As I sit to blog this evening, I notice that the clock has struck 10:05 pm...I also just realized I have been in my home office reconciling accounts since 5:30 pm, so needless to say my children have been on their own tonight so to speak.
I just ventured downstairs to grab a snack...last night's leftover turkey/bacon/avocado sandwich, in case you needed that for visualization...and I'd like to share with you what I found just in the kitchen:
1. One LARGE plastic cup, still half-full with a large spoon in it...lemonade. The kind I asked my son NOT to make to have with dinner.
2. One pair of sweatsocks, on the counter, in front of the toaster...yes, they were the ones worn today.
3. The best find was the large mug of consumed hot chocolate with about 50 mini-marshmellows in the bottom...in the midst of absorbing the last few drops of hot chocolate.
Ahh...but how sweet he is sleeping as I kissed him goodnight...in his knit stocking hat and with an entire chessboard with all the pieces right beside him in bed....tomorrow's blog: My Dog Ate the Queen!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
It was a Diet Cokey Kind of Day
Many of you may be familiar with the lyrics to the Lady Antebellum, Need You Now...I'm going to borrow, then change those lyrics to match my morning in the home office:
It's a quarter after nine.
I'm all alone and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't drink another one, but I lost all control.
And I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without,
Another diet Coke, I just need you now.
It's a quarter after nine.
I'm all alone and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't drink another one, but I lost all control.
And I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without,
Another diet Coke, I just need you now.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Bald Girl Eats Another Filet-O-Fish
WOW! A new realization...you know it is bad when you feel another handful of hair falling out and the filet-o-fish craving all at the same time coincidentally coinciding with my trip to the accountant's office this morning. Seriously, by Christmas, I may be bald...stress = loss of hair for me and now apparently, I crave filet-o-fish sandwiches as well. Don't worry all of you who are beginning to cheer me on for this 1/2 marathon...I'll somehow get the cravings turned around into time on the treadmill!
So yesterday I thought my little run-in with the dumpster company was stressful, but today...who knew that filing your quarterlies and paying your quarterlies weren't the same thing...apparently Keith paid the 1st quarter taxes but didn't mail in the report...just got my letter from the IRS..yes, in November. Anyhow, problem was easy to solve there, BUT as usual being at the accountant's office usually brings up a whole host of other fires to put out...all of which I can usually extinguish but it takes a lot of time to locate all of the fire retardant!
Since my experience with the waste company (hereas known as the WC) was so delightful yesterday...I will share:
Betsy: When you delivered our dumpster there was already quite a bit of trash in it.
WC Salesperson: Well, it is good that you called, I underestimated your cost for the dumpster because of the weight you are putting in it.
Betsy: What do I do with the trash that is already in the dumpster? We don't have room for it when we put all of our trash in it.
WC Salesperson: You'll have to talk with my manager as he says there was no trash in that dumpster when it was delivered.
Betsy: Now about the cost...you gave me a bid...
WC Salesperson: This time we won't charge you more, next time the cost will be double.
Betsy: I'm calling to talk with the manager about the trash that WAS IN the dumpster when it was delivered to me.
WC Secretary to Manager: Are you the book lady? (So apparently word gets around)
Betsy: Yep. And the trash was in the dumpster when it arrived...how do we know this...it was stuck to the bottom of the receptacle, my manager had to peel it out of there, it is completely full of mold and the trash has a Burlington Street address which when we looked it up shows a sorority house. We really doubt the sorority gals were out at our warehouse dumping their trash.
WC Secretary: Just leave the trash next to the dumpster.
Oh delightful...here ends another day with the Unexpected Entrepreneur...I must go in search of more fire retardant.
So yesterday I thought my little run-in with the dumpster company was stressful, but today...who knew that filing your quarterlies and paying your quarterlies weren't the same thing...apparently Keith paid the 1st quarter taxes but didn't mail in the report...just got my letter from the IRS..yes, in November. Anyhow, problem was easy to solve there, BUT as usual being at the accountant's office usually brings up a whole host of other fires to put out...all of which I can usually extinguish but it takes a lot of time to locate all of the fire retardant!
Since my experience with the waste company (hereas known as the WC) was so delightful yesterday...I will share:
Betsy: When you delivered our dumpster there was already quite a bit of trash in it.
WC Salesperson: Well, it is good that you called, I underestimated your cost for the dumpster because of the weight you are putting in it.
Betsy: What do I do with the trash that is already in the dumpster? We don't have room for it when we put all of our trash in it.
WC Salesperson: You'll have to talk with my manager as he says there was no trash in that dumpster when it was delivered.
Betsy: Now about the cost...you gave me a bid...
WC Salesperson: This time we won't charge you more, next time the cost will be double.
Betsy: I'm calling to talk with the manager about the trash that WAS IN the dumpster when it was delivered to me.
WC Secretary to Manager: Are you the book lady? (So apparently word gets around)
Betsy: Yep. And the trash was in the dumpster when it arrived...how do we know this...it was stuck to the bottom of the receptacle, my manager had to peel it out of there, it is completely full of mold and the trash has a Burlington Street address which when we looked it up shows a sorority house. We really doubt the sorority gals were out at our warehouse dumping their trash.
WC Secretary: Just leave the trash next to the dumpster.
Oh delightful...here ends another day with the Unexpected Entrepreneur...I must go in search of more fire retardant.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Running Thoughts
Dear Runners' World, I think I have a great new training program for you that works really well for me...walk two songs, run four songs...REPEAT!
Sincerely, A very bored runner on the treadmill
Dear Tom Petty, I think you should come and run the 1/2 marathon with me since you sing to me on every run I take...I know you are getting up there in years, but if I can do it, you can do it.
Sincerely, A runner who runs to her own beat!
Dear Readers of this Blog, I am taking bets on when Finley George (my furry son) decides he is going to try out the treadmill. He has been pondering this idea for the last few runs...I say, one of these days, he will go for it. It won't be pretty.
Sincerely, One worried dog owner
Sincerely, A very bored runner on the treadmill
Dear Tom Petty, I think you should come and run the 1/2 marathon with me since you sing to me on every run I take...I know you are getting up there in years, but if I can do it, you can do it.
Sincerely, A runner who runs to her own beat!
Dear Readers of this Blog, I am taking bets on when Finley George (my furry son) decides he is going to try out the treadmill. He has been pondering this idea for the last few runs...I say, one of these days, he will go for it. It won't be pretty.
Sincerely, One worried dog owner
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Pyschoanalyze This...
So I once was a teacher...teachers teach reading: therefore teachers should LOVE to read. Well, as a kid yes, as an adult, sporadic...why? Can't figure that out...attention span has to be one part of the equation.
So I own a book business, access to books is plentiful, reading is free, so one would think...and I do take home a lot of books, just don't ever seem to finish them...for example, here is what resides on my nightstand and exactly where the bookmark is...
Friday Night Lights (I love football, so I should love this book): Read the Prologue
How To Tell Your Friends From Apes (looked funny, short quips): Read back cover
The Devil in the White City (heard from many it was good, historical and about Chicago = perfect): Bookmark in page 100, but don't really remember reading that much of this one, hmmm..
The Shack (heavy, man, heavy...stopped reading at time of diagnosis): Page 245, but I am reading the large print version...one can read more pages that way :)
Cancer Journey (on one, thanks): Page 80, but won't be finishing, their family's journey ends on a happy note
The Glass Castle: No bookmark, must not have started it.
Little Altars Everywhere (Loved the Ya Ya Sisterhood...so thought I'd love this): Page 10
The Memory Keeper's Daughter: Page 8
Splendid Solution, Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio (I'm a geek, love a good biography): Page 112
Tender at the Bone: Not yet started, but heard it was humorous
James Van Allen, The First Eight Billion Miles (OK a big geek): Bookmark fell out, eek! Very small print and I know I made it to at least page 100.
Friday Night Knitting Club (resides in car, chapter 3...but hey, just started that one 3 days ago)
Dragon Tattoo Set...Gave it to a friend to read since I have a lot of other choices...
There you have it...perhaps I have an attention span issue...Look out for falling stacks of books, maybe if it hits me it'll knock me back into a good reading habit!
So I own a book business, access to books is plentiful, reading is free, so one would think...and I do take home a lot of books, just don't ever seem to finish them...for example, here is what resides on my nightstand and exactly where the bookmark is...
Friday Night Lights (I love football, so I should love this book): Read the Prologue
How To Tell Your Friends From Apes (looked funny, short quips): Read back cover
The Devil in the White City (heard from many it was good, historical and about Chicago = perfect): Bookmark in page 100, but don't really remember reading that much of this one, hmmm..
The Shack (heavy, man, heavy...stopped reading at time of diagnosis): Page 245, but I am reading the large print version...one can read more pages that way :)
Cancer Journey (on one, thanks): Page 80, but won't be finishing, their family's journey ends on a happy note
The Glass Castle: No bookmark, must not have started it.
Little Altars Everywhere (Loved the Ya Ya Sisterhood...so thought I'd love this): Page 10
The Memory Keeper's Daughter: Page 8
Splendid Solution, Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio (I'm a geek, love a good biography): Page 112
Tender at the Bone: Not yet started, but heard it was humorous
James Van Allen, The First Eight Billion Miles (OK a big geek): Bookmark fell out, eek! Very small print and I know I made it to at least page 100.
Friday Night Knitting Club (resides in car, chapter 3...but hey, just started that one 3 days ago)
Dragon Tattoo Set...Gave it to a friend to read since I have a lot of other choices...
There you have it...perhaps I have an attention span issue...Look out for falling stacks of books, maybe if it hits me it'll knock me back into a good reading habit!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Scary Things
Halloween is approaching, time to discuss scary things, and not Frankenstein, Dracula and ghosts...real scary things like:
Emily WANTS to go driving on the interstate..oh boy. I'm not sure it would look good to the police occifer if I had a glass of wine before the drive to take the edge off...not a good idea! And how in this area do you slowly introduce interstate driving?
The owl that hoots at night in my backyard...ask me during the day: I love having an owl (I'm a gardener, so an owl = no rabbits). At night, I don't like the owl, he is spooky...why, you ask? My grandma once said that an owl's hoot is the sign of death...thank you, Grandma, thank you very much for planting that seed (see how I brought that back around to gardening...tricky, I am).
Today on my drive home I passed a man in a truck. He had a roll of toilet paper on his dashboard...don't now about you all, but that is SCARY! Might even be scarier to think about what is on his steering wheel...oh I won't go there. But what I really wanted to say was, "Hey, if you are going to keep toilet paper in your truck, how about the glove box? Or maybe the floor? Or how about wet wipes...then you could used them on your hands as well? How about that?"
The substitute UPS man, he is always angry and frazzled...what if I'm the last straw someday?
Accounting.
No need to worry about ghouls and goblins when all of these other scary things are staring me in the face :)
Emily WANTS to go driving on the interstate..oh boy. I'm not sure it would look good to the police occifer if I had a glass of wine before the drive to take the edge off...not a good idea! And how in this area do you slowly introduce interstate driving?
The owl that hoots at night in my backyard...ask me during the day: I love having an owl (I'm a gardener, so an owl = no rabbits). At night, I don't like the owl, he is spooky...why, you ask? My grandma once said that an owl's hoot is the sign of death...thank you, Grandma, thank you very much for planting that seed (see how I brought that back around to gardening...tricky, I am).
Today on my drive home I passed a man in a truck. He had a roll of toilet paper on his dashboard...don't now about you all, but that is SCARY! Might even be scarier to think about what is on his steering wheel...oh I won't go there. But what I really wanted to say was, "Hey, if you are going to keep toilet paper in your truck, how about the glove box? Or maybe the floor? Or how about wet wipes...then you could used them on your hands as well? How about that?"
The substitute UPS man, he is always angry and frazzled...what if I'm the last straw someday?
Accounting.
No need to worry about ghouls and goblins when all of these other scary things are staring me in the face :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Things Learned Later in Life...
I bit the bullet...I paid to have someone wash my outside windows (and siding)...couldn't bring myself to pay for the inside, BUT did learn...totally worth it! It is amazing how clean windows can make one's life a little brighter...no pun intended.
Professional massages...need I say more! For years, I attempted to convince my spouse that a great professional massage cannot be rivaled, it was worth hours of therapy. About 3 months before Keith passed away...he finally caved and got a great chair massage...he was hooked, yep, after one time! And I know he would tell you all...do it regularly!
Instead of asking...just make an announcement, right Em? This seems to be Em's approach to her social life. Instead of asking, just she announces...ironically, I think this should go under the Learned Too Early List when it comes to her, but when it comes to me...I'm going to take this approach from now on. No more asking, just telling :)
Professional massages...need I say more! For years, I attempted to convince my spouse that a great professional massage cannot be rivaled, it was worth hours of therapy. About 3 months before Keith passed away...he finally caved and got a great chair massage...he was hooked, yep, after one time! And I know he would tell you all...do it regularly!
Instead of asking...just make an announcement, right Em? This seems to be Em's approach to her social life. Instead of asking, just she announces...ironically, I think this should go under the Learned Too Early List when it comes to her, but when it comes to me...I'm going to take this approach from now on. No more asking, just telling :)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Things To Wonder About...
*Ran the 5K at the Run for the Schools on Sunday...wondered if I could do that again after a 12 year break in "racing"...made it, but wondered, what are some parents thinking? I followed a youngster for a few blocks who was on the 5K route who was running in her Mary Jane shoes...EEK! Though a Sunday morning, all I could think about was...plantar fasciitis...maybe I am old, but a good pair of running shoes are a must!
*Used to wonder what exactly a podcast was...but thanks to Joe (who keeps me posted on such things) I now know and was happy to learn that most are FREE...yippeee! And what is the first podcast I downloaded you ask? Well, coincidentally...The BS Report (which Joe has accused me of stealing the name)...I say not.
*Went to Shred Day on Saturday morning (totally worth the trip BTW) and wondered, do they really shred your documents once they are in the big truck OR does it just sound like it?
*When will I actually HAVE TO make the closet switch? You know, the dreaded summer-to-winter change over? I hate this, in my world, this involves a step ladder.
A glimpse of Shred Day! I'm going every year, man!
*Used to wonder what exactly a podcast was...but thanks to Joe (who keeps me posted on such things) I now know and was happy to learn that most are FREE...yippeee! And what is the first podcast I downloaded you ask? Well, coincidentally...The BS Report (which Joe has accused me of stealing the name)...I say not.
*Went to Shred Day on Saturday morning (totally worth the trip BTW) and wondered, do they really shred your documents once they are in the big truck OR does it just sound like it?
*When will I actually HAVE TO make the closet switch? You know, the dreaded summer-to-winter change over? I hate this, in my world, this involves a step ladder.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My Gratitude List for the Day
When things look a little bleak, I like to rearrange my thinking into..."What do I have to be thankful for today?" Thought I'd share my list..
1. Went to the store today and REMEMBERED to unload the groceries when I got home, thus saving all cold items. Unfortunately in the last month, I have inadvertantly, not once, but twice forgotten to unload the groceries out of the car...not a good September/October happening.
2. Felt proud that my accountant confirmed that I had done some correct accounting after taking a few guesses at some things...Go Logical Thinking!
3. Up to this point today, there are NO ruined items on the "What did Finley Chew Today" List...though I can share since the throw blankets have been thrown around recently, that I have NOT ONE blanket in my home that has not been chewed upon.
4. And, last but not the least, at least I can come up with the names and birthdates of my children unlike the fellow in my new favorite YouTube video...check out this NY Jets player :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ47LdpkDog&feature=related
1. Went to the store today and REMEMBERED to unload the groceries when I got home, thus saving all cold items. Unfortunately in the last month, I have inadvertantly, not once, but twice forgotten to unload the groceries out of the car...not a good September/October happening.
2. Felt proud that my accountant confirmed that I had done some correct accounting after taking a few guesses at some things...Go Logical Thinking!
3. Up to this point today, there are NO ruined items on the "What did Finley Chew Today" List...though I can share since the throw blankets have been thrown around recently, that I have NOT ONE blanket in my home that has not been chewed upon.
4. And, last but not the least, at least I can come up with the names and birthdates of my children unlike the fellow in my new favorite YouTube video...check out this NY Jets player :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ47LdpkDog&feature=related
Friday, October 8, 2010
These are a few of my favorite things...
From the journals of the Unexpected Entrepreneur
One of my favorite things...calling the credit card company:
Conversation 1
Setting: Two weeks ago, home office
Betsy: I need to take care of two issues with your company, one is a name change and one is a question.
CC Company: Let's do the name change first.
Betsy: We need to change the contact name to mine, my husband has passed away and I am now the contact person.
CC Company: Oh ma'am, now that you have disclosed that information, I have to immediately close your accounts.
Betsy: No, there must be another way, these are business accounts, the cards are in the business name.
CC Company: They are tied directly to your husband...let me transfer you.
END OF STORY...cards were cancelled after more and longer conversations ensued.
Conversation 2
Setting: Two weeks later
Betsy: I'd like to activate my card AND fix the spelling, you spelled my name wrong.
CC Company: No problem...DONE, new card will be sent out and you are activated.
Conversation 3
Setting: Two days later, Mini-van office (nothing like multi-tasking)
Betsy: My card is no longer working after just one day.
CC Company (1st operator): We suspected fraud, would you like to activate your card now?
Betsy: I activated the card two days ago, used it yesterday...do you have on record that you are sending me a new card, spelled correctly?
CC Company: Let me transfer you...
Betsy: I am just trying to get this all cleared up...
CC Company (2nd operator): Let me lift the security hold on your card, I'll ask you questions...
Betsy: Great, let's get going...and by the way, I'm wondering if you have it down that a new card is being sent to me...
CC Company: I'm lifting the restrictions on your card, would you like to activate it now?
Betsy: IT'S ACTIVATED!
CC Company: Let me transfer you...
Betsy: I think I just am down to taking care of getting a new card that is spelled correctly.
CC Company (3rd operator): Sure, let me help you, I show that we have a new card coming your way. Would you like to activate your card while you are on the line?
*OK, at this point I let her have it, poor gal...the conversation ended with this:
CC Company: I have been happy to help, I hope that you feel you have received excellent customer service!
Betsy: No comment!
One of my favorite things...calling the credit card company:
Conversation 1
Setting: Two weeks ago, home office
Betsy: I need to take care of two issues with your company, one is a name change and one is a question.
CC Company: Let's do the name change first.
Betsy: We need to change the contact name to mine, my husband has passed away and I am now the contact person.
CC Company: Oh ma'am, now that you have disclosed that information, I have to immediately close your accounts.
Betsy: No, there must be another way, these are business accounts, the cards are in the business name.
CC Company: They are tied directly to your husband...let me transfer you.
END OF STORY...cards were cancelled after more and longer conversations ensued.
Conversation 2
Setting: Two weeks later
Betsy: I'd like to activate my card AND fix the spelling, you spelled my name wrong.
CC Company: No problem...DONE, new card will be sent out and you are activated.
Conversation 3
Setting: Two days later, Mini-van office (nothing like multi-tasking)
Betsy: My card is no longer working after just one day.
CC Company (1st operator): We suspected fraud, would you like to activate your card now?
Betsy: I activated the card two days ago, used it yesterday...do you have on record that you are sending me a new card, spelled correctly?
CC Company: Let me transfer you...
Betsy: I am just trying to get this all cleared up...
CC Company (2nd operator): Let me lift the security hold on your card, I'll ask you questions...
Betsy: Great, let's get going...and by the way, I'm wondering if you have it down that a new card is being sent to me...
CC Company: I'm lifting the restrictions on your card, would you like to activate it now?
Betsy: IT'S ACTIVATED!
CC Company: Let me transfer you...
Betsy: I think I just am down to taking care of getting a new card that is spelled correctly.
CC Company (3rd operator): Sure, let me help you, I show that we have a new card coming your way. Would you like to activate your card while you are on the line?
*OK, at this point I let her have it, poor gal...the conversation ended with this:
CC Company: I have been happy to help, I hope that you feel you have received excellent customer service!
Betsy: No comment!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mom Moments
Scary Mom Moment: I have decided I'm not cut out to be a "football practice Mom"...it is too scary to watch the hitting drills...it doesn't bother me during the games, but geez...practice made me cringe...hit after hit after hit. YIKES!
Proud Mom Moment: Emily ran in her first varsity race today, she has worked so hard and it paid off...so proud!
Embarrassing Mom Moment: Didn't quite get the car cleaned out after tailgating this weekend. Emily invited a new friend to ride home with us after practice the other day. When they climbed into the backseat, there was an empty beer bottle in a koozie in the cup holder...Emily was sure to point out how inappropriate that was...BUT like a good friend said...it could have been worse, it could have been cold, half-full and in the driver's cup holder...it is all perspective!
Funny Mom Moment (but the Mom was my sister...too good not to share)...My sister asked me the other day if I'd ever received a call from the school lunch lady..."No," I replied. Well, she got one...the school lunch lady wondered if my sister knew that her son was out of lunch money? She did not. She told the lunch lady that her son, my nephew, hadn't said anything about that...the lunch lady wanted to make sure that my sister knew that her son had had to eat cheese sandwiches for days...Katy replied, "Well, maybe he likes your cheese sandwiches." The phone call abruptly ended. We would both like to think that the line was disconnected, but perhaps the lunch lady thought differently. In any case, my nephew now has lunch money and the cheese sandwich run, I believe, has ended.
Proud Mom Moment: Emily ran in her first varsity race today, she has worked so hard and it paid off...so proud!
Embarrassing Mom Moment: Didn't quite get the car cleaned out after tailgating this weekend. Emily invited a new friend to ride home with us after practice the other day. When they climbed into the backseat, there was an empty beer bottle in a koozie in the cup holder...Emily was sure to point out how inappropriate that was...BUT like a good friend said...it could have been worse, it could have been cold, half-full and in the driver's cup holder...it is all perspective!
Funny Mom Moment (but the Mom was my sister...too good not to share)...My sister asked me the other day if I'd ever received a call from the school lunch lady..."No," I replied. Well, she got one...the school lunch lady wondered if my sister knew that her son was out of lunch money? She did not. She told the lunch lady that her son, my nephew, hadn't said anything about that...the lunch lady wanted to make sure that my sister knew that her son had had to eat cheese sandwiches for days...Katy replied, "Well, maybe he likes your cheese sandwiches." The phone call abruptly ended. We would both like to think that the line was disconnected, but perhaps the lunch lady thought differently. In any case, my nephew now has lunch money and the cheese sandwich run, I believe, has ended.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Time for Therapy
It was time for a little therapy today...many of you know what that means...yep, the hedge trimmers re-emerged from the garage. Nothing like a little cleaning and hacking to work through some thinking time...cleaning the warehouse and working outside in the yard is the best form of self-help I know! I'm pretty sure that, at least this week, you could eat off of the floor in the warehouse, I'm also pretty sure I've sucked up at least 500 spiders in my ShopVac. And hey, the shrubs are all shaped perfectly for winter...can't beat that with a stick!
So during my thinking time today, I came to the conclusion that one should be careful what they wish for...I always thought it would be great to live around wildlife...then decided today that maybe it is not so fun to live by deer (netted and wrapped the trees for the winter), the squirrels (holes and nuts everywhere in the grass), moles (need I say more?), I smelled a skunk nearby today, too nearby....
When we had Sally, our old dog, I wished for a young puppy that had lots of energy and was fun to play with...and one that liked to ride in the car. Well, now we have Fin...who in the groomer's words today, "is the most hyper of all the cavashons I know." Yep. Agreed.
Also, I used to wish for a little time to myself in the evenings or on the weekends, you know...no husband or kids, just quiet, maybe have the house all to myself...yeah, well now, sometimes the evenings are a little too quiet! It is very difficult to arrive home from kid events and not be able to share this and that with another parent!
On that note...I am going to wish that I get more motivated to run...there is a 5K coming up!
So during my thinking time today, I came to the conclusion that one should be careful what they wish for...I always thought it would be great to live around wildlife...then decided today that maybe it is not so fun to live by deer (netted and wrapped the trees for the winter), the squirrels (holes and nuts everywhere in the grass), moles (need I say more?), I smelled a skunk nearby today, too nearby....
When we had Sally, our old dog, I wished for a young puppy that had lots of energy and was fun to play with...and one that liked to ride in the car. Well, now we have Fin...who in the groomer's words today, "is the most hyper of all the cavashons I know." Yep. Agreed.
Also, I used to wish for a little time to myself in the evenings or on the weekends, you know...no husband or kids, just quiet, maybe have the house all to myself...yeah, well now, sometimes the evenings are a little too quiet! It is very difficult to arrive home from kid events and not be able to share this and that with another parent!
On that note...I am going to wish that I get more motivated to run...there is a 5K coming up!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Running Thoughts...
Out for a run today after a bit of a hiatus, those are never a good thing.
Thought one: If you run/walk 2 miles and then stop and watch your son's scrimmage, then run/walk back home for 2 miles...does that count as 4 miles? Or is it 2 2-mile jaunts...just wondering...I need to get to 4 miles.
Thought two: I spy yet another snake on the sidewalk...why me? Why do I always have to be the one to see the snake? Are they good luck? Or do they just make you keep running? Did the people in the car notice when I screamed and then jumped?
Thought three: Why do I like Tom Petty so much while running? Free Fallin', I guess. And 70's music, what is up with that? Go Jackson 5 and Blue Oyster Cult (is that even 70's?) And after listening to Tim (McGraw) sing, "In My Next Thirty Years"...I wonder what my next 30 years will bring?
Thought one: If you run/walk 2 miles and then stop and watch your son's scrimmage, then run/walk back home for 2 miles...does that count as 4 miles? Or is it 2 2-mile jaunts...just wondering...I need to get to 4 miles.
Thought two: I spy yet another snake on the sidewalk...why me? Why do I always have to be the one to see the snake? Are they good luck? Or do they just make you keep running? Did the people in the car notice when I screamed and then jumped?
Thought three: Why do I like Tom Petty so much while running? Free Fallin', I guess. And 70's music, what is up with that? Go Jackson 5 and Blue Oyster Cult (is that even 70's?) And after listening to Tim (McGraw) sing, "In My Next Thirty Years"...I wonder what my next 30 years will bring?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Zachnanigans
The Zachnanigans never cease to amaze me...here is a tidbit of a few of the nanigans around here that always bowl me over...boys!
Scenario 1: Some of you will remember this one...Betsy visits the basement mini-frig in desperate need of some caffeine. She is so happy when she opens the door to find numerous cans of pop...only to discover that they have all been opened, drunk and then put back. Really? Really!
Scenario 2: Betsy opens the junk drawer in the kitchen in search of the scissors...happens upon many things in the junk drawer that don't belong there...like MANY clipped tops of freezy pops (with the drops of juice still in them) and the top clipped-off piece of a mini bag of Cheez-Its. I guess that kitchen trash can is really inconvenient!
Scenario 3: Betsy notices several cans of soda lined up on the garage workbench. You know, right where you are supposed to leave your empties...HA! I venture over to check out yet another mess made by Mr. Messypot...most cans are half-full and then there is the curious squished up Diet Coke can with an unopened top. Hmmm, but the can is half empty...after further investigation it is determined that someone attempted to puncture the bottom of the can and drink it that way...is this what U of Iowa Hawkeye Tailgating has led to? Shotgunning soda in the garage?
Boys! Gotta love them! And their messes!
Scenario 1: Some of you will remember this one...Betsy visits the basement mini-frig in desperate need of some caffeine. She is so happy when she opens the door to find numerous cans of pop...only to discover that they have all been opened, drunk and then put back. Really? Really!
Scenario 2: Betsy opens the junk drawer in the kitchen in search of the scissors...happens upon many things in the junk drawer that don't belong there...like MANY clipped tops of freezy pops (with the drops of juice still in them) and the top clipped-off piece of a mini bag of Cheez-Its. I guess that kitchen trash can is really inconvenient!
Scenario 3: Betsy notices several cans of soda lined up on the garage workbench. You know, right where you are supposed to leave your empties...HA! I venture over to check out yet another mess made by Mr. Messypot...most cans are half-full and then there is the curious squished up Diet Coke can with an unopened top. Hmmm, but the can is half empty...after further investigation it is determined that someone attempted to puncture the bottom of the can and drink it that way...is this what U of Iowa Hawkeye Tailgating has led to? Shotgunning soda in the garage?
Boys! Gotta love them! And their messes!
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Man in My Life Driving Me Crazy
It is not what you think...but there is a little man in my life, driving me crazy...might have to send him back to the farm. Wonder if it is too late for returns? His name....Finley George Starman, he is my 13 lb. furry little man with four legs and he is driving me bananas.
What do you expect from a poor little guy who has to spend quite a bit of time in his crate and spending most of last year in the recliner with his Dad? Who can blame him? But unfortunately, just this week, we have had to say good-bye to many items. Good-bye to Zach's lunch box, for an entire corner was chewed off and spit out. Good-bye to a chunk of my good Keen shoes and poor Maureen...good-bye to the chunk of her Keds. Good-bye to the left sleeve of Zach's football game jersey (brand new and this one cost me $35) and to the 3 pencils found in random backpacks. Finley George is on a mission. There was also the corner of the package of frozen sausage that was in reach, the corner of the box of granola bars, a couple of empty toilet paper rolls gotten out of a trash can and numerous pieces of mulch...snagged and brought in to be had under the kitchen table.
Like any man (OK, or woman), I guess he needs attention...
What do you expect from a poor little guy who has to spend quite a bit of time in his crate and spending most of last year in the recliner with his Dad? Who can blame him? But unfortunately, just this week, we have had to say good-bye to many items. Good-bye to Zach's lunch box, for an entire corner was chewed off and spit out. Good-bye to a chunk of my good Keen shoes and poor Maureen...good-bye to the chunk of her Keds. Good-bye to the left sleeve of Zach's football game jersey (brand new and this one cost me $35) and to the 3 pencils found in random backpacks. Finley George is on a mission. There was also the corner of the package of frozen sausage that was in reach, the corner of the box of granola bars, a couple of empty toilet paper rolls gotten out of a trash can and numerous pieces of mulch...snagged and brought in to be had under the kitchen table.
Like any man (OK, or woman), I guess he needs attention...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Revenge...it can be a little fun!
Some of you might remember this back story...
December of 2008...Keith was out of town and Betsy was holding down the fort at the warehouse. A semi-truck was due with a delivery of 3 full pallets of books from Estes Trucking. Luckily, Keith's nephew had decided to come and help for the day, he had a day off.
About 10:00 a.m. the very large Estes semi pulls up, next to the curb at the bottom of the driveway, and a quite plump, little round driver, who we will call Freddy (not his original name as some will recall), hops out with the paperwork. Betsy questions him, "How will you back up to the warehouse to get the pallets up the driveway?"
Freddy laughs (actually he cackles) and says, "Well you ordered lift-gate service, but not an in-house delivery...so I'm dropping these pallets right here." That would be in the slushy street, at the bottom of the slushy driveway.
Betsy clarifies, "In the middle of the street? Right here?"
Freddy quips, "Yes Ma'am"
So that is what Freddy did, he dropped 3 pallets (260 boxes) of books right in the middle of the street...thank God for our nephew who helped wheel 8 boxes at a time into the warehouse.
Now I've since seen Freddy, driving around in his big Estes truck since Iowa City and Coralville are "his route." I still give him dirty looks. But today it was perfect...and Freddy had no idea that he was getting a "payback."
September 2010...Time for revenge...I spotted Freddy driving down the Coralville Strip in his big Estes Semi Truck today...hmmm...I'd like to get him back..so I did. I casually moved my car in front of Freddy's big truck and drove 15 mph right down the whole 2 mile strip...Take that Freddy...and though I'm sure Freddy was not aware of who I was, it felt good to get a little "revenge."
December of 2008...Keith was out of town and Betsy was holding down the fort at the warehouse. A semi-truck was due with a delivery of 3 full pallets of books from Estes Trucking. Luckily, Keith's nephew had decided to come and help for the day, he had a day off.
About 10:00 a.m. the very large Estes semi pulls up, next to the curb at the bottom of the driveway, and a quite plump, little round driver, who we will call Freddy (not his original name as some will recall), hops out with the paperwork. Betsy questions him, "How will you back up to the warehouse to get the pallets up the driveway?"
Freddy laughs (actually he cackles) and says, "Well you ordered lift-gate service, but not an in-house delivery...so I'm dropping these pallets right here." That would be in the slushy street, at the bottom of the slushy driveway.
Betsy clarifies, "In the middle of the street? Right here?"
Freddy quips, "Yes Ma'am"
So that is what Freddy did, he dropped 3 pallets (260 boxes) of books right in the middle of the street...thank God for our nephew who helped wheel 8 boxes at a time into the warehouse.
Now I've since seen Freddy, driving around in his big Estes truck since Iowa City and Coralville are "his route." I still give him dirty looks. But today it was perfect...and Freddy had no idea that he was getting a "payback."
September 2010...Time for revenge...I spotted Freddy driving down the Coralville Strip in his big Estes Semi Truck today...hmmm...I'd like to get him back..so I did. I casually moved my car in front of Freddy's big truck and drove 15 mph right down the whole 2 mile strip...Take that Freddy...and though I'm sure Freddy was not aware of who I was, it felt good to get a little "revenge."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Thank You
Jimmy Fallon often does a bit with thank you letters on his show...stealing his idea:
Dear City of Coralville,
I want to thank you for putting my yard back the way you found it after correcting the water issue along our bike trail...if I remember right, I did have weeds lining both sides of the trail AND I did have the most godforsaken grass growing horizontally in every direction, but up! AND I did have matted-down hay that had to be raked out every so often so other grass could grow. I also appreciate the tire tracks from the large equipment that ran through here...yep, those were there too! Thank you City of Coralville because I believed you when you said, "Your yard will be put back just the way we found it!"
Now...the upside of lawn repair...it is great therapy. Nothing like getting the frustrations out on your lawn...raking, pulling weeds and seeding...helping the ol' broken heart to mend!
Dear City of Coralville,
I want to thank you for putting my yard back the way you found it after correcting the water issue along our bike trail...if I remember right, I did have weeds lining both sides of the trail AND I did have the most godforsaken grass growing horizontally in every direction, but up! AND I did have matted-down hay that had to be raked out every so often so other grass could grow. I also appreciate the tire tracks from the large equipment that ran through here...yep, those were there too! Thank you City of Coralville because I believed you when you said, "Your yard will be put back just the way we found it!"
Now...the upside of lawn repair...it is great therapy. Nothing like getting the frustrations out on your lawn...raking, pulling weeds and seeding...helping the ol' broken heart to mend!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Good, the Bad and The Ugly of Kinnick Stadium
Many of you know I often choose the theme..."The Good, the Bad and The Ugly"...I even have this movie theme song on my ipod... (right, Rick?)
The Good of Kinnick: Nothing like attending a Hawkeye Football game on a warm, beautiful Saturday with good friends and family...getting the win, cheering with the crowd, enjoying great tailgating, etc. Beating ISU and the like!
The Bad of Kinnick: Have you ever been there at 7:30 am the next morning for stadium clean up? Oh my! High school and junior high athletes in the IC School District are supposed to show up for clean up, then Iowa pays the booster clubs, it is pretty simple and a good way to raise funds. And pretty amazing to see the teamwork and camradery...Zach and I felt compelled to help...well, I felt compelled, Zach not so much, but he is a good trash bag holder. So since I am no longer a Stadium Clean Up Virgin...I have a few requests for those who sit in Sections 104-105...first of all, if you are going to buy the $3.50 bottle of water...drink it! Second, please do not pour your Coke into the popcorn buckets...yuck! And third, clearly a lot of you bring your friend Captain Morgan to the game...how about taking him home with you when you go?
The Ugly of Kinnick: Things you never should hear at Kinnick: On Saturday, during the game, I had the distinct pleasure of overhearing this in the restroom at Kinnick while witnessing a gal...not a young under-age one either... "showering" in the sink with the help of her friend (she needed to, there was vomit everywhere)...her friend says, "Should I go get you some papertowels?" The reply, "No, I don't need any, but you should take some up to the people where we were sitting."
Need I say more...Back to the Good of Kinnick: Thank you folks in Section 133 for keeping it under control...I love my section!
The Good of Kinnick: Nothing like attending a Hawkeye Football game on a warm, beautiful Saturday with good friends and family...getting the win, cheering with the crowd, enjoying great tailgating, etc. Beating ISU and the like!
The Bad of Kinnick: Have you ever been there at 7:30 am the next morning for stadium clean up? Oh my! High school and junior high athletes in the IC School District are supposed to show up for clean up, then Iowa pays the booster clubs, it is pretty simple and a good way to raise funds. And pretty amazing to see the teamwork and camradery...Zach and I felt compelled to help...well, I felt compelled, Zach not so much, but he is a good trash bag holder. So since I am no longer a Stadium Clean Up Virgin...I have a few requests for those who sit in Sections 104-105...first of all, if you are going to buy the $3.50 bottle of water...drink it! Second, please do not pour your Coke into the popcorn buckets...yuck! And third, clearly a lot of you bring your friend Captain Morgan to the game...how about taking him home with you when you go?
The Ugly of Kinnick: Things you never should hear at Kinnick: On Saturday, during the game, I had the distinct pleasure of overhearing this in the restroom at Kinnick while witnessing a gal...not a young under-age one either... "showering" in the sink with the help of her friend (she needed to, there was vomit everywhere)...her friend says, "Should I go get you some papertowels?" The reply, "No, I don't need any, but you should take some up to the people where we were sitting."
Need I say more...Back to the Good of Kinnick: Thank you folks in Section 133 for keeping it under control...I love my section!
I Thought Fridays Were Supposed to be Laid Back
Well, this unexpected entrepreneur did not enjoy last Friday...Accounting, Schmaccounting...I just want to know who chooses to do this for a living...? Though I know I need to get my head in gear, I think something is broken with the gearshift. My head knows lesson plans, teaching, managing children, grading papers...it doesn't always do so well with credits, debits, sales receipts and undeposited funds...BUT I'm confident we will get there! I secretly think my accountant doesn't care for accounting as much as he does it for a living...you should see the man light up when you inquire about his upcoming hunting trips...elk in New Mexico, bears in Canada, deer here.
Then to top off the accounting appointment...my manager put me in training...as he is soon leaving for a fishing trip (notice a pattern here with the boys) I need to be on top of every single thing that goes on every single day...and admittedly, I haven't. After a mere 10 pages of notes, I think possibly I can pull off the daily shipping report, the inventory scan out and the Amazon "Charge When Ship" report...I think. After methodically taking me through every step, Joe (my manager) questions how many pages of notes I have taken..."10" I answer...he then showed me the single small sheet of paper he proudly took notes on a year ago when Keith trained him...needless to say, my two-word reply to Joe was not very nice...
Then to top off the accounting appointment...my manager put me in training...as he is soon leaving for a fishing trip (notice a pattern here with the boys) I need to be on top of every single thing that goes on every single day...and admittedly, I haven't. After a mere 10 pages of notes, I think possibly I can pull off the daily shipping report, the inventory scan out and the Amazon "Charge When Ship" report...I think. After methodically taking me through every step, Joe (my manager) questions how many pages of notes I have taken..."10" I answer...he then showed me the single small sheet of paper he proudly took notes on a year ago when Keith trained him...needless to say, my two-word reply to Joe was not very nice...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Casual Conversations
I love chatting with the younger men in my life...just sayin'
After school conversation #1:
While traveling to the music store to obtain a trumpet for 5th grade band...Zach casually says, "Oh yeah, Mom, you're supposed to check me for lice."
I am, am I? Nice...I've been itching all night.
After school conversation #2:
So we are off to football practice...my nephew says, "Aunt Betsy, guess what? I bought a new skateboard...but I couldn't afford wheels." I reply, so your skateboard has NO wheels? Nephew says, "Yep, it is de-wheeled. I couldn't afford wheels."
Wow, who knew wheels were extra, kind of figured those were included.
After school conversation #1:
While traveling to the music store to obtain a trumpet for 5th grade band...Zach casually says, "Oh yeah, Mom, you're supposed to check me for lice."
I am, am I? Nice...I've been itching all night.
After school conversation #2:
So we are off to football practice...my nephew says, "Aunt Betsy, guess what? I bought a new skateboard...but I couldn't afford wheels." I reply, so your skateboard has NO wheels? Nephew says, "Yep, it is de-wheeled. I couldn't afford wheels."
Wow, who knew wheels were extra, kind of figured those were included.
Friday, August 27, 2010
One Week Down
I think this past week has been one of the longest I can remember...that would likely be said by all the immediate members of our family. The daily grind of high school really hit home for Em this week, though she really works that off each night at cross country...she remarked that sometimes the run is better after a bad day. Zach had several football practices this week and has been "caught" each night in his room studying his playbook. And the business is bus-i-ness...being that it is the first week of classes nearly nationwide, you can bet a lot of textbooks left the warehouse this week! Thanks to all for helping with that!
Tomorrow we embark on our first high school cross country meet...Go West High Trojans Girls and Boys! And then off to Solon for the football jamboree...Go Hawkeye Title 5th/6th Tackle Football. Zach's west side league was introduced tonight at the West High Football Game, he got to walk down the track with the other 189 boys...I don't think they let 189 play in high school, right?
Business tips for the week from your unexpected entrepreneur:
1. Know where your phone lines are before trimming up against your building.
2. Never pack a UPS box that weighs half as much as you do.
3. Talking while multi-tasking, not the best idea..imagine me having a problem here, I know, it is hard...
4. Write it down when you change your employee's hours so as not to text them to ask them where they are when they aren't supposed to be there.
Tomorrow we embark on our first high school cross country meet...Go West High Trojans Girls and Boys! And then off to Solon for the football jamboree...Go Hawkeye Title 5th/6th Tackle Football. Zach's west side league was introduced tonight at the West High Football Game, he got to walk down the track with the other 189 boys...I don't think they let 189 play in high school, right?
Business tips for the week from your unexpected entrepreneur:
1. Know where your phone lines are before trimming up against your building.
2. Never pack a UPS box that weighs half as much as you do.
3. Talking while multi-tasking, not the best idea..imagine me having a problem here, I know, it is hard...
4. Write it down when you change your employee's hours so as not to text them to ask them where they are when they aren't supposed to be there.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August 22, 2010
A very productive Sunday spent with many...lunch with the family to celebrate both my mom's and my sister's birthdays! Yardwork with George Strait, Van Halen, the Talking Heads and AC/DC...those guys can really help get it done! And a 2 mile run with The Who, Green River Ordinance, Tom Petty and U2...nothing like some good music to make your legs work! :)
Things that I learned this weekend: Beware of squirrels! Yesterday, Finley George, our dog was once again stalked by the squirrel that lives under our deck, Irene. Irene normally climbs up and stays on the post all the while squawking...But things took a nasty turn when Irene actually came up onto the deck and took jab at Finley...Finley and I then retreated to the lower patio porch swing, where Irene hung out above us (literally) and watched for no less than 20 minutes while I was on the phone...then, so you know I don't use the word "stalk" lightly...I took Finley walking on the bike trail at the bottom of our yard...guess who decided to come along...that's right, Irene. She climbed a huge walnut tree and squawked at us some more. Beware of live-in squirrels!
Have a great week everyone...hi ho, hi ho, it is off to school and work we go! :)
Things that I learned this weekend: Beware of squirrels! Yesterday, Finley George, our dog was once again stalked by the squirrel that lives under our deck, Irene. Irene normally climbs up and stays on the post all the while squawking...But things took a nasty turn when Irene actually came up onto the deck and took jab at Finley...Finley and I then retreated to the lower patio porch swing, where Irene hung out above us (literally) and watched for no less than 20 minutes while I was on the phone...then, so you know I don't use the word "stalk" lightly...I took Finley walking on the bike trail at the bottom of our yard...guess who decided to come along...that's right, Irene. She climbed a huge walnut tree and squawked at us some more. Beware of live-in squirrels!
Have a great week everyone...hi ho, hi ho, it is off to school and work we go! :)
Friday, August 20, 2010
August 20, 2010
Welcome! So I always wanted to become a writer, blogging wasn't quite in the plan, but I find myself mentally writing so much, it needs to come out on paper...the past couple of weeks, I've thought many times that I should start a blog entitled, "The Unexpected Entrepreneur"...for the past many, many days, I've had the challenge, joy, frustration and sheer feeling of exhaustion becoming a full-fledge business owner. So we will roll with this theme for a bit...
Taking over the family business was not really part of the Master Plan...But oh, we are so learning, there is no master plan...we are rolling with the punches these days!
Things I have come to know:
1. Online banking accounts can only be tied to one person...online bank accounts can be deleted and guess what...so can their history...so that was lesson #1, right out of the gate. The bad news is that everything had to be recreated, the good news is that I really learned all of our bank accounts forward and backward (inside out) in a very quick matter of time.
2. County Assessors can ask for a lot of information.
3. I'm pretty positive I must provide free entertainment for my accountant when he is lunching with friends after some of the questions I have asked..."I have this client..."
4. Paste a reminder note on the blank checks that includes a drawing of how they go into the printer so you don't continue to print them upsidedown.
So it is off to Quickbooks for me...always an adventure to be had there :)
Taking over the family business was not really part of the Master Plan...But oh, we are so learning, there is no master plan...we are rolling with the punches these days!
Things I have come to know:
1. Online banking accounts can only be tied to one person...online bank accounts can be deleted and guess what...so can their history...so that was lesson #1, right out of the gate. The bad news is that everything had to be recreated, the good news is that I really learned all of our bank accounts forward and backward (inside out) in a very quick matter of time.
2. County Assessors can ask for a lot of information.
3. I'm pretty positive I must provide free entertainment for my accountant when he is lunching with friends after some of the questions I have asked..."I have this client..."
4. Paste a reminder note on the blank checks that includes a drawing of how they go into the printer so you don't continue to print them upsidedown.
So it is off to Quickbooks for me...always an adventure to be had there :)
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