jordan "Can you imagine president Bush in this situation?" This caused an inappropriate burst of laughter in the theater.
No matter what day it was, we ate a lot. There was always someone in the kitchen at my mom's house. (Did I tell you I did NOT win the ugly kitchen contest?) Cookies, protein balls, pork chops, prime rib, desserts, snacks, dips, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, granola, nuts & bolts, tea, coffee and then the dishes had to be done and the kitchen cleaned up so we could do it all over again.
By Easter Sunday, I had given up and wore sweats! I was not alone. Finally, I was comfortable after a week of overindulgence.I carried a box with me all week. It was one of those paper boxes with handles, and I loaded and unloaded it every day. Games, ingredients for cooking, cameras, chargers, projects and more. It was easier on my back to carry the box rather than something on my shoulder. On Sunday, I took a locker hook project and a 1400 yard skein of yarn that needed winding into a ball. I sat at the table and colored my rug with markers so I could follow the pattern. The girls joined me and just colored on paper...everyone else watched basketball.
Before Easter dinner we finished off all the snacks we had made throughout the week. Shrimp, cheese, sausage, and crackers, artichoke dip and queso. Gee, and I thought I had mentioned everything in the last paragraph... Anyway, we polished it all off and then had prime rib and roast beef and all the fixings. Delicious!Monday, I had to take the Texas gang to the airport. It wasn't the best of road conditions. 10 below after snow and melting the day before. There were some icy spots near West Branch but fine after that. I got them there an hour before their flight despite the detour off of Garfield due to an accident at a stop sign. It was just being cleared on my way back and I was able to go through.
More later, I am baby sitting Brandy this weekend. I will post some photos later. A big beautiful 75 lb lab that gets along famously with Sadie. I need to spend some time getting her settled.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday
No plans for today, so I took advantage and slept in. The family is going to breakfast, but I declined in order to grab some shut-eye. I have been running around all week and needed a little "me time". I also needed to catch up on bills since today is pay day.
So I sat down to take care of a little business.
When I was done paying bills I decided I needed to find a way to trim some more costs. My dad got a good deal with Charter last Wednesday and I decided to give them a call. My current phone/TV bundle is about $100. I was able to duplicate the same services with Charter for about $60 for 12 months. Then it will increase to $85. That's a no brainer. The change over will happen in a week. There is an "up front" payment that I will have to pay when they come out and I will need to come up with that somehow.
I downloaded some e-books about budgeting from the state library yesterday and I am going to see how I like reading from my computer. I am not optimistic. Computer screens are hard on your eyes and people tend to decrease the frequency of blinks while viewing monitors. The result is eye strain and dry eyes. I may download the books to my Palm pilot also and see how that works. At least the PP will be easier to hang onto. Anyone have any experience with ebooks and reading via technology? The Kindle, from Amazon is finally shipping, has anyone tried Kindle? It is a wireless reading device that is designed to "read like paper".
So I sat down to take care of a little business.
When I was done paying bills I decided I needed to find a way to trim some more costs. My dad got a good deal with Charter last Wednesday and I decided to give them a call. My current phone/TV bundle is about $100. I was able to duplicate the same services with Charter for about $60 for 12 months. Then it will increase to $85. That's a no brainer. The change over will happen in a week. There is an "up front" payment that I will have to pay when they come out and I will need to come up with that somehow.
I downloaded some e-books about budgeting from the state library yesterday and I am going to see how I like reading from my computer. I am not optimistic. Computer screens are hard on your eyes and people tend to decrease the frequency of blinks while viewing monitors. The result is eye strain and dry eyes. I may download the books to my Palm pilot also and see how that works. At least the PP will be easier to hang onto. Anyone have any experience with ebooks and reading via technology? The Kindle, from Amazon is finally shipping, has anyone tried Kindle? It is a wireless reading device that is designed to "read like paper".
Thursday, March 20
I was up bright and early to go to No Worker Left Behind orientation at MiWorks. This was depressing. It brought back memories of the unemployment office from many years ago. It was the beginning of what promises to be tons of red tape. I have an appointment in April to discuss my "situation" with the advisor. NWLB is a program that will provide money for me to go back to school. But the adviser informed me it will not pay for my chosen degree program. I came home and researched a couple other schools and called Spring Arbor, my school of choice for my chosen degree program. SA said that some counties pay for it and some don't. We agreed this made little sense since it is a state program run with federal funds. I will wait and plead my case in April. It is too late for me to make this cycle at SA now.
Then I went to apply for unemployment benefits, armed with my letter, and was informed I have to wait until I am actually laid off before I can apply for benefits. See what I mean by red tape (a/k/a runaround). I looked through all the jobs available while I was there. There is one job that I think I could actually handle and it was a light bulb changer for Home Depot for $10 an hour. Sounds kinda fun. You drive to different stores, climb a big ladder and change bulbs.
On the way home, I thought I would stop at the library and apply for a library card. This is one of my plans to save money. I will borrow books instead of purchasing books. I usually only buy used books these days, but I thought of my huge Wish List on Amazon and realized I wouldn't put a dent in it anytime soon. And would I really want to own all of those books? Well, yes, I would, but I must be realistic. So while I am applying, I am thinking I could do some networking also. I know the librarian, love libraries (more geekiness showing though), and need to let people know I am willing to work part-time/temp work this summer. Well, before I know it we are spending the next 2 hours commiserating in the conference room about technology, schools, and lack of funding, and what is in store in the future. In the process I think I found a possible income generating job that might work for me. I will let you know more when I hammer out some details and get some more answers.
I hadn't eaten anything at this point and it was almost 1pm. I was shaky and felt blurry. I came home and had a protein ball and some cheese and sat down to go online to the library and order some books to check out. If your library doesn't have the book you want, you can request books from several other consortiums of libraries and have them delivered to your library for you. Once you have your card, you can log in and create a wish list and then order books. Like shopping without spending a dime.
Then it was time to get ready for Happy Hour at my parents. The guys were going to hunting camp and the girls were getting together to visit. Some people invited I had not seen in over a year. That was fun and we took lots of pictures.
When I finally came home around 10pm, I needed to wind down a little so I watched a previously recorded L&O and checked my email. I had an email from the Ugly Kitchen people indicating they had chosen a family and it would be announced on the news Friday evening. I wasn't surprised, but I was disappointed. Of course, I will have to follow their progress and live vicariously through them. Now I will have to check into rental costs for a reciprocating saw....that wall HAS to come down!
Then I went to apply for unemployment benefits, armed with my letter, and was informed I have to wait until I am actually laid off before I can apply for benefits. See what I mean by red tape (a/k/a runaround). I looked through all the jobs available while I was there. There is one job that I think I could actually handle and it was a light bulb changer for Home Depot for $10 an hour. Sounds kinda fun. You drive to different stores, climb a big ladder and change bulbs.
On the way home, I thought I would stop at the library and apply for a library card. This is one of my plans to save money. I will borrow books instead of purchasing books. I usually only buy used books these days, but I thought of my huge Wish List on Amazon and realized I wouldn't put a dent in it anytime soon. And would I really want to own all of those books? Well, yes, I would, but I must be realistic. So while I am applying, I am thinking I could do some networking also. I know the librarian, love libraries (more geekiness showing though), and need to let people know I am willing to work part-time/temp work this summer. Well, before I know it we are spending the next 2 hours commiserating in the conference room about technology, schools, and lack of funding, and what is in store in the future. In the process I think I found a possible income generating job that might work for me. I will let you know more when I hammer out some details and get some more answers.
I hadn't eaten anything at this point and it was almost 1pm. I was shaky and felt blurry. I came home and had a protein ball and some cheese and sat down to go online to the library and order some books to check out. If your library doesn't have the book you want, you can request books from several other consortiums of libraries and have them delivered to your library for you. Once you have your card, you can log in and create a wish list and then order books. Like shopping without spending a dime.
Then it was time to get ready for Happy Hour at my parents. The guys were going to hunting camp and the girls were getting together to visit. Some people invited I had not seen in over a year. That was fun and we took lots of pictures.
When I finally came home around 10pm, I needed to wind down a little so I watched a previously recorded L&O and checked my email. I had an email from the Ugly Kitchen people indicating they had chosen a family and it would be announced on the news Friday evening. I wasn't surprised, but I was disappointed. Of course, I will have to follow their progress and live vicariously through them. Now I will have to check into rental costs for a reciprocating saw....that wall HAS to come down!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday - 3/19 - Happy Anniversary
Oldest niecey stayed the night with me and we slept in...at least I did. She was up bright and early texting her bf in TX in the cat free room. This is a tough adjustment for me. What happened to my bookish and chatty niece? She got a cell phone and an iPod was her answer! Now she is taking driver's ed, and juggling school, friends, and a boyfriend. I sometimes make her put away the phone in order to "interact" with real live people in real time.
We ran some errands in the mid afternoon and then picked up Sadie and headed to my parents to reconnoiter for dinner plans. We decided to cook dinner at the hunting camp, despite the horrible roads. So about 5pm the caravan departed. We played cards, ate prime rib, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed the wildlife. The swans and deer were there. Sadie took a run with the deer, but came back right away. Apparently, she figured out they were not going to play with her. She just loves to run and she has got to do lots of that this week. She didn't fall in the river this time. She shows very little interest in the swans anymore, but they keep an eye on her when she is on the dock or close to them on shore.
We had a pleasant evening and everyone left with full bellies and tired. The girls sang to Cari and I all the way home. I told them they were better than the radio for entertainment value.
We ran some errands in the mid afternoon and then picked up Sadie and headed to my parents to reconnoiter for dinner plans. We decided to cook dinner at the hunting camp, despite the horrible roads. So about 5pm the caravan departed. We played cards, ate prime rib, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed the wildlife. The swans and deer were there. Sadie took a run with the deer, but came back right away. Apparently, she figured out they were not going to play with her. She just loves to run and she has got to do lots of that this week. She didn't fall in the river this time. She shows very little interest in the swans anymore, but they keep an eye on her when she is on the dock or close to them on shore.
We had a pleasant evening and everyone left with full bellies and tired. The girls sang to Cari and I all the way home. I told them they were better than the radio for entertainment value.
Walking on Water
Tuesday - 3/18 -I had the girls all day while everyone else went to TC. Dad dropped everyone off at the casino while he went to get another chicken shot (#2) in his knee.
I took the girls to MickyDees for breakfast. Then to work for hellos and off to my place to clean house. Afterwards, I took them to the Landmark for lunch and we went out on the ice off Old Point Comfort. Thus the Walking on Water. It was rainy/misty and foggy and gave a creepy backdrop to our adventure.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday
St Patrick's day dinner at Cari's. She cooked an Irish dinner of Corned beef, pearl onions and potatoes, carrots, potato soup, and stuffed cabbage. Awesome. We ate too much. Played tonk, laughed, and the girls played outside in the snow.
Sadie is so tired, she can't move tonight.
Sadie is so tired, she can't move tonight.
Is there enough green in one room?
Sunday
Spent Sunday at the hunting camp. The roads are a mess. The wildlife was out to enjoy the sunny day. Sadie fell in the river and gave everyone a laugh. Steak and potatoes and then ran off to the movies. Fool's Gold. My first movie since around the last time they were here in July!
Jordan took this photo...and many more. :)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Evening Sun
Sadie isn't going to get much exercise tomorrow and even though I cleaned out the car for the airport run tomorrow, I felt guilty enough to take her to the lake for some running. She loves to run.
I took the opportunity to take some photos with my dad's camera. I am unsure of the controls and the LCD was difficult to see in the bright sun. And my fingers were cold!
Submitted!
This morning I submitted the entry into the ugly kitchen contest. I am glad that is done. I had a difficult time keeping it to one page and had to tweak the margins. I felt like a teenager manipulation the text size and margins for a term paper. But, true to the geek that I am, I was trying to make the text smaller and the margins smaller. :)
I immediately turned on my cell phone in anticipation of receiving the call telling me I am a semi-finalist. I am having fun with this. I honestly do not expect to qualify because of my location in relation to the sponsors. I am guardedly hopeful.
No sooner did I turn on my phone then it is time for lunch. I go to lunch, leaving the phone on my desk. I know it is not going to ring today, maybe tomorrow, but not today.
Next thing I know, one of my co-workers, who is "in the loop" on the project, enters the lunchroom holding my cell phone! Imagine my surprise! I know what you are thinking, but it wasn't the ugly kitchen people, it was Twisted Sistor calling from the mall about my birthday present. Our lunchroom is always noisy and rambunctious, and I had to explain where I was. :)
Anyway, I am keeping my cell phone with me for the next couple days. Don't call me and tie up the line! LOL
I immediately turned on my cell phone in anticipation of receiving the call telling me I am a semi-finalist. I am having fun with this. I honestly do not expect to qualify because of my location in relation to the sponsors. I am guardedly hopeful.
No sooner did I turn on my phone then it is time for lunch. I go to lunch, leaving the phone on my desk. I know it is not going to ring today, maybe tomorrow, but not today.
Next thing I know, one of my co-workers, who is "in the loop" on the project, enters the lunchroom holding my cell phone! Imagine my surprise! I know what you are thinking, but it wasn't the ugly kitchen people, it was Twisted Sistor calling from the mall about my birthday present. Our lunchroom is always noisy and rambunctious, and I had to explain where I was. :)
Anyway, I am keeping my cell phone with me for the next couple days. Don't call me and tie up the line! LOL
Thursday, March 13, 2008
vacation on the horizon
I have been busy at work. I seem to have a ton more energy this week. Maybe those B-12 shots are kicking in! I go back to the doctor on Monday. She will probably re-run the test then. It's time for my physical...yuck. The event all women dread.
I am spending a lot of time online at home this week too. Tweaking the ugly kitchen essay, and playing with all my new web 2.0 toys I learned last week. So much to do, so little time.
The good news is after tomorrow I don't have to go back to work until March 25! Traci and family are flying in on Saturday. We have a lot to celebrate in the next week.
St. Patrick's Day at Cari's for an Irish dinner. I may actually bring the beer...if I can find it - Guiness.
Mom & Dad's Anniversary - at the hunting camp
Easter Sunday - I hope the girls want to color eggs!
and lots of family time in between.
Thanks for all the money saving tips! Even an offer for free wireless internet. Pity, no booster on earth will help from across the lake. But I will try from the gazebo!
I will keep you "posted". (love puns) lol
I am spending a lot of time online at home this week too. Tweaking the ugly kitchen essay, and playing with all my new web 2.0 toys I learned last week. So much to do, so little time.
The good news is after tomorrow I don't have to go back to work until March 25! Traci and family are flying in on Saturday. We have a lot to celebrate in the next week.
St. Patrick's Day at Cari's for an Irish dinner. I may actually bring the beer...if I can find it - Guiness.
Mom & Dad's Anniversary - at the hunting camp
Easter Sunday - I hope the girls want to color eggs!
and lots of family time in between.
Thanks for all the money saving tips! Even an offer for free wireless internet. Pity, no booster on earth will help from across the lake. But I will try from the gazebo!
I will keep you "posted". (love puns) lol
Monday, March 10, 2008
The poverty planning begins...
4 months to go...until my income is cut by 34%
Any money saving tips are welcome.
I have plans to cancel my TV and internet and will be changing my phone service.
I have analyzed my bills - fixed & variable. The high interest will be the first one to start on. Thankfully, I do not have numerous debts, just one credit card to deal with.
Months ago I began subscribing to personal finance blogs. Looked into refinancing, but I have a great rate now and mine is a little lower than the going mortgage rates.
Next week I have an appointment for orientation at Michigan Works! for a college grant they are offering. While I am there, I figure I might as well start the paperwork gerbil wheel at the same time.
Don't worry, I'm not bumming, I'm just tired. The time change really really messes with me. I slept all day Saturday, that would be my post conference crash and burn. To much fun in just 2 days! :) I took some architectural artsy-fartsy photos at the hotel and will post them when I get time.
I didn't do anything special for my birthday today. Thank you to all of you that sent cards and emails.
Any money saving tips are welcome.
I have plans to cancel my TV and internet and will be changing my phone service.
I have analyzed my bills - fixed & variable. The high interest will be the first one to start on. Thankfully, I do not have numerous debts, just one credit card to deal with.
Months ago I began subscribing to personal finance blogs. Looked into refinancing, but I have a great rate now and mine is a little lower than the going mortgage rates.
Next week I have an appointment for orientation at Michigan Works! for a college grant they are offering. While I am there, I figure I might as well start the paperwork gerbil wheel at the same time.
Don't worry, I'm not bumming, I'm just tired. The time change really really messes with me. I slept all day Saturday, that would be my post conference crash and burn. To much fun in just 2 days! :) I took some architectural artsy-fartsy photos at the hotel and will post them when I get time.
I didn't do anything special for my birthday today. Thank you to all of you that sent cards and emails.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Oh and one more thing....
Oh and one more thing....
Leave some comments! No one said a word about my book idea...I take it that means you think I am crazy...I am.
And I am tired, otherwise I would nag some more. :)
Leave some comments! No one said a word about my book idea...I take it that means you think I am crazy...I am.
And I am tired, otherwise I would nag some more. :)
I love MACUL
WOW...What a great day! I love MACUL. So much energy, enthusiasm and excitement. So many geeky new things to learn about and turn around and use to teach or teach to others. I am exhausted.
I surprised myself today. I was wandering around alone and didn't feel intimidated at all. I was hangin with vendors, chatting with total strangers, and handing out my business card left and right. I walked up and introduced myself to total strangers. I told a guy behind me about the Jing Project and apparently he didn't want to go to his next workshop because I told him about it. The girl next to him elaborated on it and that was it. I was heading off to my next session and jokeingly said "too bad I couldn't go for you". He gave me his ticket. It was a session that required pre payment and cost $40. And the ticket had his name on it. I don't look like a "Jon", do I? They let me in! Cool session too. Now I can make little videos for an iPod, or Flash. That is geek talk for web movies and music videos. Don't think I will get rich, but it comes in real handy for training people. I put together a little video for how to slow down your mouse. I will post it here, if I can figure out that part. They didn't cover that. :)
I was all geeked up and wanted to head to my room to play with all my new knowledge, but I was starving. I dropped everything in my room and ran out to grab something and bring it back to spend the evening in my nice quiet room, planning what I was going to learn tomorrow, re-typing my notes, and playing like the big geek I am. So much for my plans. All the hotel restraunts were closed. As I was heading to the other end to see if anything was available, I was grabbed by a TWICE buddy and a large group that was heading out to dinner. I didn't have my coat and declined. But more people started showing up and they didn't have coats either.... They were only going across the street. Okay! I'm in! This seems like a fun group... We had a riot and I got to meet a lot of great people just as geeky as me....some even geekier. After I ate, all the energy suddenly disappeared. I asked for my check and said my goodbyes and made my escape to my nice quiet room.
Where I broke my coffee pot carafe. Another call to housekeeping and they brought me a new one. Same girl answered the phone, too.
Made my Sadie update call. She is doing better, but apparently she was walking on Lonnie's table and desk...she knocked down a baracade, knocked the phone off the hook and she left paw marks! Busted! The bird was unscathed and so was Sadie's nose. Lonnie has a large cockatiel and I told her the bird was going to start talking like the operator: "if you'd like to make a call...." and then make that annoying blaring busy signal. Lonnie took her for a car ride too.
I just watched survivor and I need to get to bed. I wanted to post a picture of the view this evening from my room. I really enjoy Grand Rapids when I stay here.
I surprised myself today. I was wandering around alone and didn't feel intimidated at all. I was hangin with vendors, chatting with total strangers, and handing out my business card left and right. I walked up and introduced myself to total strangers. I told a guy behind me about the Jing Project and apparently he didn't want to go to his next workshop because I told him about it. The girl next to him elaborated on it and that was it. I was heading off to my next session and jokeingly said "too bad I couldn't go for you". He gave me his ticket. It was a session that required pre payment and cost $40. And the ticket had his name on it. I don't look like a "Jon", do I? They let me in! Cool session too. Now I can make little videos for an iPod, or Flash. That is geek talk for web movies and music videos. Don't think I will get rich, but it comes in real handy for training people. I put together a little video for how to slow down your mouse. I will post it here, if I can figure out that part. They didn't cover that. :)
I was all geeked up and wanted to head to my room to play with all my new knowledge, but I was starving. I dropped everything in my room and ran out to grab something and bring it back to spend the evening in my nice quiet room, planning what I was going to learn tomorrow, re-typing my notes, and playing like the big geek I am. So much for my plans. All the hotel restraunts were closed. As I was heading to the other end to see if anything was available, I was grabbed by a TWICE buddy and a large group that was heading out to dinner. I didn't have my coat and declined. But more people started showing up and they didn't have coats either.... They were only going across the street. Okay! I'm in! This seems like a fun group... We had a riot and I got to meet a lot of great people just as geeky as me....some even geekier. After I ate, all the energy suddenly disappeared. I asked for my check and said my goodbyes and made my escape to my nice quiet room.
Where I broke my coffee pot carafe. Another call to housekeeping and they brought me a new one. Same girl answered the phone, too.
Made my Sadie update call. She is doing better, but apparently she was walking on Lonnie's table and desk...she knocked down a baracade, knocked the phone off the hook and she left paw marks! Busted! The bird was unscathed and so was Sadie's nose. Lonnie has a large cockatiel and I told her the bird was going to start talking like the operator: "if you'd like to make a call...." and then make that annoying blaring busy signal. Lonnie took her for a car ride too.
I just watched survivor and I need to get to bed. I wanted to post a picture of the view this evening from my room. I really enjoy Grand Rapids when I stay here.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Made it!
I made it!
A beautiful day for the drive. The sun was shining and making me toasty warm...I could almost remember summer....
I am fixated on two things this trip. Potholes and coffee.
Potholes: One of my co-workers told me to beware of people swerving erratically on the freeways in Grand Rapids. Apparently they are trying to avoid potholes. It has been all over the news. I didn't see any on my way in, but we are working the pothole thing into all of our jokes. As we were leaving town, there were news vans all around one corner...we wondered out loud why? Then at the same time we declared "it must be potholes!"
Coffee makers: This four star hotel does not have coffee makers in the rooms. No fridge, no microwave. I had visited their website and knew this in advance. It just so happened that K-mart had coffee makers on sale for $10. Hmmm, maybe work will even pay for it if I can prove I saved them money. No dice. K-mart was sold out of the $10 and I wouldn't pay for a $20 one.
At check in they told me they will have coffee makers in all the rooms by next year...obviously, this young lady has lots of natural energy - she did not seem to grasp the enormity of this situation. She assured me that coffee was available in various spots all over the hotel - of course, they have a Starbucks. You mean I have to get dressed and go out in public before I have my coffee? Blank look from her. I asked if they rented them (I read it on their website). Oh yes, IF there are any still available a call housekeeping will fix me up for $15.
I rode with my buddy, Anne to a wonderful dinner at the home of one of my TWICE friends. They teased me about my hotel not having coffee makers and dodging potholes...A good time was had. I forgot my camera! Grrr.
Got back around 8:30 and called Lonnie to check on Sadie. Poor Sadie. She was huddled under Lonnie's desk with her head in her lap. One of Lonnie's dogs has painted a target on Sadie's back. As soon as Lonnie turned her back Saikou (pronounced Psycho) must have done something. There was no noise or bloodshed, but the end result is Sadie under the desk. We think they will be best buddies before Friday. (hope)
I better go! It is 10:45 and I am up way past my bedtime. I have to try and get to the keynote speaker in the morning to record it. I am hoping they will have milk so I can get a protein shake in me....after my coffee. Housekeeping delivered it within 15 minutes of my call. THEY understand. LOL
A beautiful day for the drive. The sun was shining and making me toasty warm...I could almost remember summer....
I am fixated on two things this trip. Potholes and coffee.
Potholes: One of my co-workers told me to beware of people swerving erratically on the freeways in Grand Rapids. Apparently they are trying to avoid potholes. It has been all over the news. I didn't see any on my way in, but we are working the pothole thing into all of our jokes. As we were leaving town, there were news vans all around one corner...we wondered out loud why? Then at the same time we declared "it must be potholes!"
Coffee makers: This four star hotel does not have coffee makers in the rooms. No fridge, no microwave. I had visited their website and knew this in advance. It just so happened that K-mart had coffee makers on sale for $10. Hmmm, maybe work will even pay for it if I can prove I saved them money. No dice. K-mart was sold out of the $10 and I wouldn't pay for a $20 one.
At check in they told me they will have coffee makers in all the rooms by next year...obviously, this young lady has lots of natural energy - she did not seem to grasp the enormity of this situation. She assured me that coffee was available in various spots all over the hotel - of course, they have a Starbucks. You mean I have to get dressed and go out in public before I have my coffee? Blank look from her. I asked if they rented them (I read it on their website). Oh yes, IF there are any still available a call housekeeping will fix me up for $15.
I rode with my buddy, Anne to a wonderful dinner at the home of one of my TWICE friends. They teased me about my hotel not having coffee makers and dodging potholes...A good time was had. I forgot my camera! Grrr.
Got back around 8:30 and called Lonnie to check on Sadie. Poor Sadie. She was huddled under Lonnie's desk with her head in her lap. One of Lonnie's dogs has painted a target on Sadie's back. As soon as Lonnie turned her back Saikou (pronounced Psycho) must have done something. There was no noise or bloodshed, but the end result is Sadie under the desk. We think they will be best buddies before Friday. (hope)
I better go! It is 10:45 and I am up way past my bedtime. I have to try and get to the keynote speaker in the morning to record it. I am hoping they will have milk so I can get a protein shake in me....after my coffee. Housekeeping delivered it within 15 minutes of my call. THEY understand. LOL
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Ready to go
I'm ready to go!
I found Sadie a place to stay with Aunt Lonnie out at Dog Scout Camp. Sadie will forget all about me until I show up on Friday to pick her up. I have her bag packed too.
I have my trip route forwarded to my work email for printing and I planned a side trip for Thursday night after the conference. There is a knitting shop called City Knits about 2 miles from the hotel. It appears they will be open late for a knit night. I haven't been to the BOB yet either, so I am open to what my TWICE group has planned.
Tomorrow night we are all getting together for dinner at a member's house. Anne is picking me up at the hotel and we may have a car pool develop.
Well, I'm tired and I hear my pillow calling me. My camera batteries are charging and you will hear from me soon. :)
PS: my house smells like "sun and sand".
I found Sadie a place to stay with Aunt Lonnie out at Dog Scout Camp. Sadie will forget all about me until I show up on Friday to pick her up. I have her bag packed too.
I have my trip route forwarded to my work email for printing and I planned a side trip for Thursday night after the conference. There is a knitting shop called City Knits about 2 miles from the hotel. It appears they will be open late for a knit night. I haven't been to the BOB yet either, so I am open to what my TWICE group has planned.
Tomorrow night we are all getting together for dinner at a member's house. Anne is picking me up at the hotel and we may have a car pool develop.
Well, I'm tired and I hear my pillow calling me. My camera batteries are charging and you will hear from me soon. :)
PS: my house smells like "sun and sand".
Monday, March 3, 2008
Just another manic Monday....
I had a busy day today and wasn't at my desk at all after 8:30am. I worked late and got home exhausted and a little down. I had no time during the day to try and find someone to take care of Sadie this week and that was weighing on my mind as I pulled in the driveway. She is always peering thru the curtains every day when I pull into the driveway. Today was no different.
Imagine my surprise to find a Yankee candle box on my door step! All sorts of things ran thru my mind....the thought finally settled on "it must be left here by mistake and belongs to the neighbor". Closer inspection revealed my name on the package! Who me? Wonder why? And I wonder who sent me something in a Yankee candle box...
Then I opened it and saw the message and it said Happy Birthday and I had to stop and think...when IS my birthday? Oh yeah, that is coming up! Is that denial or total distraction? Both?
Oh, by the way. It was 40 degrees and pouring rain this morning when I went to work. By lunch it was blowing and drifting snow. You don't even want to know what I was thinking. The candles were all beach theme scents, so I have one on the little warmer right now! All I need are some warm breezes...wait, that is just Sadie wondering what I am doing. Oh, well. At least it smells good! The candle, not Sadie's breath. I suppose I could turn up the heat from 65 to 80....
Imagine my surprise to find a Yankee candle box on my door step! All sorts of things ran thru my mind....the thought finally settled on "it must be left here by mistake and belongs to the neighbor". Closer inspection revealed my name on the package! Who me? Wonder why? And I wonder who sent me something in a Yankee candle box...
Then I opened it and saw the message and it said Happy Birthday and I had to stop and think...when IS my birthday? Oh yeah, that is coming up! Is that denial or total distraction? Both?
Oh, by the way. It was 40 degrees and pouring rain this morning when I went to work. By lunch it was blowing and drifting snow. You don't even want to know what I was thinking. The candles were all beach theme scents, so I have one on the little warmer right now! All I need are some warm breezes...wait, that is just Sadie wondering what I am doing. Oh, well. At least it smells good! The candle, not Sadie's breath. I suppose I could turn up the heat from 65 to 80....
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Spoke too soon
Stella's mom had a sudden family emergency and will be gone all week. I will need to ask someone else to watch Sadie. Good thing she is well behaved. I shouldn't have any trouble getting someone to watch her. And with a face like this....
Sadie had a well baby check last week and she has lost 4 pounds! She got her shots and license and 6 month supply of Sentinel.
Ahh, that's better
Meltdown averted with me, but not for Michigan. Rain, ice, and thunderstorms are in the forecast for this evening. People, IT IS MARCH NOW. This had better count as March coming in like a lion, cause I have had it with winter.
I received an official counseling last week about my job termination. I will be receiving a letter making it official soon. That will give me something to walk down to the Unenjoyment Office. It will also indicate that I will be brought back in the fall for only 30 hours a week. No more denial is possible. I have started analyzing my spending, establishing budgets, and prioritizing expenses. TV will go, internet will go. I have started networking and telling everyone I am available in July. My main focus will be studying and renewing my skills for web design and databases.
My other focus will be spending time with out of state family. EVERYONE will be here in July! I will be broke, but I will have free time and I will put gas in my car and get out to see everyone while they are in the "hood". :)
If the economy continues this way in Rosco, I may have slimmer job pickings; especially part-time. Bad news for all of you that cherish the tradition of going to the DQ at least once while you are here. Yeah, they closed down a couple weeks ago after 20 years. Buildings are boarding up all over town. TNT Pizza closed a few months ago. I have heard rumors of two more restaurants closing soon also.
Did some laundry and chores. I spent some time revising my Ugly Kitchen Contest letter today. I hope to finish it next weekend. The deadline is March 15. That is the day my sister and her family are coming to visit for a week. I have the vacation time (no OBX trip this year) so I am going to take most of the week off while they are here. They are coming for our parent's 50th wedding anniversery. We are under strict orders not to plan anything! :)
I am packing for a conference this week. I love this conference. MACUL Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning. So many interesting sessions, lots of networking, and I love staying in hotels. I will be at the AmWay Grand in Grand Rapids. I have made some good friends there as well and I look forward to seeing them again. Most of them are members of TWICE, and I see them via videoconference each month. We are getting together the night before for dinner at someone's house. I promise to blog about it while I am there. I am taking my little camera though. In fact I am taking a wheeled cart this year. Last time I went my laptop case was bulging at the seams with everything I thought I needed. That includes my creamer for my coffee, which several people commented on as a great idea. What wasn't good is that my shoulder was sore and I had to go to the chiropractor afterwards to fix it. This year I vow they will say the cart is a good idea! LOL I will blog lots of conference pictures.
Sadie will be staying with Stella and her mom. I am taking her over there tomorrow to teacher her about doggie doors and leave her there while I go to knitting class.
This is getting long...I am trying to catch up after being offline all week!
I received an official counseling last week about my job termination. I will be receiving a letter making it official soon. That will give me something to walk down to the Unenjoyment Office. It will also indicate that I will be brought back in the fall for only 30 hours a week. No more denial is possible. I have started analyzing my spending, establishing budgets, and prioritizing expenses. TV will go, internet will go. I have started networking and telling everyone I am available in July. My main focus will be studying and renewing my skills for web design and databases.
My other focus will be spending time with out of state family. EVERYONE will be here in July! I will be broke, but I will have free time and I will put gas in my car and get out to see everyone while they are in the "hood". :)
If the economy continues this way in Rosco, I may have slimmer job pickings; especially part-time. Bad news for all of you that cherish the tradition of going to the DQ at least once while you are here. Yeah, they closed down a couple weeks ago after 20 years. Buildings are boarding up all over town. TNT Pizza closed a few months ago. I have heard rumors of two more restaurants closing soon also.
Did some laundry and chores. I spent some time revising my Ugly Kitchen Contest letter today. I hope to finish it next weekend. The deadline is March 15. That is the day my sister and her family are coming to visit for a week. I have the vacation time (no OBX trip this year) so I am going to take most of the week off while they are here. They are coming for our parent's 50th wedding anniversery. We are under strict orders not to plan anything! :)
I am packing for a conference this week. I love this conference. MACUL Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning. So many interesting sessions, lots of networking, and I love staying in hotels. I will be at the AmWay Grand in Grand Rapids. I have made some good friends there as well and I look forward to seeing them again. Most of them are members of TWICE, and I see them via videoconference each month. We are getting together the night before for dinner at someone's house. I promise to blog about it while I am there. I am taking my little camera though. In fact I am taking a wheeled cart this year. Last time I went my laptop case was bulging at the seams with everything I thought I needed. That includes my creamer for my coffee, which several people commented on as a great idea. What wasn't good is that my shoulder was sore and I had to go to the chiropractor afterwards to fix it. This year I vow they will say the cart is a good idea! LOL I will blog lots of conference pictures.
Sadie will be staying with Stella and her mom. I am taking her over there tomorrow to teacher her about doggie doors and leave her there while I go to knitting class.
This is getting long...I am trying to catch up after being offline all week!
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