Rock Painting

This is another “hobby” I got into.  Compliments to my daughter who sent me a painted rock and then to my friend Miko who insisted we try to paint some ourselves.  Miko was much more of an artist, and sadly the first attempt was quickly scrapped! We kept the second attempt!

Somewhere during the COVID lockdown I got back into it.  I find it relaxing but not something I have a talent for.  Every time I sit down with good intentions I find myself wishing I had an ounce of talent or inspiration.  But…..it hasn’t stopped me from trying.  I found that if I traced an object I could transfer it to a rock with carbon paper or cut the tracing paper and Mod Podge it right to the rock.  Once painted I only needed to seal it with an outdoor sealant. 

Like everything it’s become an obsession once I get started.  Last Spring and Sumer I put rocks all around the complex I live in.  It was fun to see them moved around and most just disappeared completely.  I found out that some young girls were collecting them.  Their Mother said – oh – you're the Rock Lady.  She said I was the reason she had to buy rocks and paints for the girls.  (HA – I felt like a Rock Star!). 

After that I dug everything back out and did a bunch of Halloween Rocks.   I planned to dig everything back out again for Thanksgiving and Christmas but that didn't happen.   Once I put everything away to get ready for the Holidays, I never wanted to drag it all out again and make a mess.  

I did join a rock painting site on Facebook just so I can see what others are doing and possibly -  hopefully improve.  Like sending cards to friends, I've enjoyed leaving rock greetings around.  Unlike my Instagram sarcastic, anti-inspirational mesages, I can be positive sometimes.  

Unfortunately though I found some of my rocks reappearing and actually scribbled over with paint.  Obviously the hand of a young child or an adult with less talent than myself!   

So I put out some new rocks and I found neighbors complimenting me and admitted to collecting them.  I guess it's time to drag everything back out and see if anyone else wants to join in.   Maybe it's time to plan a rock-painting party.  Get some friends together with some wine and paint and see what we can come up with.    

 

So Many Questions - So Little Time

So recently I got myself into Ancestry.com, and it has turned into a mild obsession for me.  It’s amazing how much information you can find out about your family on there and how far back you can trace people.  Without much fuss I've managed to get194 people on the tree already.  And what a treat to have an old picture of a family member pop up.  I sit back and look at the size of the tree and look at how far the tree stretches and imagine how much farther it will go.   If I only had more answers.  So I have to rely on contacting family to see what they know (and what I can’t find out for myself on Facebook). 

But in this day and age of social media (and social distancing), It’s not all that simple. There’s a lot on Social Media sites, but not everything.  So I have to actually interact with someone to get my answers.  Since people very rarely pick up a phone to just catch up and chat, it’s hard to nail someone down (and you’re lucky if they text).    Families no longer get together as much as they did in the past.  Or should I say extended families.  It used to be you got together for all sorts of picnics, showers, birthdays and holidays.  Then it changed to showers, weddings, christenings or funerals.  Now it’s just updates on Facebook and Instagram or funerals. 

I’m glad I take after my Mother – she loved to send cards and remember friends and family and so do I.  I still send Birthday & Christmas Cards to family & friends with notes inside. 

Anyway I digress– looking through all the old photos to upload to Ancestry it got me reminiscing about all sorts of things.   I realize now so much time was wasted not asking more questions.  Or maybe I just wasn’t as inquisitive as I should have been?  There are SO many questions I would ask my Parents and Grandparents now.  They’re all gone.  I’d love to know who their grandparents were.  Where they came from. (Since it appears most of my family came over on boats from Europe). 

So I'll take this to social media and see if my family can help add to the tree.

So many questions…..so little time. 

CVS - RITE AID - CUSTOMER SERVICE

 

I’ve watched a thread On my Nexdoor app about CVS poor customer service and people complaining about it and felt the need to speak up. I am a tech at Rite Aid so I can sympathize with the incredible stress that they are experiencing. Since COVID has entered our lives the pharmacy has not been the same. And since the vaccines are now being given by the Pharmacy all hell has broken loose. Our pharmacists work from 8 AM to 9 PM week days and 9 to 6 on weekends. They NEVER get a lunch break – Corporate says you have to take one – but just TRY. Customers don't care if you are eating lunch and they come in!    We are lucky they get to use the rest room once a shift.  I’m sure this is the same at CVS as well as other pharmacies. 

People pour in constantly for shots – flu – Shringrix– COVID – boosters – from the time we open till the close of business. How does ONE pharmacist fill 200 prescriptions and vaccinate 50 to 60 people in ONE shift. One recent weekend our pharmacist had to give shots to some very young children who screamed and cried like they were being beaten. What should have taken only a few minutes tied the pharmacist up for ½ hour. Children that young should be given shots by their pediatrician NOT a pharmacist. So of course the 5 people waiting for their shots were less than pleased and they take it out on the pharmacist and tech. 

When I posted on Nexdoor I did not elaborate - I understand why children are being brought to the pharmacy for their shots.  Pediatricians have other issues to deal with and there are co-pays involved to visit - I do understand that.  But there are some instances with very young children that parents need to consider that the pharmacy may not be the best option.

HINT - People who don’t get to eat, drink, use rest room facilities are bound to be EDGY. Customers who walk in want instant service – if they have to wait 5 minutes they get edgy and irate but that’s ok for them – we have inconvenienced them by not having their script ready. Everyone needs to cut their pharmacy a break – try to see what they have to deal with. Sorry to have rattled on but everyone is short-handed and looking for help – where IS everyone?

It's not just Pharmacies - it's everywhere - people complaining about work but no one applying for the jobs.  I know that the Pharmacies have raised their pay, as did some other retail stores.  I say again - WHERE IS EVERYONE?

I Remember Miko

 

I haven’t been able to process this before now, but when I looked at the calendar today it said "mail Miko's birthday card". 

Miko and Tessie moved in next door to me 5 years ago August.  She was so enamored with my dog she requested the apartment next door rather than the one they had ready for her across the way.   I remember the first evening I actually spoke to her – it was my birthday 2016.  We were both just getting home from work.  We stood outside our apartments chatting in the August heat for about 45 minutes when she decided she needed to drive me to Dairy Queen since it happened to be my birthday.  No time for dinner – just birthday ice cream.  This was the first time I experienced being kidnapped by Miko, but it was not the last. 

I soon learned that anytime you went shopping with Miko, you needed to block out the entire afternoon/evening – it was never an easy in and out.  Shopping with Miko was a gold-medal Olympic event.   She looked at and analyzed everything.   

I especially remember the first Christmas tho – we had been at the Big Lots and found these stuffed showmen that spoke to you when you pinched their hand.  She turned them all on and kept speaking to them and of course a couple dozen snow men started speaking – and speaking – and speaking, until a clerk , who almost peed herself laughing – came over to turn them all off.   BUT it didn't end there……the next evening I went back to purchase another of the snowmen for a co-worker, and who did I find with a cart-full of snowmen?  Miko.  She decided she needed to buy one for every one of her relatives in Okinawa.  She left zero on the shelf.  I managed to convince her not everyone back home needed a snowman. Still, I think she purchased 10 of them.  But I wasn’t always there to restrain her – she once came home with 15 African violet plants because they were only $1 each.   The Dollar Store was especially dangerous for her.  I don't think she ever left without buying at least 10 pair of reader glasses. (Which she was constantly misplacing)

She was always trying to feed me and I'd come home from work and she's call and say come to dinner. She introduced me to Asian cuisine but could keep her seaweed to herself!    She could not believe I had NEVER had Raman noodles so that first Christmas she wrapped up a CASE of them for me. She amazed me at how much she actually could eat – I watched her polish off a double burger at 5Guys (with everything on it).   And outside of a rabbit I’ve never met anyone who could eat as much spinach as Miko.  

If you said you liked something – she got it for you. I learned to be careful around her.  I once mentioned an apple bar I liked from Trader Joes.  The next thing I know she came back from Trader Joes one day with 5 boxes of apple bars!   If you asked her to pick up ONE of something you would have to expect at least two.  Always a backup.  I often thought she thought she was still buying for 5 children!  That was just Miko.  She was generous to a fault. 

She moved in with me in 2017 and that’s when I found out she had more clothes then any one person I ever met.  She had a coat for every day- any weather – any color and boots & shoes to match.  Scarves – she had a million of them and the only person I knew that could actually pull it off year round.   I don’t think I ever saw her in the same outfit twice!  It helped that she worked at QVC – she never missed their employee sales.  Once she moved in with me I was always finding new clothes she would happen to pick up for me as well– I think she was trying to tell me something....Next to clothes, I never saw anyone with more supplements  - she had them for everything you could think of and now has me taking more of them as well!

Living with Miko was never dull.  There was the time she ate the dogs kibble thinking it was a new cereal (that didn't taste that good). Or the time during a snow storm we had to go out to get Pringles.  Or the countless mornings I had to call her phone because she couldn't find hers.

Shortly after she moved in with me, she was in a car accident.  She called me and I sat at Paoli hospital while they did scan to be sure she was ok.  Even lying in that hospital bed she was worried about the man who hit her.  That was Miko.    It was then – September of 2017 that they detected “something”. That something turned out to be pancreatic cancer.    I suppose it was luck to have found it out, had she not had the accident it may have been a much shorter time to have spent with her.  As it was, we had almost 4 years more.

Thru everything – the operation – the countless chemo’s – the trials – the hair & weight loss – she never stopped being optimistic, and she never stopped thinking about everyone else first.  Up until a few months before she passed, she was still driving around seeing people - going to them when she should have been letting them come to her.  

She certainly made an indelible mark on my life.  She definitely got me feeling closer to God.  She helped me to be more patient and giving.  I can’t think of Big Lots, Hobby Lobby, the Dollar Store or 5Guys without thinking of Miko. And I will forever hear her saying whatchamacallit?  

We said our final good-byes to Miko on August 15^th.  It was a beautiful ceremony scripted by Miko.  It was a full house.  So many similar stories.  So many lives touched.  So many hearts broken.

 Miss you fiercely - Rest in Peace.  Happy Birthday!

Anniversary of my Emancipation

 Today, October 20th, 2010 is the 10 year anniversary of my emancipation from Hell.  That being a job of 16 years.  At the time I thought it the end of the world.  My daughter on the other hand cheered.   I had been working 5 days a week, 9 to 10 hours a day and coming in as well on a Sunday to clean up email and get ready for the week - about a 60 hour week.  (not getting paid for that Sunday tho).    

But I'm not going to rehash that story - it's in a previous blog if interested.  What I will reiterate is the advice I gave back then that bears repeating.  

“How many people out there are working in jobs that they like but with people/for people that don't appreciate what you do?  How many people are working 50-60 hours a week and not getting so much as a thank you?  Do you work someplace where if you don't eat lunch in the lunchroom you are the topic at lunch?  Do you work with someone whose head is so far up the manager’s ass they see thru one set of eyes?  Are you part of the "in" crowd?   How many of you have heard how Lucky you are to have a job? 

Well listen up.....if that's the kind of job you have you are not so lucky.  Lucky is getting the hell out!

You've heard the old cliché - when one door closes another one opens - and even if it doesn't open right away, it does open.  And I can honestly say the air on this side of the door is so much fresher!

Yep - 10 years later and I hardly ever need Tylenol and I know who my friends are.

Dog Adoption

I thought I would be blogging earlier this year since I adopted a new dog on February 8^th.   It had been 3 years since Gaston passed so it was time.   I happened upon a rescue site called “Day Before The Rainbow Rescue” after I saw a photo online of Bandit.  I filled out a very thorough adoption application and figured I wouldn’t hear anything again (since that’s what happened over the prior months with local rescues).  I applied on 1/31, was accepted on 2/2 and had a new dog in my lap 2/8.

First I’d like to say that “Day Before The Rainbow Rescue” was a joy to deal with.  I was especially pleased that in addition to his neutering, shots and micro-chipping, the adoption fee covered his transportation up to Delaware where I picked him up. (When I had checked with local shelters about adoption I was informed that the fee only covered the neutering, shots and micro chipping and that I would have to come pick up the animal with a crate.)     

The ladies from Day Before The Rainbow Rescue were also eager to answer all my questions and kept In touch to make sure we both were settled!  And the driver who transported the pets was professional and friendly as well.

I guess I’m just saying if you’re looking to adopt, please add Day Before The Rainbow Rescue to your list to check out!

Meet Bandit!

Loss

                                             
I recently was informed of the death of someone very dear to me.  I didn't realize until I heard the news,  just how dear she was.    It's unfortunate now days that when someone has been ill for some time and they pass you are grieved, but not surprised.  In some cases you are relieved that their suffering is over.    It's not ever easy to accept a death, but it's harder when it is unexpected.  When there is no warning.  When there is no chance to say goodbye.

Our friendship started back when my daughter was about 13 and wrote to a number of pen pals in England.  One particular young man wrote back,  and the rest is history.   I only met her once, but over the years she and her family became my family.   My daughter spent time with them when she was on an Exchange,  and after my husband died a few years later,  we took a trip to the UK and I finally got a chance to meet the family.

In the early days there were lots and lots of hand-written letters.  Pages and pages of news!  And then....there was Facebook -  and well - then came postings and messenger.  I rather missed the letters and still wrote in cards, but for the most part we kept in touch by messenger.   Of course the time difference played a big part in not catching up as much since we hardly got to be on at the same time anymore.  But I did look forward to the posts, pictures, and messages.

Over the past two weeks I have gone back over the posts, and messenger  - delighting again in our conversations and wishing there had been more.     I still laugh at her admonishing me for watching an English Soap-opera (Eastenders) as the "most depressing soap-opera on the telly",  and I think of her every time I watch "Somewhere in Time" or see a picture of George Clooney. 

We've talked books, politics, movies and family.  I watched her family grow into fine, talented men and women.  I did envy the time she had to spend with her children, since my own daughter and son-in-law are stationed across the country and I only get to see them once a year if I'm lucky.  I loved to hear about her trips to Paris (she's the one who told me I would love it there), and was very happy that she had a chance to (hopefully) cuddle her latest grandchild. 

I was fortunate to have crossed paths with her.  I can only imagine what more she could have added to my own life if there wasn't an ocean between us.   

Don't put off telling someone you care.   Take the time.  Tell them.  Show them.  Life is short - there is no guarantee for tomorrow.

Bosses, Managers, Supervisors, and Leaders......

I have been in the work force since I was 18.  That's 50 years.  A friend and I recently were discussing the bosses we have worked with over the years.  During these 50 LONG years, I have worked mostly with "Managers",  but have had the pleasure of working with 3 "Leaders".  

So - what's the difference?  Well first look at the definition of each word:

MANAGER - 

• "a person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization"
• "a person who controls the activities, business dealings, and other aspects of the career of .."

LEADER -

• "The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country."

SUPERVISOR  - 

• "a person who supervises a person or an activity.

  synonyms:

  manager,

Looking at those definitions make it clear to me that most of the men I have worked with in the "Boss" capacity have been managers - men who have had to Control.  Managers often delegate and are most assuredly the head finger pointer.  Meaning - they are the one who will point the finger of blame in a situation, but will take credit for the "win" in another.

The Leader on the other hand may delegate as that is his (or her) privilege, but they will assume blame for the person (or team) and will not take the credit for the "win".  It's a much nicer work atmosphere to work for a Leader!

Managers and leaders are both friendly, but a leader does not want to be your Facebook Friend or party with you.    He (or she) is your Boss.  Managers tend to lean on people harshly instead of being constructive.  They're quick to blame, berate, tear you down and hardly EVER let you know that's you've done a good job.  

Have you worked for the good "buddy" who laughs it up with you?  Maybe going to happy hour with you?  I'm not talking about company get-togethers --  I'm talking about individual meetings and outings.  Do they sit there and make "comments" about other workers?  Hmmm...you know if they are "commenting" on your co-workers, they are doing the SAME thing to you with them?  

Unfortunately offices that have managers usually have people with bad attitudes.  I really believe if the managers behaved like leaders it would foster a better attitude all around and everyone might get along better.

Just a thought.   

Online Shopping and EBATES

I am an online shopper.  Working two jobs doesn't give me a lot of  free time to do otherwise.  At first I was hesitant - wasn't sure how safe it was.  But then convenience won out over everything else.  I no longer had to find a parking spot.  My parking spot was wherever I laid my laptop!  

One positive thing I can say about shopping online is that I only get what I need.  Since I am not wandering the aisles of Target or Walmart, there is NO threat I will throw something in the cart I just can't resist.    The joy of shopping online at Walmart is they deliver most items in two days - right to the door - so I don't have to carry anything to my car.  I can just lug it into the house -   So I can buy the ginormous size of Tide and Downy!  And of course we can't forget Amazon!

But the BEST thing about shopping online is EBATES.  If you shop online and are not using EBATES, then all I can say is Your LOSS!  I don't remember how or why I signed up - it was free - and I know I didn't actually use the site at first.  When I actually LOOKED at the site I realized they listed ALL the stores I shop at - so if I was going to actually shop at Walmart, why not let EBATES pay me?   So I gave it a try and the next thing I know I got an email saying money was added to my account.  They put money into a Paypal account for me since I didn't want a check mailed.  YAY!  

AND - they even offer you money to shop in certain stores - all you have to do is link up your credit card and you will get paid.  

Now I have an extension added to my Chrome browser that will automatically come up whenever  I am on a site that is connected to EBATES.  All I have to do is click on the activate now and it will log in my "shopping trip".  

The great part about money going into a Paypal account for me is that it's become a savings account of sorts - I don't touch it.    Since March of 2017 I have earned $160.00 while sitting on my ass shopping!  No gas used, didn't have to wait in any lines, and didn't have any "impulse" buys. 

As an added incentive they pay me for everyone who signs up and gives the new account $10.  

So - if you do shop online and aren't using Ebates I guess you have all the money you need.  Otherwise - shame on you!




                       
                       
                       

Pet Peeves

There are SOOOOO many pet peeves I probably could go on for hours, but after kicking them around with a friend, this is the basic list we came up with:

People who use words out of context because they sound good. 

People who can't figure out words like "they're", "there", too, & to (and the list goes on)  

People (especially in business) who send out illiterate emails - 

    (spell check is available for free people!)

Loud cell phone conversations (in public).

People who can't form a sentence without saying "like".

People who say "oh nevermind" or "whatever!".

Drivers who don't move into the intersection to make a left turn.  (or a right for my UK Friends)

Drivers who don't use turn signals.

Drivers who crawl in the passing lane.

Drivers who think it is their God-given right to merge into you.

Adults who crack gum.

People who abbreviate words to sound hip - Adorbs!
   (imagine Khloe Kardashian's baby voice - gag 😜 )

People who stand too close to you in line!

People who leave their shopping carts in the middle of an isle or unattended in the check-out lane.(then get pissed when you move ahead)

Those wonderful people who "bag" your groceries.

And for those of us who have to deal with the retail public.....

MEN who come through the drive-through without a shirt on. 😱
    (it's a keg fella - not a six-pack!)

People who come in 5 minutes before closing with an order that needs to be filled right then. (we've been here for 9 hours - where have you been?)

I guess that's all I have to bitch about today.

Whatever.

Facebook

Ahhh.....years ago I joined Facebook so I could keep in touch with friends (and some family) who lived in other States/Countries.  It was - and is - a Social Networking Website.  Lately it has become anything BUT Social. 

When I first came on board I was like many and got enamored of all the "games".  I had a Zoo, a Farm, a Prairie and played Words with Friends.   At it's peak my friends list soared to about 600 "friends".  WHAT?    So it was time to take a serious look at this gaming.  I found in order to catch up I had to spend HOURS tending to these little worlds.  It all became a chore to keep up with and of course could get costly when you wanted to "buy" little perks!   Nothing about this seemed "Social" to me.  So I stopped playing and unfriended all my gaming friends. 

Next up was to look at my remaining "Friends".  I'm not much of a social butterfly so what am I doing with 200 friends?  Seriously?  So I have weeded it all down to just under 100, which is a more realistic list of people I care to be "Social" with. 

This is supposed to be SOCIAL forum.  Most days I have to plow through all the "Fake News"  that pops up and/or tons of political Bullshit.   First let me say - I DO NOT CARE  if you are a Trump supporter or Trump Hater.  I DO NOT CARE if you are Republican, Democrat, Christian, Muslim, atheist, illegal alien or alien from Mars.  Just do me a favor before you post - check it out first to see if it is FAKE NEWS.    Do you really believe some of the crazy shit you post?  Really???  Here's a good site - "SNOPES" - please check it out first!  If it sounds incredible (or too good to be true) then it probably is!

I've spent way less time checking my feed because it takes so long to go through all the crap.  I'm sure I've probably missed out on someone's birthday, or some other event I would have enjoyed hearing about (or seeing the photos of).  If that's the case, I am sorry - Belated Happy Birthday- Belated Congratulations.

Still Cable Free

Another year has past and I am happy to report I remain cable-free.  

Another year gone and no service calls or emails necessary to Sling or Hulu.  

That in itself is a major blessing!

So over the past year I have tried other streaming services to see how they measured up to Sling - and here I go......

YouTube TV - Tried it for two months.  More Pricey than Sling, and I had to re-enter a code just about every time I logged on.  Not to mention I had to un-install the app then reinstall the app a number of times.   For the two or three stations that I don't have with Sling, it wasn't worth the aggravation.

Philo  - A real deal at $16 a month.  I particularly liked that for the "Free Trial" all you had to give them was a legitimate cell # - not a credit card.  Actually it was a great promo!!  So the upside is the cost.  They don't have a lot of channels, but a few different ones that I don't have with Sling. I like you can save shows to watch without paying anything extra.  Their online app is easy to navigate, but on the TV I'm not fond of the Live TV screen.  I'd like it if they had a "grid" to choose from.

DirectTV Now - I wish I could remember what problems I had with this one - I know they were more expensive compared to Sling.  I think I may have had buffering problems.  I couldn't watch anything on the computer either (I have a Chromebook and it was not compatible).

HULU Live - Again the cost was more than Sling and the channel line-up was only a few more than I was getting with Sling.  The biggest problem was the buffering.

As far as the "buffering" problems go - I didn't feel the need to have to UP my Mpbs with Verizon when I have absolutely NO problem with buffering with any other streaming channel.   

That's just my take on it - you can compare for yourself though here.

Judgmental

Maybe it has something to do with getting older, but over the years I know I have become more judgmental than I thought possible.   I was always pretty laid back and didn't let people bother me.  I never held grudges.  Not anymore.   Does age really come into play?  Have I been around so long that everyone is getting on my last nerve?   I keep telling myself it's because I've been working in "customer service" all my life and today's "customers" expect you wipe their asses and then thank Them for the opportunity.  See.....there I go again....

I've blogged before about how customer are - or are not.  Most pretty much treat anyone in the service profession as their own personal servant.  It's that "I'm better-than-you" attitude they all seem to display.  Customer Service people are "beneath" them.  

Yep - I'm pretty sure that it's the customers I have had to service over the years (and presently) that have made me the judgmental bitch that I am.  I just pray that Karma will kick in soon! 

                                                                      😉

CBS Soap Operas

Thanks to CBS All Access I can still watch one of my favorite soap when I come home from work every day.     Nine years ago - almost to the day - I vented about YNR.  I think it is the Summer Story-lines that set me off.   They want to draw in the youngsters home from school for the summer, so we have to suffer through these teen-age stories.

The first thing regular soap fans understand is children age rapidly on Soap Operas - so the fact that Summer was just a child nine years ago doesn't mean a thing now that she is an adult (??).   She is much like her half-sister Abby Newman, a spoiled, self-absorbed, obnoxious brat.  At least the writers use the same template for the female siblings.  Although Faith hasn't been affected yet.   Maybe because her Mother is Sharon, and not the fiery Phyllis or Ashley.   And speaking of Faith - she hasn't been around in awhile.  I think the next time we see her she will be returning to High School or ready to head for college.  Now would be a good time - with the summer story-lines on the burner.

Now that Abby is seeing Arturo, I guess it's time for the writers to have him get involved with Ashley?  Isn't that the way it goes?  Love triangles with mother and daughter?  He's already had the Step-mother.  And we have Summer hitting on Billy.  I'm sure they will end up in the sack before "summer" is over. 

I wish I knew where they were headed with Devon?  I think the Devon/Hilary story line was a breath of fresh air.  Why couldn't they just "replace"  Hilary (sorry Mishael Morgan) but they did replace "Adam".  Or are they going to focus on the problems that arise from the accident and the brother/sister break?  

I guess it's not easy being a Soap writer when you think of it.

Just nine years ago Cane just recently turned up and now his grown children are in the thick of the story lines!  And all that happened to him?  Was he dead or was it his "twin" brother? He went from a bartender/owner to running Chancellor Industries!  He had a one night (drunken) stand which he didn't really remember and was put thru hell by his "angelic" wife.  (I guess it was OK for her to be unfaithful).

Just nine years ago Colleen was still alive,  Sharon and Ashley were both in the mental hospital, Adam was going blind and having an affair with Rafe, Nick was with Phyllis, Nikki was with Paul,  Chloe and Billy were getting married......sheesh.  😩 

So - when I get home from work at lunchtime I do get to see the last 20 minutes of YnR and the first 15 minutes of the Bold and the Beautiful (one of my Mother's favorites).   While they are basically the same - beautiful, successful, Rich - and mostly white, BnB doesn't hold a candle to YnR.  

Back when it first started my Mother watched BnB and I was aware of the story lines.  I thought Brooke was a slut back then, and I'm afraid I haven't had much of a change of heart watching again.  In the past year she was on her way to marry Ridge, cancelled, weeks later she is married to Bill, divorce, married to Ridge.  😖  

And her daughter - Hope.  😡.  No two people deserve each other more than Hope and Liam.  The wishy-washy twins.  Oh My God.  Steffy - marry Bill.  Two master-maniuplators deserve each other as well.  Are we really Certain that baby isn't Bill's?  

I've only been watching less than a year and I don't think I could stand much more than 15 minutes a day of this one.  It's all over-the-top acting!   But it's like watching a car wreck you know.....you just can't tear yourself away.  

Work Ethic & Part-time Mentality

For years I have lamented the loss of work ethic.  I come from the OLD school - back in the day you got a job and stayed at that job - usually out of loyalty (what's that?).  We had "reviews" regularly and were rewarded accordingly.  That along with company bonuses, and other "perks" kept us with the same employer. 

I got my first job out of high school with my Aunt's recommendation.  I was in the "typing pool" in the billing department.  I worked hard and earned a promotion to the assistant secretary to the purchasing agent (he needed two).  Once I had the official "experience" under my belt, I was able to go out and find a job that would actually use all my office skills.  I moved on to a nice job in Center City Philadelphia as a stenographer-secretary to a District Manager.  Thirty dollars more a week, full paid benefits and two weeks paid vacation.  Quite a move up (this Was 1969).    When the DM was transferred, rather than fire me, the Office Manager allowed me to learn every machine and operation in the office.  I could fill in for any secretary, typist in the pool, telex/teletype operator or the Switchboard operator.  (all ancient equipment).  

What I learned way back then was how to make myself indispensable.  It was a very positive work ethic I carried with me to subsequent jobs.  Unfortunately it's not something you see now days.  What you hear now is......"that's not my job"........"that's above my pay-grade"........."not in my job description".   I see people who come in to "work" at exactly 8:30 and leave right on the dot of 5.  You can get run over in the parking lot if you aren't careful! 

That's fine.  Not all jobs require you to stay past 5, or start early.  But when I am in the office I AM in the office.  If someone requires help or assistance and I am sitting at my desk eating or on break, I help out.  Other co-workers will say sorry, I am at lunch or on break.  That's just my work ethic. 

When I was first out of work I took a part-time position at this same company I work full-time for now.  When I worked part-time I was hired for 20 hours a week, 5 days week.    That's the same as they offer the part-timers now.  When I didn't work - I didn't get paid.  I didn't get paid holidays or paid vacation because I was only hired for 20 hours a week - PART TIME. 

What I see now are part-time part-timers.  They work when They want - if they want to work 5 days they will.  If it rains or the weather is sketchy, well - they don't come in.  They make appointments for the hours they are supposed to be working, rather than the hours they don't.  They moan and groan they don't get paid holidays!?!   Last year alone these part-timers were off in excess of 30 days (each).  That's SIX WEEKS!   Granted - they didn't get paid for those days, but seriously? 

If you want to work part-time and get paid for holidays and have vacation time, then you need to go to a "chain" - restaurant, drug store, supermarket - you "earn" vacation time based on the time you work and some will pay you for a holiday if you work the day before and after.  Those part-time jobs are out there. If you aren't happy with the job you have - then find one that makes you happy and stop complaining about the job you accepted!! 

People now days feel entitled - it's all about "me" - they just don't care otherwise.  They blame it on their employer, but I think if people had a better work ethic it would make for a better workplace and maybe that attitude would roll up-hill.  Cause we all know what rolls downhill.

DISAPPOINTMENTS & NETWORK TV

Every year at this time I go through the same ordeal - TV Shows I have invested my time in have been cancelled - yet again.  Over the years I have been frustrated by it and even driven to write-in campaigns (Jericho - reruns available on Netflix).

I say I have "invested" my time because my time is rather limited.  I work two jobs and so my TV time is carefully chosen!  That doesn't mean I choose the most Intelligent thought-provoking shows - no - I really do enjoy a mindless sit-com after working a 12 hour day of "customer service".   Some people like to escape with "The Simpsons" or other animated adult cartoons, but I prefer something like the ABC line-up "Modern Family", "The Goldbergs", and "Blackish".  But ABC ,being the genius network that they are, have broken up that powerhouse lineup and are using each of these shows on separate nights no doubt to rope viewers into watching some new (possibly lame) shows.  Since most people now days have DVR's and subscribe to streaming services, we don't have to be held hostage to actually watching a show when it airs anymore.  I personally rely on HULU to see my shows on weekends when I have free time.   Nothing ABC has to offer in-between these established shows will lure me away at the moment.  After all - if I do get attached to a show - well - they'll probably cancel it.   I just got attached to "The Crossing".  Yep ....Cancelled.

Most notably ABC has also cancelled "Designated Survivor".  A drama that made you think and was engaging for an hour.  In recent years they cancelled another clever show called "Forever" Unfortunately they were not shows geared to the ADHD crowd or the "fast-food" generation who can't sit still or concentrate that long.    They would rather watch thought-provoking shows like The Celebrity Family Feud or The Match Game. 

But ABC is not the only network that has let me down - they all are guilty of questionable judgment.  Thank goodness for the Twitter fans who helped to save "Lucifer" from the Fox Execs, and many thanks to Netflix for picking it up!!   I actually did a happy dance in the Pharmacy @ Rite Aid when I was told it had been saved! 

Again - I am sure we all have been let down by the networks, PBS killed "Mercy Street", HULU killed "The Path", Amazon killed "Mozart in the Jungle", FX killed "The Tyrant", and SYFY killed "Defiance" .  Just because I haven't listed NBC, CBS, The CW, whoEVER - it doesn't mean they haven't let us down somewhere along the line. 

And, I'm not saying everything that was cancelled should have been saved - NO.  Some shows most definitely were "tired".  A long-time favorite of mine is "Nashville".  When it premiered it was a great show - but whatever has happened these last two seasons is an embarrassment to the original seasons. The same can be said for great books that are made into Television series.  In an effort to make MONEY,  the "idea" of a book is kept, but the "series" doesn't resemble the book.  Case in point - "Under The Dome", "Zoo"  and "The Strain" .  Instead of keeping to the true story and making them a LIMITED SERIES, it was necessary to insult everyone who read the books with a drawn out story line that fell short.    I can only wonder what is is store for the readers of "The Passage" (book 1 of a trilogy)

My recommendation would be - read the books.  And especially before you watch "The Passage"  - it's a great trilogy that spans over a century.   Fox will probably cancel it anyway - unless, of course, they think they can drag it out that long......?

Anyway - was your show cancelled?  Check out the entire list - everything you need to know about every TV show!   You can scroll through every show from A to Z and see the shows that have been cancelled, and the shows that have been renewed! 

I will sleep better this evening knowing "The Gong Show" hasn't been cancelled.........

Friends, Acquaintances and Reunions

 I've never had much of an inclination to go to my High School Reunions.  Having gone to an all-girls school, my husband wasn't "invited" to the first few,  and as the years past,  I realized there were very few people I would be interested in seeing.    I wasn't a "popular" girl in high school.  Back then people would say I was shy, definitely naive and only had a handful of real friends.   Or should I say just friends?   These girls who I spent most of my waking hours with,  have all disappeared from the face of the earth.    What I have found  is that the best friends I have, have been made later in life.

I was 29 when I met my Best friend.  I can call her my best friend after 38 years of always being there for me  She is probably a better friend to me than I am to her since I am pretty much of an air-head  and she has it more "together" than I, but there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her.

I was 66 when I met my Second Best Friend.  It is never too late to form close friendships!  I am blessed to have been this lucky.

Over the years I have had "work friends" but most of them evaporated once I was no longer working with them.  (like when I graduated from High School)    Funny how that happens.   Losing these "friends" was as much of a blow as losing my job.  What it taught me was that after 16 years at a job and walking away with one "friend" is that I've tried not to get too close to the people I work with now.  I now have work "acquaintances" (and a couple do call friend - I am a slow learner!).

Real friends aren't necessarily people you see all the time.  They are the people you share some kind of history with and are so comfortable with you that you can pick up where you left off whether it was yesterday or two years ago!    And that's what happened this weekend with friends I've know for 38 years!    I haven't seen them in at least a year, but we sat and caught up like it was yesterday!   Funny how we talked about all the good times we had and what was going on now.   That was a real Reunion.  People you really want to see and spend time with.

I would prefer a Palmetto Street Reunion - a Holy Innocents Reunion (although they did have one recently), a Bridesburg Reunion, a Boulevard Pools-Brookline Reunion....The "Kids" I grew up with.  A few of us have reconnected on Facebook which is nice, but it's not the same as actually seeing and talking and sharing old times!  But NOT my High School Reunion - there's only a hand-full of people I would like to reconnect with there.

Dog Walkers at Wyntre Brook Apartments

Dear Neighbor,

I am so sorry you felt I tried to run you down last evening when I was returning from work at 9:15 P.M.    Unfortunately I did not see you walking in my lane – in the dark – wearing a black t-shirt - with a black dog.

Possibly, if you had been walking on the grass or on the side with traffic it may not have been such a close encounter.  Please understand – I did have the right of way – it is a driveway after all, and not a walkway.  Maybe the next time you should try carrying a FLASHLIGHT  like other neighbors do when they walk their dogs at night. 

Since my dog has recently passed, I have no use for the flashlight, but I would be glad to give it to you so your dog doesn’t get hit by some poor soul driving on the road.

I am sorry if you were frightened.  Just as frightened as I was at suddenly seeing you and the dog in my lane.  Just as terrified when I got out of my car and you were standing there waiting to verbally accost me. 

Please take some responsibility for your own lack of good sense. 

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Dear Neighbor,

I appreciate that we don't have sidewalks to walk on - but there is plenty of grass and driveway available that you do not have to walk right next to the apartment windows!    It's been over a year now and I think it is way past time that you will ever have control of your yapping dog.   

Yanking his leash up and hanging him will not stop his uncontrolled barking.  Telling him SHUSH, Be Quite, Stop.....doesn't work.  It is like trying to negotiate with a two year old.    Ain't happening!

Since you choose to walk by my bedroom window before my alarm clock goes off every morning - and since you walk by on weekends I can actually sleep in, might I direct you to A very good book by Cesar Milan: (the  REAL dog whisperer)  "Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems" .  

If that's not an option I will be drop off a Muzzle until you get some lessons on how to handle your pup!  They have classes regularly at Petco or Petsmart who can help you out.  I am sure I am not the only neighbor who would thank you!


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Dear Neighbor,

What a lovely BIG dog you have!  I am sure he is a loving pet, but outside he is a terror!  You must know that because you have a restraint around his muzzle.  I don't understand why then you walk him on a 30 foot leash!    That may be good when you are walking the trails, but in an apartment complex - with other (smaller) dogs around - it might be more "neighborly" if you kept him on a short(er) leash!  You had a hard time pulling him back from almost eating a small dog awhile back!  And he came charging at me when I walked out the door - you might have been able to see that if he wasn't out the door WAY ahead of you on his 30 foot leash........

Hint Hint......

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Office Bathroom Etiquette

I seem to be on an etiquette kick lately.  Or maybe I just assume people know what's right and what's wrong in certain given situations.  I'm not talking extraordinary circumstances - just regular daily living situations.

Take using a shared bathroom in an office.  Lately I feel like I have been using a truck-stop ladies room.  Seriously.  Not that many "women" here use the room, so I'm wondering who is wandering in suddenly who has no concerns for anyone who might be following them.

The first most obvious thing is the toilet-paper roll.  We have a stall with a "double" roll.  Any time I go in there is at least one empty.  The reach for a new roll is really a stretch......they keep extra rolls between the stalls on the floor.

Just reach down and grab one!!!

Then there is the one who will actually take the paper off the roll and stand it on top of the holder.   I'm thinking maybe their fingers are too arthritic to squeeze the holder to slide the roll on to it.   I guess I can forgive Old, arthritic, fingers.....

Maybe then because of age your can't bend down and pick up the toilet paper that is all over the floor.    Did you miss getting it INTO the bowl?

And my favorite is the squatters.   This is NOT a truck stop or public facility open to the general public.   If you are intent on squatting then please - PLEASE - dry the seat before you leave.  You would be the first one to scream foul if you sat on a wet seat!    Try lining the seat with toilet paper then - and remember to flush it before you leave!

And lastly - LADIES - please - LOOK 👀 before you leave. 

Nothing more to say about that.......

Drive-Thru Etiquette

Some things just never change.  I guess that's one thing you can count on in life.  At least at a drive-thru pharmacy.  But I am guessing it's the same at ANY drive thru location.

At our particular pharmacy when you drive up we are alerted by a doorbell-type ding (like the old-fashioned gas station for us old-timers).  It is NOT necessary to ring the bell the moment you pull up to let us know you are there!  This isn't fast food - we don't have someone standing idly at the window waiting for cars to pull up - please give us a minute!

When you pull up in your LOUD truck or souped-up car, please turn it off.  It is next to impossible to hear you over the roar of your machine, and you get irritated when we ask you to repeat what you said thinking we are deaf or just plain stupid.

Please put down the phone.  You know you are in line to pick up your goods -so wait until you are finished to make your phone call.  We really don't care to hear your conversations.  Actually, we shut the microphone off until we have to converse with you.

Same goes for the radio - turn down your music - most times we don't care for your selection anyway.

Please LOOK at the person speaking to you.  There is something very shady about a person who can't look you in the eye when you are speaking to them.    Maybe if you LOOKED at me I wouldn't have to repeat what I said.  (Receipt is in the bag.....told you twice)

If you are in the passenger seat, please speak up!    You are sitting in  a vehicle with the outside elements drowning you out and our speakers are not top quality!    I personally don't remember every customer's name, so in addition to speaking up - speak clearly please. 

Working in this environment has taught me to be a lot nicer to the people at the drive thru  - bank, fast food - whatever - I've been on the receiving end of Rude and it's not nice!