Happy Halloween

The 'Rents and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy Halloween.  Stay safe.

You Know Why I Didn't Go To Recess In School? Part Two

Because I don't play.

Here's what happened the second time someone tried (key word) to play me last week.  It didn't work, either.

J is a childhood friend that I have known since I was old enough to actually know a person.  His family was like second family to us.  We still keep in touch with J's sister and mother, and we talk with them once every few months, but I haven't spoken or seen J in probably over 30 years.  The 30 years is a key part of this story. 

Last Monday, out of the blue, J sent me a Facebook friend request.  I didn't think anything of it, and accepted it.  Within minutes of me accepting the friend request, J posted something on my Facebook timeline, and I quote: "hi, Puddin. long time no see! sorry i did not get back to you sooner but been busy out job hunting. it rough out there but must keep hopeing and praying. take care and i will will shout you later.

I didn't post any comments.  The next day, J posted again "hey carla stopped your work and droped off a resume. here hopeing for good luck."  So NOW I know why J suddenly out of the blue gets in touch with me after 30 years.  This time, I did comment.  I simply said "Why didn't you ask the receptionist to page me.  I would have liked to say hi."   His reply was "didn't want to be a pain."  Well, it's a bit too late for that, J.  I would have much rather him been straight up about it and called me and said "I'm going to put my resume in at your company tomorrow.  I know it's been a long time, but I need a job and would appreciate any help you could give me by putting in a good word."   Don't piss on my leg and then tell me that it's raining, J. 

You Know Why I Didn't Go To Recess In School? Part One

The answer is because I don't play.

Two times in the past week, friends have tried (key word) to play me.  Neither time worked.

The first time was when a friend posted something on Facebook about being at Horseshoe Casino.  A couple of people commented, asking if he was there gambling, and he said no, he was working.  Always the curious one about people working at casinos, I commented and asked what department or area.  He said he was the manager of Legends, one of the restaurants.  A few weeks ago, the 'Rents and I took my Cousin and his girlfriend to the boat, and while we were there, I stopped at the restaurant and asked for my friend so I could say hello.  The two young ladies working at the hostess desk didn't know him.  I didn't think much of it until last night.  I drove over to the boat after work to get my "mystery gift" (which turned out to be a very cool electric sandwich/panini maker), and once again, while I was there I stopped at the restaurant to ask if my friend was working so I could say hello.  The girl at the hostess desk said she didn't know him.  And then she called over the evening manager and I asked him.  He'd also never heard of my friend. He even called someone back in the kitchen and asked if they'd heard of him.  

This isn't the first time this friend has pulled a stunt like this.  Back when I had the viral infection and pneumonia a month apart, not being one to be outdone, he suddenly came down with some ailment that was worse.  And when I had decided to go for my first Master's, well, he announced he was going back for some degree as well.  To my knowledge, he never got a degree of any kind.  But I digress.

I've thought about this a lot today, and I debated with myself over whether to call him out about this or just let it go.  I chose the former.  But in a subtle way.  I left him a message on Facebook and simply said that I was over at Horseshoe last night and looked for him at Legends but didn't see him.  I'm anxious to hear his response.  As always I'll keep you posted.  And tomorrow, I will tell you about the second time someone tried to play me this week.

Lost And Found

It's been a few weeks since I've lost something, so we all know it was just a matter of time.  This time, the missing objects are a purple silicone case for my LG Spectrum cell phone, and the back cover and battery.  All three pieces should be together.  They were last week before I went on my second trip to West Virginia, approximately three weeks ago.  I remember taking the regular battery out of the phone and putting in the extended-length battery. 

It just wouldn't be me, Puddin, if I weren't looking for something.  As always, I'll keep you posted.

Something You Don't See Every Day

We interrupt the regularly scheduled Link/App Of The Week to bring you another report of Something You Don't See Every Day.  My Sweet Mother said that I should write about it in my blog, and I always do what my Mother tells me.

On our way home from church this morning, we saw not one, not two, but four shoes in the street.  They were on the same street (Third Street) and were all in a mile and a half stretch of the street.  During that stretch, we also saw one coat. The shoes were a white golf shoe (with metal cleats), a blue shoe like Gilligan wore, a brown shoe, and a black shoe.  We thought this was pretty interesting and was definitely something that you don't see every day. 

A First Time For Everything

The 'Rents and I tried something today for the first time -- we tried some home brew.  It wasn't exactly moonshine, and it wasn't beer; I'm not sure what category it falls into but it sure was good.  It tasted like cinnamon spiced apple cider.  It didn't have a major kick like moonshine, nor did it have an aftertaste like a lot of strong concoctions.  But I'm pretty sure that after a couple of shots of it, you would be truly feeling the after effects.  All I know is the three of us thought our first taste of it was awesome.  My good friend and coworker MY deserves a major hat's off and the official TWIT Seal of Approval for his apple home brew.

Flashback Friday

At times, it's still hard to believe that Grandma died 14 years ago this week.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of her, and at times, I still feel like I should not be back here in what used to be "her room" for fear I'll leave a mess.  She died during her favorite time of the year -- major league baseball playoffs and the World Series.  

Grandma was a huge baseball fan, and she loved Reggie Jackson.  So she would root for whichever team Reggie was playing with at the time.  During the playoffs, she would even miss her favorite soap operas to watch the afternoon games. For the evening games, she'd get her bath early in order to be in her chair before the first pitch. 

Her son/my Dad is a lot like her.  A few weeks ago when the playoff games were on in the afternoons, he and Mom missed "The Young and the Restless" in order to watch the games.  And in the evenings, he's in his recliner and raring to go while the pregame show is on.  And I've been watching the games right along side of him from my spot on the couch.  I think Grandma would be proud. 

Parking Lot Crash of 2013 Update

It's been a week since the big parking lot crash at work.  During the week I've run the gamut on emotions -- I've gone from sad to mad and just about everything in between.  But over the weekend I got it all out of my system and calmed down and started to sort through it all.

Tuesday before leaving work, I got a call from the insurance company saying that my Blazer was totaled.  Really?  Like I didn't see that coming.  On the way home I stopped at the body shop across the street from the office where the Blazer is now residing, and talked to the manager.  He said that it could be repaired.  He said that thanks to it being an older model, it's sturdier and has more metal than new models, and that's what saved it from even more damage.  He went on to say that they would work with me all they could, and I told him that I had no problem with any used parts.   

Yesterday at work, I was talking with one of my trusted advisers - a friend in the Engineering department - and he gave me a great idea: he suggested I talk to the body shop and see if they would accept my BMW (that can't be driven for more than a mile without overheating) in trade for the repair work on my Blazer.  Why didn't I think of that?  

So after work yesterday I stopped at the body shop again and talked to the manager about my offer.  Much to my delight, he didn't say "Hell no"; he asked for some info on the car, and said he'd talk with the shop owner.  If this would work out, I would be able to have two problems taken care of at one time:  getting my Blazer fixed and getting rid of the BMW.  But with my luck and track record, something tells me it's not going to be that easy.

Stay tuned.  As always, I'll keep you posted. 

File Under: WTF?

Police: Woman used frying pan in assault

LOUISVILLE, KY  – An arrest report says that an argument between two people turned physical when one of them used a frying pan as a weapon.

The report states the argument between Chanta D. Crowder, 21, of Louisville, and a man on the afternoon of October 21. The victim told police Crowder hit him in the back of the head with the small frying pan.

The victim told police as he was pushing Crowder away from him she bit him twice in the neck. Louisville Metro EMS was called to the scene, but both Crowder and the man refused treatment.

Crowder was arrested on one count of assault.

I admit when I read this report, I laughed because I thought it was funny.  But I don't guess I'd be laughing if I got whacked in the head two times with a frying pan, be it large or small.  Just saying. 

My Heart Is Happy

I made a trip the library after work today to take back some books for Dad and to check out some more westerns for him.  The trip took longer than normal because there was a long line of people returning books and an equally long line of people checking out books.  Ordinarily, I would have been fuming and fussing over having to wait in a line for something, but when I have to wait at the library, I don't mind at all.  In fact, it makes me happy. 

It makes me happy because that means that people -- adults, teens and kids -- are reading books.  Book books; not just e-books being read on a tablet or iPad.  People are taking the time to read a book instead of wasting that time on the computer or playing video games or watching TV.  And it made me even happier to see whole families at the library.  That shows that parents are interested in their kids.  

Halloween Costume Suggestion

A friend asked me if I would help them come up with a good Halloween costume.  I asked if they wanted a funny costume or a scary costume, and they said they wanted scary this year. I told them that this was an easy one: dress up like Mitch McConnell.

App Of The Week

You know from many posts that I love a good deal.  There is a special feeling that you get when you buy something and saved  money.  I'm always on the lookout for a good deal, and every Sunday evening, I go through the sale papers and coupon sections from the Sunday newspaper to see what kind of good deals I can get in the week ahead.

The fine folks at Walgreens have an app that will help you, faithful readers, get a good deal.  All you need to do is to sign up at the cash register for a Walgreens rewards card, and then download the app and link the card with your app and you're on your way to savings. 

The best and most frequently purchased deal item I've been getting at Walgreens is their store brand of bottled water - a 24-pack for only $1.99 using the Walgreens Reward card.  You can't beat that anywhere. 

And once you download the app and enter your card number, you won't even have to use your Walgreens rewards card; the clerk can scan the info from your smart phone.

The Walgreens app will do more than just help you save money - you can use the scanner to scan info on your prescription medication bottles to make it easier to reorder. 

The Walgreens app is available for iOS and Android.

I Can See Clearly Now The Rain Is Gone

I will admit that today, Saturday, wasn't quite in the category of last week's Super Saturday, but it wasn't a bad day after all.  

I had time to get the frustration out of my system yesterday and today my attitude is better, much better.  Today is time to focus and think rationally and reasonably about the old Blazer and what I will do.  Actually it all depends on the how much it will cost to fix the Blazer and how much the insurance company will end up giving me.  But both of those things are out of my control so it's totally useless to worry about that part it.  All I can do is to stay positive and hopeful. 

As always I'll keep you posted.

Quote Of The Week

Today was a better day than yesterday, mainly because I didn't have another car get wrecked.  But I digress.  My sweet mother said something to me this morning that made me snap out of it.  And I quote:

"You can't turn back the clock; all you can do is go forward." 

True Mom, very true.

A Day In Infamy

T

This was the scene at about 9:45 this morning from our parking lot at work.  For the second time in about 15 years, someone crossed over the middle line and crashed into cars in our parking lot at work.  Yep, the red SUV in the picture is my beloved Blazer, and yes, the car belonging to the kid that caused the damage ended up just to the side of my Blazer, not before smashing in the front of my SUV.  He wasn't hurt, but there were 6 cars, not including his, plus the fence and the utility pole that was damaged. 

On the bright side, my Blazer did start and I was able to drive it across the street to the body shop.  But it's an old car, and most likely the kid's insurance company will total it and I will end up getting screwed over bigtime for something that was not my fault.

I've felt a myriad of emotions today -- I cried, I laughed, I was mad, and I even got sick at my stomach and threw up.  The kid that caused the damage fell asleep - he admitted it to the police taking the info - and he didn't have a scratch on him, thank the Lord.  But like I said, I know I will end up getting screwed and will have to pay for something that was not my fault.  As JFK said, life is not fair.

Happy Boss's Day

TWIT would like to wish all of the bosses out there a very Happy Boss's Day. 

One of my guys is on vacation this week, but the two remaining guys remembered it was Boss's Day and they surprised me with donuts, a gift card, and a very nice greeting card.  This was the first time I've gotten recognized on Boss's Day and I admit it almost made me weepy.

Memories

I apologize first, because normally I can quote the exact day of a previous event, but for this one, I'm not really sure.  All I know is that it was in the early- to mid-90's. 

The time was probably mid-90's, and it was the time when I decided I was going to get into singing and playing the guitar publicly.  A friend at church and I had worked up some songs, and we were certain that the world, or at least the rest of Louisville, wanted to hear us.  We had a catchy name for our duo, "The Right Combination", and we had our big performance at the Valley Country Jamboree.

The other half of "The Right Combination" was my church friend Angela.  She is still one of the best pianists I've ever had the pleasure of hearing, and she is also a great vocalist.  We just knew that the south end would be bowled over by our two songs at the Valley Country Jamboree. 

We both looked awesome for our big performance - I remember Angela wearing big hoop earrings and walking on some stiletto heels while wearing a black blazer and very cool skinny jeans.  I had on jeans, a navy blue velvet blazer and was also wearing a navy blue Bolero hat that my boss gave me to wear.  A dozen or so family and friends were there to support us as we performed, and I cannot express the thrill I felt when I heard the applause after our first song.  I'm sorry but for the life of me I don't remember what our first number was.  I do remember that our second number was The Judds "Love Is Alive".  I don't think that Angela and I have ever sang that song any better than we did that night on the stage of the Valley Country Jamboree.

Anarchy In The Forecast?

With the government shutdown still going on, and with our country just a couple of days away from reaching our debt ceiling, I'm not sure what to make of The 'Rents buying 20 boxes of macaroni and cheese today when they did our weekly grocery shopping. 

First of all, I'm proud of them for buying the mac and cheese while it was on sale. Second, I'm proud of them for stocking up on something that might come in handy should we be thrown in the midst of a state of anarchy.  I might send them back to the store tomorrow and have them buy 20 or more boxes so we can use them for bartering. 

I Love Surprises!

As Super as Saturday was, Sunday turned out to be even better.  First of all, as I was changing clothes after church, I grabbed a pair of khaki shorts that I had bought back when summer started, and unfortunately at the time I got them they were too tight.  I wasn't thinking when I put them on this afternoon and lo and behold, they fit.  My secret 30 minute walk after work each day for the past few weeks has produced results.  And wearing my cool khaki shorts over to Horseshoe casino produced results as well, because they brought me good luck.  I spent $20 and cashed out $245. 

I am totally worn out after the past five days of travelling to and from West Virginia and giving my recommendation presentation to the church, and then being tourguide to our visiting relatives, but it was an awesome weekend, filled with spending time time with friends and family, old and new.

Super Saturday

It's been a Super Saturday so far, and it's only noon.   It was super because the 'Rents and I were able to visit with family and new and old friends. 

The Cousin from Alabama came up this weekend to visit us, and brought his g/f, DR to meet us.  We fell in love instantly with DR.  We love hearing her talk with her very strong southern accent.  And an old, old family friend, Hal, and his wife were in town this weekend, and they stopped by this morning, as well.  Mom fixed a big breakfast and we all sat around the table talking, telling family stories and laughing. 

Add to this the fact that it's Sunny and 79 -- a far, far cry from the rain we had this time last Saturday. 

With as super as this Saturday has been, I'm looking forward to a Super Dooper Sunday!

West Virginia Reflections

It's good to be back here at The Compound after working in West Virginia.  Even though I was only there a couple of days, it feels like I was gone a couple of weeks.  While I was there, I made some observations.

1. There are very few liquor stores in West Virginia, particularly the Huntington area where I worked and stayed.  Not that I was looking for a liquor store; there just were very, very few around.  However, the WalMart that I visited had a liquor section what was as big as the entire Beverage Warehouse on Dixie Highway.

2.  In keeping with the theme of few liquor stores, there are few bars in West Virginia.  Once again, not that I was looking for a bar, but in Louisville, there is one on every corner. 

3.  While West Virginians don't seem to want to drink very much, they more than make up for it in eating, because there are food buffets everywhere.  You could have thrown a rock from the hotel I stayed at and hit three of them.  I guess the West Virginians would rather eat than drink; makes sense, since the obesity rate for that area is one of the highest in the nations. 

4. West Virginians must love hot dogs, because there are hot dog stands all over the place.  And I'm talking old school drive-ins that sell mainly hot dogs.  This is just fine with me, since hot dogs are one of my favorite foods.

Other than these things, Huntington was almost identical to Louisville.  The city is on the Ohio River, just like us, and they are building up their riverfront with restaurants and entertainment.  Overall, it's a great city, and I will definitely go back to visit. 

Almost Heaven, Part 2

I've been in West Virginia since yesterday morning, working on my project with my first church paying customer for my consulting business.

It dawned on me yesterday when I was driving over that there is a generation that is clueless about my "almost heaven, West Virginia' reference.  That sure made me feel old. 

File Under: WTF?

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A Louisville woman is facing an assault charge after police said she deliberately ran over a man.

Thirty-three-yer-old LaDonna S. Dawson was taken into custody Monday stemming from an incident that happened Sept. 28.

According to the arrest warrant, Dawson used here car to strike and injure a man. 

Police said the victim was at home, retrieving items from his car when he heard an engine rev. When the victim turned to look to see what was happening, he told police he saw Dawson behind the wheel of a car speeding toward him.

Dawson was driving at a high rate of speed, police said, when she swerved and hit the victim in the leg and back with her car, knocking him to the ground.

Police said Dawson turned the vehicle around, came back to scene and told the victim he deserved what he gets because "this is her neighborhood and her street" and she "runs it." The warrant states Dawson also threatened to return and told the victim he would be sorry.

Police said Dawson and the victim are former neighbors.

This gives a whole new meaning to "take back your neighborhood."  Just saying.  

Press Panic Button

I am almost ashamed to admit I had a minor meltdown this afternoon.  When I walked out of work and got in the trusty Blazer, I couldn't find my car keys.  They weren't in my pants pocket.  They weren't on the seat or in the floorboard, or heaven forbid still in the ignition.  They weren't in my purse. 

I ran (literally) back into the office and started looking on my desk, thinking I might have taken them out of my purse and laid them down as I was getting ready to leave the office.  One of my coworkers was next door in the cubicle and he asked if something was wrong.  I told him I couldn't find my keys.  He said "Did you look in your coat pocket?"  Bingo.  I had purposely put my keys in my jacket pocket so I wouldn't forget to take home my jacket.  A lot of good that did me.

Apropos, If I Do Say So Myself

I was texting with Diva Stacy yesterday, and we were talking about the Sunday morning news shows that we had watched.  She made a comment about the government shutdown, and her auto-correct on her phone didn't detect when she typed "government shitdown."  I immediately thought how appropriate that Freudian slip was.  Govement shitdown.  I can totally agree with that.

Super Sunday

We interrupt the regularly scheduled Link/App Of The Week to bring you a photograph that was taken just moments ago here in our 'hood.  What an awesome, fitting picture after seven inches of rain we've gotten in the past 48 hours here in Louisville. 

Irritations, Please Go Away

This very rarely happens to me, but today, I am irritated with just about everyone.  The 'Rents (so far) are exempt, but the day isn't over yet. 

It's been raining all day, and heavier rains are in the forecast for tomorrow, but the weather has nothing to do with it.  I'm just irritated today.  I don't want to look at anything on Facebook, because I'm sure posts on there would get me even more irritated.  If this offends anyone,  I'll apologize now.  I just have no tolerance for any whining or complaining today. 

I'm sure this will pass quickly, and tomorrow, I won't give this a second thought.

Farewell, Dusty Baker

TWIT would like to say farewell to Dusty Baker, beloved Cincinnati Reds coach.  In spite of three playoff appearances and two National League Central titles over the past four seasons, he was relieved of his duties today.  

My family has loved watching Dusty from the dugout during the past seasons as he was coaching the Reds. 

While our allegiance is with the Reds, we will also root for the team that hopefully will chose Dusty as their manager next season. 

Where's A Genie When You Need One?

I am very sad to report that Dad is in the midst of a sinus infection/allergy problem.  We don't know for sure what the exact ailment is because like his daughter, he doesn't go to the doctor unless he is knocking on death's door. 

We're making sure the patient is sufficiently fed and watered; he's had soup, sandwiches and Little Debbie cakes today, and has requested a cocktail later tonight when the baseball game starts, so I think that's a positive sign.

In the meanwhile, we all know that means it will be rough going for Mom, who will be with him during the day when I'm at work. 

If we only had a genie in a bottle that we could ask for a wish to be granted.  I would ask that our family be free from all sinus and allergy issues. Forever.  If only.

I've Let You Down

I feel I have let you down, faithful readers.  I missed a post yesterday and one day last week.  I started blogging years ago with the intention of posting something every day, and I feel like I let you down.  I will do my best to post every day, but in case I get busy with Good Shepherd Security Consulting stuff and forget, please forgive me.

This brings me to something else I need to say:  thank you, faithful readers, for being faithful readers and reading all of my posts.  As hard as it is to post something every single day, I know it is equally hard to make a point of reading a blog every single day.  For that, I thank you.  I started blogging on July 31, 2004.  In some ways it seems like just yesterday I made my first blog entry, and in some ways it seems like a couple of decades.  I still love blogging, and am thankful that I have this media to express my opinion. 

Thank you again for being such faithful readers.