Ranging Mom

Got the Refund

2008-03-31T11:49:50Z

Yep, took forever. Some unknown reason it was impossible to direct deposit so we got a check. The bank info was correct, don't know what is wrong at the IRS.

Taxes Done

2008-02-01T13:49:09Z

Hubby went to a CPA instead of H&R Block but the Federal and State taxes are done and mailed. We get $1 back from the state, a bit more from the Feds. Got to pay the locals but I'll wait until April for that. Discovered I made only $7000 more than hubby. His fire pay must have closed the gap, but what does that say for my additional 4 years of college and 10 extra years of experience?

Did January Right!

2008-01-22T12:18:08Z

I did get my first month of 'contact two' done, I did call and talk with M and A. Got a bonus as L called me, too. Felt bad that I had little to say to any of them, my life is especially boring at this time. M talked for an hour about her kid, the kid rolled a car (3 times, what speed was she traveling?) and is going to Australia for a semester of college. Kid is going to leave on the day of our next phone call, so I don't know if Feb will see my resolution cracking already or if M is not having to take kid to the airport... We'll see.

I barely kept A on the phone for 30 minutes, again blaming the boring life. She's ill, allergies to the 'new' school in which she is teaching. And I think of all the vitamins and such she's tried to sell me (her family is big on pyramid scheme selling, from Amway on to whatever is newest) I want to laugh, but I'm being good. Her family has the ability to laugh at itself so I'd not be taken to task if I should bring up such thoughts. It's why I consider her one of my closest friends even though we are so different from each other.

L had eye surgery, very necessary but scary stuff. I visited on the way to the Bookcrossing convention and she was worried about her eyes even then. Currently, L has an eyeball filled with oil- they removed all the natural liquid for surgery. She gave me more detail than I needed but I think she needed to talk so I listened even when I didn't understand much. I would be a basket case but she's handling it very well.

So I'm feeling good, feeling connected with some of my favorite people, and starting the year off right. Yipee.

2008

2008-01-02T02:42:31Z

Happy New Year. My only resolution is to keep better contact with two friends. I thought if I kept my resolution SMART= specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely it might actually get done. I hope to build on that each year.

Bookcrossing Books Read in 2007

2007-12-31T20:54:24Z

I didn't keep any list of books read, but at least journals on bookcrossing.com let me know how many bookcrossing books I've read this year. My count so far is: 67

1. The Preservationist by David Maine
2. The Feiner Points of Leadership by Michael Feiner
3. Ain't Myth-behaving: Two Novellas by Katie MacAlister
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J. K. Rowling
5. Like a Dog With a Bone by Lee Charles Kelley
6. Plague of Memory: A Stardoc Novel (Stardoc) by S.L. Viehl
7. Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jim Benton
8. Code Name: Bikini by Christina Skye
9. How to Murder a Millionaire by Nancy Martin
10. The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger
11. Devices and Desires by P.D. James
12. Fat Girl: A True Story by Judith Moore
13. Retire on Less Than You Think by Fred Brock
14. Fiddle Dee Death by Caroline Cousins
15. I Love You To Death by Amy Garvey
16. Dogged Pursuit by Lee Charles Kelley
17. Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger
18. Hello, Gorgeous! by MaryJanice Davidson
19. Letters to a Lady by Joan Smith
20. The Saint in England or The Misfortunes of Mr. Teal by Leslie Charteris
21. The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock
22. The Christmas Treasury by Altom, Kent, Perry, Rutledge
23. To Marry At Christmas by Kasey Michaels
24. Thanks, Mom: Humorous and Meaningful Quotes on Motherhood by Tom Burns
25. Too Soon Mid-life Crisis by Rowan Barney-Murphy
26. The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw
27. It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It by Robert Fulghum
28. The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster by Bobby Henderson
29. A Mankind Witch (Shadow of the Lion) by Dave Freer
30. The Chick and the Dead: A Pepper Martin Mystery by Casey Daniels
31. Cart of Death by Mari Ulmer
32. A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle
33. Conversations with the Fat Girl by Liza Palmer
34. Essential Einstein by Shana Priwer, Ph.D. Cynthia Phillips
35. Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned by Alan Alda
36. Code Name: Blondie by Christina Skye
37. Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie
38. Bad Heir Day by Wendy Holden
39. The School for Heiresses by Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, Renee Bernard
40. Talk Nerdy to Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson
41. Sleeping with the Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson
42. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac Mccarthy
43. Rake's Ransom and a Loyal Companion (Signet Regency Romance) by Barbara Metzger
44. Valentine's Day Is Killing Me by Leslie Esdaile, MaryJanice Davidson, Susanna Carr
45. Time Twisters by Jean Rabe
46. The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks
47. You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
48. Warp Speed by Travis Taylor
49. Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken
50. High Heels and Holidays by Kasey Michaels
51. The Quantum Connection by Travis Taylor
52. High Heels and Homicide by Kasey Michaels
53. The New York City Cab Driver's Joke Book by James Pietsch
54. Falsely Accused by Robert K. Tanenbaum
55. The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
56. More "Ladies of Letters" by Sue Townsend, Carole Hayman, Lou Wakefield
57. Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
58. Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss
59. Anything Considered by Peter Mayle
60. Tinker by Wen Spencer
61. Bride of Dark and Stormy (Bulwer-Lytton Contest) by Scott Rice
62. The Yankee Girl: A Korean Girl's Journey to Find Herself by Kyusun Chung
63. The Day They Came to Arrest the Book by Nat Hentoff
64. Native American Wisdom by Edward S. Curtis
65. Bowled Over by Kasey Michaels
66. The Bride of the Unicorn by Kasey Michaels
67. Dorothy L. Sayers by David Coomes
Hey, is there any pattern here? They are not in any special order.

I feel like I cheated

2007-12-12T13:08:33Z

I shopped on-line for gifts to give to my younger brothers and their families. That's not new, when I lived in New Mexico I did nearly all of my gift shopping on-line, but this time I had the companies send directly to my brothers' homes. I only used two companies that I am very confident will send exactly what I expect, but not having the gifts sent to me for repackaging--that's new. I'm off balance.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T00:01:40Z

Christmas cards addressed, signed, and stamped. Just got to get the letters written for inside! I don't do the photocopied newsletter, but I do type my letters on the computer and 'recycle' some of the same paragraphs at times.
Hope all is well with you.
Thanks,
Mom

A touch over 30 Questions

2007-11-06T00:50:01Z

Because I promised and I try to keep promises... Will you answer these for me, I won't post any other lists (it is not my 'thing' usually)

01. Can you cook?
02. What was your dream growing up?
03. What talent do you wish you had?
04. If I bought you a drink what would it be?
05. Favorite vegetable?
06. What was the last book you read?
07. What zodiac sign are you ?
08. Any tattoos and/or piercings?
09. Worst habit?
10. If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11. What is your favorite sport?
12. Negative or optimistic attitude?
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15. Tell me one weird fact about you.
16. Do you have any pets?
17. What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18. What was your first impression of me?
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22. What color eyes do you have?
23. Ever been arrested?
24. Bottle or draft?
25. If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
26. Would you date me?
27. Where's your favorite place to hang out?
28. Do you believe in ghosts?
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30. Do you swear a lot?
31. Biggest pet peeve?
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33. Do you believe in/appreciate romance?
34. If you could spend 12 hours with me and ask/do anything you like, what would it be?
35. Do you believe in God?
36. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same?

"Usual" Halloween

2007-10-25T11:48:44Z

Why am I not surprised that 1. Trick or Treat is scheduled for tonight instead of actual Halloween night or 2. the weather channel is predicting cold and rain? I don't think Pennsylvania children expect anything but poor weather for trick or treat, it's got to be cold at least. What I'm confused over is the local community's need for a Thursday trick or treat. Oh, just 10 miles away the communities insist on SUNDAY AFTERNOON for their children, 1 to 4pm is soooo spooky isn't it? I'm getting to the point where I want to say, if you can't do it right why don't you just quit? There's been urban legends of candy tampering since my childhood ages ago so trick or treat has been dying since the late 1970s. The trick or treat in the shopping mall lets the small kiddies show off and get their booty, perhaps we could pump that up? And haunted houses do fine for the teens, perhaps a good public party could cap that off and then Halloween is covered. I'd miss seeing the kids from the laziness of my own home, but since I have trees and they shed wet leaves I may be saving myself from a lawsuit should one of the lovely princesses or skeletons slip and fall. Has Halloween changed that much or I am just getting too old?

Back to the Scouting Routine

2007-09-29T23:11:10Z

My troops start up again this Tuesday so I've been frantically attempting to get organized. We'll have at least 4 Senior Scouts, 6 Cadettes, and 8 Brownies to start. I expect more Brownies to join, for sure.

Darned Post Office

2007-08-20T00:38:44Z

With the changes in postage costs and even delivery methods I have been frustrated often. I decided to mail the small box of clothing to my penpal in the U.K. after almost 4 months of debate and pinching pennies. I used the global flat rate box so it would be the proper size for international mail. This is important as I sent a padded envelope to her with nothing but a letter and a very small folding umbrella at a cost of over $20! Flat rate box is $35. I sent the package on August 8. It still has not arrived.

I went to the post office website to see if I could track the box somehow (using the customs form maybe?) or at least see how fast it should travel. I then discovered a big oops on my part. Seems a letter is not permitted inside the box. Come on--$35 and they complain if I include a letter too?

So the question is-- where is the box-- Will it make it to England or will it be returned to me?

Anyone care to make a guess?

This Summer's Vacation

2007-07-08T01:05:03Z

We are very short staffed at work so I only get one week off this summer. It starts Tuesday coming, 10 July, and ends on Wednesday the following week. I asked for that so I can go to Michigan for another day of packing 'go bags' for injured soldiers. My daughter and I went last year and helped to pack 90 of them. This year's goal is 300! This year daughter and I will also drag three other mother/daughter teams from our scout troop. I'm looking forward to the packing, it is another case of meeting on-line friends in real life.
The group is Operation: Quiet Comfort and the 'go bags' are just one of the projects they do. Our troop had collected items all year to donate, and items that didn't fit that group I sent via www.anysoldier.com to serving military.

That's a major grouch of mine, how today's citizen doesn't have to make the sacrifices of 'the greatest generation' and often forgets We Are At War. Ah, but I don't want to get into that today. Anyone not know I'm the wife of a Vietnam vet? LOL

Look Out 2009

2007-05-02T11:21:58Z

If you 'really' know me you know I have a mid-life crisis, total meltdown, expected in 2009. It's not that I expect 2009 to be especially stressful, it is only that I am delaying all crisis problems until 2009. I anticipate that shortly after my youngest child graduates from high school I will simply 'let loose.' I've been working to align my finances to be clear by then. I can then go get MY shiney sports car, or book a series of cruises, or pack up my home and simply MOVE. I don't know what may happen then so I don't know what form my rebellion will take. It is just that I will be able to have ME time after 20 years of being second to the needs of the children. I've been warning friends and family for the past year or so, and there are two years yet to finish, for I do not intend to feel guilty in 2009. I hope my husband is taking my warnings as seriously as my children do...

Gia's Birthday

2007-04-28T01:33:06Z

Today would have been my dog's 13th birthday. I want to journal a few memories of her before they dim, I wasn't able to write about her until now.

My husband and I were talking about our childhoods and what we wanted for our children. Back in 1994 our son was inching up on 6 and our daugther leaning toward 4 years of age. I said that I had always wanted a dog but my mother was allergic to them. Hubby said there was usually a dog around his childhood home and he thought that the idea of 'a boy and his dog' is a true one. I told my son that if he did well in Kindergarten then we would consider getting a puppy.

I started reading ads in the newspaper and one day I saw there were Golden Retriever puppies for sale. My good friend at work, we shared a desk even, knew much about Goldens and I asked her if she would check the puppies with me and give her opinion. She was very happy to do so, LOL. Loves pups, who doesn't?

We went to the home and saw the litter, I think there were 8. I had intended on getting a male as I had heard that males were more loyal to the master while females were more home based. The male, pick of the litter, had already been claimed. One pup, however, was standing in the middle of the food dish, and my friend said- that's your dog! I paid the deposit and the pup was reserved for me. She had white on her feet, a fault for Goldens, but I never intended on breeding her.

The pups were not old enough to leave their mother so we visited them whenever we were in town. I tried to get the children to sit and let the pups swarm over them but they were afraid. Since the dog was to be my son's buddy he got to pick the name. He decided on Lechuguilla, that is the signature plant of the Chihuahuan Desert where we were living. We decided her call name would be Gia. She was purebred so that's her registered name, Lechuguilla Gia. The owners started calling her Gia to get her used to the name and they took the pups out and about- including to elementary schools- for socialization.

The mom was not impressive, a thick dog with average coloring. The father was very impressive, very reddish and with an excellent pedigree. I once wrote to the kennel of many of his line but never got a reply.

Finally the day arrived and we got to pick up our dog. Unfortunately, she had developed a slight problem, an absess in her mouth. I took home pup and medication, the owners were very upset and offered another pup--even that male that was the outstanding one-- but we had bonded with Gia. In fact we found her standing in the middle of the water dish this time, LOL. The owners gave us a discount and we were all fine.

Daughter held the pup for the drive home. Hubby had been warned repeatedly that the pup was coming but he didn't believe it until we walked into the house. We all had some adjusting to do but she was, mostly, a good pup. Seldom chewed much, except for the large collection of toys provided. Had a trial housebreaking her but that was likely my problem more than anything. We did better with obedience classes, both of us enjoyed them.

Gia was a good friend and family member. She camped with us, and when I moved ahead of my family she was my companion the whole trip. Gia didn't figure out that barking while wagging the tail confused many, some were afraid of her because of that. She never bit anyone. Once I was playing tug of war and she grabbed my hand along with the rope. It was a good grip, but not a bite and didn't cause damage beyond a bruise. After that, however, she never grabbed beyond the center of the rope when playing. Tug of war was her most favorite game.

I'll have to write more about her at another time. I miss her so. She was always there at the door to greet me all of her life with me. I look for her each time I come into the house.

Bookcrossing Convention

2007-04-24T17:33:30Z

I enjoyed my time at the Bookcrossing Convention, as everyone says- it is great to put together names and faces. I attended everything, even delaying my drive home as I didn't want to miss anything. That meant staying overnight as I didn't want to be driving all night, but my choice of a Knight's Inn wasn't a good one. My family would argue it was a typical one, however. This place I will bet was a Travelodge built in the 1970s. Too bad no one saw fit to keep maintaining it, from the barely closing door to the oddly lumpy floor the place screamed neglect. But the bed was clean (I carefully checked) and the cost was low so I crashed there overnight then finished my driving the next day.

I knew the convention would be fun and even though I was by myself I figured I could still make friends. The bookcrossers there did not disappoint. From talking books to talking pet, work to play, and strange trivia in between! there were always friends to be found. My crashing into a group was never rebuffed, for which I thank them all. A special thank you to my roommate, tchouli, for the same reasons and more.

I still need to discover a 'gimmick' or some way of becoming a bit more memorable. I was a bit saddened that Sonora had forgotten me to the point that I hadn't even the honor of introducing her on Sunday as I had been asked (and prepared) to do. I shall work on developing my quirk before I attend another convention, LOL.

Can't think, dog now gone

2007-04-07T00:55:57Z

Yes, it is a quick jump from the last post to this one. Yesterday my daughter and I went to our favorite vet and had Gia put to sleep. Her cancer was so bad she could no longer close her mouth all the way and then the last two days she was having trouble eating. I called off from work because the kids were off from school, I didn't want to have things done behind their backs. My son didn't want to come, daughter and I held and petted Gia to the end and beyond.

Umm, can't post more right now. Can't see for the tears.

Bye Pup

2007-03-23T11:06:37Z

Just got the news this week, my 12+ year old Golden Retriever puppy with experience has cancer. The vet doesn't think Gia will make it past this summer. I don't think I am up for Chemo so it will be steriods. Aside from a large tumor under her left ear there is no sign of a problem, Gia certainly doesn't care. Doing Internet research I see why the vet could quickly tell me what was wrong. Too many Goldens get cancer these days, 1 in 5. What happened to the days of my childhood where the dogs simply went to a quiet place, lay down, and died peacefully?

Why can't you ask?

2007-03-14T15:43:11Z

The boss is giving me assignments at work that I am certain he thinks are 'prizes.' I, however, find them a big trial. For example, he has assigned me- the only female ranger-- to give a talk to 60 monks in their monistery. The special bonus is that the monks will 'treat' me to a tour of their home afterwards. Now, the 3 male rangers I work with do think this is a fine assignment, but they aren't the ones who got it. Why couldn't the boss ask who was interested and let them volunteer? And this is only the most recent example.

Money Makes the World Go 'Round

2007-03-08T16:04:34Z

Daughter is going to Florida with the music department, we managed to make all the payments for the trip. Son is to go canoe, still have to pay that one. Bit of a bonus, found out my regular house insurance includes flood coverage so got my Federal Flood Insurance check returned (yipee). Still, I have hopes to be debt free in 2009- just in time to pay college costs for earlier mentioned daughter. Such is life.

I've not been journalling since even I don't care to read my thoughts lately. Not much happening, really.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-15T03:10:50Z

I'm loving the snow, it makes me feel like a kid again. Conditions are just like they were when I was young.

A Cup of Tolerance

2007-01-10T18:09:15Z

I'm a strong believer in tolerance. I don't care to argue your beliefs as I am not needing to convert you or be converted by you. I like "multiple points of view," and feel sad that you feel attacked when I don't think as you do. I shalln't attack back, OK? Give it a rest, already...

"YOU?" To whom am I addressing this message? Those who are smug as they blast the 'ignorant' believers of other systems.

The beliefs of the American Indian are not quaint stories for your amusement, idiot. It is their understanding of the world and their place in it. I think the problem is not with the stories, it is with the translations. Someone says this Navajo word= that in English and right away a wealth of misunderstanding is introduced.

Turn that to different "Christian" points of view, say Creationists or Flat Earth believers. Ok, I disagree, but I am more than willing to let you hold your own beliefs without converting you to mine. May I in turn be left to develop my own understanding of the world and my place in it? Let's not ridicule believers on any slice of the arguments, if they are not converted to one 'truth' is it worth the battle?

Let's go further and add 'conspiracy theories' to the list. If an all powerful government/Big Brother is able to control your beliefs, bully for you. I chose to think differently. I won't attack your beliefs (refute maybe, rebut surely) and I'd like the same courtesy in return. Thank you.

Happy Holidays

2006-12-25T16:14:30Z

Just a wish for all to have a warm, happy time of your choice. Best wishes!

Feeling Salty

2006-11-29T16:57:03Z

It must be due to the performance evaluations at work, but this time of year I seem to get the feeling of being underappreciated. I can't claim that no one appreciates me, it is simply that I'm the little cog in the big machine that is never thought of unless I'm broke or missing.

One of my first supervisors called me "salt of the earth" and I'll take that as a compliment. The only problem is, salt isn't really 'spicey' so it is often overlooked. I can't find the quote, but one of my favorite ones is something like "salt is the thing, that without, mashed potatoes don't taste as good."

I don't know if self-promotion would help, should I be putting my name and accomplishments on display so the bosses (both at work and for volunteer positions) don't forget me? I know there's no money for awards, that's not what I'm wishing for, recognition would suit. I once decided I'd do the applications for awards and give them to my supervisor to submit. He agreed, but I didn't get chosen for any of the prizes (which is fine since the competition was super). I'd be happy if the boss decided, on his own, to submit some of my projects for review in those competitions.

Honestly, I am not a real memorable person, so should I develop a "gimmick" to make more of an impression? I've tried makeovers and personal appearance things to no good use. Other ideas? How can I make a lasting, positive (!) impression?

Once in a Lifetime

2006-10-06T19:14:26Z

There's a job opening that I believe I have more than a 50/50 chance of filling. It is at a park in Arizona, just about where my husband and I have always held as our goal. The job is not a promotion, that's the only downside, but it would pay the same as my current job. Rarely is this position open, the last incumbent (a friend of mine in fact) was there for at least 14 years that I can recall. My problem? The kids are in their final years of high school. I doubt they'd want to move, and I'm not sure my husband can afford to maintain a separate residence. I'm bored with my current job, but otherwise have no issues with it. There is a tiny chance that in one year, when my current supervisor retires (the retirement is definite), I might get a promotion. I am filled with angst! I'd love the Arizona job but I don't think I could be happy without my teens. Please feel free to write any and all advice you'd care to share. I've until October 20th to apply.

Thanks,
Mom

Doesn't Apply to ME

2006-09-23T14:17:41Z

It seems, sometimes, that challenges come in cycles. This month's cycle is filled with people for whom laws, rules, or even a locked gate do not apply.

I don't hold with the idea that the speed limit is 'only a suggestion,' for example. Many places actually spend time and money on traffic surveys and studies to determine the best/safest speed for the roadway. Unfortunately, one local community here decided to save the money for such a study and simply buy new speed limit signs, but they had a strong reason for the reduction in speed. That change will likely not be argued against, lowering the speed due to children and other concerns seems to be a good idea- study or no. People disregarding the change in speed (it went from 55 mph to 35 mph) are breaking the law, even if it is at night or whatever their excuse is.

At the park where I work we have a walkway through the woods that is made of wood. When there is precipitation we close the walkway because it is slippery. I was once assigned to walk down this boardwalk to see if it was still wet and slippery- it was. I fell and was unable to walk for over a month, I greatly damaged my knee. Yet when we are blocking off the boardwalk we must close gates and padlock them, because just closing the gate and having a sign that the walk is closed is not enough. Well, even the locked gate doesn't stop some locals from jumping over or skirting around the area to jump on the walkway at a mid-point. The closed sign is NOT a suggestion, people!

I suppose I am just frustrated that I have to work extra hard this month to protect people from their own selves. The safety net is in place, but they are determined to ignore it... or some such. Grr.