Perks

It's that time of year at work. The self evaluation. I hate doing them as most people I'm sure do.

I am somewhat anal so I keep a list of things that I have accomplished throughout the year so that at the end of the year I don't forget something. I print (and send to my boss, if he wasn't copied on it) the emails when I get praised for something good and attach them to my review.

So in January when my boss sits down with me and goes over my review, I know that he will only be able to offer me so much in bonus and wage increases. What he can do though is gives us perks. Some things are at his discretion.

Here is the list of things I will ask for:

• Install a tanning bed in the break room. I'm going to Mexico in 49 days. I need to get a base tan or I'll be a lobster the entire week.
• Get rid of the soda in the vending machine. Replace it with beer. I'm asking for Miller Lite and Spotted Cow year round and have at least two seasonal beers that rotate every season.
• Let me replace my desk with a futon so I can work laying down. It is way more comfy than sitting upright all day.
• Hold our next team meeting in Hawaii. I'm flexible and will accept any warm weather location.

Now if you got this list would you think twice about maybe it would be easier to just give me an extra week of vacation??

I'll let you know how that works out for me in January.

~Peace out~

Christmas Lights In Wisconsin

Only in Wisconsin would you expect to see this. I have to admit, it is funny.

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Drunken Antics

Ok, no matter how drunk I may get, I WILL NOT let anyone talk me into this.

Thankful

This past year has been a wild ride for me. Some ups but alot of downs. Even though the downs out numbered the ups this year, I have alot to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for my health. I'm in relatively good health. I try not to take my health for granted and do the things I'm supposed to. Exercise, eat sorta healthy, don't smoke. All the things the doctors tell you to do. I know that by doing these things my body will be stronger and hopefully last a long time.

I'm thankful for a good job. This job, while some days is putting up with people's BS, pays the bills, allows me to have a nice home I can call my own, a decent vehicle to drive and the random vacation and fun toys. I know many people who are either out of a job or in a job that they may not like but need it to pay the bills.

I'm thankful for my dogs. While they can be a handful and at times a bit out of control (ok, really that is only Boomer). They are the best listeners. They are also good foot warmers on a cold night.

I'm thankful for my family. Most of them anyways. They have offered me their love and support across the miles. For this I am grateful. I miss the ones who left this world this year alot. I hope they are in a better place.

I'm thankful for my friends. Without them, this past year would have been unbearable. They have been there through the good, the bad and the ugly this past year. They gave me the strength to move forward with my life when I wasn't sure I could. The fun times of camping this year. Giggling like school girls trying to stay up all night. Waiting for the bats to come home. A big hug when I needed it the most. I treasure each of you.

While life may hand you lemons, be thankful for those lemons. You can always make lemonade.

Take the time out today to remember what you are thankful for. I know I will.

~ Peace Out ~

I Hope So

I know Breast Cancer Awareness month is over but it is always a good time to think of the girls.

I thought that this picture said it perfectly.

Is It Just Me??

I just don't get certain people.... Rachel Ray (her voice is soooo irritating), Nickelback (crappy over-played music that sounds like Creed (who I hate even more)) and Oprah.

There has been a big hub-bub-baloo about her ending her show next year. Why are people so freaked out about it?? Other than the books she suggests for her book club, I could care less. I have never gotten into watching her show. I could not even tell you what time or station it is on.

She makes people famous. Like Dr. Phil. Who up until a few years ago I had no clue who he was. Now the only reason I know who he is, is that I have a cousin who looks like him, but skinnier.

She has a school someplace in Africa that had some problems last year. I don't recall what the issue was but I remember seeing it on the news.

She is still dating that guy, Stegman (I think that is his name) or is it her best friend she is 'dating'.

Who knows?? Better yet, who cares??

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

My friend Monte was recently in Key West and sent me a few pictures.

I think I found a Christmas gift for a friend or two. This could be a big hit at camping.

Only in Canada

Only in Canada would you expect to see a sign like this.

Happy Camper

With winter fast approaching, I needed to think happy thoughts and escape from the winter doldrums. So what do I do??

I book the first camping trip for next season. Ok, technically it is not the first trip we will be taking but it is the first booked. Now I only have to wait a little over 10 months to go on this trip.

We are heading out to Yellowstone Lake State Park in southwestern WI. We will be there for the week after Labor Day. We were there this year during that time and it was great. We had the place to ourselves. Next year I hope to get in some fishing as I never got that far last trip.

Here are a few pictures of the lake. It was really peaceful out there.

Here is StB with his fish. He did release it back. Maybe next year we can catch enough to actually eat as a meal.

As the fall turns into winter, I will look back at these pictures fondly and count the days until our next trip.

This is a test from my BlackBerry

Let's see what this looks like.

Will it keep the formatting?

#
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pumpkin Store

To get you in the halloween mood.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This

Normally I do not remember my dreams. They come and go throughout the night.

Last night, I had a very odd one that when I woke up the actually wanted to call the person and tell them.

It started out simply enough. Hanging out at the bar with Annette, Ben, Anita, Barney, and StB. Drinking beer like any Friday night.

StB was telling us about the new car he wanted to get. Another Mustang. We all thought that was cool. Annette then asked him if he would be willing to get the one that shows he supports breast cancer. StB, being the lover of boobs that he is, told her that he would. In honor of Annette's boobs. We were all happy with his choice and told him so.

Annette told StB that she would even be nice enough to go to the dealer and place the order for it as the purchase was limited to breast cancer survivors. StB agreed.

A few weeks later, we are at the bar again when StB's new car is delivered. I guess in my dreams they deliver vehicles to bars at night.

StB goes outside and sees his new Mustang. Ten seconds later he comes storming back in. Not happy at all. We ask him what is wrong. He tells us to go outside and see for ourselves. We all walk outside.

Us girls, see the car and are all like, "Wow!! Cool!! How sweet is that car"

StB asks if we notice anything about the car. Anita said that she liked like Warriors in Pink tribute that is on the car. Annette and I agreed. It was very sharp.

StB then asks if we think there may be a bit too much pink. Us girls all say no. StB's voice gets all high and squeaky and asks if we think it is a bit much for a young (ok, almost middle-aged), single guy who has a reputation to uphold.

We all start laughing at him, even the guys. Ben told him that it showed his sensitive side. StB called bullshit.

When I woke up I wanted to tell StB that he should not do two things. 1. Never let Annette pick out his cars. 2. Get over it! It's for the boobs.

I had to Google the car this morning to see if I could find it. Nothing came to an exact match but this was close. You can see more pictures here

I don't know, I kinda like it. What do you think?? It could be all pink.

Is It Spring Yet?

I'm not ready for the next 6 months. Today is a preview. It is cool, cloudy and blustery outside. I'm very much a summer gal. Give me the warm sun, gentle breeze, a cocktail and a ball game and I'm a happy camper. Screw the cold and snow.

Yesterday, we did the Susan G Komen walk for breast cancer in honor of Gambino. She is coming up on three years. This fact makes us all happy. You can still donate to a great cause from this link. I have a few pictures but need the time to get them off my camera and phone. I'll try to post later in the week. We had a great time during the walk. A fun way to spend a sunny Sunday morning. The Packer game afterwards at P & K's home was fun as well. Good times with good friends.

I have now developed a cold. I knew the sick guy at work would be sharing his germs with the rest of us. I'm planning on working from home until I feel better. No need getting anyone else sick. I'm very lucky to have that option.

Riley started his allergy shots today. Just like a person, dogs get allergies as well. He is allergic to dust mites and of all things, animal fur. Mainly, cats as I found out from the vet today. So he will be getting shots every 4 days for a few weeks and then start spacing them out a bit. Good news is that I can give him the shots after a few times. It doesn't looks too hard. The biggest thing is that he needs to be watched for about an hour afterwards to make sure he does develop a reaction to the shots. He may end up coming camping with me this weekend. He will like the time away from Boomer I'm sure.

That's about all I know for now.

~ Peace Out ~

The Fine Print

I don't get much mail. Other than utilities, I get most of my bills electronically.

Today I get a bill from Kohl's I have not used the card in quite some time but do so to keep it active. When I do use it I usually pay it off when I get the bill. I am probably one of the few people that will read the inserts with the fine print.

You know what I mean. It is the insert that companies stick in your statement that tell you of changes to your account.

Today I found out that:

1. The late fee is now $29.
2. They have an interest free option each month. You can make three equal; payments and pay your account off. When you do this you avoid any interest charges. May have to remember that if I need to make a big purchase there.
3. The grace period is now 25 day. This is down from 31.
4. The card has a variable rate. It is now prime plus 18.65%. WH-WHA-WHA-WHAT?? Holy crap. That mean that the current interest rate on this card is 21.9% That be some very pricey clothes if you carry a large balance.
5. If you miss a payment, your interest rate now goes up to 24.65% plus prime. That is just freaking crazy. Now the prime rate in at 3.25%. It was not all that long ago that it was over 8%.

All I know if that If I have to charge something pricey at Kohl's I will be using my bank card which carries a nice low interest rate of 7.99%. It pays to read the fine print.

Swinging the Bat

As the baseball season begins to wind down (yeah, it makes me sad too), here is something to watch.

When I Go Walking

It is usually before midnight, but sometimes after...

You tend not to notice the things you pass when in a car. Walking gives you time to explore your surroundings and take notice of the little things.

I will walk almost everyday with the dogs. It is good for all of us. Depending on the weather, time of day and what is going on I will walk the dogs either the short route about a mile and takes 20 minutes or the long route about 1.75 miles and takes 45 minutes. The dogs like to explore as well so it takes longer to walk around the park.

Things I have notices this past week while walking are:

• Lots of people are having their windows replaced or at least sticking the signs in their yard.
• There are 2 trees in Greene park that are really pretty right now. The leaves are a vibrant red and orange. The rain today will probably make the leaves go away.
• The house with the trashy yard now has a tarp over most of the front yard. I wonder if this is to avoid cutting the grass or avoid a ticket from the city. Still looks like crap.
• One house put some new bushes along the driveway. They left the one that is dead and took out the other two that were living. Not sure why.
• One house finally took down their Christmas decorations from last year.
• Another house put some Christmas lights up. And did a lousy job at it.
• One house had new siding put on. It really looks nice. I think they got a new front door as well. May have to stop and ask about where they got it.
• One house really need to pick up the dog poo in the front yard. You can smell it 2 houses away. Even worse when it is warm out.
• The city has a speed warning thingy up that tells you how fast you are going. Most people are going 35-40. Speed limit is 25.

What do you notice about your neighborhood??

Kind Words

I'm stealing this from Kris' blog. Thought it was a very nice passage. I will ty to think of this as I remember the family and friends who have passed on.


Pippin: "I didn't think it would end this way."
Gandalf: "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it."
Pippin: "What? Gandalf?... See what?"
Gandalf: "White shores... and beyond, a fair green country under a swift sunrise."
Pippin: "Well, that isn't so bad."
Gandalf: "No... No it isn't."
-The Return of the King-

Now She Should Rot in Jail

Note: This story contains a link to a very graphic story. When I first read this I was appalled at the gruesomeness of it. Be warned

In Ohio, a young woman who works in a Petland store took two rabbit and drowned them. To make it worse a co-worker recorded it and then she posted it on her Facebook page. She was charged with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. I only wish they were felony counts.

You can read the story and see the video here.

I can't imagine why someone would hurt a defenseless animal. I have had several rabbits in the past. They are great pets and if treated well will make wonderful companions. My first bunny, George, loved to play fetch with an empty paper towel tube.

Keep your Hands to Yourself

Not sure how nuts this guys is but you really have to be desparate to feel up Minnie Mouse at DisneyWorld.

You can read all about it here.

Must be a furry fetish.

Back in the Saddle

I'm glad the past few weeks are over. The combination of my dad being sick and eventually dying, my dad's sister, his niece and my sister and top it off with work have left me emotionally drained.

My dad's funeral went as well as could be expected. Basically my dad's sisters and other on his side of the family ignored my mom and sister and then dumped their crap on me. I almost decked a cousin for saying something at the cemetery that left me fuming. I don't think I have ever been that angry with someone before. EVER!! At this point it is basically good riddance to them!

I'm looking forward to getting away a week from now. Heading out camping for a week. Should be fun. I am stocking up on books now. Ok, not really stocking up but I organized my basement a bit this past weekend and found that I have about 100 books that I have purchased and have yet to read. Must get my butt in gear. Or stop going to the bookstore. What is amusing is that I have not purchased a book since March. The library is keeping my reading list stocked.

With the cooler weather and all the rain my grass needed attending to. I had just cut it last Sunday and it really should have been cut on Friday. I was too lazy to hunt down the big garbage bags so I didn't bag the clippings like I normally do. Maybe I'll get ambitious and rake them up this week... or not. The flipping weedwacker, that I bought like 2 months ago, broke. Somehow the head part of it came off. I'm really lucky I didn't get hurt as it went flying like 15 feet when it flew off. I need to see if I can get someone to take a look at it and figure out how to fix it (hint, hint Ben or Barney)

I got the truck cleaned up for the camping trip as well. Vacuumed and shampooed the floor mats and carpet. I really should get a new floor mat for the driver side. It didn't want to come clean and there is a spot that is wearing thin. But it is all nice and armor all'd and smells good. I'll go get it washed this next week.

I have been playing a bit more poker online the past week or so. Trying to get back into a rhythm for when we go to the casino in Iowa. I have not played live poker for quite awhile now. Not that online is the same but it still is better than nothing. I did fairly well. Saturday I cashed in 5/6 games for a net profit of almost 50 bucks. Today not as well as I took a first in one game but failed to cash in the other two.

Well, it is time to hit the road. I have been starting work at 6 am this past week. 4:30 comes around mighty early. Good thing is that my 4:00pm meeting that was every day has now been scaled back to Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can get out of work at 3 or so.

~peace out~