I just woke up from this horrible dream. There were snakes invading the office at work. I had them under control when my co-workers started messing with them. I am yelling at them to leave them alone and they just ignore me.
As I am struggling to get my co-workers to listen to my pleas, the snakes start biting me repeatedly. A snake would pass by several people just to get to me!
Gee I wonder what that dream is all about.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
What happened to Winter
2011 - 2012 is the winter that was not. I don't think we have had more than a few inches of snow on the ground at any one time. On one hand it has been nice and on the other it is very disappointing.
With this nice weather teasing us, I have renewed my wish to get a motorcycle. I probably have a better chance this year because the new car that we got to replace our very fuel efficient van is a gas hog. That is the only thing that I am disappointed about regarding the car. 14mpg is horrible.
I am going to start looking to see what is out there for motorcycles and scooters. I will also have to keep my eye out for Olympia Motorcycle Gloves, because being protected is going to be a major issue for me.
When we were kids I drove three and four wheelers all over. I even drove my dad's motorcycle to school for a few months without a permit. I would think it is like riding a bike.
I have to research this course that New Hampshire has that allows you to get your license upon completion.
With this nice weather teasing us, I have renewed my wish to get a motorcycle. I probably have a better chance this year because the new car that we got to replace our very fuel efficient van is a gas hog. That is the only thing that I am disappointed about regarding the car. 14mpg is horrible.
I am going to start looking to see what is out there for motorcycles and scooters. I will also have to keep my eye out for Olympia Motorcycle Gloves, because being protected is going to be a major issue for me.
When we were kids I drove three and four wheelers all over. I even drove my dad's motorcycle to school for a few months without a permit. I would think it is like riding a bike.
I have to research this course that New Hampshire has that allows you to get your license upon completion.
Ladies Basketball
I am having so much fun with our basketball league. This week we should have four or five new people playing with us. We have a broad range of players both in ability and spiritually. I didn't realize it but we have several unsaved ladies joining us.
I guess that means that I have to start behaving better. That or they will see that being a Christian doesn't have to be boring or prudish. Oh my, we talk about everything from ability (or lack thereof) to wardrobe malfunctions.
Someone pulled me aside last week and asked if I was offended by something. I laughed. It takes a lot to offend me. As my co-worker said, you can call me every name and slap me across the face and I still would not be offended.
I guess that means that I have to start behaving better. That or they will see that being a Christian doesn't have to be boring or prudish. Oh my, we talk about everything from ability (or lack thereof) to wardrobe malfunctions.
Someone pulled me aside last week and asked if I was offended by something. I laughed. It takes a lot to offend me. As my co-worker said, you can call me every name and slap me across the face and I still would not be offended.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Web Presence
Our company will have a web presence again. Actually we have always had a web page but we are going to try the web store again.
Dante has been working on getting our entire inventory listed and now it will be my job to start taking photos of our products.
My most important job, however, is going to be to get our web site listed with the major search engines. I am also looking into using a service like triangle direct media to increase the traffic to my site in order to rank higher on the search engines.
Dante has been working on getting our entire inventory listed and now it will be my job to start taking photos of our products.
My most important job, however, is going to be to get our web site listed with the major search engines. I am also looking into using a service like triangle direct media to increase the traffic to my site in order to rank higher on the search engines.
Cadet
My little man is going to try his hand at acting. Each year our school performs a play. This year the choice of the speech director is Cyrano de Bergerac. Now I am going to show my ignorance but, I have never heard of this play in my entire life.
Cal has secured the role of one of the cadets, to date which cadet is still be determined. My son has a hard time lying and is like me and wears his emotions on his sleeve so I think this will be a challenge for him.
He is very excited, more than I had expected.
Cal has secured the role of one of the cadets, to date which cadet is still be determined. My son has a hard time lying and is like me and wears his emotions on his sleeve so I think this will be a challenge for him.
He is very excited, more than I had expected.
Exhausting Day
Friday I participated, for the first time, in an event that our schools sponsors. The event is a New England competition for the arts. It has everything from musical performances to biblical preaching. Trust me when I say there is a lot in the middle of those two things. I would guesstimate that there are over 30 categories.
I really enjoyed myself and as I pointed out to Cal, I think that my "calling" is serving people. I enjoy making people happy. I don't respond well when people start demanding my services but when they appreciate my efforts I will knock myself out for them.
I arrived at work at 7:30 a.m. and finally left the building after doing the dishes at 6:30 p.m. I was on my feet walking the building the entire day. I didn't sit down for longer than it took to drive to the store to pick up the food for the event. I was so tired when I arrived home that I pulled into the parking space and honked the horn for the hubby to come and carry me inside the house.
Back to the event. The award ceremony is at the end of the event and kids win ribbons. The typical blue, red, and yellow. I wonder how challenge coins, would be received as a reward. They would most certainly be of more value in years to come. I think I might make the recommendation for next years event.
Our school did fairly well, we had several first place ribbons winners, especially in the "arts". We didn't seem to fair that well in the core curriculum, and I have to wonder why. I know that Cal took a math exam and mentioned that he rushed through it because basketball was waiting for him when he was done.
I really enjoyed myself and as I pointed out to Cal, I think that my "calling" is serving people. I enjoy making people happy. I don't respond well when people start demanding my services but when they appreciate my efforts I will knock myself out for them.
I arrived at work at 7:30 a.m. and finally left the building after doing the dishes at 6:30 p.m. I was on my feet walking the building the entire day. I didn't sit down for longer than it took to drive to the store to pick up the food for the event. I was so tired when I arrived home that I pulled into the parking space and honked the horn for the hubby to come and carry me inside the house.
Back to the event. The award ceremony is at the end of the event and kids win ribbons. The typical blue, red, and yellow. I wonder how challenge coins, would be received as a reward. They would most certainly be of more value in years to come. I think I might make the recommendation for next years event.
Our school did fairly well, we had several first place ribbons winners, especially in the "arts". We didn't seem to fair that well in the core curriculum, and I have to wonder why. I know that Cal took a math exam and mentioned that he rushed through it because basketball was waiting for him when he was done.
Mud Camp
This weekend is the time of the year when Cal goes to something our church calls Snow Camp. This year, however, since we have only had a few inches of snow and, it has not been that cold, they have changed the name to Mud Camp.
Cal has some big responsibilities this year, he will be playing guitar and performing in a skit. I am pretty exictied about everything that is going on in his life right now. I hesitate to say this but he is really starting to mature.
He made the comment to me the other day that he feels he has to do "crazy" things or people won't like him. I pointed out that there are more people who don't like him because he is known for being crazy. He responded with "good point".
In a few weeks he will be off to another Snow Camp through Word of Life. They are located in the snowbelt of New York so I am hoping that he will have snow for that one. This might be his first opportunity to ride a snowmobile.
All these litte trips are costing me a fortune, and there are several other things that seem to be draining my pocketbook this winter.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Four and counting
Cal got a 12 string guitar for Christmas. This will be guitar number four for him. His first was an acoustic, second was an electric, third was another electric (much "cooler" than the first), and then the 12 string electric/acoustic.
He was taking lessons but they stopped for basketball season. I am looking forward to him starting again because he has somewhat stalled in his growth. Of course, it would help tremendously if he actually practiced.
As is the case with my boy, Cal is already looking ahead to his next musical instrument. His father would love for it to be the lastest and greatest electric piano. I have a funny feeling that it might be some ovation guitars. There are some really nice ones out there but, the boy better plan on getting a job because I think four is more than enough.
He was taking lessons but they stopped for basketball season. I am looking forward to him starting again because he has somewhat stalled in his growth. Of course, it would help tremendously if he actually practiced.
As is the case with my boy, Cal is already looking ahead to his next musical instrument. His father would love for it to be the lastest and greatest electric piano. I have a funny feeling that it might be some ovation guitars. There are some really nice ones out there but, the boy better plan on getting a job because I think four is more than enough.
Maturity
I know that I will probably regret blogging about this but, my 15 year-old son is finally starting to get it. He is finally starting to act like a contributing part of this family.
I spoke with one of his ex-teachers today and she mentioned that she has noticed a huge improvement in him during the past couple of months.
He has given me a run for my money. You know when you are kids and your parents say they hope you have a kid just like yourself. My parents got their wish. He is a good boy but I honestly didn't think he was ever going to catch on. My boy has been given the impression that the world revolves around him and his father has reinforced this belief. It has been a huge obstacle.
I spoke with one of his ex-teachers today and she mentioned that she has noticed a huge improvement in him during the past couple of months.
He has given me a run for my money. You know when you are kids and your parents say they hope you have a kid just like yourself. My parents got their wish. He is a good boy but I honestly didn't think he was ever going to catch on. My boy has been given the impression that the world revolves around him and his father has reinforced this belief. It has been a huge obstacle.
Creating some theme frames for our family photos
Guest post written by Tina Haverford
There's nothing that I love more to do in my free time than doing some DIY crafts with my kids. They're just as crafty as I am and we have a lot of fun putting up all our little craft projects around the house. While I was off for the holidays, I had a lot of pictures printed that have been sitting on my computer for several years now. So now it's like my family and I are reliving all these good times that we had in these pictures and my kids wanted to make some picture frames for them.
We looked online to find some good picture frame ideas. While I was online doing that I found some info on Installing new floors and decided to go through them to get that done.
We came up with some really great picture frames and also worked on putting the other pictures into some photo albums so we can actually enjoy those too. Overall, we just had way too many pictures to actually frame all of them, although we would if we could have.
There's nothing that I love more to do in my free time than doing some DIY crafts with my kids. They're just as crafty as I am and we have a lot of fun putting up all our little craft projects around the house. While I was off for the holidays, I had a lot of pictures printed that have been sitting on my computer for several years now. So now it's like my family and I are reliving all these good times that we had in these pictures and my kids wanted to make some picture frames for them.
We looked online to find some good picture frame ideas. While I was online doing that I found some info on Installing new floors and decided to go through them to get that done.
We came up with some really great picture frames and also worked on putting the other pictures into some photo albums so we can actually enjoy those too. Overall, we just had way too many pictures to actually frame all of them, although we would if we could have.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Work
There are some days that I am so frustrated at work that I am ready to walk out and never return. I had one of those days on Tuesday. I was so upset that I actually removed the chair that I have in my office for my friends to sit in when they come to visit. When a co-worker came to sit and "talk" I simply told her I had no interest in speaking to anyone. The chair has not been replaced.
Today, however, was one of those days that I love my job and most of my co-workers. I laughed so hard today that I actually lost my voice and the people from upstairs came down to see what we were laughing about. (this is the second time that this has happened). I was shocked that they could actually hear us. I guess we just don't understand how loud we are as we are rolling on the floor.
"Please Lord, tell me that the sound she just made came from her mouth?".
Today, however, was one of those days that I love my job and most of my co-workers. I laughed so hard today that I actually lost my voice and the people from upstairs came down to see what we were laughing about. (this is the second time that this has happened). I was shocked that they could actually hear us. I guess we just don't understand how loud we are as we are rolling on the floor.
"Please Lord, tell me that the sound she just made came from her mouth?".
Friday, December 30, 2011
The cutest thing
"E" (see the list of characters to the right) received an iPod Touch from Santa. He seems to enjoy the "facetime" feature. It is so cute to hear Cal and "E" talking. "E" just talks and talks about everything and Cal doesn't "know what to say". It is funny. The first few days they called each other several times.
I hope they keep it up because I know that Cal really needs and enjoys talking to his nephew.
The Vacation that wasn't
My work was very generous in giving us the entire week between Christmas and New Year's off. The bad part about being part-time is the fact that I don't get paid. I was able to "bank" enough time so it won't hurt too badly.
I was so excited because this would have been the first vacation (for more than a day here or there) that I had since starting the job two years ago. I cannot tell you how much I needed this vacation. I have been having a difficult time dealing with just the everyday stresses of a job. Two years without a vacation is a long time. I work 34 hours a week so I am part-time on paper only.
Then reality hit and I soon realized that we would be car shopping during my vacation. The stress was on because we had to purchase a car this week. The insurance would only cover a rental for 20 some days and the first ten we didn't know the amount that we would receive.
It is hard to shop for a car when you have no idea what your budget is going to be. We started shopping the day the settlement check arrived. Because of our past sins, we knew that we would not qualify for the conventional loan and we most definitely had to look for a used car.
Monday, after no less then ten phone calls about different cars and a few trips to look at different vehicles we found what we wanted (or better described as what we would settle for). The hard part was the fact that our used 2005 was loaded, and when I say loaded that is what I mean. Our old van was a Limited and it had every option ever offered by Dodge. We could not find any vehicle that had everything. We knew that we would have to settle.
On Tuesday, we drove an hour to look at the car, and a few other makes and models. We decided to get a 2007 Dodge Caravan. We filled out all the paperwork and the salesperson sent us home to come back at 4 p.m, when we could drive away with the car. We drive the hour home, got all the ridiculous paperwork together, waited a few hours and then drove back. We sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes and then had the privilege of being called into the office of the "financial officer". This guy was as smug as they come. He felt the need to remind us of all our past sins and problems. Thank you very much but we were very aware of the "problems" He then showed us the "offer". The deal was 25% interest, $1,700 fee, 25% down, and a loan that was longer than the life expectancy of the car. I let the "gentleman" get to the 25% interest and $1,700 fee before I stood up, shook his hand, and told him he was out of his mind. I left the hubby sitting there. I walked out, told Cal to get in the car and waited for Dante.
This place did such a job on us. It was horrible. Not only did they think that they had us over a barrel, but they made us think that we would NEVER get approved through a bank. (which is what this smug finance guy told us).
Wednesday, we spent the entire day arguing. I think that both Dante and I really started to panic. We had no idea what our next step would be. How can we buy a car if we can only get approved for a loan that in the end costs us almost 40%. We spent the entire day saying mean nasty things to each other (more me than him) and looking for cars that we would be able to purchase with the limited cash we had.
Thursday, we decided to get back on the horse. We went to look at a car and filled out the credit application. Once again everything played out like it did on Tuesday. They told us we were qualified but had to call us back with the terms. We were on pins and needles. We waited the entire day to find out that this company is awesome. They approved us without the ridiculous requests and paperwork and, the interest is one third what the first company tried to charge us.
Friday, we picked up our new car. It is not a car we ever considered looking at but, in the end, love. I am so glad that God put the obstacle in our way of the shady car dealer in order to point us in a different direction. We do not have a mini-van. We purchased a Honda Pilot. I am a little nervous about the gas mileage but in the end it is awesome.
I cannot believe how easy the process was once we were on the right track. The first car dealer was a scum and I will spend a fair amount of time giving them a negative review on every web site possible.
So in the end my vacation will be a stress free Saturday and back to church on Sunday.
I was so excited because this would have been the first vacation (for more than a day here or there) that I had since starting the job two years ago. I cannot tell you how much I needed this vacation. I have been having a difficult time dealing with just the everyday stresses of a job. Two years without a vacation is a long time. I work 34 hours a week so I am part-time on paper only.
Then reality hit and I soon realized that we would be car shopping during my vacation. The stress was on because we had to purchase a car this week. The insurance would only cover a rental for 20 some days and the first ten we didn't know the amount that we would receive.
It is hard to shop for a car when you have no idea what your budget is going to be. We started shopping the day the settlement check arrived. Because of our past sins, we knew that we would not qualify for the conventional loan and we most definitely had to look for a used car.
Monday, after no less then ten phone calls about different cars and a few trips to look at different vehicles we found what we wanted (or better described as what we would settle for). The hard part was the fact that our used 2005 was loaded, and when I say loaded that is what I mean. Our old van was a Limited and it had every option ever offered by Dodge. We could not find any vehicle that had everything. We knew that we would have to settle.
On Tuesday, we drove an hour to look at the car, and a few other makes and models. We decided to get a 2007 Dodge Caravan. We filled out all the paperwork and the salesperson sent us home to come back at 4 p.m, when we could drive away with the car. We drive the hour home, got all the ridiculous paperwork together, waited a few hours and then drove back. We sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes and then had the privilege of being called into the office of the "financial officer". This guy was as smug as they come. He felt the need to remind us of all our past sins and problems. Thank you very much but we were very aware of the "problems" He then showed us the "offer". The deal was 25% interest, $1,700 fee, 25% down, and a loan that was longer than the life expectancy of the car. I let the "gentleman" get to the 25% interest and $1,700 fee before I stood up, shook his hand, and told him he was out of his mind. I left the hubby sitting there. I walked out, told Cal to get in the car and waited for Dante.
This place did such a job on us. It was horrible. Not only did they think that they had us over a barrel, but they made us think that we would NEVER get approved through a bank. (which is what this smug finance guy told us).
Wednesday, we spent the entire day arguing. I think that both Dante and I really started to panic. We had no idea what our next step would be. How can we buy a car if we can only get approved for a loan that in the end costs us almost 40%. We spent the entire day saying mean nasty things to each other (more me than him) and looking for cars that we would be able to purchase with the limited cash we had.
Thursday, we decided to get back on the horse. We went to look at a car and filled out the credit application. Once again everything played out like it did on Tuesday. They told us we were qualified but had to call us back with the terms. We were on pins and needles. We waited the entire day to find out that this company is awesome. They approved us without the ridiculous requests and paperwork and, the interest is one third what the first company tried to charge us.
Friday, we picked up our new car. It is not a car we ever considered looking at but, in the end, love. I am so glad that God put the obstacle in our way of the shady car dealer in order to point us in a different direction. We do not have a mini-van. We purchased a Honda Pilot. I am a little nervous about the gas mileage but in the end it is awesome.
I cannot believe how easy the process was once we were on the right track. The first car dealer was a scum and I will spend a fair amount of time giving them a negative review on every web site possible.
So in the end my vacation will be a stress free Saturday and back to church on Sunday.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tis the Season for Surgery
I must confess that I don't think I have ever known so many people who are having surgery.
My husbands brother fell and broke a hip and he is in surgery. One of my ladies from basketball just had surgery on her knee. I know two ladies that will be having surgery for breast cancer. The list seems to go on and on.
I am thankful that I don't know anyone who is having laser spine surgery.
Of course, Cal having his teeth pulled was classified as surgery and that is the closest to home. He had to have several stitches and that doesn't help the smile. He has two large black clumps on both sides of his front teeth.
Hopefully after the stitches come out things won't look so bad. He will have the top braces put on in mid January and that will also help tremendously
My husbands brother fell and broke a hip and he is in surgery. One of my ladies from basketball just had surgery on her knee. I know two ladies that will be having surgery for breast cancer. The list seems to go on and on.
I am thankful that I don't know anyone who is having laser spine surgery.
Of course, Cal having his teeth pulled was classified as surgery and that is the closest to home. He had to have several stitches and that doesn't help the smile. He has two large black clumps on both sides of his front teeth.
Hopefully after the stitches come out things won't look so bad. He will have the top braces put on in mid January and that will also help tremendously
Prayers Appreciated
It seems to be the time of stresses in our family. We have a history of December being a difficult month and this year is the same.
Cal had to have two of his teeth pulled, his eye teeth. The thought is, because one of those teeth didn't survive being knocked out, to pull them and move everything else forward. This is fine but it leaves him with a very unattractive smile for quite some time. This also comes during his basketball season which will probably have to end early.
The situation with the car is just a little stressful. We did OK with the insurance but quickly found out that we cannot "replace" the vehicle we had for what they paid us. We obviously got a great deal when we purchased the car originally. Now we are trying to find a car within our price range. The van that I want is probably not "the best" minvan on the market but it is what we can afford. Of course, Dante wants the best. I understand but we do have to live within our income.
I have to take the last week of December off, and of course because I am part time I don't get paid. Just what I need, a decrease in income.
If you could just keep our family in your prayers it would be appreciated.
Cal had to have two of his teeth pulled, his eye teeth. The thought is, because one of those teeth didn't survive being knocked out, to pull them and move everything else forward. This is fine but it leaves him with a very unattractive smile for quite some time. This also comes during his basketball season which will probably have to end early.
The situation with the car is just a little stressful. We did OK with the insurance but quickly found out that we cannot "replace" the vehicle we had for what they paid us. We obviously got a great deal when we purchased the car originally. Now we are trying to find a car within our price range. The van that I want is probably not "the best" minvan on the market but it is what we can afford. Of course, Dante wants the best. I understand but we do have to live within our income.
I have to take the last week of December off, and of course because I am part time I don't get paid. Just what I need, a decrease in income.
If you could just keep our family in your prayers it would be appreciated.
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