TNT

Friday Fun

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:52:25 GMT

Ms Brat Cat got me up early today. She was hungry. DD #1 is house sitting for a friend so was not home. So, I got up and took care of the critters. I will try and get to work early today, but I have an upset stomach. My fault this time because I ate pizza last night. My lactose intolerance is kicking in and no, I did not take a lactaid. My bad.

I got a lot accomplished after work. I came home and dusted the bed room, vacuumed and thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned the bathroom. It always feels nice to be in a clean place. The husband vacuumed the stairs. I took out the trash, and also managed to accomplish two loads of laundry. He was working. I settled in and started watching TV and he joined me later and took over the remote. I did not give it much fight because before I knew it, I was asleep, lol. He was nice enough to mute the sound and was watching his man stuff (i.e., sports). Thank you for whomever invented ticker tape at the bottom of TV screens, lol.

So, I read this artcle this AM:

Victim of fake Facebook profile wins libel suit

I silently applauded! It is about time. As I have mentioned previously, I used to frequent the yahoo chat circuit years ago. Long and short, there was a group that took perfect delight in terrorizing their selected targets. They would follow the person, create stories, hack, stalk, argue, be rude, be crude, post the head of the person on other people's photos, create home pages that were filled with filth and lies. It was terrible. I never had them actually create a page on me, but I remember back then thinking why can't something be done about this group? They are creating havoc and destruction wherever they go, and people are not signing up for this type of entertainment. The "group" eventually ran out of candidates and started turning on one another. I had not stayed that long to watch them tear each other apart, but someone let me know. That got a whatever from me. I think they should be held accountable for their negative actions. I think there should be punitive damages awarded. Perhaps,if we saw more of this then these immature morons would stop playing Internet games at the sake of innocent people that are coming online and just trying to blow off steam, and relax a bit.

Life is so hard, and it seems like it gets tougher with each slipping year. Why would anyone get their jollies after tearing someone else down? I don't find it funny, I don't find it entertaining. I do find it cruel. I do find it inexcusable. And, I think what goes around, will eventually come around. Now in the above case, the indivdiuals actually knew each other offline and the plaintiff was able to prove the defendent acted maliciously because of a falling out over a business matter. I hope for the day when the courts will also recognize punitive damages for those that just happen upon one another online. People like that, have a little too much time on their hands. Maybe they need to take their lazy lard rear ends off the computer bench and go out and turn that negative activity into positive activity, help someone instead of hurting them. I guess that is just too much for their psyche to understand or manage. Pathetic.

Anyhow, I got a parking violation the other day. I stayed late for work, and yes was parked in an undesignated spot. But it was a closed boat ramp for pete's sake, lol. I just missed the officer. He actually wrote these tickets after hours. Had I left on time, I would not have received the ticket. So, I called my boss and fussed that is just one more reason the staff is not going to work additional hours because of crap like this. I guess I just found it insulting that he waited until after hours and then wrote it. I could understand if it was during normal work hours, but sheesh. Not like I was in anyone's way. I parked on the curb so if anyone needed to drive by they had plenty of space, and like I said it was closed so no boats would need to use it. It wasn't like I made a space in the actual parking lot which would be dangerous. He also ticketed some other people that had parked beside the parking lot and on the grass. Come on, can't ya catch someone some slack. I guess not. So, I'll buck up and pay the fine. Sigh.

Moo Said The Cow

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:42:13 GMT

It is pretty bad when one wakes up before the cows and the chickens. That's it though, I am done eating red meat. As much as I enjoy a good roast or steak from time to time, every time I eat it I get hot flashes. So until my body decides its done monopausing - that's it!

The critters are acting nuts this morning. The dog is chasing the cat, the cat is chasing the dog. They sound like a herd of whatever running back and forth from the front to the back of the house. They will get to sleep all day from their night prowlings, but I'm about to send both of them to bed!

Yesterday, was a tough customer day. I had two altercations. I do not like fussing as a rule. I know some people get their jollies from arguing or "debating" or "discussing", whatever you want to label it. It is exhausting to me, perhaps because I try very hard not to lose my cool and keep my tone in check inspite of the other person whom may not be doing as well a job. The tough part came at almost 5 p.m. and trying to shrug it off. So after the conference call ended, I packed up my things and left, lol. It all came down to this person not wanting to step up and take responsibility for his actions or inaction in this case. He wanted to share blame with others, but as far as the issue itself - he holds primary responsibility. I am punting this up to my Supervisor because I have tried until I am blue in the face to help this office get their act together. At some point, you realize you have to cut and let the bigger boys handle it. So have at it boss, that's why your getting the big bucks. I'm done.

I also drove home and thought about my attitude for the day. I need to keep it in check. It would be so easy to develop a "short timer's attitude". Knowing I am leaving for another position, I may not be as patient or push to do that 100%. I don't want to be that person. I want to maintain the work ethic I've always held too, and continue to do my best - and that includes the attitude. So, today I feel better. Yesterday, is washed away from my psyche and my blood pressure is down to a calming level. Sometimes, one just has to have these pep talks to push through the next day, lol.

I heard from my sister and she asked if I ever heard back from our financial advisor. I told her not yet. It's been almost a month or so since I contacted her, and she had told my sister she would get with us. Bottom line it never happened. My sister feels she is handling too much work load, she covers about five counties and that's alot in the real estate realm. So, I'm shopping for a new finance person. I tried calling and emailing and feel I gave her every opportunity but its just not happening. Also, need to send a note to the real estate agent on our "lot". The timing of all this is working out favorably to our advantage. I really do not want to have to worry over this until October and he's stalling on our behalf, lol. He's a gem. We're not locked in yet so this works with waiting to see what happens with the husband's employment. He was told to find a replacement for his position within 30 days because they have another opportunity for him to take on. His boss was not allowed to elaborate at that point, and we're both anxious to see what this is all about. More importantly, where is all about, lol. He's also still waiting on the Hawaii job offer, well that won't be a known until August. However, if he takes that job I will stay put and we'll visit one another, etc. Other people do it all the time. I did it with my first marriage. So we'll work it out.

Well I think I am settled enough to try and go back and get some zzzzzs. I hope I don't over sleep. I don't use an alarm clock.

Special Entry - Letter From Grandma

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:39:01 GMT

> > --
> Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass ... it's about learning to dance in the RAIN!
>
> Grandma's letter.
>
> She is eighty-eight years old and still drives her own car.
>
> She writes:
>
> Dear Granddaughter,
>
> The other day I went up to our local Christian book store
>
> And saw a Honk if you love Jesus bumper sticker.
>
> I was feeling particularly sassy that day
>
> Because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance,
>
> Followed by a thunderous prayer meeting.?
>
> So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper.
>
> Boy, am I glad I did, what an uplifting experience that followed.
>
> I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection,
>
> Just lost in thought about the Lord and how good he is,
>
> And I didn't notice that the light had changed.
>
> It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus
>
> Because if he hadn't honked, I'd never have noticed.
>
> I found that lots of people love Jesus!
>
> While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy,
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> And then he leaned out of his window and screamed,
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> ' For the love of God! '
>
> ' Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO!'
>
> What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus!
>
> Everyone started honking!
>
> I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling
>
> At all those loving people.
>
> I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love!
>
> There must have been a man from Florida back there
>
> Because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach.
>
> I saw another guy waving in a funny way
>
> With only his middle finger stuck up in the air.
>
> I asked my young teenage grandson
>
> In the back seat what that meant.
>
> He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.
>
> Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii ,
> So I leanedout the window and gave him the good luck sign right back.
>
> My grandson burst out laughing.
>
> Why even he was enjoying this religious experience!!
>
> A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment
>
> That they got out of their cars and started walking towards me.
>
> I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended,
>
> But this is when I noticed the light had changed.
>
> So, I waved at all my brothers and sisters
>
> Grinning, and drove on through the intersection.
>
> I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection
>
> Before the light changed again and felt kind of sad
>
> That I had to leave them after all the love we had shared.
>
> So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all
>
> The Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away.
>
> Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!!
>
> Will write again soon,
>
> Love, Grandma
>
>
>
>
>
>

Allergic To Tuesday?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:02:39 GMT

I got up early today. Yesterday, I managed a 30 minute walk. I may go again today because its supposed to rain tomorrow. I am wondering if its going to rain today, however, because I am sneezing like no one's business. My sinus system is like a natural barometer, I feel a storm coming in the form of headache, sneezing like a fool, etc. As soon as the rain comes, it stops. I know, weird.

I stayed a bit later last evening. The day started out very hot though because the A/C was broke. I told the boss lady that if it did not get fixed I'd be leaving at high noon, lol. So there. But I'm glad they got it fixed because I ended up getting quite a bit done.

I have made tentative plans for this weekend with my twin sister. We're going over to her house and play what I call "boring games" or board games. It is a struggle to get me to play them, but once I do - I enjoy it. I don't know why that is, perhaps because when I was growing up I was more outside than indoors? I don't know.

This morning, I woke up puzzling over the expression "I slept really hard". I woke up with lines on my one arm and thought of that expression but wondered, is that what it means. Are there times where you push your body hard into a mattress with sleep and others where you sleep lighter? How does gravity factor in? Why are there times where you look like you've been washed and left in a ball with wrinkles so etched into your skin, and others where it looks like someone took a warm iron to your skin, lol. Just my puzzling for today.

So, I found a recipe that sounds worth a summer try. I have it posted over on my Real Time Recipes blog. I will skip the raisens, but the rest sounds pretty good. If anyone trys it out, let me know.

I had purchased a lil container of cantaloupe, thinking no one in the family wanted any. Well I start getting my breakfast and lunch ready for the day, and you guessed it, it is gone! So, I call the husband. "Husband. Did you eat my cantaloupe?" Husband: "Umm, yeah." I say, "Husband, was it good?" Husband: "No it was hard". Liar. He says in shocked tones "Whattttt?" Grumble grumble, grrrr. So, I had lite peaches instead. DD#1 found my grapes, so I best take some of those and mix in some water melon for today. Yesterday, inspite of my best efforts I went over points. Still trying to knock out eating heavier in the evening and more lite fare. Here's to another day of trying.

Speaking of the day...time to jet.....

Too Early On Sunday

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:47:30 GMT

I woke up early today. I kept dreaming work, so came out and started working more on the project. I have one more piece to read and incorporate into my business document and then I've done all I can do. The reading will take some time, because it encompasses about five or six files worth of information. If I could cut away all the other stuff and get to what I need, but that is part of the research. Seek and hunt, and see if it makes their case or ours. I have a feeling I will need to go back out for more information, which is not going to make them happy. But hey, need to be thorough and do it right. That way no one will come behind me and wonder why we made this decision - it will be crystal clear.

No real plans for today, other than finish up this project. I may wander over to my parents and visit this afternoon with my grandmother and dad. I bought three movies and have watched only one of them. And, I still have one more book to read out of the three I purchased. So there is stuff to do. I am going to put stew meat on for today and make what I call "slop". LOL Its basically stew meat, noodles and mashed potatos. I will also have steamed mixed veggies as a side. I will eat the meat and carbs in moderation and lean more towards the veggies as a change up to a healthier plate. Its a country meal and the family masses seem to like it.

Well time to go back to bed for now....

A Thank You Note, from Kevin

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:40:30 GMT

Dear Media,

I want to thank you for making my case of being the better parent! Oh, I know Brittany made it easy with her peculiar and crazy behavior. Let's face it, the media went looking for Brittany and were successful in continuously painting her into something less than qualified. I wonder if I could with stand the same type of scrutiny day-to-day? My every move under the micro photo lense to be shared in the most negative and way? I bet she even started second guessing her own ability to be a good parent, with all that negative publicity. I just sat back and became invisible and let the photo hounds do their thing. They butchered her integrity and reputation. They smothered her. She did not have a chance. But hey, but who am I to argue with a good thing. Especially, when the end result goes in my favor. (Big Grin)

So, I just wanted to say thank you for making my court case easy. I may not be the perfect dad....I mean has anyone tried following my every move and inspect me like some gizmo on an assembly line. I'm surprised Brittney doesn't have a "Inspected by #555" tattooed to her...well you know." Wait, I don't want to give the media moguls ideas. I'll just try and keep my mouth shut. Guess my lawyers knew what they were doing. Sheesh, I would not even be surprised if some of those papparazzi weren't on my lawyers payroll. It was worth it though, because I won. So, thank you - you lil picture takers at the worst possible moment!

Peace Out,

Kevin F

Side Bar Thoughts For the Day

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:23:42 GMT

Ok, I should be working. But I'm not, LOL. Instead, I read some of the news and some of the nonsense news. Two things got me going today, and I'd like to share my view point on each - so go ahead and ask me, Tell me how you really feel.

I do not normally get caught up watching "The View" because they argue. Ok, I've not watched it enough so I am assuming they argue too much. However, I did watch Ms Hasselbeck's clip on the word "N" and her disagreement with Ms Goldberg. Ms Goldberg's clip said it is not the same, her mother was not allowed to vote in the country she was born in, so we will never be the same. We'd like it to be, but it won't happen. Ms Hasselbeck's came back and tearfully, that how are we going to get past it if people continue to use a word that continues to bear out hate and separation. Another example, I was watching a talent show hosted by a well known AA, Steve Harvey. One man on the stage was white, he said "White Boy get off the stage".

Why is it okay for people within their own culture to call themselves or others names? How does that make what they are saying and doing any less racist? Why is Mr. Harvey allowed to call that individual a "White Boy" but if Ms Hasselbeck called Ms Goldberg "A black girl", it would be all over the news? Why is it okay? Sorry, but it will always be different as long as we cater to different sets of rules for each other. You can't have your cake and eat it too, if you truley want equality. If the blacks or African Americans insist on being call AAs, over anything else -- then they need to show the same respect to the whites, indians or other ethnic groups. Same goes for the other groups. I found Mr. Harvey offensive. And don't give me the argument its their culture. I think that's an excuse to talk rude, and its not necessary. When is rude okay? I think we need to really stake a step back and figure that one out. Outside one side of the argument is to become equal and then another side is individuality and being different. If you have any belief in God, then you'd know we all started out the same. It was at the Tower of Babel when men's pride created a separation and God sent them to various corners of the earth. The climate changed their the color and texture of their skin. Not because they were initially created that way. So in my book there are differences but its not due to any other reason. Where you started, your color, your nationality does not define the person you become. Choices make those decisions for you. You create your own self worth and it should not be handed to you because you grew up in less than easy circumstances. I grew up in humble circumstances, but I know there are others that grew up even worse. I have struggled financially but did not let it hold me back from doing everything I could do to carve out an improved lifestyle for myself. I allowed my past to temper my tolerance of others and look past the obvious and love and be loved. I don't care if you are black, white, red, yellow or a combination. Unless you give me a reason, I will extend my hand and heart to you. I will not call you names because my culture says it is okay to do, I will treat you with respect because I feel its the proper thing to do. I will forgive and hopefully be forgiven when I make mistakes. I lived in a predominantly black neighborhood growing up. I had members of that community embrace me and call me friend, and then when a riot started out at the school hurl insults at me and snow balls with rocks in them just because of the color of my skin. So don't tell me about racism. However, I have not let my past and the bad decisions of folk to carve out my judgments of an entire race. It is a case-by-case basis, and includes any person I meet and if for some reason I decide they are not worth it, it is not because the color of skin or nationality - it is because they lack something more crucial - a reason to be forgiven. Quite frankly, I enjoy history. So many AAs have been inventors and I love reading about stuff like that. What I do not like to hear is someone using history as their excuse for bad behavior. And I don't care how you try to color it, it is what it is, bad behavior.

Now onto topic #2, plastic. My sister sent me a PDF file on what plastic is doing to our planet. I have always had a soft heart for turtles and dolphins. Love them both. I have nearlygotten hit by a car saving a turtle, LOL. Poor little things don't have a chance sometimes. At any rate, I am going to go out and purchase some cloth bags and start doing my part. Our local Target sells such bags, its too bad they do not do a promotional and take it a step further and give them away. But I understand, people would probably end up using them for something else. If you get a chance google plastic and see what you can come up with. I'm sure that slide show is available somewhere. It was pretty sobering to me.

Now I must get to working...enough procrastination, LOL

I Have An Idea

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:36:45 GMT

Yesterday, was a bust at work. I ended up in a meeting from 1200 p.m. to almost 3:30 p.m. I was also having problems with my eyes all day long. I forgot my glasses, but finally had to remove my contacts. My eyes were a mess. I think I have double eye infections, so...came up with an idea. I'm staying home today, lol. I brought the "project" home with me and this way there will be no distractions, no calls, no meetings - peace and quiet to devote solely on getting it done. I told the boss and said I would need leave for the day. She is checking with management about situations like this one. Because one of the other managers is holding everyone's feet to the fire that if you take leave, you may not work either over time or comp time and work it off in the same pay period. I reminded her that it was also illegal to allow me to take work home and not be compensated for the time. I am the only one on my Team that is "donating" time. Not everyone is willing to do so, and I can't say I blame them. With our present work load issues, at least my boss sees the need for flexibility. Here is hoping the rest of them will come around, too. Otherwise, the work will not get done. Because I can only do so much.

DD#1 came home and walked into my bedroom and started crying. She said she had a horrible day yesterday. She did something to one of the bay doors at the rescue squad and the door came crashing down and off. And then she had a conversation with her exBF and she said he seemed almost mean. I tried to comfort her, the door was not her fault (and this was later confirmed because the Chief called her and told her it was not her fault and to try and relax and take some time before she had to work that evening, it was not due to her negligence it was simply a mechanical failure) and perhaps this was more about the ex than the door? I told her that she needs to remember he is also trying to handle this situation in his own way so they can both get past it. Right now, its going to be uncomfortable, and it will hurt and be awkward, but they both need to reflect on the good things in the relationship, not overanalyze every thing that is said and done right now, or everything that was once good about it will look bad. It will take time. She is such a sweet, loving and beautiful girl, and smart. She also holds her feelings deeply so I know she is not going to get over him easily. We will continue to be there for her during this time. And I had been praying and will continue to pray for my daughters. Because I know there are two very special young men out there waiting for them, men that will honor, cherish and respect them. Men that are responsible to themselves and their community. And men that have a love for God. And that's how this mother prays for her daughters, oh and that they will both be blessed with health, wealth and happiness. Hey I'm allowed, I'm the mom.

Speaking of team members, I had to send a note to one of them in retrospect after she left yesterday. She has made the decision to leave and I gave her an excellent reference. She is a very hard worker, but I can tell she is spent and burned out. We had already had the talk about buck up or move on before it endangers your productivity or attitude. Her attitude is tempermental as of late. She does not handle critiscism very easily, but yesterday was just totally out of line. She made an error on one of her actions and I told her what happened. Her response, "What do you want me to do about it, I'm off work tomorrow." Her tone was flip and sarcastic. Oh no, you did not say that to me was probably the expression on my face, LOL. I understand the work stress, but that does not give each of us the right to be disagreeable with one another. So I called her on it. One of those times, where i am not the friend and have to be the authority figure. So be it.

Anyway onto the project............

Special Entry - Baby J.E.

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:20:43 GMT

Please welcome to our world, Baby J.E. She looks like a china doll! She is perfect! She was born at 9:30ish a.m., and weighed in at 5lbs 9oz, and was 20" long. Baby Elizabeth and Mommy are doing great. My nephew is very happy, and so is my sister (the grandma).

Thursday's Trials

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:35:26 GMT

Yesterday did not go as planned. I got caught up on some other "emergency" issues and did not get a chance to get to the research and development of my recommendation. So, today I'm going to try again.

I hear the train in the distance. One comes thru a couple times in the morning thru our little sleepy town. It is kind of a peaceful sound.

I need to call on the electrical issue today. My husband has still not called on the bed, so am going to beg him to do so today. He has to go into his office all day today, because his new boss will be coming by for a site visit. He did not give a time, but said he'd rather just pop in and see him. He also wants to talk about a job possibility and asked him to come up with some names to replace him. My husband is hoping this means a move up. He's been receiving very positive feed back the last few days on his performance. And of course, he is still waiting to hear on the other job possibility which may take him to HI part time. That won't happen until later August I suspect. I also found out my move to the new job may happen as early as late August, too. So lots going on during that month.

I was on a conference call and saw my daughter called in, so when I called back she was in tears. Her boyfriend came by and broke things off with her. They tried to make a go of it again, but he realized they were not happy and he also sees that he needs to do some growing up. I highlighted that was an act of maturity right there, being able to stand up and admit to it so he's going in the right direction. My heart aches for her and I know she will get past this. Their relationship was comfortable to her and I know she is afraid of being alone for some reason. I just hope she will learn the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Its an okay place to be, and allows one time to focus on other things (hopefully of a positive light) and also evaluate self and how you may improve. Take the time to heal, and get rid of baggage. I don't know if she willlisten or not, but I am praying for my baby girl. I hate to see her hurting. Her boyfriend is a nice young man, and I do not hold any anger towards him for making this decision. I just hope he was being honest with her and another female is not involved. But kids will be kids!

Last night, I get home and get in my comfies and the phone rang. It was my twin. Her son's wife had gone into labor and so I got dressed again and headed to the hospital. We pulled in at the same time. I stayed for about an hour and realized I had left my eye glasses at home and my contacts were killing me. It was my escape excuse, bad Aunt I know, lol. She was doing very well and so was he. The last gesture I saw was a contraction was coming on and she asked him to come closer. She grabbed him by the top of his head (he has thick hair) and pulled hard until the contraction subsided. Poor nephew, LOL. It was going to be a long evening. For a little thing, she sure packs some strength, LOL. I'm going to go by and check on them before I head to work today. I warned them if the baby was to come last evening, it probably would not happen until very late. No word from the twin so who knows, maybe it hasn't happened yet.

Well onward.............