Up in Smoke

One of my co-workers, Hank, is in MN this week for some training.

Hank is a smoker. When he is in the office, Hank goes outside for a smoke break about once an hour. It takes him about 15 minutes each time. I know this because he walks by my desk each time he goes out.

Hank is staying in a hotel with his boss during the training. They have separate rooms. The hotel they are at is a non smoking hotel. We found out today that Hank has been smoking in his room. The hotel found this out as well.

The hotel fined Hank $250 for each night he is staying. He is there for five nights. That's $1250. One thousand two hundred fifty dollars.

That is alot of money. No matter who you are that will make a dent in your monthly budget. Hell, that is more than most people's mortgage payment.

To make matter even worse, Hank does not have a credit card. How you can be 60 years old and not have one is beyond me. I'm surprised he didn't have a corporate card. Normally, if you do any sort of traveling for work, they make you get one. So the fine for smoking in the room will be put on his boss's credit card.

When you get penalties like this, the bank will not pay for them. They are your responsibility. I'm not sure how he will pay back his boss. But I know if hubby had come home from a business trip and told me that he did something like this and now had to pay back $1250 I would be furious.

What would you do if that was your significant other?

~Peace Out~

Karma is a Female Dog

Earlier this week, my cousin passed away. She was 67. In Sept. she had a stroke. After that things went down hill quickly. She had issues with blot clots and some other stuff. A week before Thanksgiving she was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. They did surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain but it was terminal.

Growing up, our family did alot with theirs. My cousin, Daryl and I played SHAW hockey together. Ok, so I only lasted one season but it was still fun. Daryl on the other hand won a scholarship to Stout by playing hockey. I remember sitting at Wilson Park, with our hockey sticks, jamming to Kiss, Rock n Roll All Night.

On Christmas Day we had a round robin. Everyone like coming back to our house. By then it would be late. The parents were more interested in partying. Us kids took the snowmobiles out. We would go all over. It seemed that at least once or twice a year we would run out of gas or tip them and couldn't get them righted. Someone would have to hoof it back to the house and get a dad.

I'm sad but I somehow feel that this was a bit of karma action going on.

When my dad was sick, she and her husband were frequent visitors to the hospital. I appreciated that. I know it meant alot to my dad. But with all the stuff going on between my parents my cousin took sides. Not that it was wrong but she was not nice about it.

When my dad finally died, she totally ignored my mom at the funeral. She would not say a word to her. Walked right by her and came up to me. At the cemetery, after we buried my dad, she asked me if I thought that I should go back and lock up the house so my mom and sister wouldn't steal anything. That made me furious. She took a day that was already difficult and made it even worse.

I feel like somehow this is her payback for being mean. It's not that I would wish what she has gone through on anyone but sometimes I think that the world gives you what you deserve.

Is it mean of me to think that?

Winter Morning Fog

Thought this was pretty Pang Saturday morning.

Whole Lot of Shakin'

The earthquake tragedy last week in Haiti is a very unfortunate incident. That could have happened anywhere. Many people died and were injured. I heard today that because of lack of medical attention and facilities that doctors in one hospital are amputating arms and legs from more than 100 people a day.

What I find very interesting is how so many people, including celebrities have 'found' a cause to support. There is even a telethon later this week. The money is definately needed to help rebuild the country and get the people back on their feet. Obama has pledged millions upon millions of dollars that the country really doesn't have. Americans have always felt morally responsible for other people. We are a nation of givers.

But.... I think that the money could be well spent in our own country. Imagine what that money could do if it were put back into your community. If it were put into a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, a school. There are many domestic issues that need people's time and money. I feel that our government is acting very irresponsible. Spending money that we really don't have.

Ok, I'm hoping off my soapbox and I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.

This is only a test

Playing to see how this app works with blogger.

Does the formatting look OK?

Also added a picture of Rufus

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.