Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Awesome
Check out this news story, "Pilots Run Out of Fuel, Pray, Land Near Jesus Sign". Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?!
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Pain in the Pump
While picking up some dinner, my van let me know that it was on Empty and likely running on fumes. So, I filled up at the Chevron. Guess how much it cost?! $69!!!!!! It would have easily been more than $70 if I had consumed a few more fumes on the way. I couldn't believe it. It sucks. Not the van, the prices. I remember when I had my first car, a Ford Taurus. It cost $22 to fill it up and I could make it last 2 weeks. Sure, I was a teenager and didn't do as much running around as I do now. But this is ridiculous.
And the saddest part is that the solution to the high gas prices is actually pretty simple. All we would have to do to prompt an immediate decrease in fuel costs is if the majority of Americans just DIDN'T BUY GAS FOR ONE DAY! I know this isn't a new idea. There is a specific day designated each year for the boycott. However, just like anything else in life, it won't work if people don't participate. We have become so gas-greedy as a nation that we can't even give up the purchase for one day. Sure, people have jobs to commute to, kids to chauffeur, and lives to lead. But we're talking about one day here, people. One day is all it would take to rattle the wallets of the oil companies and encourage the government to lower prices. Unfortunately, the only thing that would make us all do this is if we had no choice, such as a natural disaster occurring and impeding our purchase and consumption.
Maybe, someday soon, we will realize that we, the people, hold all the power when it comes to the supply and demand of oil. I hope we realize it before it's $5 a gallon and it will cost $100 to fill up, each time.
And the saddest part is that the solution to the high gas prices is actually pretty simple. All we would have to do to prompt an immediate decrease in fuel costs is if the majority of Americans just DIDN'T BUY GAS FOR ONE DAY! I know this isn't a new idea. There is a specific day designated each year for the boycott. However, just like anything else in life, it won't work if people don't participate. We have become so gas-greedy as a nation that we can't even give up the purchase for one day. Sure, people have jobs to commute to, kids to chauffeur, and lives to lead. But we're talking about one day here, people. One day is all it would take to rattle the wallets of the oil companies and encourage the government to lower prices. Unfortunately, the only thing that would make us all do this is if we had no choice, such as a natural disaster occurring and impeding our purchase and consumption.
Maybe, someday soon, we will realize that we, the people, hold all the power when it comes to the supply and demand of oil. I hope we realize it before it's $5 a gallon and it will cost $100 to fill up, each time.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Things that never fail to confound me
How orange construction cones can render any driver, and pedestrian for that matter, a complete idiot.
How anyone on that Bachelor/Bachelorette reality show can actually believe that they will find their one true love.
How a Wal-mart will have 22 checkout registers, and there are always no more than 7 open, even on the busiest day.
The uneven hotdog to bun ratio.
Why health insurance will help cover costs if you get sick, but car insurance won't help with maintenance or replacement part costs, unless you nearly total it.
Why, when illegal immigrants can't pay their medical costs, the hospitals don't bill their country of origin, instead of billing our own government.
And you know what would be helpful??? If restaurants would put the minimum suggested gratuity amount on your bill, so you don't have to try to figure it out yourself.
Thank you.
*Steps down from the soapbox*
How anyone on that Bachelor/Bachelorette reality show can actually believe that they will find their one true love.
How a Wal-mart will have 22 checkout registers, and there are always no more than 7 open, even on the busiest day.
The uneven hotdog to bun ratio.
Why health insurance will help cover costs if you get sick, but car insurance won't help with maintenance or replacement part costs, unless you nearly total it.
Why, when illegal immigrants can't pay their medical costs, the hospitals don't bill their country of origin, instead of billing our own government.
And you know what would be helpful??? If restaurants would put the minimum suggested gratuity amount on your bill, so you don't have to try to figure it out yourself.
Thank you.
*Steps down from the soapbox*
Friday, May 16, 2008
Just checking in
I have been busy and, also, not so busy lately. The work on the nursery came to a standstill for a couple of days. I had painted all the walls except for the upper portion and the ceiling. I was going to have H do these since I would need to climb a ladder to do it, and I wasn't keen on that idea. So, after waiting for H to not be too busy to get around to it for two days, I was getting frustrated. If the painting wasn't finished, I couldn't move in the baby stuff. If I couldn't do that, I couldn't move on to working on the kids' rooms. So, it was like I was project-constipated. Thankfully, I found the extender rod for the paint roller and did the rest myself, with H filling in the joints. It felt so good to be working on it again. After I reattach the repainted outlet covers, I will be ready to move stuff in. And, of course, I will take pictures and post them of the nursery's progress.
I was a bit overwhelmed yesterday when I realized how much I want to get done before the baby comes and how little time I have left. And this is compounded by the fact that I have a nagging feeling that I won't make it all the way to my due date. I don't have any reason for this feeling, but it's still there. On top of the time constraints, H wants us to accompany him down to AZ for a week while he attends a real estate course. I'm a little on the fence about this. It's a whole week, in Arizona heat, with a needy dog, one vehicle, and not much to do. Not to mention that I'm getting more preggo each day. The solace would be if we could spend our time visiting with Bree and Ryan. However, they are not sure if they will still be there or will already be relocating to another state for his summer work. I also wanted to visit Boise before my due date, to visit H's family, eat some Flying Pie pizza, and float the river. Oh, floating the cold river on a hot summer day...heaven.
The kids had their first performance on Wednesday and they did great. Tiny remembered her lines and Mister really got into character. It was a lot longer than I expected, and we were sitting on gym bleachers that were not that great on the back, but the performance was very enjoyable. They will be doing it again on Saturday, and in a cushion-seated auditorium. A woman will be filming the performance and will be taking orders for the dvd. We will definitely be ordering it and sharing it over and over with family.
Family updates: My uncle is still not eating, but is doing well. He will have his MRI sometime next week. My niece is having a...GIRL! No huge surprise there. My family has a lot of girls, and most of them were first-borns. But they are healthy and doing well. Also, my sister hasn't smoked in about a week. She is attending a community class to help her quit. I'm really proud of her.
Well, that's all for now. I've got laundry piled up, dishes piled up, and a room to finish. Have a great weekend.
I was a bit overwhelmed yesterday when I realized how much I want to get done before the baby comes and how little time I have left. And this is compounded by the fact that I have a nagging feeling that I won't make it all the way to my due date. I don't have any reason for this feeling, but it's still there. On top of the time constraints, H wants us to accompany him down to AZ for a week while he attends a real estate course. I'm a little on the fence about this. It's a whole week, in Arizona heat, with a needy dog, one vehicle, and not much to do. Not to mention that I'm getting more preggo each day. The solace would be if we could spend our time visiting with Bree and Ryan. However, they are not sure if they will still be there or will already be relocating to another state for his summer work. I also wanted to visit Boise before my due date, to visit H's family, eat some Flying Pie pizza, and float the river. Oh, floating the cold river on a hot summer day...heaven.
The kids had their first performance on Wednesday and they did great. Tiny remembered her lines and Mister really got into character. It was a lot longer than I expected, and we were sitting on gym bleachers that were not that great on the back, but the performance was very enjoyable. They will be doing it again on Saturday, and in a cushion-seated auditorium. A woman will be filming the performance and will be taking orders for the dvd. We will definitely be ordering it and sharing it over and over with family.
Family updates: My uncle is still not eating, but is doing well. He will have his MRI sometime next week. My niece is having a...GIRL! No huge surprise there. My family has a lot of girls, and most of them were first-borns. But they are healthy and doing well. Also, my sister hasn't smoked in about a week. She is attending a community class to help her quit. I'm really proud of her.
Well, that's all for now. I've got laundry piled up, dishes piled up, and a room to finish. Have a great weekend.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Long Update
I haven't posted in a bit because I have been otherwise engaged and busy with life. Which is a good thing. Mother's Day was very simple and relaxing. I received homemade cards from the kids (my fav kind) and a card from H. I also got to enjoy a lazy Sunday, complete with an afternoon nap.
The kids will have their theater performances this week and I'm really looking forward to that. They will perform Wednesday morning for a community group, and Saturday for family and friends.
I also received a new church assignment. I already teach the women's class one Sunday a month and I also put together the flyers that are handed out during the main meeting. So, now I will also be coordinating the activities for the ward. For example, we have a monthly potluck and I will be the one making sure there will be plenty of people bringing food, assigning tasks to members for setting up and clean up and such, and also booking the building and making sure there are enough supplies. I worry that it may be too much to take care of, especially when the baby comes. But, I guess the goal is to have it setup enough that I won't need to do much of the "doing", but more of the "assigning" and "delegating".
The Lord sure provides some interesting tasks to build up our talents and skills. This may be a testing ground to see how much I can handle planning and organizing since I have recently considered opening up my own party planning business.
In other news, my uncle finished his last chemo and radiation treatments this last week. In two weeks, he will go for a full-body MRI to check on his cancer. But, according to his blood tests, he is showing signs of being in remission. So, continued prayers would be appreciated. He is a strong man that has beaten death once or twice already. I'm hoping that he will feel up to eating again soon and won't need the feeding tube anymore. Although, it is what has kept his weight steady the last few weeks.
Also, my brother and his family have finally received their orders back to Alaska. He is in the AF and moved back to the lower states only a couple years ago after being in Alaska for 3 years. The job field he is in though is becoming obsolete at his current base and they were allowed to have some say in where they went next. Having loved AK, they requested to return and it was granted. Unfortunately, they only have about 3 1/2 months before they will need to report there. So, that makes for quick packing and goodbyes once again. But they are a strong family that always does things well when they're together and apart. They have also let us know that it's a possibility that they may visit us when the baby is born. He has leave (vacation) time that he needs to use up. They would be here when my parents are, and I say the more the merrier. I did warn my sis-in-law, however, that I was going to be pretty tired and might not be all that hospitable when they visit. I'm sure they're okay with that.
The nursery is coming along slowly. I just need to apply the paint on the trim and H will need to paint the upper walls and the ceiling. I would do it, but that would require me standing on an elevated surface. Something that is not wise nor desireable in my state. I'm hoping to get the painting finished in the next couple days and start setting up the furniture. That will free up the halls and some of the bedrooms from all the baby stuff. I can't wait to get it all organized and ready. Can't beat that nesting instinct.
Not much else going on, as if all that weren't enough. My first planned potluck is Saturday, so wish me luck.
The kids will have their theater performances this week and I'm really looking forward to that. They will perform Wednesday morning for a community group, and Saturday for family and friends.
I also received a new church assignment. I already teach the women's class one Sunday a month and I also put together the flyers that are handed out during the main meeting. So, now I will also be coordinating the activities for the ward. For example, we have a monthly potluck and I will be the one making sure there will be plenty of people bringing food, assigning tasks to members for setting up and clean up and such, and also booking the building and making sure there are enough supplies. I worry that it may be too much to take care of, especially when the baby comes. But, I guess the goal is to have it setup enough that I won't need to do much of the "doing", but more of the "assigning" and "delegating".
The Lord sure provides some interesting tasks to build up our talents and skills. This may be a testing ground to see how much I can handle planning and organizing since I have recently considered opening up my own party planning business.
In other news, my uncle finished his last chemo and radiation treatments this last week. In two weeks, he will go for a full-body MRI to check on his cancer. But, according to his blood tests, he is showing signs of being in remission. So, continued prayers would be appreciated. He is a strong man that has beaten death once or twice already. I'm hoping that he will feel up to eating again soon and won't need the feeding tube anymore. Although, it is what has kept his weight steady the last few weeks.
Also, my brother and his family have finally received their orders back to Alaska. He is in the AF and moved back to the lower states only a couple years ago after being in Alaska for 3 years. The job field he is in though is becoming obsolete at his current base and they were allowed to have some say in where they went next. Having loved AK, they requested to return and it was granted. Unfortunately, they only have about 3 1/2 months before they will need to report there. So, that makes for quick packing and goodbyes once again. But they are a strong family that always does things well when they're together and apart. They have also let us know that it's a possibility that they may visit us when the baby is born. He has leave (vacation) time that he needs to use up. They would be here when my parents are, and I say the more the merrier. I did warn my sis-in-law, however, that I was going to be pretty tired and might not be all that hospitable when they visit. I'm sure they're okay with that.
The nursery is coming along slowly. I just need to apply the paint on the trim and H will need to paint the upper walls and the ceiling. I would do it, but that would require me standing on an elevated surface. Something that is not wise nor desireable in my state. I'm hoping to get the painting finished in the next couple days and start setting up the furniture. That will free up the halls and some of the bedrooms from all the baby stuff. I can't wait to get it all organized and ready. Can't beat that nesting instinct.
Not much else going on, as if all that weren't enough. My first planned potluck is Saturday, so wish me luck.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Finally, an intermission.
Another busy weekend has passed. This weekend saw Liz graduated with a double major and a minor...GO LIZ!!! It also sent off our buddy, Whit, a married woman. She and her new hubby are now likely basking in the Mexican sun. Though it is probably through their hotel window and nowhere outdoors. We know what honeymoons are really for, and it ain't sight-seeing. Good luck, Whit. A friend of Tiny's was also baptized this weekend. The kids were able to attend, but it was at the same time that H and I were at the wedding. We also had a bbq with H's brother and his family after their two boys spent the night with us. So many happy things going on. And now I can finally take a breath.
I plan to relax more this week. I am going to straighten up the house from the two weekends of shenanigans and to finish painting the nursery. I received even more gifts during the week from some of those that couldn't make it to my shower. I got another gift card, a baby bath, window visor, and a few other things on my registry. I am so excited to get the room all set up and looking cute. I have most of the layout all planned, just need to acquire a few more items.
The kids have been in a theater class for about 6 months now and their first performance is coming up in a couple weeks. They've been working hard and having a lot of fun. I hope it all goes well, especially with how much the director has put of herself into it. She's pretty amazing. I'm thinking that we'll be bringing her some flowers after the performance. I think Mister will be sticking with the class after this. He's a natural performer and seems to really enjoy it. Tiny, however, seems to be tiring of it. She sticks with it still because of Mister. He's sort of her security blanket, as the theater teacher put it. I think we may put her into some art classes instead. She really enjoys that.
Well, the kids only have about 4 weeks of school left. They are doing testing right now and I have only one more volunteer lesson this week. We're hoping they will be taking some lessons this summer to keep them involved and active. Mister has been playing cello this year and has decided to switch to the bass next year. I found this really amusing since the cello he has is 3/4 size and it's as tall as him. A bass will just engulf him. I told him we'll need to bulk him up this summer to be able to carry it, or even wheel it around. But I'm really glad that he is still willing to stick with an instrument. More than a few months with an instrument will usually drive most kids away. But I think he has a talent. I heard him playing on the keyboard the other day, and he was actually picking out the notes to "Amazing Grace", a song they've been learning on the cello. I was really impressed.
So, Whit's married, Liz is graduated and busy with work and her boy, E, Melissa is in Germany, and Bree will be heading to AZ in a few days to stay for three months. I don't know what I'll do with myself now that everyone will be even more busy or far away over the summer. I'm sure I'll figure out something, like reorganizing the whole house before the baby comes along. Gotta take advantage of that nesting instinct.
I plan to relax more this week. I am going to straighten up the house from the two weekends of shenanigans and to finish painting the nursery. I received even more gifts during the week from some of those that couldn't make it to my shower. I got another gift card, a baby bath, window visor, and a few other things on my registry. I am so excited to get the room all set up and looking cute. I have most of the layout all planned, just need to acquire a few more items.
The kids have been in a theater class for about 6 months now and their first performance is coming up in a couple weeks. They've been working hard and having a lot of fun. I hope it all goes well, especially with how much the director has put of herself into it. She's pretty amazing. I'm thinking that we'll be bringing her some flowers after the performance. I think Mister will be sticking with the class after this. He's a natural performer and seems to really enjoy it. Tiny, however, seems to be tiring of it. She sticks with it still because of Mister. He's sort of her security blanket, as the theater teacher put it. I think we may put her into some art classes instead. She really enjoys that.
Well, the kids only have about 4 weeks of school left. They are doing testing right now and I have only one more volunteer lesson this week. We're hoping they will be taking some lessons this summer to keep them involved and active. Mister has been playing cello this year and has decided to switch to the bass next year. I found this really amusing since the cello he has is 3/4 size and it's as tall as him. A bass will just engulf him. I told him we'll need to bulk him up this summer to be able to carry it, or even wheel it around. But I'm really glad that he is still willing to stick with an instrument. More than a few months with an instrument will usually drive most kids away. But I think he has a talent. I heard him playing on the keyboard the other day, and he was actually picking out the notes to "Amazing Grace", a song they've been learning on the cello. I was really impressed.
So, Whit's married, Liz is graduated and busy with work and her boy, E, Melissa is in Germany, and Bree will be heading to AZ in a few days to stay for three months. I don't know what I'll do with myself now that everyone will be even more busy or far away over the summer. I'm sure I'll figure out something, like reorganizing the whole house before the baby comes along. Gotta take advantage of that nesting instinct.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Happier thoughts
I started painting the nursery yesterday, with the help of Tiny. I will, of course post before and after pics. I'm thinking that the painting will be done by this time next week. I know, it's a small room, but I have to pace myself lately and I want to do a really good job on it. Tiny is really excited about getting the nursery set up. If you go to the Home Depot website for their Fresh Aire paint, you will be able to see the colors I picked for the nursery. I chose Nightfall blue (Earth section) for the walls and Beach Pearl (Waterscape section) for the trim. They look really good together. The paint is also a new product that contains no VOCs. So, it's even safe to paint in an unventilated room.
I also have a full weekend coming up again and it starts today. I am doing a Jr. Achievement lesson in Mister's class today, Liz is graduating tomorrow and we are attending her bbq which should be awesome, and Saturday is Whit's wedding. Such a full and exciting weekend ahead.
Baby update: I had a glucose test done on Monday and they called yesterday to let me know that all was well with my glucose levels but that I have low iron levels and am slightly anemic. No surprise there. My mom is anemic and I also had to take iron when I was pregnant with Mister. So, I picked up some iron pills at the store today. I'm hoping it will help with my energy levels too.
I also have a full weekend coming up again and it starts today. I am doing a Jr. Achievement lesson in Mister's class today, Liz is graduating tomorrow and we are attending her bbq which should be awesome, and Saturday is Whit's wedding. Such a full and exciting weekend ahead.
Baby update: I had a glucose test done on Monday and they called yesterday to let me know that all was well with my glucose levels but that I have low iron levels and am slightly anemic. No surprise there. My mom is anemic and I also had to take iron when I was pregnant with Mister. So, I picked up some iron pills at the store today. I'm hoping it will help with my energy levels too.
The only reason that state functions is because of people like Stevie
I had the most frustrating morning. Backstory: Last week, I got a notice in the mail that my driving privileges had been suspended in the state of NM. I was thinking that this had to do with a speeding ticket I got a few years ago, but was never able to pay because the court couldn't find it in their system. Anyway, I called yesterday about it and all I was told was that it was for a failure to appear in court. Ok. So, I wrote down the citation number and called the magistrate office that issued the citation. They couldn't find me in their system, anywhere, not using my name, birthdate, or SS#. So, this began a long series of calls between the NM DMV and this magistrate court to finally get the right citation #, but still find out that that citation is under the name of a whole different person.
So, today, I called again, over and over, to both agencies. And I spoke to a woman at the DMV that was easily the rudest woman I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. She was cutting me off, raising her voice, and talking to me like a child. So, I did the same thing after a while. It wasn't the best feeling for me, but I wasn't about to let her treat me like that. Thankfully, I never had to talk with her again after that. After starting to realize that the error was on their end, I informed the magistrate that they would need to fax a letter to the DMV informing them that I am not in their system and that they have the wrong person on file for that citation. They would need to fax this in order to clear it from my record. Whoever I spoke to told me that they can't do that and that the DMV would have to call them. So, I'm getting pretty frustrated by then. I call the DMV, only to be told that they cannot make that call and that if the magistrate will not fax anything to them, I would need to talk to one of the magistrate judges. By this time, I have had to repeat this whole scenario, my info, and the situation about 15 times and I was in tears.
So, before I called the magistrate office again, I had to calm down and pull myself together. I got ahold of a woman that I had spoken to at least once before and after calmly retelling her everything, she promised me that she could and would send that fax to the DMV and mail me a copy and that the DMV should remove it from my record after they receive the fax. I was sooooo thankful for her and said that a few times. So, Stevie (as in Stevie Nicks) at the magistrate court, you have my unending gratitude. You really made my whole day.
So, today, I called again, over and over, to both agencies. And I spoke to a woman at the DMV that was easily the rudest woman I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. She was cutting me off, raising her voice, and talking to me like a child. So, I did the same thing after a while. It wasn't the best feeling for me, but I wasn't about to let her treat me like that. Thankfully, I never had to talk with her again after that. After starting to realize that the error was on their end, I informed the magistrate that they would need to fax a letter to the DMV informing them that I am not in their system and that they have the wrong person on file for that citation. They would need to fax this in order to clear it from my record. Whoever I spoke to told me that they can't do that and that the DMV would have to call them. So, I'm getting pretty frustrated by then. I call the DMV, only to be told that they cannot make that call and that if the magistrate will not fax anything to them, I would need to talk to one of the magistrate judges. By this time, I have had to repeat this whole scenario, my info, and the situation about 15 times and I was in tears.
So, before I called the magistrate office again, I had to calm down and pull myself together. I got ahold of a woman that I had spoken to at least once before and after calmly retelling her everything, she promised me that she could and would send that fax to the DMV and mail me a copy and that the DMV should remove it from my record after they receive the fax. I was sooooo thankful for her and said that a few times. So, Stevie (as in Stevie Nicks) at the magistrate court, you have my unending gratitude. You really made my whole day.
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