Easter Weekend

I hope everyone is having an awesome Easter. Ours started yesterday with a family reunion on MyHubby's father's family side. They had a total of I think 10 kids. There were many generations that attended. It was nice to finally meet MyHubby's aunts, uncles and cousins. I am now able to put a face to a name. The hosts was one of my Hubby's cousins and his wife. He had it so well planned with BBQ, Easter Egg Hunt, music etc. I was nervous as I always am going into a gathering with people I mostly do not know. However, everyone made me feel welcomed. It was a good day.

After Hubby and I went to Walmart to get a pizza for our Easter lunch. Yea, I know. Some of you think Pizza for Easter? The last few Easters Hubby had to work. It's the way we roll sometimes and we have no complaints. We're going to have a pizza and watch a movie.

BabyGirl is working. My Mom is sick with acute bronchitis. My lovely sister is having something with her little family. So we're making it "US" time.

As we were walking from the car to Walmart's entrance, there was also a mother with a 6 year old girl and 9 year old boy. Ages are estimations. The 9 year old boy was pushing the basket when he caught sight of me. Thereafter his focus was solely on me. "SIGH". 

I understand people can be curious and look. But don't parents teach their kids it is not okay to stare? 

He was rolling the basket staring at me so he was definitely not looking where he was going. He rammed right into the glass window next to the sliding doors almost shattering the glass.

His mom grabbed the basket, shouting, "What's the hell wrong with you boy?" He was broken out of his focus and I got the giggles. It is just so funny to see the outcome of ignorance sometimes.

Hubby said he would have liked to see the glass shatter and see how it would have been handled. Would the mother  have to pay for it? What would the kid say? 

I still laugh when I think of it. Ironically, in Walmart I saw this shirt that has, "I MADE YOU LOOK."  It struck me because obviously I'm always making people look. 

There was also a shirt that had something like I am blessed I am a Mom. This is so true.

Later that night Hubby and I went to the Easter Vigil at 8 pm. I need to write a post about my experience with candles one day. It was a lovely mass, even if it was 2 hours, which is an hour over the usually mass. 

That's because they held a Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation for a few adult candidates. At first I, like many others, were annoyed. But then as I watched these sacraments taken place, it brought back memories when I baptized BabyGirl and my First Communion and Confirmation. It was an honor to see these young adults to choose to receive this sacraments. I sorta envied that they were able to do all 3 at once when I had to wait years to go from one sacrament to the next. It was so meaningful. Jesus resurrected and these young people are also restarting their lives with Jesus in their heart. How awesome is that?

I was amazed the rudeness of some people just walking out. During Father's sermon, a woman clickety clacked right out of the church in her high heel shoes. After communion, the pews were more empty because some just walked right out after they received communion.  Generally, that doesn't happen just for Easter, it happens every Sunday. I guess I was taught differently. But I keep thinking what is so important than spending another 15 minutes with God after Communion?

I often wonder what the priest thinks. Can you imagine standing up there talking to an audience and people just get up and walk out? Jesus is probably looking upon them disappointed.

Until next time...

680 words

Rocking, Slipping and Sliding

Anywhere I sit, I slide.  It doesn't matter if I'm in a recliner, church pew, dining chair, stool, steps or bed I slide. It doesn't matter if I have a stool or my feet touch the ground.  

I'm sure I've had this since a child because I can remember vaguely, my mom nagging. I remember her words, "Sit up! Stop slouching!  Quit rocking!'

I used to rock side to side all the time as a child and I was constantly told to stop it. Teachers would pass by and put their hand on my shoulder. It was their way of telling me to stop discreetly. I find myself rocking only when I am dead bone tired now.

When I sit, I start by a nice straight up posture. But eventually I slide.  In a chair or pew or stool I am more aware because eventually I could land on my floor butt first. I'm constantly having to push into a straight sitting posture. 

In my recliner or bed, again I start in a nice and straight position, but its inevitable that i will be on half my back. 

I've been trying to consciously figure out why and how I do this.

Who knows?! I guess it is just me!

Until next time..


211 words

Life Is Sometimes A Vicious Circle

I am sure we have felt like this before. I am so afraid to say this because it could change so quickly.

But here it is: I've felt like I'm in a rut the past few days.

I told Hubby we need to start doing something on weekends besides go to church, watch TV and play video games. He asked what. I had no answer. We've had this conversation many times. It ends up the same. We don't know.

I feel guilty saying that because I know he works and wants to relax on weekends.

"SIGH" "Deep Breath"

Maybe because I was so busy for two months with everything going on.

Maybe I'm just tired of the same old grind.

Maybe I'm tired of being alone ALL day every day. I am NOT blaming him for anything. He does have to work.

I feel like my life is just one vicious circle.

Here is a summary of my daily life: Get up. Brush Teeth. Get Dressed. Do chores. Pray. Surf Internet. Watch TV. Hubby comes home. I cook. Clean dishes. We sit and watch TV until we go to bed. The next morning it starts all over again unless I  have an appointment or something.

I tell Hubby my feelings of the walls moving in on me is NOT his FAULT.  I need to deal with my own demons.

I think what about him? He gets up early and goes to work. He comes home. Does lawn work in summer. Checks his email and play his game until Supper. After supper, sometimes he goes back on computer or he'll sit and watch TV while on the computer when he does not fall asleep which is very often. He eventually goes to bed and then HIS day starts all over.

So I think. What can I do to change this?

I can blog more. About what though? My life is boring as you can see. Yes I know I am lucky I have family and what I have. That is not the issue!

I am not one to shop. Besides we don't have enough money for me to go shopping all the time. Window shopping is boring. OH! I hate shopping. Also, I have to drive 10 miles to get to the city.

I have volunteered for Hospice but with my dad's appointments etc I have to put that on hold. I'm okay with that. Family comes first.

My friends work or they are too far.

I could clean house more but what fun is that?

I have been reading a lot. It takes me places I dream of going.

I sometimes just go outside and sit on the steps when it is not raining or scorching hot.  It does make me feel better. Sometimes.

I keep telling hubby I need a golf cart or something so I can move around the huge yard we have. He laughs but I'm serious. He said once that is all he needs one more thing to worry about with me.

Only if we had the moolah...But it would still take convincing everyone I'll be fine.

I feel bad that he worries about me. Sheesh my daughter even worries about me. Why does everyone worry about me? Okay I can understand somewhat. But as I tell BabyGirl, no use worrying over something that could or could not happen. It'll drive you crazy.

I know everyone has felt this way in one time of their life. How did you deal with it?

So sorry this is all over the place. All the experts say to write what you are feeling. So there it is!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't be shy! Comment even if you have to say I am crazy...because there is a bit of truth in that. Don't tell Hubby I admitted that!

Until next time.

Checking In

What a summer it has been! Its been a while since I've been here.

My dad had an accident breaking 3 vertebrae. He eventually had to have surgery which was stressful for everyone. It is so hard to see your strong, busy and happy father laying in a bed with his neck in a collar. I acted strong during the crisis but was actually crumbling inside. It is heart wrenching.

However. he is home although recovery is slow. My sister and I are sharing the responsibility of bringing Mom and Dad to his doctor  appointments and doing their paperwork. 

In between taking care of them I've been in speech therapy for my difficulty swallowing.

My computer went bonkers. But I did find a local repair shop that was less expensive than the Orchard. So my computer is all clean and it is running so much smoother.

I had downloaded a virus security program from the ITunes and all of a sudden it showed it had a virus. When I brought it to the repair guy he said the program was the virus. Go figure.

I miss reading all of your blogs and writing my own. But sometimes you have to do what is more important.

I just thought I'd drop in and say I'm still alive.

Until next time...

Feeding the Hungry and Homeless

I received my A2Z challenge shirt the other day and MyHubby finally took a picture. I am so proud! Yes, I need a haircut and picture taking is not for me, but we have to make memories :)

I don't go to Wallyworld often. I hate it with a passion.  I have many reasons to hate it. There are idiotic rude people. The store is so big I am exhausted when I walk out of there. You can't find employees to help you find something. They seemingly stock products in a different place every time I go. They stock product in places where you scratch your head and ask yourself, "Why here?" 

I thank God every day I have MyHubby who will do the grocery shopping after work since he passes by two of them. Since we've moved to the country, it is more of a drive to go there.

 But sometimes when I go into town I'll stop at Wallyworld when we need something.

At one of the entrances of the parking lot, there is a grassy area with a big tree where people who I assume are homeless sit there. I have come to the conclusion that they are homeless because they have their buggies or strollers with their stuff. Sometimes they have signs. 

Normally, I may go to Wallyworld once a month although I've gone a few times this month after visiting my adorable sweet Hospice patient, The last few times I've seen the same lady sitting under the tree. She wears a pink or red handkerchief in her hair, green high-water pants and a brown buttoned down shirt. She has a stroller full of stuff I can't see but every time I think it is going to topple over if she adds one more thing.

That day I drove into Wallyworld and saw her sitting in the same place. There was a nice red Ford truck parked right in front of her. There were no other cars near there so I cynically and wrongfully thought she wasn't homeless. She was just acting homeless.

In my defense, I've seen "homeless people" with signs asking for food, job or money. I have given some money. But one day I saw this man receiving dollar bills sitting in a traffic jam. Then he ran to a  brand new car and drove away. Ever since then I am very leery of people appearing as though they are homeless. I am sure most are homeless but how can you really tell?

Anyway, after my shopping  I was driving through the parking lot to head home. I was chomping on a wing I had bought from the deli. It was so crispy and delicious.  When I passed the lady again, my conscious was getting the better of me. What if that red truck is not hers?

As I was waiting for traffic I watched in my rear view mirror wondering how can someone sit there acting homeless with a nice red Ford truck. 

Traffic cleared and I was crossing the intersection when I glanced in my rear view mirror.  At that very moment I saw a man get into the red truck and drive off.

Shame on me!  I scolded myself and asked God for forgiveness.

As I drove I had a nagging thought that I should give her the rest of my wings. It wasn't much but more than she seemed to have.

My stomach was saying otherwise.That first wing was so good!

But then again she probably needs food more than I do. After all, I just bought enough groceries for at least three meals and snacks to add to what I had in my pantry, freezer and refrigerator.

I know that feeling of hunger. I know that feeling of relief and appreciation when my Mom slipped me $20 bucks which I bought groceries to put food on the table for BabyGirl and I after my divorce from her father.

Something was gnawing at me. About a half mile later, I turned around in a different parking lot and drove back to Wallyworld. I don't know why I was hesitant at all.

I parked in a spot where I could watch her. I know it's creepy. As I stared at her I saw she was really skinny and seemed malnourished about my age. I watched motorists pass her. Some glancing at her. Some ignoring her completely.

I think we are all guilty of intentionally not looking because we either don't know what to do or don't want to deal with it. After all, we have our own problems. Right?

I don't know why it was pulling me so much. I passed this lady so many times. Why was it affecting me this way THAT day?

I really wanted to go home and eat my crispy chicken.

But I knew since I was drawn to this situation I HAD to do something or I would feel guilty.

I said to myself, "Screw it." 

I drove to her rolling my window down. When I stopped in front of her she looked at me. I put out the bag of wings and offered it to her.  She hesitated.

I encouragingly said,"I know it is not much but here's some wings." 

There were 10 wings. I was going to eat 3 and make supper out of the other 7 for MyHubby and I.  

She stood up, walked towards me and I smiled at her. 

She took the bag with her dirty skeleton hands, gummy-smiled at me  and said, "Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!"

I said, "Your welcome sweetie. God bless you and have a beautiful day!"

As I drove away a weight was lifted off my shoulders and my heart became warmer. 

As I was at the intersection I had crossed over twice before waiting for traffic I glance into my rear view window. She had put the bag of chicken on top of the stroller and was digging in her stroller. Clothes, bottles and other items fell out.  I wondered what she was doing.

Then she took out what appeared to be a blue baby blanket. She daintily unfolded and shook the blanket like it was a piece of silk. Then she put it on the grass where she had been sitting. She passed her hand on the blanket like she was making sure it was neat and smooth. She sat down, opened the bag and began to eat.

The way she was preparing the blanket it was like she was getting ready for something important or elegant. She had been sitting on the grass and for chicken wings she pulled out something to sit on. I have thought about that moment a lot since that day.

A few tears flowed down my face on my way home. I had a mixture of emotions, especially sadness for all the people like her.  When I returned home I fixed half a peanut butter sandwich. As I ate, I savored the taste of the peanut butter and jelly. 

When I told Hubby later my tears flowed. Sad tears for the homeless. Happy tears for the thought I did make a little difference. I told him next time I see her I'm going to buy her and I a meal. Then I'm going to bring it to her and sit down with her and get to know her. 

Hubby told me to be careful and remember I couldn't help everyone and to ask myself how much I really wanted to get involved. It ticked me off because he was ruining my happy moment and being negative. I know he didn't mean it that way. He is just concerned because he knows me so well. He doesn't want me to get hurt.

He may be right but we all have to start somewhere. I think if everyone shared what they had, especially food, there wouldn't be so many people hungry. 

Isaiah 58:19 If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

Until Next Time..

Spontaneous Explosion

Saturday, Hubby and I were catching up on General Hospital from last week. All of a sudden we heard what sounded like an explosion from the other side of our home. At first, I thought it sounded like Hubby's bag of cereal pouring out.

We went to investigate. I immediately went to my walk-in cupboard. Nothing out of place. We started checking inside and outside the house. Hubby went outside and I made my way to our bedroom and then to our bathroom and that's when I found it. Our shower door had shattered. It seems it started in the middle.

The shower stall and floor was full of bits pieces of glass. I never heard of shower doors shattering before.   However, after researching I found out it happens a lot.

I yelled to MyHubby that I found it. I won't repeat the expletives that came out of his mouth when he entered the bathroom.

After moments of silence, shock and despair, he went get the broom and I got the trash can. While he swept all the glass I prepared our other bathroom's puny shower. 

Thank goodness one of us wasn't in the shower. If it would have happened 10 minutes later I would have been .

Until next time..

52nd Birthday

I know it is almost a month since my birthday but better late than never.  With the graces of God, I've made it to age 52. I never thought I'd live to be this age but here I am.

I am so blessed. An awesome loving husband, a beautiful daughter I am so proud of, an awesome set of parents who did so much for me and every one who has touched my heart in any way. Yes, that includes you, who is reading this.  

Birthday wishes started a little earlier with my BFF Jeff sending me a singing card a few days before. It was personalized and as awesome as the person who sent it to me. You know I love you Jeff! 

Then a day before my birthday my Aunt Pam sent me a birthday wish. I received some special cards from my friend Peggy and my parents and sister. They were so heartwarming and loving. I appreciated everyone of them.

On the day of my birthday I got so many birthday wishes from my Facebook friends. What amazes me is everyone took a minute from their busy life to send me a Birthday wish. I am so thankful and grateful for each and everyone of them. 

Hubby sent me a cute email card.  We normally don't do gifts because we buy what we want when we want it. Besides, I pretty much get whatever I want!

My daughter called me that morning which I always love to hear her voice. Ahh so sweet a sound it is!

I had an appointment to check my eyes. The results may be in another post. It's not too bad.

Hubby and I came home and started watching Games of Thrones we rented from the library. Great show so far.

Every month, my mom, her sisters and brothers get together at a different restaurant to have sibling time. I think the purpose was to at least be able to see each other once a month with no kids running around. Hubby and I sort of infiltrated that gathering a few years ago. We haven't been kicked out yet so I guess it's okay. Periodically, some of my cousins show up too.  I see it as seeing my aunts and uncles at least once a month. Otherwise, I would hardly see them. We have to travel 45 minutes one way but it is worthwhile.

Anyway, my birthday fell on that day so we made our way. I got a special surprise telephone call from my Godchild, Aaron while we were on the road.

Hubby was driving so I was not talking and driving.

I was so touched. We were able to chat and catch up for a while. I am so happy and proud of him. It made my day so much more special. He probably has no idea how much!

My Mom's little brother (Uncle) Robert, a childhood friend and classmate also share the same birthday. My (Uncle) Robert is a few years younger than I. My childhood friend, Gwen celebrated her birthday in heaven but she is always remembered, missed and loved just the same. And I learned on my birthday a classmate Lonnie also celebrated his on the same day.

For you newbies to this blog I put (Uncle) because although he is my Uncle I never have called him Uncle. I guess its because of the age difference. I remember as young kids he would tell me I had to call him Uncle and I was defiant and refused. I have an (Aunt) Pam as well. Again, I think it was the close age thingie and we were never forced to call them Uncle and Aunt. I do believe I respect them just as much.

Uncle Robert and his wife Michelle, my Aunt Kat and Uncle Sonny, Nanny Liz, (Aunt Pam), my parents, my sister and her hubby with my great niece Lillian, who is so adorable and very well behaved. So pretty much everyone was there except my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Donald because they are going through some trying days. I am keeping them in my prayers. I miss ya'll Aunt Sharon for in case you read this!

My Nanny sneakily told the employees of the restaurant about our birthdays. After our meal some of the employees came and put a sombrero on (Uncle) Robert and I's heads and they sang Happy Birthday. I normally don't like that kind of thing but it was so cute.

(Uncle) Robert's wife started recording it and got me  in my sombrero at the end. However, I can't seem to attach it to blogger. If you go to my Facebook page, you should be able to see it. 

We also got an awesome free dessert although we had to stuff it after the delicious meal.

On our way out, Michelle took pics of (Uncle) Robert and I with Mr. Jalapeño Man. Every time I go there, I tell Hubby I want one. Not sure what I would do with it. He is so adorable. Don't you think?

(Uncle) Robert and I with Mr. Jalapeño Man

(Uncle Robert) picking on me as always but I didn't care I was getting a pic with Jalapeño man

I think we were squishing Mr. Jalapeño Man by the way it looks.

So what more could a 52-year old want for her birthday?

Thanks for reading and if you'd like drop a comment or even email me a comment if you so wish.

Until next time..

My Feet Failed My Body Once Again..

It is such a frustrating and scary feeling when I am walking and then all of a sudden my feet are abruptly no longer supporting my body. I am falling. 

Like a hundred times I was returning from doing a few errands with a purse and small receipt in one hand and a light grocery bag in the other. I had just closed the door of Cora (my car) and was walking on the grating to my home. My Loving Husband had laid down the grating to make it easier for me to walk until we get more money to lay concrete and build driveway/patio/porch.

I fell. It could have been face first but with my history of falling, I now have the instinct to try to maneuver where and how I am going to fall in a split second. I can't honestly say which body part hit first. I am going to guess my knees because they had more damage. Then my torso, hands and cheek, in that order.

As I laid on the ground, the first thing I did was look around embarrassed to make sure no one saw me. I know. Weird. But every time I fall I don't want anyone panicking and rushing to help me.

When I saw the coast was clear I tried moving my body parts to make sure everything worked. When I tried moving my foot, I couldn't move it. It was stuck in the grating. I have no clue how that happened. The grating has small holes. Although my feet are small they are bigger than the holes.

Next thing I did was case my immediately surroundings to find something I could grab to help pull myself up.

I was right smack in the middle of my car and the steps. I thought in PG form, 'I'm screwed."  I saw my glasses, receipt, purse and grocery bag scattered.

I tried turning over to maneuver my foot out of the grating when I realized the other shoe had fallen off. Okay! It must have flown off as it was about 2 feet away.

I knew MyHubby was inside the house but he had said he was going to bed as he worked nights. I did not want to wake him. Besides I knew I could get myself out of this embarrassing and frustrating situation

I carefully worked my body into the sitting position. I yanked my foot out of the shoe then worked the shoe out of the hole thinking how do I get myself into these situations?!

I assessed my injuries and found only skinned knees. I knew I would feel more later.

I picked up everything then slowly crawled to the steps. This took about 5 minutes because of my skinned knees. 

I finally made it to the steps and pulled myself up and went into the house.

Lo and behold! MyHubby was still awake! I told him I thought about calling him on the cell phone but didn't want to wake him. He commented that he put the grating down to make it easier for me.

I concurred but what can I say? I know I worry him when I fall. If I could stop from falling I surely would. It's my life. Luckily, I don't do it as often. I usually catch my balance but the odds go against me when my hands are not free.

Later that night and the next morning I felt the rest of the injuries. Pulled arm muscles, bruised ribs and  I felt like a BIG MAC truck hit me. There was a bruise the size of a ping pong on my right hip and forearm.

I am happy to say I am fine now. Bruises are gone and I'm moving like my old self again. Oh and my pride is back intact.

One Salesman Can Change Your Perspective of a Company

In a previous post I mentioned we had trouble with my Aveo's tires. We had called the dealership and talked to the salesman who sold us our car. He was obnoxious telling us he never sold the car to us and hung up on us. I was so infuriated I wrote a bad review on the dealership's Facebook page. Things started rolling with the manager attempting to contact us. Phone tag between Hubby and the manager Taras Hughes began.

When they finally connected, Hubby told him the whole story and exactly how we felt. 

Taras promised if we came by, he would make us a good deal. He gave us the name of the person to contact when we dropped by if he wasn't around. He apologized profusely. He also said he would reimburse us for the tires we had to buy.

Remember. In my last post I vowed never to give them another chance. 

Hubby and I pondered and talked endlessly. It was the topic of most of our conversations for a few days.

In the meantime we visited other dealerships, because we really wanted get rid of the Aveo. We were no longer confident about this car and could see things going majorly wrong in the near future. We had already little nuisances such as the sun roof cover rattling. You can tell it was not secured right.

None of the other dealerships could help us without having to put money down as our situation was considered an Upside-down deal.

I always saw it on TV ads but didn't really understand it. I do now!  An upside down deal is when you owe more than what the car is worth.  So in order to get a new car we had to either wait longer until we had paid off most of it or put money down. We didn't have the money to put down. After all, we just paid for my funeral. 

Honestly, we were curious to see what kind of deal the dealership (JPT) would give us. We made our way to JPT on a Friday afternoon. 

We were greeted by a polite rugged handsome salesman, Rowdy. He asked us what we were looking for. We told him we wanted to get rid of the Aveo for a better car and interest rate. We described what kind of car we were looking at. 

He did an extraordinary thing we had trouble with other salesmen. He LISTENED.

We went look at some Honda Civics we had seen on the lot and online. When we went into the office we were greeted by everyone. Taras Hughes was on vacation. 

After we talked with Rowdy about the Civics Rowdy took our information then he disappeared. We assumed he and the substitute manager was crunching the numbers.

Just for a tad of information, during our conversation he received another telephone call and we overheard another customer was arriving around 4:30 p.m. This was around 3:50 p.m.

After a few minutes, Rowdy quickly entered the office, grabbed some keys hurriedly and said, "I will be right back!"

We immediately assumed he was going get a car for another customer. I thought, "Are you kidding me?" But we waited…

And waited….20 minutes later I was getting very impatient and angry. The assistant manager offered us a drink but said nothing more. Hubby and I were getting upset thinking Rowdy left us waiting while he was getting ready for the other customer. I thought it was rude and I felt like this was a waste of time. After 30 minutes Hubby and walked out and went to the car ready to leave.

Hubby and I were flabbergasted and furious that Rowdy would just leave us for that long for another customer. But we talked it out. We decided to go back in and wait for him. If nothing else, I wanted to give him an earful.

We walked back inside and the lady said Rowdy would be back in another 10 minutes. Hubby said, "We're giving him another 5!" 

Rowdy finally rushed in and said, "Come see your car!" As we walked out wee let him know we nearly left. He said he had to go to their other dealership a few miles away.

Let me just say I NEVER ever described a car as BEAUTIFUL. This car was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. It was a 2013 Toyota Corolla.

Later, Hubby and I talked about what we were thinking.

As I sat in the car, I was thinking OMG this is such a beautiful car!  I wanted it! I was checking out the features inside thinking we would never be able to afford this, it was beyond our price range.  It was sporty and had a nice sound system, moon roof, automatic and small enough but spacious.

Hubby knows cars and prices and all he was thinking was it was beyond our reach in price. 

Rowdy asked  if we liked it. We said yes but it all depended on the deal. We went back in and he crunched the numbers and brought us back the sheet of paper with the price and interest rate with no money down and trading in my Aveo. Everything we wanted they were giving us, although the price was double what we were thinking. In addition they gave us some savings! 

Rowdy explained this was the BEST and only car to help us get out of the Aveo. We told Rowdy we loved the car but we needed to sleep on it.

Last time we bought the Aveo, it was so rushed our heads were spinning and since we realized it was a bad deal too late, we didn't want to make the same mistake this time.

We came home and talked about it at length Yes, it was double the amount we were looking for, the note was a bit more but we believed Rowdy. We decide to get a better car, you have to fork out more money but it should be worth it in the long run. It also should be my last car of my life :). We could afford it and Hubby really wanted to give me a nice car. 

We realized we didn't even test drive it. Hubby always said Toyotas and Hondas are FUN to drive. I always considered a car to get from Point A to Point B. Yea, two different views about purpose of a car eh?

The next day we went back to JPT and told Rowdy we were ready to sign. They had detailed and cleaned the car and had it ready for us. I test drove it. WOW! It was so different. Smooth and you don't hear the engine. We did all the paperwork and they gave us the keys. We left and went to my Mom's to show off our new car.

Cora Diamond Landreaux

On the way back home, Hubby was driving since I drove to Mom's. He put the visor up and we noticed a crack in the windshield. We can't honestly say if it was there or not before. We never heard anything hit the car. So Hubby emailed Rowdy about it. Rowdy responded with no fanfare stating that he ordered an entire windshield and would let us know when it came in.

He called me the next day and the following day they fixed the windshield with no problem.

This experience was a total different experience than our previous one and I now can definitely say our experience was awesome.

I did go back to their website and gave them an excellent review. Taras and Rowdy changed our perspective about the company. We sincerely thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Hubby was right! I LOVE driving my car. All I need is a stretch of windy road where I can push it to the metal at 80-100 mph. No worries, I won't be speeding, intentionally!

Stay tuned about how I got the name of my car. :)

No Use Crying over spilled milk

I just read cpdad and it provoked an idea for a blog post.

He stated how he spilled milk and his loving daughter sweetly offered her help.

CP affects my coordination and I have the same problem with liquids. If I am carrying something with liquid I need to be careful because as I walk it splatters. As long as I don't have to walk a long ways I am okay.  I usually don't fill the container to the top.

If I am in a restaurant or someone else's home, and there is soup or gumbo served, I ask my Hubby to carry it for me. Yes, it is very hard to do and I feel like an invalid but I realize it is better to be embarrassed then be mortified if I'd try to carry it and it goes splattering all over the floor.

I remember when I was with my ex and either my child or I would spill something he would get upset. He would yell at us and tell us how wasteful it was. I would just tell him to get over it. I told him she was a young child and her motor skills were not developed yet and we all do make errors.

I didn't realize how it affected BabyGirl until I had left him and we were alone. One day she was pouring some milk. It went all over the floor and counter.  Yes this time was careless. But I saw the terror in her face. She froze. I just looked at her and said, "Oops, just clean it up!" I think I helped her too. She frantically apologized. I told her it was okay. I remember that deep sigh of relief.

Sometimes when I spill or drop stuff Hubby is like what happened? I just say I spilled. Sometimes he shook his head in exasperation until I told him the story about Babygirl with the spilled milk and it is what it is with me. He spills and drops things too. Maybe not as often but it's always been that way with me. I do try to be careful. I told him he just needs to live with it. It is the way I am. It's not like I like to drop or spill.

Next time you or your loved one spills something, remember that it is not that important.

Free Magazines Keep Coming

I want to thank everyone for their support and thoughts on my mysterious pain in my last post. They mean a lot to me. I did not go to the doctor for various reasons. I know I will eventually because although the arm pain is somewhat better my neck continues to be a problem.

Now on to my main purpose for this blog post. 

Let me give you a little background. Hubby and his ex lived here when they were married for a few years. Then they divorced and both eventually moved off the land so no mail was coming to this address for A COUPLE of years.

When Hubby and I moved here we had to fill out the moving form and on the address form we put Hubby, my daughter (because I sometimes get things from Social security or school) and myself. 

Ever since we moved here we've been getting mail for his ex.  It is periodically and mostly junk. It just goes into the garbage. What we think is important, Hubby either notifies her or we just send it back writing "Person does not live at address." 

Then we started getting Prevention Magazines with his ex's name on it. Those are interesting so I keep them and read them. I figured if his ex has not changed her address it's her loss. If she is not getting them she'll contact the company. Hubby doesn't seem to have the incentive to let her know.

January is when we started to be bombarded with magazines galore. I sent some back again stating "Person does not live at this address."They keep coming.

Every month we've been getting issues of Elle, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, AllRecipes, Shape, Esquire, Bazaar and Prevention.  The subscription expiration dates are in 2015.

I am not interested in any of them to buy a subscription but hey they're coming to my home I'll read the Prevention, AllRecipes and Cosmo. 

They keep stacking up. I thought about just keeping them for about 6 months and then put them all in my mail box with a big sign "(Ex's name) DOESN'T LIVE HERE!" Maybe the Postmaster will get the message but I am not confident with my past communication with them.

I don't feel like writing to every single publication. Besides if they can't keep their mailing list straight, it is not my problem.  

I have come to a conclusion of what I can do with these magazines. I will read the ones that interest me. I'll give my daughter the rest and the others after I read them., I am sure she can find someone who likes to read them and I know she likes some of them.

We will enjoy the free magazines as long as they keep coming.

Why I Couldn't Be Football Player!

Yes! Folks! It is that time again. Are you readddyyy for some fooootballl?!

This weekend my favorite Collegiate and NFL teams won. Yea, that's right!

Our Mighty LSU tigers easily snuffed out the UAM Blazers, 17-56!

And our New Orleans Saints made all the so-called "ANALYSTS" eat their words that our Saints couldn't win the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints love their fans at the edge of their seats but they pulled it off 23-17. It just wouldn't be them if they didn't do so.

Through the years I have watched football I've come up with some thoughts of why I couldn't be a football player. I would love to make millions of bucks running after a ball.

And these reasons may or may not be associated with my Cerebral Palsy. I'll let you come up with your own conclusions about them.

One: If I fell I wouldn't be able to jump back up as they do. I envy them. Someone would have to help me up. Or we would get a delay of game until I got up and that could be a while.

Two:  When I would get tackled it would tick me off royally. Think about it. You running with the ball aiming for that goal line. You see it getting closer and then BAM! You're hit.  You fall down or get pushed out of bounds. No. I don't think so.  I would want to jump them, scratch their eyes out and pound my fists into them!

And I probably wouldn't want to get up. Yea, that minor problem again.

Three:  I would hate my fellow teammates bumping my helmet with his or chest bumping. Or slapping my helmetC;o.pushing my head every which way. No. I don't think so. High five me with hands but none of the mentioned.   I know it is excitement but C'mon!  You can hurt someone like that!

Also, no running to me and jumping on me to catch you or wrap your legs around me n excitement. Again, I would fall down.

Four: I would not be able to drink with someone squirting the liquid in my mouth, especially after they just squirted into another person's mouth..First, I can't drink like that..and then the germs...EWWW!!

Five: The long practices and exercise would do me in.

Six: If you're in NFL you play through rain, sleet, heat and cold. I'll stay in my dry warm cozy house.

Seven: Wearing the big bulky uniform would weigh me down.

Eight: If I survived the game, I wouldn't want to deal with the aches. pains and bruises after. Then have to get up and do it all over again the next weekend.

I am sure these are only a few that I can think of. I really need to have pen and paper next to me when I watch it so I can jot ideas down.

Ya'll enjoy the football season! Root for your teams! But remember there is no reason to be nasty with someone who is not for your team. It's great to joke in fun etc but there's no need to get all bent out of shape.

It Is ALWAYS Somethin'!'

This past few days have royally sucked

First:  Friday, someone stole BabyGirl's karate weapons out of her apartment. From deduction, we firmly believed it is an employee of the apartment complex she will be soon moving out of. Those weapons were worth 100's of dollars. She filled out a police report and complaint at the apartment complex. She was royally ticked off as we were.

We learned that her karate weapons can be considered weapons like guns. And if these weapons were used, if she hadn't filed a police report she could have been held accountable. I think she relayed that to the office.

Lo and behold a few days later the apartment complex "found" them in a trash bag in the back of their offfice.  They said they went in to inspect and thought she had moved out so they cleaned it. Excuse me? I think that was a huge crock of BS.  Yes, she is moving next week but all of her stuff is still there. It made no sense. Management needs to have better communication with their staff IF that was so. But we are so relieved to have them back.

Friday night and Saturday: I had diarrhea and felt like crap with this virus I have. i continue to feel sick..but such as my life. 

Then Monday rolls along.

If you have read my previous posts, our home buying has been a complete nightmare Its been six months since we moved in. We had to turn in a "Punch List" for them to come out and fix things They told us to wait a month or two for everything to be settled. We started calling a couple of months back. They said the manufacturer was going to call for an inspection. We were unavailable for the day so we told them to call the next day. Well they leave a message on the day we told them not to call. Never heard back. We returned the call and had to leave the message. No return call.

Contacted the dealer again and as it always has been,  a runaround.

Here is the correspondences:

Hubby send the first one. I put parenthesis because due to potential future legal ligation I don't want to state the name of businesses.

SUNDAY 12:05 PN

Ok, it has been close to six weeks since I first contacted you and nothing has happened! I have contacted (Dealership) several times and so has my wife. Seems like I will have to go there in person, though even that has not worked in the past, which I will do Monday afternoon. 

I do not care who fixes or not fixes, or who the middle man is I just want it fixed. I purchased the home from you and that is who I deal with. Foreign concept I know, but in my experience a person usually deals with who they bought from. 

Whatever needs to be done needs to be done!! I have been patient and tried to be reasonable, but after what I went through buying this house and now waiting over a month (6 months after moving in) for some contact there is a real problem here!

(Manufacturer) called me for a 2 question survey on a 6 month follow up which was a waste of time. No one is really concerned! Why? Are you really trying to delay this until work does not have to be because warranty period is over!! I guess BBB and lawyers are my next step.  

If you wish, although you will be seeing me in the afternoon, you can call Lisa during the day at 

(MY PHONE NUMBER)

The girl who works there called me back and asked what I needed to be done. I told her we sent her an email six months ago with the list and thought the Manufacturer was supposed to come inspect it. She promised she would call the manufacturer and call me sometime that day. She also informed me of that the owner Hubby was going to talk to was on vacation. We didn't believe that.

She also said sometimes the manufacturer is backed up and hires them to hire their contractors. I grumble and said "Great! Ya'll suck." They have shoddy contractors. They have them come 30-90 miles away and we were not impressed with ANY of them.

Of course she never called back.

That night I sent this email:

SENT: Monday, August 05, 2013 6:32 PM
 I talked to Tammie this morning and she promised she would call me back today (Monday, August 5th). No call back as promised. 

The next morning she responded:

Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 8:30 AM
 I was waiting to hear from the (Manufacturer) that is why I hadn’t called you. I am calling them this morning and will get back with you on this. I am sorry I didn’t call you and let you know what was going on yesterday, but I really rather have an answer for you than nothing.

I was trying to be nice and responded:

Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 9:27 AM
Okay thanks for getting back with me this morning. Just trying to stay in touch...rather it be email or phone..much appreciated.

She rattled off 2 minutes later:
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 9:29 AM
As soon as I get in touch with them I’ll ither e-mail are call you. I had to leave a message again this morning, but if they don’t call back in a few minutes I will call them again.

My response: 
Sent: Tuesday, August 6th 9:34 am.

Okay thanks!

Nothing happened. No big surprise for us.

This Morning My email at 5:46 am:

Tammie,

Our patience is ending. No communication from you or (Manufacturer).

I would think since you are the dealership, getting in touch with the manufacturer would be a lot faster than this. Going on about 6 months now.

This is utterly ridiculous. 

Her responses: 

8:15 am

Lisa,

As soon as I can get some answers I will let you know.

I wasn't around to respond as I was not around and my phone does not have the internet.

9:46 Am this morning she writes:

Lisa, I will be making a work order for my guys to go out and do your repairs. Once he gets the work order he will call you to set up an appointment to do work. I am sorry it has taken so long but we will get it done. I will do what I can to get this done asap. If there is anything else I can do please get in touch with me.

10:03 am. My response:

Okay Tammie but what happened to (Manufacturer)? 

Your guys have not impressed us at all but we shall see.

Thanks for the email and run down. I'll let (Hubby) know.

So, am I missing something or does this look like a runaround? 

Just to name a few items on our punch list:
Dishwasher has not worked since Day 1.
They turned off the faucet outside that they shouldn't even had fooled with.
Some moldings are coming off.
The doors are not properly installed. I cannot get out of my front door. I keep telling Hubby if there is a fire in the laundry room, I am freaking screwed because I can't get out of the front door. I maybe can break a window..but it is not the point.
A shelf in my pantry was not installed properly and it fell down.

To add to that aggravation, Monday, our mail box was smashed. It is the second mail box we have had that has been smashed in six months. It looks like someone just passed by and hit the pole really hard. If you look close the yellow flag is between the pole and purple debris.

Hubby came home around 3 pm and saw the mailbox standing up with nothing wrong with it. He came into the house for maybe 15 minutes then went back out and saw the mailbox on the ground.

We called the Sheriff's office. It took 4 phone calls and an hour for them to get here. The dispatcher gave the cop the wrong address at first. Hubby told them the address and highway number. How hard can it be? It is not hard to find. The parish is not that big. But it shows where are our tax money is going. Nowhere. When we were going through getting everything done in getting the permits etc for  the home the parish employees kept saying it was somewhere where it wasn't or they had no clue what was going on.

Yep our taxes are paying for these morons.

Anyway, the third time the dispatcher put Hubby through to the cop and he said he was on the wrong road but in the area. 40 minutes passed. FINALLY, the cop comes. He said he had several backed up calls. No crap. It takes long when they don't know their roads. We never see them patrolling. We'll see the State Trooper but never the police or sheriff. 

I don't know. I think our public service people such as cops should at least know their area.

He asked if we had any enemies. We said no but we've had our spats with 2 neighbors.

The one in the back used to pop fireworks and use the land when we were not here. We could tell because there were firework debris and the other neighbors told us. Hubby talked to them and everything seems fine.

The man next door threatened to get a nuisance order a couple of weeks ago because he insists our broken down shed which we are intending to do something about, is harboring wild animals that are getting into his garden eating his veggies. My first reaction was that building has been that way for years, before we moved here. Why mention it now? We've been here for six months, why wait so long to mention it?

MORONS ARE EVERYWHERE!

Secondly, how does he know it is from our yard? Yes, the shed is right by the fence at our property lines. But there is a freaking bayou behind a patch of woods right across the street.  Hubby told him to do what he had to do. But things settled since. And we honestly don't think he would do something like busting our mailbox.

Oh and this man who is bitching, is the same man HUBBY allowed to use a portion of the land for a garden FOR FREE when we weren't here. SO When the man brought the mess up Hubby reminded him that the piece of land he used needs to be put back the way it was. The man has since got it to the way it should be for the most part. But so much for being neighborly. 

In the end,the cop said he would make a report but nothing much else he can do. 

So this morning I moseyed on down to the Post office since the postal lady didn't stop yesterday to see about our mail. Here is how the conversation went:

I informed the Post Master about our mailbox not being up and requested any advice to put up the mailbox without it being able to be destroyed again. 

He advised I needed to be careful because if we have it in brick or cement and someone runs into it and gets injured or killed they could make us liable. 

I raised my hands and probably rolled my eyes. "But our box is being destroyed, twice in six months,; I exclaimed. 

 Post master repeats: "I am telling you someone gets hurt, you are liable I wouldn't put a very strong pole, brick or cement." 

So I asked him for an alternative.

He said I could rent a box for 32 bucks a year and be through with it. 

 I was flabbergasted and just outdone and asked, "Why should I have to fork up 32 bucks to rent a box? That means we have to come to the PO to get our mail WHEN the mail can be delivered at my home? 

I thought but didn't verbalize, "WTF!"

 He shrugged and said, "You don't have to check it every day."

He didn't get my point and I think this is all bullshit. I am so tempted to brick the damn thing or put cement and let someone try to destroy it and hurt themselves and see what happens. 

Out of all the mailboxes on this highway, we get ours destoryed. We are not at a corner. The box was where it was supposed to be.  

I did read the guidelines of putting up a mailbox and the PostMaster was right for the most part but I still think it is all BS when someone is intentionally knocking our mail box down.

Hubby and I only want a simple life. We don't bother anyone. We stay to ourselves. We pray together.  We have been trying to serve God. We have gone back to Church. I pray every single day and read Scriptures. I try to do right with God and I think I do a pretty good job. 

But....

Nothing is ever easy. We feel like we are cursed.