Today is a day of honor and remembrance of those men and women who have chosen to serve their country. It is a notable and admirable vocation that not all of us could do. Myself, for example, did not hear the call to serve my country, but I find it one of the most respectable jobs anyone could ever perform. While this profession sometimes asks the ultimate sacrifice from those who serve, it is also important to remember the other tasks the military does that might seem “small”, but are truly vital to the way of life we are accustomed to living in this great nation.
When you are reading your morning paper, listening to your favorite song, making outlandish statements on Facebook, or debating politics at your office water cooler, remember that it is not only the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that grant you these freedoms, but the military who continues to protect and ensure that we have these gifts. And really, they are gifts. There are so many countries where news is censored, where music is banned, and where people are imprisoned simply for voicing their opinions. While we have our share of obstacles to overcome to make this a perfect nation, at least we have the freedom to openly debate and criticize our government. Progress cannot happen if communications are hindered by fear. So again, thank a Vet, thank a service man/woman today because without these selfless people we couldn’t hope to continue to improve our country.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Opinions
If you haven’t noticed I’m a bit opinionate. Yes, really I am. I try very hard though to only be opinionated about subjects that I have knowledge of because, honestly, how can you have an opinion about something you know nothing about?
I recently got into a debate with someone over the Twilight series. First let me say I’ve read all of the books and I enjoyed them. Are they literary award winning pieces? No. Are they fun little bits of mind candy? Yes.
The person I was debating with has never read the books, nor seen the movies, but was very opinionated based solely on what she had heard from friends, whom I’m guessing didn’t discuss ever specific detail of the books with this person.
The person said “I don’t think they’re going to make the Breaking Dawn movie, because my friend was telling me it’s fairly detailed sexually anyway.”
I responded by telling this person that the sexual content in the 4th book is not that detailed, of course I’m not sure what this friend considers “detailed”.
The person then says “Well, considering the entire time Bela (yes, she misspelled the character’s name too) and Edward haven’t had sex (because it’s a meant to be a teen movie) and then in Breaking Dawn they have sex on their honeymoon and then she ends up pregnant. The teen era may just frown on making the movie is all. I’m not saying it’ll show the “sexual content” but the obvious point is there”
I responded “But don’t married people have sex??? I don’t think it’s meant to be a teen movie or series, that’s just the group that identifies with it because of the age of the characters”
So then I started to wonder. What did the author intend? And I found an article where the author tells us just what she was thinking:
Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens?
A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn.
I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading).
And something else I found interesting about the author was this:
Q: What other young adult authors do you read?
A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoy J.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now.
So after this the person tells me “regardless if married people have sex or not, for the PG-13 rated movies it’s still not technically supposed to be a part of the content”
Um, WHAT? The PG-13 rating is this: PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Films given this rating may contain sexual content, brief or partial nudity, some strong language and innuendo, humor, mature themes, political themes, terror and/or intense action violence. However, bloodshed is rarely present. This is the minimum rating at which drug content is present; While PG-13 films usually have more profanity than PG films, this is not necessarily the case. A film that is given a PG-13 rating due to profane language and/or racial insults is given this rating because it contains more of these elements than a PG rating would permit, or the film contains uses of stronger profanities than a PG would permit. A film rated PG-13 for "intense violence" is given this rating if blood is present in a violent way. In recent years, this rating has been used for the majority of American films released.
And after all of this, my point truly is, how can you have an opinion on something you know little or nothing about? I can respect, “I don’t want to see ‘Twilight’ because that just doesn’t look like a movie I’d like” or “I don’t want to read ‘Twilight’ based on the reviews and articles I’ve read”, but to outright say “this movie sucks” or “those books are garbage” are pretty strong opinions and I would expect the person saying these things to actually be able to back it up. If you read the book and found it miserable, then I respect your opinion 100%. I’ve certainly read some books and seen some movies that made me recoil at the horror of the awfulness contained within them. However, if you think everything that is liked by pre-teens or teens is junk because of the group that gravitates towards it, then that is an opinion based on such a large spectrum it’s hard to believe it’s a valid opinion. I know a number of teens who love the “Lord of the Rings” series. This is a series that has been highly acclaimed. I wonder if that person would also say these books and movies are “junk”? It’s also a series I don’t particularly care for. I’ve seen the movies, and honestly I tried to read the books, but I couldn’t get interested enough in them. Not my kind of book I guess. But I won’t devalue those books just because I didn’t care for them, and certainly not because of the majority of people who did like them. I can’t even say I hated them, mostly because I couldn’t finish them, so I don’t have enough information to give a solid opinion on those books.
Let me simplify this one more way. My son won’t eat peas. He hasn’t had them since he was a baby and I doubt he remembers what they taste like, but as he tells me “they are green and that makes them yucky”. However, he does like broccoli. Loves it actually. If he based his opinion of peas “they are green and that makes them yucky” on broccoli (hey, it’s green, so it must me yucky) he really shouldn’t like broccoli either. But he gave broccoli a chance and found out it was pretty darn good. I still hold out hope for the peas, but that’s another battle for another day.
If you want to be opinionated all I ask is that you are giving an opinion based on some factual experience with what you are feeling so strongly about, otherwise you might just be jumping off the cliff with all the other lemmings.
I recently got into a debate with someone over the Twilight series. First let me say I’ve read all of the books and I enjoyed them. Are they literary award winning pieces? No. Are they fun little bits of mind candy? Yes.
The person I was debating with has never read the books, nor seen the movies, but was very opinionated based solely on what she had heard from friends, whom I’m guessing didn’t discuss ever specific detail of the books with this person.
The person said “I don’t think they’re going to make the Breaking Dawn movie, because my friend was telling me it’s fairly detailed sexually anyway.”
I responded by telling this person that the sexual content in the 4th book is not that detailed, of course I’m not sure what this friend considers “detailed”.
The person then says “Well, considering the entire time Bela (yes, she misspelled the character’s name too) and Edward haven’t had sex (because it’s a meant to be a teen movie) and then in Breaking Dawn they have sex on their honeymoon and then she ends up pregnant. The teen era may just frown on making the movie is all. I’m not saying it’ll show the “sexual content” but the obvious point is there”
I responded “But don’t married people have sex??? I don’t think it’s meant to be a teen movie or series, that’s just the group that identifies with it because of the age of the characters”
So then I started to wonder. What did the author intend? And I found an article where the author tells us just what she was thinking:
Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens?
A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn.
I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading).
And something else I found interesting about the author was this:
Q: What other young adult authors do you read?
A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoy J.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now.
So after this the person tells me “regardless if married people have sex or not, for the PG-13 rated movies it’s still not technically supposed to be a part of the content”
Um, WHAT? The PG-13 rating is this: PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Films given this rating may contain sexual content, brief or partial nudity, some strong language and innuendo, humor, mature themes, political themes, terror and/or intense action violence. However, bloodshed is rarely present. This is the minimum rating at which drug content is present; While PG-13 films usually have more profanity than PG films, this is not necessarily the case. A film that is given a PG-13 rating due to profane language and/or racial insults is given this rating because it contains more of these elements than a PG rating would permit, or the film contains uses of stronger profanities than a PG would permit. A film rated PG-13 for "intense violence" is given this rating if blood is present in a violent way. In recent years, this rating has been used for the majority of American films released.
And after all of this, my point truly is, how can you have an opinion on something you know little or nothing about? I can respect, “I don’t want to see ‘Twilight’ because that just doesn’t look like a movie I’d like” or “I don’t want to read ‘Twilight’ based on the reviews and articles I’ve read”, but to outright say “this movie sucks” or “those books are garbage” are pretty strong opinions and I would expect the person saying these things to actually be able to back it up. If you read the book and found it miserable, then I respect your opinion 100%. I’ve certainly read some books and seen some movies that made me recoil at the horror of the awfulness contained within them. However, if you think everything that is liked by pre-teens or teens is junk because of the group that gravitates towards it, then that is an opinion based on such a large spectrum it’s hard to believe it’s a valid opinion. I know a number of teens who love the “Lord of the Rings” series. This is a series that has been highly acclaimed. I wonder if that person would also say these books and movies are “junk”? It’s also a series I don’t particularly care for. I’ve seen the movies, and honestly I tried to read the books, but I couldn’t get interested enough in them. Not my kind of book I guess. But I won’t devalue those books just because I didn’t care for them, and certainly not because of the majority of people who did like them. I can’t even say I hated them, mostly because I couldn’t finish them, so I don’t have enough information to give a solid opinion on those books.
Let me simplify this one more way. My son won’t eat peas. He hasn’t had them since he was a baby and I doubt he remembers what they taste like, but as he tells me “they are green and that makes them yucky”. However, he does like broccoli. Loves it actually. If he based his opinion of peas “they are green and that makes them yucky” on broccoli (hey, it’s green, so it must me yucky) he really shouldn’t like broccoli either. But he gave broccoli a chance and found out it was pretty darn good. I still hold out hope for the peas, but that’s another battle for another day.
If you want to be opinionated all I ask is that you are giving an opinion based on some factual experience with what you are feeling so strongly about, otherwise you might just be jumping off the cliff with all the other lemmings.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What Am I Not Reading at this Point???
I've been told it's not easy to pick up several different books at one time and read them simultaneously, but I've never found that to be the case...until now. I'm currently reading three books at the same time and have now picked up a fourth, oh help.
I have a passionate love for books. I'm not terribly particular to the form either. I enjoy autobiographies, biographies, fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, romance, sci-fi (Ok, only a little sci-fi). If the book "grabs" me I'm all in, for better or for worse. And boy oh boy, there have been some "worse" books, but I finish them, simply so I can say, "There. Done. Back to the dusty corner you crept out of!"
My current reads are as follows, and in no particular order:
Witness in Death - J.D. Robb. I started this because it is part of an on-going series about a New York Detective named Eve Dallas. It's a futuristic crime series, with a dash of romance. Ok, maybe more of a glob of romance. Nevertheless, I've grown fond of the characters and will most likely finish it. I really enjoy a good series, except when it ends. I went to Hogwarts with Harry, super-sleuthed beside Spencer, hunted down bailjumpers with Stephanie Plum and watched Bella make her choices...I get completely wrapped up in their lives and get lost in their moments, which is pure joy and entertainment for me.
Seabiscuit - Laura Hillenbrand. I'm simply reading this one to see how it compared to the movie. The movie was one of the those feel-good emotionally uplifting pieces, so I'm hoping the book will be the same, but with more detail. I'm a sucker for detail.
Finger Lickin' Fifteen - Janet Evanovich. It's bounty hunting as only Stephanie Plum can do it...completely haphazardly. Book 15 of a 16 book series. Janet Evanovich has a way of making me laugh like no other, and who doesn't need a good laugh now and again?
and now the fourth book, which I have yet to start:
The Reader - Bernhard Schlink. I must say I'm tempted to cheat and watch the movie first, but only because I already have three books going at the moment and another book, might be a bit much. This book came highly recommended from a friend, who is not one to read much or often. Not because she doesn't like reading, but because she simply doesn't have the time. I believe she read this book in three days, which for her is nothing short of a miracle, and tells me it should be worth my time too.
So, what is everyone else reading this summer?
I have a passionate love for books. I'm not terribly particular to the form either. I enjoy autobiographies, biographies, fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, romance, sci-fi (Ok, only a little sci-fi). If the book "grabs" me I'm all in, for better or for worse. And boy oh boy, there have been some "worse" books, but I finish them, simply so I can say, "There. Done. Back to the dusty corner you crept out of!"
My current reads are as follows, and in no particular order:
Witness in Death - J.D. Robb. I started this because it is part of an on-going series about a New York Detective named Eve Dallas. It's a futuristic crime series, with a dash of romance. Ok, maybe more of a glob of romance. Nevertheless, I've grown fond of the characters and will most likely finish it. I really enjoy a good series, except when it ends. I went to Hogwarts with Harry, super-sleuthed beside Spencer, hunted down bailjumpers with Stephanie Plum and watched Bella make her choices...I get completely wrapped up in their lives and get lost in their moments, which is pure joy and entertainment for me.
Seabiscuit - Laura Hillenbrand. I'm simply reading this one to see how it compared to the movie. The movie was one of the those feel-good emotionally uplifting pieces, so I'm hoping the book will be the same, but with more detail. I'm a sucker for detail.
Finger Lickin' Fifteen - Janet Evanovich. It's bounty hunting as only Stephanie Plum can do it...completely haphazardly. Book 15 of a 16 book series. Janet Evanovich has a way of making me laugh like no other, and who doesn't need a good laugh now and again?
and now the fourth book, which I have yet to start:
The Reader - Bernhard Schlink. I must say I'm tempted to cheat and watch the movie first, but only because I already have three books going at the moment and another book, might be a bit much. This book came highly recommended from a friend, who is not one to read much or often. Not because she doesn't like reading, but because she simply doesn't have the time. I believe she read this book in three days, which for her is nothing short of a miracle, and tells me it should be worth my time too.
So, what is everyone else reading this summer?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
An Open Letter to Dads - by Kathy Handley
Some of you may not know my friend, Kathy Handley. She is an amazing person with a gift to shoot from the hip and write from the heart. Below is note she wrote and I felt compelled to share this with all of you. PS - if you want to copy and paste this please feel free to do so, but I ask that you give Kathy credit as the author of this piece.
I have a complicated relationship with my father, like I do with a lot of people (perhaps the problem is me... but naaaaaah). Still, one of the smartest pieces of wisdom that's ever been imparted to me came from my dad, during a conversation that encompassed a lot of other topics I'd really rather not have been privy to (oversharing is a Handley genetic trait, apparently). My friend Caryn once said something like, "Every one of my sisters [and this girl has a lot of sisters--seriously] has heard what Kathy's dad says about relationships." (This is only fair, because all of Kathy's friends have heard what Caryn's dad said about life in general: "joke 'em if they can't take a fuck.") Anyway: In the midst of a serious conversation when I was, frankly, far too young to be needing to have such serious conversations, my father said, "The thing is, no one ever knows what goes on in a relationship except the two people in it."
Think about that. Really, honestly think about that and what it really means--and then think about your life, your relationships, the people you know, and how much you judge them every day for things you really can't understand. We all do it. We can all aspire not to.
Life is kind of a crapshoot. You win some, you lose some, you can never know ahead of time how anything's going to go. But you're never going to win by refusing to play. I had a friend tell me once, "I'm pretty sure you're more likely to win the lottery if you never buy a ticket than if you do." Sarcasm, yes, I am familiar--another genetic gift from Dad. But all the same--not so much. You have to play to win.
I've always been the kind of girl who has a million male friends, and I've always been the kind of girl who has a million love interests, too (except, oddly, for right at this moment, which--throw me a bone here, people. Cripe, that sounds filthy. Never mind.) It would seem that for some reason I don't understand, I am a totally likeable person. Maybe it's because I've worked so hard for so long at stamping out that automatic judgment instinct we're all born with; maybe it's because I'm funny and I wear v-necks that show off my cleavage and I can turn the most innocent statements into innuendo. I'll never know. But I do know this.
Life is difficult and challenging and you often don't get a say in when big things are going to happen to you, or what those big things will be. But those of you who've chosen to be dads--not just fathers; you don't usually get to choose that--are remarkable. Every man who's stepped up and parented his children, who's changed a diaper, who's gotten up at three in the morning, who's scheduled his weekends and his finances and his life around the kids he's helped bring into the world--you're really remarkable.
You're the reason the deadbeat dad stereotype makes me angry. You're the reason I believe our court system is entirely fucked. You're the reason your daughters will grow up to love and marry decent, honorable men. You're the reason your kids like taking things apart and making messes and learning from their mistakes. You're the reason we all learn a sense of shame, because nothing in the world feels worse than hearing your dad say, "I'm disappointed in you" or "I'm not angry; I'm hurt." You're the reason your little girls don't grow up to be strippers or drug addicts. Thank you. Thank you for loving your kids, no matter how they came about.
And this is your weekend. You should be allowed to sleep in, watch whatever tolerable sports you can find on TV, drink beer till your stomachs hurt and you fall into feverish slumbers on the couch, chicken wings and BBQ scattered all around you. You deserve that.
But I know you'd rather spend the weekend with your kids, teaching them something, showing them something, letting them wrestle with you and make messes and pull the dog's tail. I know you'll remember the day your 4-year-old crayoned all over the fridge with more fondness than you'd ever remember the day you took a bloated nap on the couch. You all tell me every day exactly how much you love your kids.
Thank you. Thank you for stepping up, for being there, for being someone's Daddy.
I have a complicated relationship with my father, like I do with a lot of people (perhaps the problem is me... but naaaaaah). Still, one of the smartest pieces of wisdom that's ever been imparted to me came from my dad, during a conversation that encompassed a lot of other topics I'd really rather not have been privy to (oversharing is a Handley genetic trait, apparently). My friend Caryn once said something like, "Every one of my sisters [and this girl has a lot of sisters--seriously] has heard what Kathy's dad says about relationships." (This is only fair, because all of Kathy's friends have heard what Caryn's dad said about life in general: "joke 'em if they can't take a fuck.") Anyway: In the midst of a serious conversation when I was, frankly, far too young to be needing to have such serious conversations, my father said, "The thing is, no one ever knows what goes on in a relationship except the two people in it."
Think about that. Really, honestly think about that and what it really means--and then think about your life, your relationships, the people you know, and how much you judge them every day for things you really can't understand. We all do it. We can all aspire not to.
Life is kind of a crapshoot. You win some, you lose some, you can never know ahead of time how anything's going to go. But you're never going to win by refusing to play. I had a friend tell me once, "I'm pretty sure you're more likely to win the lottery if you never buy a ticket than if you do." Sarcasm, yes, I am familiar--another genetic gift from Dad. But all the same--not so much. You have to play to win.
I've always been the kind of girl who has a million male friends, and I've always been the kind of girl who has a million love interests, too (except, oddly, for right at this moment, which--throw me a bone here, people. Cripe, that sounds filthy. Never mind.) It would seem that for some reason I don't understand, I am a totally likeable person. Maybe it's because I've worked so hard for so long at stamping out that automatic judgment instinct we're all born with; maybe it's because I'm funny and I wear v-necks that show off my cleavage and I can turn the most innocent statements into innuendo. I'll never know. But I do know this.
Life is difficult and challenging and you often don't get a say in when big things are going to happen to you, or what those big things will be. But those of you who've chosen to be dads--not just fathers; you don't usually get to choose that--are remarkable. Every man who's stepped up and parented his children, who's changed a diaper, who's gotten up at three in the morning, who's scheduled his weekends and his finances and his life around the kids he's helped bring into the world--you're really remarkable.
You're the reason the deadbeat dad stereotype makes me angry. You're the reason I believe our court system is entirely fucked. You're the reason your daughters will grow up to love and marry decent, honorable men. You're the reason your kids like taking things apart and making messes and learning from their mistakes. You're the reason we all learn a sense of shame, because nothing in the world feels worse than hearing your dad say, "I'm disappointed in you" or "I'm not angry; I'm hurt." You're the reason your little girls don't grow up to be strippers or drug addicts. Thank you. Thank you for loving your kids, no matter how they came about.
And this is your weekend. You should be allowed to sleep in, watch whatever tolerable sports you can find on TV, drink beer till your stomachs hurt and you fall into feverish slumbers on the couch, chicken wings and BBQ scattered all around you. You deserve that.
But I know you'd rather spend the weekend with your kids, teaching them something, showing them something, letting them wrestle with you and make messes and pull the dog's tail. I know you'll remember the day your 4-year-old crayoned all over the fridge with more fondness than you'd ever remember the day you took a bloated nap on the couch. You all tell me every day exactly how much you love your kids.
Thank you. Thank you for stepping up, for being there, for being someone's Daddy.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Once upon a time there was this game...
I don't know what made me think of this today, but there was this "horrible" drinking game my friends and I used to play. I believe we referred to this as the "circle of death".
The rules? Simple. Repeat the following one line at a time going around the circle. Each time around you add another line, but if someone messes it up they have to drink. Occasionally someone would yell out "social" and all of us would drink (oy vey!) Anyway, here's the game and PLEASE kids DON'T try this at home...those of you who do this, PLEASE STAY HOME. It is funny, but the next morning would be murderous.
To the judge, Queen, and country!
• One red hen
• couple of ducks.
• Three brown bear.
• Four running hare.
• Five, fat, fickle females sitting sipping scotch
• six simple Simons sitting on a stump
• Seven Sinbad Sailors, sailing the seven seas on a sleuth.
• Eight egotistical egotists echoing egotistical ecstasies.
• nine nude nymphs nibbling nuts, nails and nicotine
• Ten, I am not a fig plucker, nor a fig plucker's son. But, I'll pluck figs
till the fig plucker comes…and you can bet your ass I’m not a turtle.
Remember that each time the game goes round the circle a new line must be added to the whole. The point in all of this is that when a mistake is made, a nice long swig must be taken in punishment. The game ends when the whole stream of verses have been completed.
Bottom line...no one really wins at this, but the more you drink the funnier these lines become.
Yeah, we lived in a small town, and there wasn't much to do... HA!
The rules? Simple. Repeat the following one line at a time going around the circle. Each time around you add another line, but if someone messes it up they have to drink. Occasionally someone would yell out "social" and all of us would drink (oy vey!) Anyway, here's the game and PLEASE kids DON'T try this at home...those of you who do this, PLEASE STAY HOME. It is funny, but the next morning would be murderous.
To the judge, Queen, and country!
• One red hen
• couple of ducks.
• Three brown bear.
• Four running hare.
• Five, fat, fickle females sitting sipping scotch
• six simple Simons sitting on a stump
• Seven Sinbad Sailors, sailing the seven seas on a sleuth.
• Eight egotistical egotists echoing egotistical ecstasies.
• nine nude nymphs nibbling nuts, nails and nicotine
• Ten, I am not a fig plucker, nor a fig plucker's son. But, I'll pluck figs
till the fig plucker comes…and you can bet your ass I’m not a turtle.
Remember that each time the game goes round the circle a new line must be added to the whole. The point in all of this is that when a mistake is made, a nice long swig must be taken in punishment. The game ends when the whole stream of verses have been completed.
Bottom line...no one really wins at this, but the more you drink the funnier these lines become.
Yeah, we lived in a small town, and there wasn't much to do... HA!
Thursday, March 04, 2010
The Landlady is a Witch and my Wardrobe
This past Saturday I had the great misfortune of having the sink which my washing machine drains into clog. Not a small clog either apparently, because three bottles of drain-o type chemicals later it still wasn’t working. So after a day of failed attempts I gave in and sent the Land “lady” an e-mail:
FROM ME on Monday, March 1, 2010, at 6:30 PM:
Dear Land “lady”:
The sink in the basement that the washing machine drains into is clogged. I've tried plunging it and 3 bottles of Drano (all different kinds) to get it unclogged, but I haven't had any luck. Can we get a plumber over here tomorrow? This has been going on since Saturday. I was really hoping I could fix it, but I think the drain most likely needs snaked and that's beyond my skills.
Jacob has a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. If you could get a plumber here around 4:00 pm I could be here, as long as it wouldn't take them more than an hour and a half to fix the drain.
Let me know.
-------------------------
FROM the Land “lady” at 11:00 PM (yes PM) on Monday, March 1, 2010:
It needs snaked...no plumber. Do you have a lint catcher on the end of your washer hose? You need them...found at grocery store to prevent lint clogging.
Please ask my ex. He should have a snake. Also. he should be the first person to ask for help there.
Land “lady”
-------------------------
OK, I don’t really care who fixes the drain at this point, but I’m mad that she waited until 11:00 p.m. to tell me this and they only way I saw this was I get messages on my blackberry. So as soon as I got her message I texted her ex something like “I have a clogged drain in the basement and Land “lady” said to call you to fix it. Help.”
Then Land “lady’s” ex calls me up and asks what the problem is, and I apologize for him even having to be called because 1. he’s NOT the landlord anymore and 2. he gets no rental income of payment for fixing things in my side of the duplex.
I proceed to tell Mr. X what the situation is and that “lady” said I should call him. We discussed back and forth that it’s wrong for her to put either one of us in this situation, but there you have it. So Mr. X said he’d come by the next night to fix the drain. Problem solve, right? WRONG. He never showed up! Grrr. So now it’s Tuesday. I haven’t been able to do any laundry for about 3 days and with two kids in the house it’s starting to get ugly. When I get into work I decide I’m going to send the “lady” a nasty e-mail and tell her I’m hiring a plumber and I’ll deduct it from the rent, because, quite frankly, this is a load of crap. Fortunately I got stuck in a meeting and came out of that meeting to find this message waiting for me...
-------------------------
FROM the Land “lady””:
Okay Beth – I have Mr Rooter scheduled to come to your house this evening between 6 & 8. They have a 2 hour window. I gave them your home number of xxx-xxx-xxxx.
My EX tells me that you are considering moving because of the repair issues there? Is this true? He also said he repaired the tiles at the entrance there. If he was to fix the items I purchased and didn’t (I had no idea that he didn’t), you needed to either leave him a note or call him on it. Remember the message previous was that I purchase the items and he will fix them. I didn’t know he didn’t – no one told me.
His work is xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxx and cell is xxx-xxx-xxxx if you ever need to call him.
-------------------------
NOW I’M MAD. I had sent her a letter at least one month before this telling her that Kevin had replaced the broken toilet seat and the broken door knob. So she ABSOLUTELY knew, but just didn’t care, or never bothered to read my letter…whichever. And why is it on me to make arrangements with HER ex to repair things in this house??? REALLY? Um, don’t think so.
-------------------------
MY RESPONSE to Land “lady”:
You can also give the plumber my cell number which is xxx-xxx-xxxx. I'll try to leave work a little early so I'm sure to be at the house by 6:00.
And yes, for a number of reasons I am considering moving. In part because of the repair issues, and also because of the school district. With the likelihood that a contract will not be resolved in the school district by next fall I don't want to put Jacob through another strike. He truly needs routine and between the snow delays (which obviously can't be helped) and then a week of strike time, it's really affected him.
As far as the repairs I find it frustrating to be at the mercy of Mr. X’s schedule and availability. I told you in a letter I sent with the last rent check that my boyfriend repaired the door knob and the toilet seat, because I simply was done with waiting. Mr. X isn't around all that often, or at least he's not around when I am, so things just continued to remain unresolved. Given the personal issues between the two of you, maybe it would be best just not to involve him in the repairs and upkeep, and since he's not the landlord (or at least doesn't receive the rent) then there really isn't much incentive for him to keep up the property...it puts all of us in a bad position.
And yes, Mr. X did glue down the tiles, but I don't know how long that will last. He mentioned trying to find some replacement flooring, but said that probably wouldn't be for awhile.
By the way, Mr. X had told me he was coming last night to fix the drain, and I never heard or saw him, so I was going to contact you today about a plumber coming over to fix the situation. As you know with little ones in the house the laundry piles up pretty quickly.
Thank you for contacting the plumber. I'll let you know once they have finished the work
----------------------
AND Land “lady” responds:
Hang in there Beth, seems neither of us can count on him, therefore, we won’t. But in any case, if you do need him, keep those numbers I gave you. For anything else regarding repairs, I will do them (because frankly, I can or I can certainly try) or I will hire the job out. Let’s just leave Mr. X out of the repair picture. He’s still in retaliation mode towards me. Sorry about that!
Now regarding keeping that drain clean, please get the metal mesh lint catchers found at the local grocery store or hardware store. They catch 99% of the fabric lint that tends to clog those drains.
I had no clue that he said he’d fix that drain – he didn’t tell me.
------------------------
After talking to Mr. X I find out that she is lying about talking to him about this. Plus, she never told him she was going to hire a plumber. Meanwhile, she called her attorney and got him on the phone with Mr. X’s attorney DEMANDING that he make this repair. At this time I’m un-aware of all of this.
But I did send this response:
-------------------------
“Yep, I called him after I got you e-mail and was expecting him last night to fix it. By 10:00 pm I gave up waiting and called it a night.
I did buy the lint trap thing too, so I'll make sure that's on when the plumber comes over.”
--------------------
From Land “lady”:
Yeah, the lint trap will really help. I've used them for years.
Sorry about Mr. X. What else can I say. Can't control his behavior. Just call me in the future.
-------------------------
Ok, so the woman is a nutter and has no business sense whatsoever. Talk about a bad way to handle this situation.
Even better, when I got home from work last night my front door was open, and Mr. X was in the basement fixing the sink drain, which ok, fine, thank you for fixing it, but I told him “you know Land “lady” hired a plumber to come do this right?” He says “no” of course and so we started piecing things together, only to find that she was tell us both two different stories.
Yeah, all this over some freakin’ lint in my drain…and she wonders why I want to move out????
FROM ME on Monday, March 1, 2010, at 6:30 PM:
Dear Land “lady”:
The sink in the basement that the washing machine drains into is clogged. I've tried plunging it and 3 bottles of Drano (all different kinds) to get it unclogged, but I haven't had any luck. Can we get a plumber over here tomorrow? This has been going on since Saturday. I was really hoping I could fix it, but I think the drain most likely needs snaked and that's beyond my skills.
Jacob has a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. If you could get a plumber here around 4:00 pm I could be here, as long as it wouldn't take them more than an hour and a half to fix the drain.
Let me know.
-------------------------
FROM the Land “lady” at 11:00 PM (yes PM) on Monday, March 1, 2010:
It needs snaked...no plumber. Do you have a lint catcher on the end of your washer hose? You need them...found at grocery store to prevent lint clogging.
Please ask my ex. He should have a snake. Also. he should be the first person to ask for help there.
Land “lady”
-------------------------
OK, I don’t really care who fixes the drain at this point, but I’m mad that she waited until 11:00 p.m. to tell me this and they only way I saw this was I get messages on my blackberry. So as soon as I got her message I texted her ex something like “I have a clogged drain in the basement and Land “lady” said to call you to fix it. Help.”
Then Land “lady’s” ex calls me up and asks what the problem is, and I apologize for him even having to be called because 1. he’s NOT the landlord anymore and 2. he gets no rental income of payment for fixing things in my side of the duplex.
I proceed to tell Mr. X what the situation is and that “lady” said I should call him. We discussed back and forth that it’s wrong for her to put either one of us in this situation, but there you have it. So Mr. X said he’d come by the next night to fix the drain. Problem solve, right? WRONG. He never showed up! Grrr. So now it’s Tuesday. I haven’t been able to do any laundry for about 3 days and with two kids in the house it’s starting to get ugly. When I get into work I decide I’m going to send the “lady” a nasty e-mail and tell her I’m hiring a plumber and I’ll deduct it from the rent, because, quite frankly, this is a load of crap. Fortunately I got stuck in a meeting and came out of that meeting to find this message waiting for me...
-------------------------
FROM the Land “lady””:
Okay Beth – I have Mr Rooter scheduled to come to your house this evening between 6 & 8. They have a 2 hour window. I gave them your home number of xxx-xxx-xxxx.
My EX tells me that you are considering moving because of the repair issues there? Is this true? He also said he repaired the tiles at the entrance there. If he was to fix the items I purchased and didn’t (I had no idea that he didn’t), you needed to either leave him a note or call him on it. Remember the message previous was that I purchase the items and he will fix them. I didn’t know he didn’t – no one told me.
His work is xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxx and cell is xxx-xxx-xxxx if you ever need to call him.
-------------------------
NOW I’M MAD. I had sent her a letter at least one month before this telling her that Kevin had replaced the broken toilet seat and the broken door knob. So she ABSOLUTELY knew, but just didn’t care, or never bothered to read my letter…whichever. And why is it on me to make arrangements with HER ex to repair things in this house??? REALLY? Um, don’t think so.
-------------------------
MY RESPONSE to Land “lady”:
You can also give the plumber my cell number which is xxx-xxx-xxxx. I'll try to leave work a little early so I'm sure to be at the house by 6:00.
And yes, for a number of reasons I am considering moving. In part because of the repair issues, and also because of the school district. With the likelihood that a contract will not be resolved in the school district by next fall I don't want to put Jacob through another strike. He truly needs routine and between the snow delays (which obviously can't be helped) and then a week of strike time, it's really affected him.
As far as the repairs I find it frustrating to be at the mercy of Mr. X’s schedule and availability. I told you in a letter I sent with the last rent check that my boyfriend repaired the door knob and the toilet seat, because I simply was done with waiting. Mr. X isn't around all that often, or at least he's not around when I am, so things just continued to remain unresolved. Given the personal issues between the two of you, maybe it would be best just not to involve him in the repairs and upkeep, and since he's not the landlord (or at least doesn't receive the rent) then there really isn't much incentive for him to keep up the property...it puts all of us in a bad position.
And yes, Mr. X did glue down the tiles, but I don't know how long that will last. He mentioned trying to find some replacement flooring, but said that probably wouldn't be for awhile.
By the way, Mr. X had told me he was coming last night to fix the drain, and I never heard or saw him, so I was going to contact you today about a plumber coming over to fix the situation. As you know with little ones in the house the laundry piles up pretty quickly.
Thank you for contacting the plumber. I'll let you know once they have finished the work
----------------------
AND Land “lady” responds:
Hang in there Beth, seems neither of us can count on him, therefore, we won’t. But in any case, if you do need him, keep those numbers I gave you. For anything else regarding repairs, I will do them (because frankly, I can or I can certainly try) or I will hire the job out. Let’s just leave Mr. X out of the repair picture. He’s still in retaliation mode towards me. Sorry about that!
Now regarding keeping that drain clean, please get the metal mesh lint catchers found at the local grocery store or hardware store. They catch 99% of the fabric lint that tends to clog those drains.
I had no clue that he said he’d fix that drain – he didn’t tell me.
------------------------
After talking to Mr. X I find out that she is lying about talking to him about this. Plus, she never told him she was going to hire a plumber. Meanwhile, she called her attorney and got him on the phone with Mr. X’s attorney DEMANDING that he make this repair. At this time I’m un-aware of all of this.
But I did send this response:
-------------------------
“Yep, I called him after I got you e-mail and was expecting him last night to fix it. By 10:00 pm I gave up waiting and called it a night.
I did buy the lint trap thing too, so I'll make sure that's on when the plumber comes over.”
--------------------
From Land “lady”:
Yeah, the lint trap will really help. I've used them for years.
Sorry about Mr. X. What else can I say. Can't control his behavior. Just call me in the future.
-------------------------
Ok, so the woman is a nutter and has no business sense whatsoever. Talk about a bad way to handle this situation.
Even better, when I got home from work last night my front door was open, and Mr. X was in the basement fixing the sink drain, which ok, fine, thank you for fixing it, but I told him “you know Land “lady” hired a plumber to come do this right?” He says “no” of course and so we started piecing things together, only to find that she was tell us both two different stories.
Yeah, all this over some freakin’ lint in my drain…and she wonders why I want to move out????
Friday, January 29, 2010
All for Beth
Please check out this new blog - http://allforbeth.blogspot.com
Beth was recently diagnosed with cancer and this blog will document her care and treatment, as well as offer information as to how you can help Beth in her fight.
While I don't know Beth very well, as we've probably only met once or twice that I can recall, she is a dear, dear friend of a friend, so it would mean the world to me if all of you reading this could help out in any way possible...whether it is through prayer, time or money, Beth needs all of our support.
She is, first and foremost, a mom, and I'm sure more than anything else in the world she wants to get better, if for no other reason than for her young children.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and I hope you'll keep positive thoughts in your mind for Beth.
Beth was recently diagnosed with cancer and this blog will document her care and treatment, as well as offer information as to how you can help Beth in her fight.
While I don't know Beth very well, as we've probably only met once or twice that I can recall, she is a dear, dear friend of a friend, so it would mean the world to me if all of you reading this could help out in any way possible...whether it is through prayer, time or money, Beth needs all of our support.
She is, first and foremost, a mom, and I'm sure more than anything else in the world she wants to get better, if for no other reason than for her young children.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and I hope you'll keep positive thoughts in your mind for Beth.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Robert B. Parker
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jan/20/robert-b-parker-dies
Truly the ending of an era. Robert B. Parker has passed away. I'm so sadden by this news, and words fail to describe how much his books meant to me.
I started reading Parker's books back in the late 90's when I was working in downtown Pittsburgh. I would have a long commute from home to work, and so to pass the time I would often read. I had picked up my very first Parker book (The Spenser Series) at the suggestion of my mom and my sister, who had said "these are just laugh-out-loud" funny books, and that I should read them. By the end of "The Godwulf Manuscript" I was hooked. I couldn't get the books fast enough, and eagerly spent whatever Barnes & Nobel was asking for paperback versions at the time. And then came the moment when I was "caught up" in the series and I'd have to impatiently wait for the next book to come out. It would be torture. I'd have to bide my time with other authors, nothing quite satiating that need for a Spenser story. I wanted all my old friends back...that is to say Spenser, Susan, Pearl (the dog), Hawk, and a list of other colorful characters who would fade in and out of the series. It was a joy and a gift each time a new book would come out and I'd savor each written word.
The world has lost a great author.
Rest in Peace Robert B. Parker. What I wouldn't give to have even half this man's talent.
Truly the ending of an era. Robert B. Parker has passed away. I'm so sadden by this news, and words fail to describe how much his books meant to me.
I started reading Parker's books back in the late 90's when I was working in downtown Pittsburgh. I would have a long commute from home to work, and so to pass the time I would often read. I had picked up my very first Parker book (The Spenser Series) at the suggestion of my mom and my sister, who had said "these are just laugh-out-loud" funny books, and that I should read them. By the end of "The Godwulf Manuscript" I was hooked. I couldn't get the books fast enough, and eagerly spent whatever Barnes & Nobel was asking for paperback versions at the time. And then came the moment when I was "caught up" in the series and I'd have to impatiently wait for the next book to come out. It would be torture. I'd have to bide my time with other authors, nothing quite satiating that need for a Spenser story. I wanted all my old friends back...that is to say Spenser, Susan, Pearl (the dog), Hawk, and a list of other colorful characters who would fade in and out of the series. It was a joy and a gift each time a new book would come out and I'd savor each written word.
The world has lost a great author.
Rest in Peace Robert B. Parker. What I wouldn't give to have even half this man's talent.
Monday, December 14, 2009
As the boys get older
As the boys get older I realize there are a great number of things I haven't logged into the ol' baby books, which makes me sad, so I'm going to take five minutes and post some changes I've noticed in the past year and some of their little accomplishments. (Sarah, you inspired this post). :-)
Jacob has accomplished many things this year. He started Kindergarten this September and I cannot believe how much he is growing and learning. He can write and read, which is just wild to me. This is my baby...my little guy, and all of the sudden he can communicate on another level. Unreal. And his art skills amaze me. I know, biased mother, but really, for 5 years old he draws exceptionally well. His teacher even said she uses a lot of his artwork as examples for the kids. This makes me so proud. Art has always been a great love for me, and if Jacob wants this in his future it would make me very happy...even if he just draws for fun :-)
Jacob also lost his very first tooth and had a visit from the Tooth Fairy, who left him a lovely letter (ahem, that her assistant wrote), along with money and a brand new Spongebob Squarepants toothbrush...even Johnathan got a toothbrush, because the tooth fairy knew that he might feel a bit left out. Jacob has another wiggler, so it might not be long before the Tooth Fairy has to make a second stop at our house. HA!
Johnathan is growing by leaps and bounds as well. I think some of this is in part due to Jacob going to school. Johnathan is a SPONGE and soaks up everything Jacob is doing, so Johnathan is already writing and identifying his letters and numbers and can recognize his name (or at least the letter "J" which is the first letter of his name, lol!) He's finally given up the pacifier (hooray!) and is fully potty trained, WOO HOO! I wasn't sure he'd ever get the hang of it (mainly because he's as stubborn as a mule), but once he was ready to do it, he got right into it. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me and how much relief it is that he isn't wearing pull up's or diapers anymore. Thank goodness for that one!
Mostly, I'm just very proud and happy of what wonderful little people they are turning out to be. They have their moments, but they are both very polite...lots of "please" and "thank you" and "you're welcome" and it's even better when they say it to strangers.
So overall, it's been a very fine year indeed.
Jacob has accomplished many things this year. He started Kindergarten this September and I cannot believe how much he is growing and learning. He can write and read, which is just wild to me. This is my baby...my little guy, and all of the sudden he can communicate on another level. Unreal. And his art skills amaze me. I know, biased mother, but really, for 5 years old he draws exceptionally well. His teacher even said she uses a lot of his artwork as examples for the kids. This makes me so proud. Art has always been a great love for me, and if Jacob wants this in his future it would make me very happy...even if he just draws for fun :-)
Jacob also lost his very first tooth and had a visit from the Tooth Fairy, who left him a lovely letter (ahem, that her assistant wrote), along with money and a brand new Spongebob Squarepants toothbrush...even Johnathan got a toothbrush, because the tooth fairy knew that he might feel a bit left out. Jacob has another wiggler, so it might not be long before the Tooth Fairy has to make a second stop at our house. HA!
Johnathan is growing by leaps and bounds as well. I think some of this is in part due to Jacob going to school. Johnathan is a SPONGE and soaks up everything Jacob is doing, so Johnathan is already writing and identifying his letters and numbers and can recognize his name (or at least the letter "J" which is the first letter of his name, lol!) He's finally given up the pacifier (hooray!) and is fully potty trained, WOO HOO! I wasn't sure he'd ever get the hang of it (mainly because he's as stubborn as a mule), but once he was ready to do it, he got right into it. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me and how much relief it is that he isn't wearing pull up's or diapers anymore. Thank goodness for that one!
Mostly, I'm just very proud and happy of what wonderful little people they are turning out to be. They have their moments, but they are both very polite...lots of "please" and "thank you" and "you're welcome" and it's even better when they say it to strangers.
So overall, it's been a very fine year indeed.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces, and other gooble-dee-gook.
So many things have transpired in these last few weeks. The boys have had a few milestones and set backs, both ordinary and extraordinary.
Jacob has been doing remarkably well in school…insofar as grasping the material he is learning. He can actual read things to me, and I just look at him in awe and think “Wow, my kid can read”. OK, we’re not reading the Da Vinci Code, but small two and three word sentences from my five year old little guy is somewhat astounding to me (um, his overly bias mom). He’s still having daily struggles with his behavior, but I feel like we are on the right track and he’s getting lots of attention and help from his school and hopefully from me as well. I just can’t get over how much he has grown.
Johnathan is also doing particularly well. His daycare teachers tell me he’s the smartest in the class…no joke. I think it is due in large part to Jacob, and the fact that Johnathan sits there like a little sponge soaking up all the homework Jacob brings home. Not to mention we are reading as a family every night and the boys both take an active role in reading. It takes a long time some nights to get through one book, but it seems to be a beneficial exercise.
Aside from school, Johnathan is now binky-free, thank goodness! It was much easier than I ever thought it would be. He stopped using them on Monday this week and we’ve had ZERO relapses. I’m shocked and thankful that this has gone so well. I really was not looking forward to the dentist beating me up about “Why is this boy still using a pacifier”. UGH!
Even bigger news, Johnathan is, although somewhat unofficially, fully potty trained. He’s had a few accidents, but overall he’s done VERY well. No accidents at night, and really the only accidents seem to happen when he is playing and simply refuses to stop playing to go potty. I think I asked him 20 times last night “do you have to go potty?” On the 19th time I got an exasperated “Noooo, mom, I dooon’t”. Sheesh, pardon me.
And there isn’t much I can report about me. No great, big, wild accomplishments personally. Although I have been able to balance my checkbook to the penny now for three weeks straight and that feels like a huge accomplishment…math is not my friend.
We’re all looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. My sister and her family will be home and we’ll all be at my parent’s house. (God help my parents when we all converge on them). I can’t remember the last time we’ve all been together at my mom and dad’s house for a holiday. I’m thinking more than four years ago??? Maybe Jacob’s first Christmas? I can’t believe that is true, but it probably is. Oh how time does fly.
Jacob has been doing remarkably well in school…insofar as grasping the material he is learning. He can actual read things to me, and I just look at him in awe and think “Wow, my kid can read”. OK, we’re not reading the Da Vinci Code, but small two and three word sentences from my five year old little guy is somewhat astounding to me (um, his overly bias mom). He’s still having daily struggles with his behavior, but I feel like we are on the right track and he’s getting lots of attention and help from his school and hopefully from me as well. I just can’t get over how much he has grown.
Johnathan is also doing particularly well. His daycare teachers tell me he’s the smartest in the class…no joke. I think it is due in large part to Jacob, and the fact that Johnathan sits there like a little sponge soaking up all the homework Jacob brings home. Not to mention we are reading as a family every night and the boys both take an active role in reading. It takes a long time some nights to get through one book, but it seems to be a beneficial exercise.
Aside from school, Johnathan is now binky-free, thank goodness! It was much easier than I ever thought it would be. He stopped using them on Monday this week and we’ve had ZERO relapses. I’m shocked and thankful that this has gone so well. I really was not looking forward to the dentist beating me up about “Why is this boy still using a pacifier”. UGH!
Even bigger news, Johnathan is, although somewhat unofficially, fully potty trained. He’s had a few accidents, but overall he’s done VERY well. No accidents at night, and really the only accidents seem to happen when he is playing and simply refuses to stop playing to go potty. I think I asked him 20 times last night “do you have to go potty?” On the 19th time I got an exasperated “Noooo, mom, I dooon’t”. Sheesh, pardon me.
And there isn’t much I can report about me. No great, big, wild accomplishments personally. Although I have been able to balance my checkbook to the penny now for three weeks straight and that feels like a huge accomplishment…math is not my friend.
We’re all looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. My sister and her family will be home and we’ll all be at my parent’s house. (God help my parents when we all converge on them). I can’t remember the last time we’ve all been together at my mom and dad’s house for a holiday. I’m thinking more than four years ago??? Maybe Jacob’s first Christmas? I can’t believe that is true, but it probably is. Oh how time does fly.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Halloween
This year I allowed the boys two tries at this Halloween gig…what I got was a gigantic bag o’ treats and nowhere to hide them all. Seriously, these boys got enough goodies to sustain them until NEXT Halloween. I’m thinking of donating it to the office junk food basket because 1. they don’t need all this candy, and 2. if it sits in my house I’ll be completely tempted to partake in all that sugary goodness…that I do NOT need.
Trick or Treat #1 was with the boys’ father and for all intents and purposes the night went well enough. I somehow got roped in to walking around with them, and for the most part it was ok. Trick or Treat #2 was in Franklin, and this by far made up for Trick or Treat #1. I love getting “home” and roaming the streets of Franklin, particularly on Halloween. I must say the people of this fair town really get into the spirit of the holiday. There were a number of houses Jacob simply deemed “too scary” to trick or treat at, but made me smile at the hard work and thought that went into giving all the trick or treaters more bang for their buck, er, well, you know what I mean…since it’s all free, ha ha!
This time of year brings back fond memories of my own childhood trick or treating experiences, however, most were spent in Oil City, rather than Franklin. My great-aunt Mary (aka Peanut) would dress up every year and walk around with all of us for Trick or Treat (and I believe she was well into her 60’s – 70’s when she was doing this). The miles we covered on Pollock Hill (as it is known to some) seems unfathomable to most. We worked hard for our candy and were greatly rewarded. There were always the houses to avoid (because the Hells Angels lived there) or the lady who gave out Necco wafers (gag), and of course the customary stop at a long ago closed candy store in my aunt’s neighborhood. We would peer into the windows and dream of long gone days when the store was open. The bright red, leather seated stools that had since lost their shine, the racks where chocolates, Swedish fishes and gumballs once were proudly displayed, now covered with cobwebs and dustbunnies. But for that brief moment, if only in our minds, the store was alive again. We could picture kids having a seat at the bar sampling the latest goodies or roaming from aisle to aisle with pennies in hand ready to spend. It seems sad that my own children will never really have an experience like that, as time and progress have made such stores a thing of the past. Even I never really had this experience, but saw it through my mother’s and my aunt’s eyes.
Ahh memories.
Trick or Treat #1 was with the boys’ father and for all intents and purposes the night went well enough. I somehow got roped in to walking around with them, and for the most part it was ok. Trick or Treat #2 was in Franklin, and this by far made up for Trick or Treat #1. I love getting “home” and roaming the streets of Franklin, particularly on Halloween. I must say the people of this fair town really get into the spirit of the holiday. There were a number of houses Jacob simply deemed “too scary” to trick or treat at, but made me smile at the hard work and thought that went into giving all the trick or treaters more bang for their buck, er, well, you know what I mean…since it’s all free, ha ha!
This time of year brings back fond memories of my own childhood trick or treating experiences, however, most were spent in Oil City, rather than Franklin. My great-aunt Mary (aka Peanut) would dress up every year and walk around with all of us for Trick or Treat (and I believe she was well into her 60’s – 70’s when she was doing this). The miles we covered on Pollock Hill (as it is known to some) seems unfathomable to most. We worked hard for our candy and were greatly rewarded. There were always the houses to avoid (because the Hells Angels lived there) or the lady who gave out Necco wafers (gag), and of course the customary stop at a long ago closed candy store in my aunt’s neighborhood. We would peer into the windows and dream of long gone days when the store was open. The bright red, leather seated stools that had since lost their shine, the racks where chocolates, Swedish fishes and gumballs once were proudly displayed, now covered with cobwebs and dustbunnies. But for that brief moment, if only in our minds, the store was alive again. We could picture kids having a seat at the bar sampling the latest goodies or roaming from aisle to aisle with pennies in hand ready to spend. It seems sad that my own children will never really have an experience like that, as time and progress have made such stores a thing of the past. Even I never really had this experience, but saw it through my mother’s and my aunt’s eyes.
Ahh memories.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Well, I'm going to try and do this again, I think
I realize I haven't posted now for almost 9 months (eek!), but I forgot my password and just recently figured out how to reset the darn thing. We've had a lot of changes in the last year, so I thought I might just start with posting some pictures and I'll try to be a good girl and get back on here more often and post updates, etc. I have to say my biggest downfall with this has been Facebook. I've found so many family and friends on there that I rarely felt the need to come to the ol' blogspot, but I guess there are still quite a few people out there who like the blog, so again, I'll try to be better. For now, please enjoy the pics!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Back to normal?
As I sit at my desk, trying desperately to work, I find myself here, on Blogger. . . up to no good.
The boys had a wonderful holiday. We had Christmas at home, and New Year's Day as well with little fanfare, but peace and harmony were plentiful. Could we really ask for anything more?
And then, what seemed to be the best part of the holidays, I got to see this fabulous person. . .
Deborah, my friend.
It's been far too long since we've seen one another, yet the minute we are together it is as if no time has passed at all. Could be because we talk on Facebook almost everyday? Hmm, possibly?
Deb had a terrific party with some of her nearest and dearest friends and family, and we were fortunate enough to be included this year. The boys had the best time with Deb and Brian's girls, Olivia and Sydney. I think they got their fill of little boys, at least for the time being and Sydney has probably decided little brothers aren't all they are cracked up to be, HA!
I borrowed some random shots from Deb's Facebook page of the party. Silly me, I never bothered to get my camera out, but that's fine, Deb and assorted others took some great shots just the same.
The boys had a wonderful holiday. We had Christmas at home, and New Year's Day as well with little fanfare, but peace and harmony were plentiful. Could we really ask for anything more?
And then, what seemed to be the best part of the holidays, I got to see this fabulous person. . .
Deborah, my friend.
It's been far too long since we've seen one another, yet the minute we are together it is as if no time has passed at all. Could be because we talk on Facebook almost everyday? Hmm, possibly?
Deb had a terrific party with some of her nearest and dearest friends and family, and we were fortunate enough to be included this year. The boys had the best time with Deb and Brian's girls, Olivia and Sydney. I think they got their fill of little boys, at least for the time being and Sydney has probably decided little brothers aren't all they are cracked up to be, HA!
I borrowed some random shots from Deb's Facebook page of the party. Silly me, I never bothered to get my camera out, but that's fine, Deb and assorted others took some great shots just the same.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Kindness of the season
Ok, Ok, I've been horrible. No posts since what, Halloween. Way to go, girl. Life has been strange, confusing and all together chaotic for the past few months. The most likely place to find me these days is on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I love it. I have found so many old friends here. . . everyday is a reunion of sorts. So if you miss me here, check over there, and maybe I can add you.
In the meantime, I will try to be a better blogger.
As it is the Eve of Christmas Eve, I find myself pondering not only the season ahead, but of what to be thankful for. Of course I am oh so thankful for my boys, that goes without saying. I mean, seriously, have you seen those sweet faces?
But I want to share with all of you a selfless gift of love and friendship that was shared with me. One that some people may not even give a second thought about, but it has meant everything to me.
A few nights ago and I am on Facebook, a friend pops up and asks for my address. I'm thinking, huh, Christmas Cards? She tells me, no something else. I then see that she has sent me an e-mail, and within that e-mail details a gift she is sending to me and the boys for Christmas. As we will be home alone this Christmas, my friend did not want us to worry or fuss with a meal, so she's having delivered a very nice meal for the three of us. She simply thought it would be a nice thing to do, just one of those things. I don't know if words will ever do justice to the love and admiration I have for her in my heart, but I wanted the world to know that there are angels among us, and I have the great fortune of calling that angel my friend.
Debbie, (if you are reading this), I thank you for everything you have ever done for me, my boys and my family. As thankful as I am for the gift, the true gift is your friendship, for which I find there is no price I would not pay. If nothing else I wanted to post a little something here to let everyone know that there is truth and love and kindness left in this world and sometimes it only takes one friend to show you how real all those things are.
We love you, Deb.
In the meantime, I will try to be a better blogger.
As it is the Eve of Christmas Eve, I find myself pondering not only the season ahead, but of what to be thankful for. Of course I am oh so thankful for my boys, that goes without saying. I mean, seriously, have you seen those sweet faces?
But I want to share with all of you a selfless gift of love and friendship that was shared with me. One that some people may not even give a second thought about, but it has meant everything to me.
A few nights ago and I am on Facebook, a friend pops up and asks for my address. I'm thinking, huh, Christmas Cards? She tells me, no something else. I then see that she has sent me an e-mail, and within that e-mail details a gift she is sending to me and the boys for Christmas. As we will be home alone this Christmas, my friend did not want us to worry or fuss with a meal, so she's having delivered a very nice meal for the three of us. She simply thought it would be a nice thing to do, just one of those things. I don't know if words will ever do justice to the love and admiration I have for her in my heart, but I wanted the world to know that there are angels among us, and I have the great fortune of calling that angel my friend.
Debbie, (if you are reading this), I thank you for everything you have ever done for me, my boys and my family. As thankful as I am for the gift, the true gift is your friendship, for which I find there is no price I would not pay. If nothing else I wanted to post a little something here to let everyone know that there is truth and love and kindness left in this world and sometimes it only takes one friend to show you how real all those things are.
We love you, Deb.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nighttime Trick or Treat
This was an article on Yahoo! today. Can't believe Oil City, PA made national news with this, but it is interesting. I'm so thrilled the towns in that area are going back to "night-time" trick or treat. Everything is so much more exciting in the dark. The kids can use flashlights and be spooked in the dark, and that's the thrilled of Halloween. So glad my boys will be able to know the joy of trick or treating in the Dark.
Real Halloween back for long traumatized Pa. town
Print By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press Writer Ramit Plushnick-masti, Associated Press Writer – Wed Oct 29, 3:14 pm ET AP –
Buildings of downtown Oil City, Pa. are reflected in the windows of a 'Haunted House' with a Dracula … OIL CITY, Pa. – For 16 years, real horror overshadowed the make-believe terror of Halloween in this Pennsylvania town, where trick-or-treating after dark was banned after an 11-year-old girl was abducted off the street and murdered.
But on Friday, pint-sized witches, princesses and vampires will once again be shuffling from house to house at night, thanks to a petition drive by a fifth-grader.
Elizabeth Roess gathered signatures, wrote an essay outlining her argument, and persuaded City Council two months ago to bring back nighttime trick-or-treating.
"I was a little scared that happened," Elizabeth said of the 1992 slaying of Shauna Howe, who was kidnapped while walking home from a pre-Halloween party. But she added: "I did this and now I'm so happy."
For weeks now, children and their parents in this struggling, working-class town of 10,000 about 80 miles north of Pittsburgh have been eagerly anticipating Halloween's return, though not without some trepidation.
Shannon Goodman got a tether to make sure her 2-year-old daughter, who will dress as a witch, doesn't wander off while they go door to door. "It's going to be a lot of fun, but every parent who cares about their kid should have that fear," she said.
Fifteen-year-old Braden Craig said: "I have a gut-wrenching feeling something bad's going to happen."
The police department plans to have seven officers on duty Friday night, or about twice the usual number, in addition to four school security guards and all 10 of the town's crossing guards.
"If this all goes well, that's great, that's fantastic. I long for those days, too. But the world has changed," said Police Chief Robert Wenner, a father of five who was a patrolman when the murder occurred.
The local radio station has been running a public service announcement by Wenner urging parents to accompany their children, examine any candy before it is eaten and make sure kids wear reflective material.
The police chief said Shauna's murder shattered the "Mayberry attitude" many people in Oil City had toward their hometown.
Shauna, whose family no longer lives in the area, was abducted on Oct. 27. Three days later, her battered body was found under a railroad trestle eight miles away.
With the town gripped by fear that a child killer was on the loose, trick-or-treating the next day was held in daylight for the first time. Police watched from helicopters as parents led their children from house to house along quiet streets.
Residents also began locking their doors and driving their children to school. And every year afterward, the City Council voted to allow trick-or-treating in the afternoon only, a move duplicated around the same time by many other U.S. cities and towns worried about children's safety.
The Oil City murder remained unsolved until a witness came forward four years ago and police turned to DNA evidence. Two brothers were arrested and convicted of murder and sexual assault. A third man pleaded guilty to murder.
Hoping to move Halloween back to night hours, Elizabeth, her mother, grandmother and family friends gathered 175 signatures. The 10-year-old also wrote a paper in which she made her case. Among her reasons: Halloween decorations are best appreciated at night, and many people aren't home during the day to give out candy.
The council vote was unanimous. Elizabeth plans on dressing up as a Goth princess bride.
"Unfortunately, Shauna's tragedy seemed to define Oil City for many years," Oil City blogger John Noel Bartlett wrote on his Web site. "It's time to move on."
Real Halloween back for long traumatized Pa. town
Print By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press Writer Ramit Plushnick-masti, Associated Press Writer – Wed Oct 29, 3:14 pm ET AP –
Buildings of downtown Oil City, Pa. are reflected in the windows of a 'Haunted House' with a Dracula … OIL CITY, Pa. – For 16 years, real horror overshadowed the make-believe terror of Halloween in this Pennsylvania town, where trick-or-treating after dark was banned after an 11-year-old girl was abducted off the street and murdered.
But on Friday, pint-sized witches, princesses and vampires will once again be shuffling from house to house at night, thanks to a petition drive by a fifth-grader.
Elizabeth Roess gathered signatures, wrote an essay outlining her argument, and persuaded City Council two months ago to bring back nighttime trick-or-treating.
"I was a little scared that happened," Elizabeth said of the 1992 slaying of Shauna Howe, who was kidnapped while walking home from a pre-Halloween party. But she added: "I did this and now I'm so happy."
For weeks now, children and their parents in this struggling, working-class town of 10,000 about 80 miles north of Pittsburgh have been eagerly anticipating Halloween's return, though not without some trepidation.
Shannon Goodman got a tether to make sure her 2-year-old daughter, who will dress as a witch, doesn't wander off while they go door to door. "It's going to be a lot of fun, but every parent who cares about their kid should have that fear," she said.
Fifteen-year-old Braden Craig said: "I have a gut-wrenching feeling something bad's going to happen."
The police department plans to have seven officers on duty Friday night, or about twice the usual number, in addition to four school security guards and all 10 of the town's crossing guards.
"If this all goes well, that's great, that's fantastic. I long for those days, too. But the world has changed," said Police Chief Robert Wenner, a father of five who was a patrolman when the murder occurred.
The local radio station has been running a public service announcement by Wenner urging parents to accompany their children, examine any candy before it is eaten and make sure kids wear reflective material.
The police chief said Shauna's murder shattered the "Mayberry attitude" many people in Oil City had toward their hometown.
Shauna, whose family no longer lives in the area, was abducted on Oct. 27. Three days later, her battered body was found under a railroad trestle eight miles away.
With the town gripped by fear that a child killer was on the loose, trick-or-treating the next day was held in daylight for the first time. Police watched from helicopters as parents led their children from house to house along quiet streets.
Residents also began locking their doors and driving their children to school. And every year afterward, the City Council voted to allow trick-or-treating in the afternoon only, a move duplicated around the same time by many other U.S. cities and towns worried about children's safety.
The Oil City murder remained unsolved until a witness came forward four years ago and police turned to DNA evidence. Two brothers were arrested and convicted of murder and sexual assault. A third man pleaded guilty to murder.
Hoping to move Halloween back to night hours, Elizabeth, her mother, grandmother and family friends gathered 175 signatures. The 10-year-old also wrote a paper in which she made her case. Among her reasons: Halloween decorations are best appreciated at night, and many people aren't home during the day to give out candy.
The council vote was unanimous. Elizabeth plans on dressing up as a Goth princess bride.
"Unfortunately, Shauna's tragedy seemed to define Oil City for many years," Oil City blogger John Noel Bartlett wrote on his Web site. "It's time to move on."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
When did you get so big?
They grow up too fast. I'll post more later, but for now here are the pics. Notice Johnathan's look of contempt. Love that face. And Jacob. . . when did he get to be such a little man?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tricky Treats
Here is our model, Jacob, sporting both his and brother's costume. Jacob is going to be Batman, and Johnathan is going to be the red Power Rangers, of course. If you know Johnathan, he eats, sleeps and breathes Power Rangers. Although, Jacob wanting to be Batman was a total shock. I think the mask and the cape sealed the deal for him.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wreck
Well, the good news is that Zachary and Michael are o.k., but the car is trashed.
Friday morning on their way to school Zach fell asleep at the wheel and rolled the car three times. Fortunately they walked away from the accident with cuts and bruises only. It could have been a lot worse.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Congratulations!
A friend of a friend who has been trying so hard for so long to have a baby has finally been blessed. Baby Owen Beale arrived today. He's just beautiful and I'm so very happy for this couple and their new little family.
Monday, October 06, 2008
My grandmother
Helen L. Sumosky
Helen L. Sumosky, 88, of 7 Vo-Tech Drive, Oil City, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca.
Born Jan. 8, 1920, in Oil City, she was a daughter of Leadum Denver and Anna Sherman Fox.
Mrs. Sumosky attended the Oil City schools.
She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Pinegrove School and retired from there.
She loved cooking and baking and was well known for always having something coming from the oven until her vision no longer allowed her that pleasure.
Helen’s biggest joy was her family and friends and nothing made her happier than a visit from her children and grandchildren. She loved music and playing cards with family and friends and especially enjoyed her Tuesday Card Club.
Mrs. Sumosky was a member of St. Venantius Church.
She was married April 18, 1937, to Edward A. Sumosky, who preceded her in death May 9, 1996.
Helen and Ed resided for most of their lives in the home they built at Kahle’s Corners, Fryburg Road, and loved the Perret’s Flats neighborhood.
Surviving are five children, Nancy Scierka and husband, Andy, of Rush City, Minn., Edward Sumosky and wife, Barbara, of Edinboro, Daniel Sumosky and wife, Sharon, of Franklin, Sally Albright and husband, Jeff, of Oil City, and Patty Huber and husband, Bill, of Rouseville.
Survivors also include 21 grandchildren, Kathy Hermansen, Barbara Scierka, Mary Jane Scierka, Michael Scierka, Andy Scierka, Elizabeth Wellman, Edward Sumosky, Steve Sumosky, Jenny Hull, Tina Zaczyk, Mathew Sumosky, Tracy Sheehan, Beth Campbell, Joel Balot, Jessica Balot, Anna Harry, Elizabeth Huber, Preston Huber, William Huber, Patrick Huber and Jonathon Huber.
Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and two on the way; two sisters-in-law, Ceil Jones of Whippany, N.J., and Betty Fox of Oil City; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Among the survivors are also special friends and neighbors, Jennifer Pardee, Kay Thompson, Phyllis Richardson, Shirley Dalton and Vi Shumaker.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Isaac Fox, Carl Fox, Fred Fox, Lloyd Fox and Paul Fox; and two sisters, Suzie Fox Fischer Martin and Marion Fox Porter.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Venantius Church.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango VNA Foundation, 431 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin, 16323.
Helen L. Sumosky, 88, of 7 Vo-Tech Drive, Oil City, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca.
Born Jan. 8, 1920, in Oil City, she was a daughter of Leadum Denver and Anna Sherman Fox.
Mrs. Sumosky attended the Oil City schools.
She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Pinegrove School and retired from there.
She loved cooking and baking and was well known for always having something coming from the oven until her vision no longer allowed her that pleasure.
Helen’s biggest joy was her family and friends and nothing made her happier than a visit from her children and grandchildren. She loved music and playing cards with family and friends and especially enjoyed her Tuesday Card Club.
Mrs. Sumosky was a member of St. Venantius Church.
She was married April 18, 1937, to Edward A. Sumosky, who preceded her in death May 9, 1996.
Helen and Ed resided for most of their lives in the home they built at Kahle’s Corners, Fryburg Road, and loved the Perret’s Flats neighborhood.
Surviving are five children, Nancy Scierka and husband, Andy, of Rush City, Minn., Edward Sumosky and wife, Barbara, of Edinboro, Daniel Sumosky and wife, Sharon, of Franklin, Sally Albright and husband, Jeff, of Oil City, and Patty Huber and husband, Bill, of Rouseville.
Survivors also include 21 grandchildren, Kathy Hermansen, Barbara Scierka, Mary Jane Scierka, Michael Scierka, Andy Scierka, Elizabeth Wellman, Edward Sumosky, Steve Sumosky, Jenny Hull, Tina Zaczyk, Mathew Sumosky, Tracy Sheehan, Beth Campbell, Joel Balot, Jessica Balot, Anna Harry, Elizabeth Huber, Preston Huber, William Huber, Patrick Huber and Jonathon Huber.
Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and two on the way; two sisters-in-law, Ceil Jones of Whippany, N.J., and Betty Fox of Oil City; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Among the survivors are also special friends and neighbors, Jennifer Pardee, Kay Thompson, Phyllis Richardson, Shirley Dalton and Vi Shumaker.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Isaac Fox, Carl Fox, Fred Fox, Lloyd Fox and Paul Fox; and two sisters, Suzie Fox Fischer Martin and Marion Fox Porter.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Venantius Church.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango VNA Foundation, 431 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin, 16323.
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