Sunday weigh in

Yea me, I lost three pounds. I'm not as hungry all the time like I was a week ago. I still feel the urge to eat when I'm bored but I'm drinking more Crystal light and that helps. Plus munching on healthier snacks like celery help the craving to eat without adding calories.

My Scraps

This blog was originally designed to show off my scrap booking. That hasn't happened. Till today. Here is a picture of a thank you card I made for our neighbors who baked us brownies for Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Don't forget to track Santa on his journey tonight. Have a great Christmas tomorrow.

The Diet Starts.....

....tomorrow. I am currently about 30 lbs overweight. I am an emotional eater, I eat when I'm bored or stressed. The last 6 month have been stressful to say the least and I have spent most of it eating and sleeping. This is not a new year's resolution mind you, I hate those.

Anyway my plan is to lose 28-30 lbs by my birthday in May. Wish me luck.

Things that piss my mother off

Today we have a special feature. Since she does not have her own blog and doesn't have enough to say to have a blog (her words, not mine), my mother decided she could occasionally rant here. So, from time to time I will now have special input from my mom. Here you have it.....Things that piss my mother off.

The United States Mint, financed by our tax dollars, spends millions of our tax dollars each year on television advertisements to get us to buy coins that the manufacture of is paid for by our tax dollars. People who collect coins do not need to be told how to get them. They already know. This is a flagrant waste of our taxes.

Honestly I thought this would be longer.....

Earning your paycheck

The news reported yesterday the A-Rod signed a 10 year contract worth $275 million. That's $27 million per year to hit a ball and run around bases. Husband, who is a law enforcement officer, and I were discussing this. Husband gets like $40 K a year and has the potential to get seriously injured, or killed. I don't think A-Rod is likely to die during a game, so husband and I thought of some ways to make pro games more interesting and give the players some incentive to earn that paycheck. Here's some of our suggestions:

Randomly exploding balls -- this can be for baseball, football and basketball

Randomly exploding bases -- baseball

Camouflaged pits in the field -- for baseball and football

Wrist bands with mild electrical shock randomly given by the commentators -- baseball, but this would also work for football by putting the electrodes in the pads

"Spectator "plants in the stands with paint ball guns firing projectiles at the players

Thoughts anyone?

Friday Moment of Zen

Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist

This is very funny....

Silence.. I kill you.

Wikipedia Hell

I have just spent the last hour in what is referred to in our home as Wikipedia Hell. I have been reading everything there is to know and then some about the Star Trek series....all of them.

How did this start you might ask? Is she a closet Trekkie? God we hope not. No friends I am not a closet (or open) Trekkie. I have been know to enjoy an episode but do not have Klingon outfit or English to Klingon translator in my possession.

So how did this start. Like all trips to Wikihell, with an innocent query. I looked up the novel Roots (there was a Jeopardy question). That led me to the mini-series, which led me to look up LeVar Burton, which led to Geordi La Forge. And that's how it goes, one link leads to another and the next thing you know its 3 AM and you know more than you ever should about Star Trek.

Those little blue links, you just want to click on them and see where they lead.

Other notable searches...
The Tutors (the Showtime series led to a long night with the actual family)
Elizabeth (searching the movie led to an equally long night with same said family)
Anderson Cooper (did you know he was a Vanderbilt, I do now)
The Last Samurai (look up a movie learn about a real life rebellion)

This is a warning my dear friends, wikipedia is evil and was sent here by aliens to keep us from sleeping. Once we are sleep deprived and full of useless trivia, they are going to take over the world.

It could happen.....

Remember those who serve

Now that the holiday season is under way, I want to remind every one to remember those who have lost their lives protecting the home front. The Officer Down Memorial Page reports that 158 law enforcement officers have lost their lives in the line of duty so far this year. Please remember their sacrifice this season by placing a single blue light in your window.

Project Blue Light

This information is provided courtesy of Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.

Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS), a national grief support organization comprised of over 15,000 surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, is asking concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies nationwide to again support Project Blue Light.

During the holiday season you are asked to put blue lights in your holiday decorations and your windows and tie blue ribbons on car antennas to show support for law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty for the citizens they have served. Additionally, this will be a show of support for those who continue to work the streets 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Several years ago, Mrs. Dolly Craig, the surviving mother-in-law of Daniel Gleason, a Philadelphia (PA) police officer killed in the line of duty in 1986, sent her Christmas message to the COPS National office. Her daughter Pam, the surviving widow of Officer Gleason, had been killed in a car accident in August, 1989, before the holiday season. Dolly wrote, “This holiday I’m putting two blue lights in my living room window. One is for Dan and the other is for Pam, who believed so much in the COPS organization.”

Dolly Craig is now deceased as well, but her idea of Project Blue Light burns bright in the hearts of the over 15,000 families in the COPS organization.

For more information about Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc., or to support COPS’ programs for survivors and law enforcement agencies, contact COPS at PO Box 3199, Camdenton, MO 65020, (573)346-4911, or visit www.nationalcops.org.

I got nothing

I got this in the email from my Friend from work. Take it if you like have fun. I got nothing new in my life right now.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends!
What a nice way to take a mental break and have a bit of fun reminiscing :) Then you can get back to work :(

Try not to be a SCROOGE and copy this entire email, then paste into a new email you can send to others.
Change the answers so they apply to you; then send to bunches of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you... Tis the Season to Have Fun and Be Nice!!.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real Tree or Artificial? Fake ~ got tired of searching for the perfect tree

3. When do you put up the tree? When we get to it

4. When do you take down the tree? Right after new year

5. Do you like eggnog? Yummmmm

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Ummm, no idea

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No

8. Hardest person to buy for? Dad

9. Easiest person to buy for? Husband ~ he gives a pretty comprehensive list

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Again, no idea

11. Mail or Email Christmas cards? Mail... I’m making them this year

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October/November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Lumpy mashed taters

16. Clear lights or Colored lights on the tree? colored

17. Favorite Christmas song? None

18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Maybe

20. Angel on the tree top or a Star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? Day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic from 6-monthers

23. What you love most about Christmas? decorations

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Not very

Happy Halloween

It's the most wonderful day of the year. I love Halloween. Of course it's been so windy here this week that my decorations are blowing all over the neighborhood.

I have to go out and retrieve my tombstones from the neighbor's yard and get my witch off the roof now.

Have a Spooky day.

Seriously OK chicken

We made it to NC and home. Yea us. Last Monday, husband got home from work at 5....AM. we were out of the house by 5:30. I'm sure that is a new personal best time for me. After gas and money we were on the road. Husband drove for 5.5 hours, almost all the way to Atlanta. I got to drive through Atlanta while husband slept. This is possibly one of the more dangerous things we could have done. We all know about my driving/ADD problems, so imagine how much fun it was to drive husband's F150 through Atlanta. It takes a good 15 miles for me to get comfortable driving the truck.

(BTW, Dave is there ever a time that I85 or 495 or anything in Atlanta is not ridiculously crowed?)

Anyway we got to NC by 4:30 PM, got to the cabin with the driveway of death and had a wonderful couple of days.

Oh yea the title, I almost forgot. So as we're driving through Georgia we see signs for Zaxby's chicken and it is advertised as "Seriously Good Chicken". We decide to stop in Buford to try this seriously good chicken. This is were I (and an 18 wheeler) almost killed us getting off the Interstate. Anyway, the chicken was ok, cold slaw sucked, but the Texas Toast was seriously good.

On Vacation

We leave tomorrow at O' dark f-ing thirty (6am) to go to North Carlina for our 3rd anniversary. We need to get away even for a few days. One of the great things for me and one of the only pluses to unemployment, is that for the first time in 4 years I can go on vacation without a computer. No students to check on, no term papers to read, no grades to input (trying to do that from St. Thomas, now there's some fun) And yes I took my computer on my honeymoon, amazing he didn't leave me in the mountains to fend for myself.

See ya Friday.....ish

Cool Things

Ohhhhh, I almost forgot. I got published. The book showed up on my doorstep from the publisher yesterday and I have a chapter.

The book is: Stress Management in Law Enforcement 2nd ED

My article is: Chapter 10 Stress and the Female Officer

Pretty cool huh?

nothing to say

I'm really bad at this blogging thing. Lately I have nothing to say. Everyday is the same, get up look for a job, watch TV, ignore my dissertation, go back to bed and nap.

I emailed my attorney a week ago and have not heard back from her. I asked her what the odds of getting my job back would be since all the alleged violations they claimed I committed were actually not found by the State auditor. (Did that make sense?) I suppose I should call her, schedule an appointment or something.

I'll get back on track after I get back from vacation. Next week, for our anniversary, husband and I are going to NC for 4 days.

Job search update

I had a job interview today. Yea Me!! It was a really good interview, very conversational and the training manager seemed excited about my qualifications and what I brought to the table. The company is pretty big, but the training unit is new and small (the training manager I interviewed with and whoever gets hired). Its a good opportunity to develop something from the ground up. The commute is a bitch. Of course I'm just happy to be called for an interview at this point.

Tomorrow I go to a job fair closer to home. That company is expanding and has several jobs open including management positions.

Well that's it from job search central.

Rainy Sundays

It has been raining for the better part of three days. On and off pretty steady all weekend, especially today. Today was a great day. Dark, overcast and, did I mention rainy. Husband and I slept in (ok he slept most of the day, but he works midnight shift), watched football and UFC fighting and ordered out.

Couldn't have been better.

But he didn't kill his ex-wife....

Is there anybody out there who now does not believe that OJ Simpson is a complete sociopath?

As I understand these new charges, he did not pay rent on a storage unit and his property was legally auctioned off to cover the debt. Then he commits what amounts to a home invasion robbery at the hotel room of the guys who bought his stuff and threatens them, allegedly with a gun, and steals back his former stuff.

Did he think he would get away with this? Did he believe that nobody would recognize him? (No officer, I've never seen the crazy black man with the gun who broke into my room)

What was he thinking?

We all know that there is a big difference between being found not guilty and actually being innocent. All these years he's been looking for the real killer, he never looked in the mirror.

Maybe this time he'll get what he deserves.

Friday Fun Day

This is my favorite commercial right now. I love the porcupine best.

Fini

Husband's back piece is finished. 10.5 hours later and it is done. He's already planning his next tattoo.

Job search update

Not much to report.

I've applied for 5 jobs, three in training and two as a meeting/seminar planner. One of the trainer positions is with AAA auto club. That would be fun.


Today's Note from the Universe

One thing I know for sure, Sonja is that with time, everything becomes clear, all questions are answered, what's broken is restored, new trails are blazed, hearts are mended, love returns, and you will look over your shoulder, with a tear in your eye, at life's utter perfection.

And best of all, Sonja time is one thing you have plenty of. Trust me.

The Universe

Friday Moment of Silliness

Sleestaks in the library

This cracks husband and me up. Then again we are easily amused

At what price, this 'routine' vigil?

Yesterday a Sgt. from one of our local sheriff's offices was killed. This is an opinion in today's local paper. I like Howard Troxler, sometimes I don't agree with him (what do they say about opinions?). I really like this tribute and think it applies to all who do the 'routine' job of Law Enforcement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By HOWARD TROXLER, Times Staff Writer
Published August 16, 2007

---

At least 22 arrests dating from age 12. A prison record. A history of violence. An upcoming trial that seemed likely to put him back behind bars.

Michael Allen Phillips had built some track record. And he was just 24 years old.

"Mike was mentally unstable," his ex-girlfriend told a reporter Wednesday, "but he was a good person, too."

Definitions vary.

Early Wednesday, good person or not, authorities say that he shot and killed a veteran Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy, told his ex-girlfriend of the act, and informed her that he was coming for her family next.

Deputies soon found Phillips at his mother's home in Brandon. According to Sheriff David Gee, he spouted Aryan sayings over the telephone to negotiators. Phillips then exchanged gunfire with the SWAT team that surrounded the house. That decision did not turn out well for him.

- - -

Some years ago an officer pulled me over in the rain. For some idiot reason I got the idea I would save him some trouble, got out and ran toward his cruiser.

The officer threw open his door, dropped to one knee and called on me to stop RIGHT NOW. I do not remember seeing his weapon but he would have been right to draw it.

This memory never left me, not just because of my own stupid act, but because of what it showed about the nature of his job.

Hour after hour, day after day, it is routine, boring, frustrating, rewarding, and then in the span of seconds before you can finish this sentence, you are stone dead.

Sometimes you get advance notice of the risk. Tampa Bay officers have lost their lives in hot pursuit of killers, responding to violent crimes or being involved in undercover assignments.

But the circumstances of their deaths also include: approaching a parked car, making a routine traffic stop and even just sitting in their own vehicle. What other job is like this? What if selling cars, or accounting, or cutting hair, could be fatal any second?

- - -

Sgt. Ron Harrison apparently wasn't chasing a murderer, or a kidnapper, or breaking up a robbery.

He had been at a DUI checkpoint, given that he was the sheriff's head of DUI enforcement.

They say he seemed to be in a good mood as he left. Maybe he was thinking, as he pulled away, that they had made the roads safer that night.

It is not clear exactly how Harrison was shot, or whether Phillips was in a car or on foot.

Either way, Harrison apparently realized he had minutes at best, no time even to radio. He turned his car, maybe headed for the closest hospital. His cruiser left the road and hit a tree, which is where they found him. He was 55.

- - -

I have a neighbor, a nice guy, friendly to everybody, great sense of humor. He and his wife just had a baby boy, their first.

Sometimes I see him out on the street and wave. Sometimes he pulls up in front of my house and we shoot the breeze for a few minutes.

Then he drives away in his police cruiser for his night shift. The idea that he might pull away and that I might never see him again - that his wife and his baby might not - I cannot imagine it, nor imagine what guts it takes to live that way, or at what cost.

And so it begins

Oh Sweet Jesus, football season has started. I'm not sure if I can make it through. I mean I'm already stir crazy from being home most of the time, and now football. I don't mind the regular season so much, only three days a week, and the evening games I only have to sit through half of it. Husband usually leaves for work around half-time.

But pre-season is like basketball season, it seems to never end. There is a game every night this week. Am I being a bad wife? I try to care, but its really hard.

Observations on Unemployment

Unfortunately since this blog is about my thoughts on things in my life, and currently unemployment is part of my life, that is what the theme lately. This is the longest I have been unemployed since I started really working (high school and college employment don't count). I was was out of work a month between the PD and the college, but I knew that the college job was waiting for me, I had a roommate who paid half the bills and I took work at the bar she worked at, so it wasn't bad. So here are my observations on this thing called unemployment.

1. I have gone days without knowing what day it is. When you have no place to be, you can lose track of time. And I have no idea what the date is. I'm lucky to actually know what month it is.

2. I actually have more meetings now then when I had a job. Between the company trying to get me a job, the attorney (another story for another time) and aerobics with mom, I'm actually busy.

3. I am inherently lazy. Oh I'll work hard when I have a job to do, but ultimately when I have nothing to do, I would rather be in bed than any other place. Curled up with a cat and, husband, warm and cozy. Ummm, nothing better. In fact I could use a nap now.

Update

Not much to report over the last couple of days. I've been working on my resume with my marketing advisor and working on my dissertation on my own. I've analyzed my data and am working on chapter 4, my results. After that I have one more chapter and I need to beef up my lit review and I can start the approval process. I'm hoping to graduate by December.

Other than that I'm finding that I am busier now than when I had a job, lots of meetings and water aerobics. I have also found out that there is absolutely nothing worth watching on TV during the day. Man I need a job.

Still Unemployed

Yes I still have not found a job. I was turned down for the Bailiff position because the SJF and the dung beetle basically assassinated me in the document used to not renew my contract. Words such as combative were used and it was said that "Due to her mood swings and negative attitude, she can no longer be trusted". I'm thrilled. I'm going to see an attorney.

On the other hand, I have hired a corporate marketing firm that basically makes you and your resume corporate ready. The teach you to interview and negotiate and they help you get a career using you "marketable, transferable skills". So far, I have done some homework designed to redo my resume. They say you will learn a lot about yourself in this process. This is a difficult process, and I am struggling to find my work related "accomplishments" Wish me luck.

Comment on Society

Moving away from RPS and Dominoes.....I have a comment on society.

I'm not a big football fan. Until my best friend moved in with me, I never really even watched it. Here's my comment though. Michael Vick from the Falcons is not allowed to come to training camp until the NFL does its own investigation into his dog fighting indictment. I don't disagree with this decision by the NFL. Where my problem lies is in the fact that you can kill somebody or beat your wife and play in the Superbowl.

What does this say about our society? Again, I agree with the NFL's decision, but if we are going to ban Vick for animal abuse, then we should also be banning those players who are indicted for manslaughter, homicide and spouse abuse.

Calling Bullshit

Webster's Dictionary defines a Sport as:
(1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in

Again imagine my surprise when husband turned on ESPN and found the World Rock Paper Scissors Championships. Very much like the Billiards & Poker I'm trying to figure out how RPS is a SPORT. I can see an physical activity (sort of, barely), or a particular activity, but come on...a sport?

I'm calling Bullshit.

Week one

Week one of unemployment has come and gone. Pretty uneventful. The holiday in the middle of the week made it hard to do any real job hunting. I sent out a couple applications, but mostly slept in and was lazy. I did start water aerobics at the city rec center with my mom. I'm the youngest in the group, just me and 20 or so old ladies. Its actually pretty fun.

I haven't heard from unemployment yet.

Today I made $87 selling some of Husband's old CDs.

End of days

Today was my final day at work. I actually went to work and was busy. I wanted to get out by 3:30 -4ish, but still was there until almost 5. WTF? One of my co-workers had a Starbucks coffee party for me, and two other FAW's took me to lunch. I also got flowers delivered from one of my instructors. All in all it was a good going away. And no tears.... I'm going to miss the people and the job, but not the politics.

Now I get to figure out what's next. I still have no job, but I have applications out all over. Its going to be ok. Mom and husband assure me so.

Very Disappointing

Friday's Message from the Universe

Sometimes, it's easy to forget that you always have options, Sonja.

That your power has remained intact.

And that everything, up until now, has just been practice for the really, really good stuff.

Tallyho,
The Universe

Stolen truck

My F.A.W. (Friend at work) PRB sent me an article about bunnies screwing on an airstrip and clogging up air traffic. Good story, funny even, but I think this is better.

A local fire station here in the area had a fire engine stolen from their station. Let me repeat that, someone came into the fire station, where the firemen work and stole a FIRE ENGINE. Not the really big one with the ladder and all, but still a FIRE ENGINE.

That in and of itself is funny, but the best part is that it was stolen on Saturday and not recovered until Monday. What the hell do you do with a florescent lime green fire engine all weekend. That's not like stealing a Toyota, I think the neighbors might notice you joy-riding around the hood in a fire engine.

FIRE TRUCK UPDATE

Friday Moment of Zen

German squirrel on a rampage injures 3 people
72-year-retiree dispatches rowdy rodent with a crutch

Updated: 9:23 a.m. ET June 14, 2007

BERLIN - An aggressive squirrel attacked and injured three people in a German town before a 72-year-old pensioner dispatched the rampaging animal with his crutch.

The squirrel first ran into a house in the southern town of Passau, leapt from behind on a 70-year-old woman, and sank its teeth into her hand, a local police spokesman said on Thursday.
With the squirrel still hanging from her hand, the woman ran onto the street in panic, where she managed to shake it off.

The animal then entered a building site and jumped on a construction worker, injuring him on the hand and arm, before he managed to fight it off with a measuring pole.

"After that, the squirrel went into the 72-year-old man's garden and massively attacked him on the arms, hand and thigh," the spokesman said. "Then he killed it with his crutch."

The spokesman said experts thought the attack may have been linked to the mating season or because the squirrel was ill.

Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.

When Free isn't

The free day we got Tuesday because of the blown transformer, turned out not to be so free. On Wednesday we were told we had to take vacation, personal or flex time to make it up. This has occurred before...on hurricane days.

Here's my objection to this make-up policy. I would have worked had I been allowed to. I was almost there in fact. Had I been told, "Go to ABC office and you will work there" I would have happily complied. Ok, maybe not happily.

But that is not what I was told. I was told, "Go home". Since it was not my choice to not work, why should I have to pay for it? Why can't my employer build in extra work days to cover these little emergencies?

On the up side we only had to make-up 4 hours instead of 8. That was awfully nice.

Full week's work

I actually planned to work a full week this week. I know shocking. I was more than half way there this morning after having one of those daily starts that just tells you its going to be a mess today.

I splashed yogurt on my 2nd to last pair of pants and had to change. Decided to take the dry cleaning in, and left my debit card at home.

Anyway, while on the interstate, I get a call from a co-worker that the building has been closed because a transformer blew and there was no power. Most importantly, no AC, its damn hot right now. This phone call led to me driving around in circle for about 20 minutes caught between, "should I go to the building to check on my classes, or should I go home?" I ended up calling the boss' assistant who told all my people to go home and come back tomorrow.

I went home and went and went back to bed. Just like a snow, but hotter.

Adjectives

Well my mother apologized and told me she was wrong. She discovered last week what I already knew was true....fuck is an adjective. I think I get to use it again, if it it doesn't offend my one sometimes two readers.

Saturday Moment of Zen

On advise of counsel (my mother) I am not going to blog about work anymore, at least not negatively. She feels that maybe someone may be looking here and using it to torpedo me. I'm not sure, but not need to temp fate.

I will also be trying not to swear as much. According to my mother, the f-word is not an adjective. I don't really agree and tend to find it to be my most favorite explicative, but we will see. I'll try. I also don't buy into the theory that only ignorant people swear (no my mother didn't say that). I'm actually very smart and still I like to swear.

So we'll see how this goes.

Funniest thing I heard today......

....From our tattoo artist, whose shop is kind of in the hood. His slogan is "Good tattoos in a bad neighborhood"

Anyway here we sit waiting for husband to start sitting number 3 of a 4 sitting back piece and E.D. says..

"Oh I bought a slingshot off a homeless guy the other day...hang on", and then gets said slingshot to show us.

OK in retrospect maybe not so funny, but at the time hilarious....

The good, the bad and the ......

So good news and bad news today. First the bad.

I'm not getting hired as soon as I thought. There were some set backs and my file didn't get finished. So I'm not getting a job. The next hire date is late August. Almost 2 months after I lost the current job. Unfortunately, I turned down another job process because everybody was sure I was going to get this one. I know that was stupid..story of my life. Anyway I called about that job and the supervisor is going to try to get me back in the process. Honestly, I'm not holding my breath.

Ok, now the good.

I sent out the emails for my dissertation and have had 38 people take my survey so far. I'm pretty stoked about that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As of 7:00pm I'm up to 102 people who have completed the survey. WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!

Seventh Day

I have been reminded by Dave that today is the 7th day since I last posted. There has not been not much to talk about. I should hear next week about the new job.

Last night was girl's night out. Big fun. We went to the Melting Pot for dinner. It was really good. The dinner for two which husband and I usually get was actually good enough for three. Just enough food and we were able to have chocolate for desert. I highly recommend the Flaming Turtle.

Well this is what we get. Not very exciting this week, but that's a good thing. Last week was far to stressful. But at least it's not a bunny with a pancake on its head.....

Friday message from the Universe

The Universe always knows what I need to hear....

Funny, Sonja, how when one links job satisfaction to financial compensation, they're never paid "enough." Yet, when they see work as a way to dance with life, meet new people, and unleash the creative tiger within, they become very rich, indeed.

Every kind of rich, Sonja.

The Universe

Why people snap

This was a really bad morning. It started by me having to go to the Dr. to have my TB test read for the Sheriff's Office (SO). It was fine, I took the results to the SO and was told at that time that my file had been closed by psych. But I thought you said I passed my psych I inquired. Well, the psych Dr. advised that you did not disclose to him that you were on Prozac, which you did disclose on you medical report. **Sidebar, why would I tell one Dr. and not the other** Oh no, I protested I told him that was on on Sarafem (that's Prozac for those who don't know; apparently the shrink was one who didn't). No said the Detective. The Dr. said he asked you twice and you never disclosed it, but I will call him when he gets in at 9:30.

So at this point in our little story, I get back to my car, burst into tear and start to hyperventilate in the parking lot. I then drive home in this condition and wake up husband (who should get a medal by the way) in a hysterical fit. He thought I had run someone over with my car. I'm crying and still hyperventilating and he's trying to calm me down to get the story. Needless to say work was not an option.

This all occurred at 8:00am, by 10:15, the Det. called me back saying that No the Dr. was sure I didn't tell him. He took notes and indicates that I told him I was on Claritin, Allegra (two allergy pills...Hmmmm)and some other stuff that has no meaning here. To which I replied, I would never say I was on Claritin, because I'm not, I said Sarafem. But the Det, still says Sorry, I don't think he is going to change his mind.

At 10:30 the Det. calls me back and says that the Dr. want me to call him. I do and he explains that I have been the victim of a misunderstanding. When I told him I was on Sarafem, he did not know what that was and assumed I was mispronouncing Claritin. But he has since learned that Sarafem is another name for Prozac and has passed me, so sorry.

My file was reopened.

Are you fucking kidding me? Your a psychologist who prescribes meds. If you didn't know what it was, perhaps, I don't know ask me. Don't assume that I am so stupid I don't know how to pronounce the medications I'm one. Shit I told you I had a Master's degree and am close to a Doctorate. I mean at least he admitted he made a mistake, but in the mean time I'm a hysterical, crazy person practicing the words, "Do you want fries with that?"

Just for the record, I don't blame the detective for any of this, and suspect that the reason I got to talk to the shrink was because of him calling the Dr. back after the 10:15 conversation. Still I have a headache from the adrenalin and the crying. I just want this to be over and get an official job offer.

On My Way...

...toward finishing my dissertation. I defended my dissertation proposal today. This means that starting next week I can actually start collecting data and maybe get this thing finished soon. My professor is shooting for final defense in August, but I'm skeptical given the job change and the training I will have to do for the new job. If not August, I'm still hoping by December at the latest.

YEA ME!!!!!

On the new job front, I have to take my physical/drug screen tomorrow and I will be done with the pre-employment stuff. Today I had to look up how to write a letter of resignation in the Internet (what DID we do before the Internet), because it occurs to me that the last time I left a job I just did a department issue form. I don't know that I have ever done a letter of resignation. Anyway, if you need samples, About, is pretty good.

Shocking!!!

Report: Ricky Williams tests positive for pot

I am both shocked and amazed. Ricky Williams, the NFL running back who quit football so he wouldn't have to quit pot, tested positive for pot.

Williams sought to end a one-year drug suspension last month when he asked to rejoin the Miami Dolphins.....The Dolphins and the NFL declined comment. Before Williams’ latest setback, new Miami coach Cam Cameron repeatedly declined to say whether he would welcome Williams back.

Why is that something the Dolphins or the NFL would even consider? He's a fucking moron and a liability. The reason he wants to come back has nothing to do with his new "Eastern philosophy". He realized that without a multi-million dollar salary he can't afford to buy quality dope.

I've said this before (maybe not here), I am sick of the cry-baby punk-ass athletes who make millions of dollars and think the world owes them something.

Why is it again that teachers, and cops and those who try to make a difference don't get paid that kind of money? This was National Police Week. Let's remember those who really make a difference.

News from the Job Hunt

The hunting part is over for now. Its down to 2 choices....Bailiff at the local Sheriff's Office or academy coordinator at a training center in the next county over. I think I'm going with bailiff. This has been a very stressful decision, this whole thing has been stressful. So, here's how it works out:

Money: Bailiff is a pretty big pay cut, where as the academy job would be right around that I'm making now. I discussed this with husband and he seems to be ok with the pay cut. He manages the money, so I have to believe him.

Drive Time: Both jobs require my own vehicle. The academy job is about 1 - 1.5 hrs each way. Bailiff is about 20-30 minutes each way. With gas being $2.87 a gallon here, I think the shorter drive is the best. Besides we all know about my ADD/driving issues

Movement/promotional opportunities: The academy is not nearly as big as where I'm at now. Just a director, 3 coordinators and a staff assistant. Not alot of room for movement. Being a Bailiff gets me into the Sheriff's office and gives me some more opportunities to move perhaps to training or the psych. services later on. Plus I get to maintain my law enforcement certification without taking on extra work.

Stress Level: Academy coordinator = Higher stress; Bailiff= lower stress. Yes, with Bailiff I would be in what's called a High Risk category, but from what I hear the stress is pretty low. Also, I know the Capt. out there and he's a great guy to work for.

All in all, I think the Bailiff position is the best fit right now. Sure the money sucks, but I'll get to focus on finishing my degree, take some time to reorganize and de-stress. Either way I'm a nut case, because I hate change. But everything happens for a reason, right, so lets all just double up on our Prozac and hang on for the ride.

Tuesday Moment of Zen

Dumbest thing heard today

On the Discovery Channel's Future Weapons, while talking about military GPS capability....

"The military has far better GPS systems then the general public"

Well I would certainly fucking hope so. Its nice to know that the military isn't using Tom Tom to find their target.

Billards & Poker

So what the hell ......Husband and I were flipping channels tonight in between programs and husband says go to Billiards. Billiards, OK sure I understand that....8 ball; 9 ball, I can do that for a minute. So we're watching what I thought was 9 ball, right, 9 balls, into the pockets in numerical order, sure I get that. So then one guy misses his shot and then out of nowhere this other guy PICKS UP THE BALL, rubs it off and GIVES IT to the 2nd shooter, who then proceeds to put it anywhere he wants on the table, shoots the 9 ball in the pocket (without shooting 1-8) and wins the game. What the fuck....Oh and the by the way, was called an hand. Why you might ask? Because we were watching Texas Hold 'em Billiards.

Which brings me to my next point (not that there seemed to be a first point, whatever). Who the fuck came up with that. Texas Fucking Hold 'em Billiards. When exactly did Texas Hold 'em become the end all and be all of games (not sports people, poker and billiards are not sports, I don't care what ESPN says) Were was I? Oh yea...I still don't understand Texas Hold 'em poker (not do I want to).

I'm just saying, quit fucking with classic games like poker and pool. It confuses the rest of us, and just pisses us off.

I choked on a flamingo because the voices told me to.

Ok, I stole (appropriated) this from Jenny Haha over at Flaw & Disorder. I just thought it was great an had to bring it over. As I said in her comments, I collect Flamingos and occasionally do what the voices tell me.

Pick the month you were born. Pick the day (number) you were born. Pick the color of shirt you are wearing. Now type out the sentence you made using the answers below:

Pick the month you were born:
January----------I kicked
February--------I loved
March------------I punched
April---------------I swam with
May---------------I choked on
June---------------I murdered
July----------------I did the Macarena with
August-----------I had lunch with
September------I danced with
October----------I sang to
November-------I yelled at
December-------I ran over

Pick the day ( number) you were born on:
1----- --a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a Mexican
6-------a flamingo
7-------my cell phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10------my neighbor
11------my science teacher
12------a banana
13------a fireman
14------a stuffed animal
15------a goat
16------a pickle
17------a squirrel
18------a spoon
19------myself
20------a baseball bat
21------a ninja
22------a snowman
23------a noodle
24-- ----your mom
25------a football player
26------my sister
27------my brother
28------an ipod
29------a permanent marker
30------a llama
31------a zombie

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White----------because I'm very pretty.
Black----------because that's how I play.
Pink------------because I'm cool like that.
Red-------------because the voices told me to.
Blue------------because I can see the future.
Green----------because I love to boogie.
Purple----------because your mom's cool.
Gray------------because the voices in my head told me to.
Yellow---------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange---------because I tripped over my house
Brown----------because I love my pillow.
Other-----------because I'm a ninja.
None-----------because I can't control myself

Job Hunting & Neediness

Job Hunting Sucks. Yea its all fun and games when you have a job and are just looking, but when you actually have to find a job it sucks monkey butt. There are all kinds of jobs open when you don't need one, but as soon as you have to find a job, there seems to be no openings. I have applied for two things in my field in the public sector and spoke to a friend in the private sector about working for him.

I am also finding it harder and harder to get out of bed and come to the current job that I will not have in 3 months. Depression is fun.

Just for the record though this is really just a pathetic ploy for sympathy and to have all you nice people say nice things about me. Please see it for what it is. I'm needy right now. I hate being needy. I have to keep reminding husband that this clingy, neediness will pass, but right now I'm Velcro wife.

So in order to give husband some rest, everybody fulfill my needy desires today. Husband thanks you and I thank you.

Spring Fling

I hate Spring! Oh yea, the weather is great and pretty things are blooming and cute fuzzy animals are being born, blah, blah, blah.

Along with the blooming though is a higher pollen count. I can't breathe, my head hurts. I feel like crap. Thank the heavens for pharmaceuticals. I would die without the aid of Flonase, and Allegra. Maybe if it gets really bad I can add an OTC drug too. God I love Spring.

Of course it could be worse, a co-worker of my spent the entire day sneezing his head off. He must have sneezed a million time today.

The weather is great though....

Buster in the Freezer

I haven't blogged in a week and all of a sudden I have 4 ideas floating out there. Two in draft form. This one however just had to be written....

The hubby and I went to my parents' for dinner tonight since my brother is in town. He brought the dog. We started discussing his best friend's boxer, and my mother asks "Is Buster still in the freezer?" This begs 2 questions: Who is Buster and why is he in the freezer?

Buster was apparently the friend's first dog. When Buster died, the friend did not want to bury it in the back yard because he thought he might be moving soon and would have to dig the dog up and move it (WTF). They also thought they wanted a necropsy to see if the vet did something wrong. Anyway, they put the dog in a drop freezer and then never moved, or had a necropsy. And now the freezer has become some kind of shrine. The dog has been in the freezer for like 2 years.

I stated the obvious that they should have the dog cremated and that solves the moving problem since they aren't doing the necropsy. Apparently my brother's friend won't do that, so Buster just sits in the freezer wrapped in a blanket my mother made for the family.

This was much funnier when my brother told it. Also the above is a picture of my brother's dog Logan, not Buster.

The follow up story is about the dead German in my parent's back yard....

Now its really, really official

At 10:00am EST today I was informed that my contract was not being renewed (we don't fire people here) and that as of June 30, I would no longer have a job. The kicker is that when I asked the big boss the reason, I was told "I don't really know, that is an HR issue and you will have to discuss it with them".

Ummmm, your the head of this campus and you recommended the termination and you can't tell me why you are firing me? WTF!!??

So the job hunt begins, I have 2 months. If you hear of anything, let me know.

Monday Moment of Zen

I give to you, your educational Monday Moment of Zen...the crack spider.

Its official

Well, it's official, I'm being fired.

Ok well not official and not quite fired but saying that "I'm unofficially getting a 6 month contract for performance review" is long and lacks the drama of the opening sentence.


I was told last Friday by a little bird that was not getting a contract this year, which is the same as being fired. When I confronted my boss, this is how the conversation went:

Me: I hear that some people are not getting contracts this year, I was just wondering if I was one of them.

Spineless Jelly Fish: Who have you been talking to?

ME: Ummm, what?

SJF: I don't know that you're not getting a contract, last I heard you're getting a 6 month review contract.

ME: Ummmm, Why?

SJF: You had a deficient file on your last audit.

ME: (Like you did last year?) Well is anybody else getting this review? (Like the guy who has been written up by the State 6 times in the last 18 months?)

SJP: You know I can't tell you that.

ME: So the last 8 years of service mean nothing?

Supervisor: Well you know better than I do that you probably ran a foul of someone on the contract committee. (Read the guy who was written up 6X)

ME: Ummmm, were you going to tell me? (Or stand up for me for that matter?)

SJF: Well, (squirm) I was waiting for official word.

ME: Ummm, ok great, thanks.

SJF: Well now, lets' talk about this (Do you not like me now?)

ME: Nothing to discuss, going back to work.

The thing about a 6 month contract is that you will never get a full contract. They will find a reason to fire you.

So here are my thoughts and theories:

1. The college president is trying to destroy our police training programs. We're
not academic enough (even though many of us have Master's degrees and some of us have Doctorate's..for shame). If he a show that we are losing money and are incompetent, he can move his precious BAS degree and get rid of the rest of the "blue collar trash"

2. Karma can be a bitch.

3. In times of trouble, you find out who your real friends are. (yea its a given)

For Wendy

Good luck with the 2 yr old herding.

Open letter to the guy I cut off on the interstate today

Dear Guy,

First I would like to apologize for cutting you off this morning. I realize that it was my fault and take full responsibility for my action...Well not full responsibility, in my defense your car was small and the color of concrete, so that even though I looked and signaled, I could not see you.

The main point here is that once I realized my error, I immediately attempted to apologize by raising my hand to you. I know that this can look like a "thank you" sign which would have been clearly inappropriate. I made a second attempt to say "I'm sorry" when you passed me. At 75mph, and at great risk to my life, I looked at you and and said "I'm Sorry". Now because we were doing 75mph and you were clearly enraged ( as evidenced by the very hostile look in your eye), you may not have processed this apology. That being said I feel it was very rude of you to roll down your window and give me the finger as you exited the freeway.

I really felt bad about cutting you off, more than I probably should have. I mean it's not like I killed you or ran over your puppy or anything. It was an honest mistake. I attempted to apology and your response was rude and inappropriate. Since you decided to be a complete asshat, my hope for you is that you are rear ended in your small ugly car by a drunk wit no driver's license, insurance and no visible means of income.

Yours truly,
SB

Bacon

I didn't think it was possible,but bacon really tastes better cooked in a cast iron skillet.

(that's it, I got nothing else today)

Monday Moment of Magic

I was talking with one of my instructors today who advised that since he was teaching a class for me for the first time, he would probably end up doing some magic like,pulling a rabbit out of a hat. So in honor of Joe and the start of the NASCAR season, I give you your Monday Moment of Magic

Home Sweet Home

Well I made it home alive. It was a long trip and I have to ask if anyone has ever experienced or felt like this.....

Your driving 5.5 hours home after being away for a week. About three hours into the drive your ass goes numb, at about the same time you feel the urge to pee, but don't want to stop because everything you drive by looks nasty. You also realize that there is a Shell station in every small, Podunk town along the interstate, except for when you actually need to get gas, and for some reason some old guy feels that it is very appropriate to drive 30 mph on a State road that has a posted speed limit of 55 and you can't get around him because nobody will let you over even though you have had your signal on for 2 miles, and you finally pull into the next BP station to get $10 worth of gas so you can JUST get home only to find a Shell station 1 more mile up the road...and just when you think you are home, less that 1 mile, you end up behind a cab driver who apparently just moved to this county (or country) and keeps braking and slowing...and you actually feel the psychotic break occur and the usually quiet voices in your head, many unnamed but some with names like Killer, Bubba and Roy decide that if the cabbie brakes for no reason one more time you are all going to run him off the road into a ditch and then as a group beat the living shit out of him......

Ever had the feeling? Yea me neither....

For Ryan....

One of my favorite and oh so true sayings. BTW, I've been in this hotel room for threes days and just realized that the chair was a lounger....and yet still no Starbucks.

I drive home tomorrow, 5.5 hours, by myself.... wish me luck.

A world without Starbucks

I think I may have an unhealthy relationship with Starbucks, but we'll get back to the. So I'm in the State capital, 5.5 hours away from home for the week. I'm attending a work conference, so I'm in a hotel, without my hubby (who needs a new blog nickname) and here are some observations:

--I should not be allowed to drive by myself for 5.5 hours. I am way to ADD for that. There seriously needs to be someone else driving so I can look at at signs and shit. Most people don't take ADD seriously, but they don't understand....look a chicken

--If you are holding a conference you should tell "people" ahead of time that there is a group dinner one night. This way "people" bring at least 2 nice shirts. I know that as a woman it is expected that I pack everything I own for a 1 week trip, but I'm not your typical woman. I mean I only own like 4 pair of shoes ( not including boots; boots don't count). As it is I had to schlep to the mall to buy a shirt that is casual but not not t-shirt casual but not dressy either.

--One would think that in the State capital, a major college town, there would be a Starbucks on every corner (see I told you we would get back to it). But no, the only one I can find is in the mall and that's not open at 7am. And for the record, the Starbucks website should not say there are three close to my hotel if there are not. (yes, I'm that pathetic, I spent 20 minutes looking for one online) I think I need Starbucks rehab..."Hi, my name is Sonja, and I'm an addict"..."Hi Sonja"

Yes a world with out Starbucks is a sad, dangerous, barbaric place...

Too old for the fair?

I went to the State fair yesterday. The weather was perfect and I love the fair. The greasy, not remotely good for you food, the animals, the crafts. I love it all. But I discovered that I may be too old for the fair. Not that the fair has passed me by, cows and goats are cows and goats. (BTW, we got to see a 2 hour old calf, he was adorable) My point is that after walking around for 5 hours, I feel today like I did 40 squats. My legs hurt, my knees hurt, my ass even hurts. It sucks. I like to think of myself as young at heart, but my body disagrees. Getting old bites.

Disappointment Abounds

So, yesterday was a very, very disappointing workday. Many things were expected, none of which happened. Now you might be thinking that these were good things, like a promotion or a raise or my arch nemesis dropping dead...of that one is kind of close.

1. Our state inspector, after having been notified of improper training being conducted (not by me, the training or the notification), was supposed to 'stop by' in an attempt to catch said improper behavior. He showed up, got made and everybody played by the rules.

2. Had a meeting where I was sure my boss would ask me about why I hadn't made money on a particular training class. I had a whole speech/rant/meltdown prepared about how I would have except that the big boss told the training company we weren't interested in making money, so how the fuck am I supposed to make my quota if I keep getting sabotaged up the chain. And yes I am perfectly willing to have a complete meltdown and scream at my boss...we have already established this Anyway he never asked.

3. I fully expected to be called into my supervisor's office and accused of trying to get the other unit in trouble with the state inspector (see #1). Why did I expect this (and still do), because I was accused of "ratting out" (their words not mine) this person last time her unit was written up by the state. I did not do so last time (that can be proved) and absolutely did not this time . But I was not accused, however I don't put it past anyone not to do it 6 months.

So all in all it was very disappointing, I was ready for a fight and didn't get it. When I want something done right at my office I get false accusations and disapproving setbacks; when I want false accusations and disapproving setbacks, I get nothing.

Oh well I'm going to the fair tomorrow....

Today's message from the Universe

Not events, Sonja, but outcomes. Visualize outcomes.

Not the cracking of the bat, but gliding over home plate.

Not the inking of the deals, but the kind of life you'll lead.

Not the scale, the diet or food, but the admiration you have earned.

And not the whens, the wheres, and hows, but the laughter, high-fives, and wows.

Not events, Sonja, but outcomes. Visualize outcomes.

The Universe

Basic Math

There are several rants to this post, many, if not all having some tie in to basic math skills

□ I put in a bid for some equipment last March (why is took 1 year is a whole other rant).
After a year, I am told we must bid this out. I’m finally given the “lowest” bid and as I look
at the numbers, I see that bid is $9600.00. My original bid was $9500.00. Now I’m not a
math major but I think 9500 < 9600

□ I am still working on my dissertation. I have twice sent my first two chapter to my chair
for review. Last week I was told “I’ll read these in the next day or 2 and get back to you”
Again 1-2 < 7. Also, I am running out of money to pay for this degree which is actually an
algebra problem… If M=money and D=degree then 0M + 0M = 0D. And I said I’d never
use algebra again.

Monday Moment of Zen

Not really...this moment of Metal Zen brought to you by Drowning Pool and YouTube.com

Today's Message from the Universe

When it comes to the words you choose, whether in your mind or amongst friends, let them be of what you like and love. What you care about and cherish. What makes you happy. What gives you wings. What makes you dream.

And very little else.

The Universe

Thoughts become things, so choose good ones

What Art Movement are You?

You Are Surrealism

Dreamy and idealistic, you've created a world that is all your own. It's very likely that you've either dabbled in drugs or are naturally trippy. You are always trying to push beyond the boundaries of your culture and society. You believe that art, love, and freedom can change the world.

What Art Movement Are You?

Change is bad....

....Or I'm a freak.

So we got our new bedroom set today. Its beautiful, its oak, its mature. I love it....and I hate it. I hate change, really any change. Once I get used to it , I'll be fine, but right now...

Here's the deal, when I got the new roof on the house...a much needed new roof I might add....I burst into tears when I first saw it. But I got used to it.

The room will be fine, the room is fine....I'm just a freak.

Friday Awwww Moment

If you haven't done so, spend some time viewing the cutest baby panda in the world. You can watch her from 10 AM to 5 pm EST. I will warn you that she sleeps qute a bit, but even that's cute.

Winter comes to Florida

Finally, something resembling winter has come to Florida. It is currently 49 degrees where I'm at and I could not be happier. Of course it would be better if I was curled up in bed under my down comforter, but whatever.

Considering it was 80 degrees on Christmas day, which just sucks, its nice to have some cold temperatures. Finally I can pull the sweaters out the storage, put on a leather jacket and all the stuff you do in the cold.

You see I remember a time in Florida when we actually had seasons. Yep, Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter. You could actually tell. There were two distinct time when you could turn off the AC/heater and open the house, and these times were sandwiched in between AC time and heater time. But alas, no more. I 've had the AC on for most of "winter" because its been too bloody how to open the house. Thank you Global Warming.

Here's my theory, when its cold there are ways to warm up, build a fire, put on a coat, get under a blanket, snuggle (under the blanket). But when its hot, there is nothing you can do to make it less miserable. You can only take off so much clothing before it becomes illegal. And where does that leave you....in jail, nekkid and still hot & sweaty. Nobody wants to see that.

Become an M&M

So now you too can become an M&M! Just go to Become an MM. Here I am lounging by the pool with my pet turtle, pokey.

Friday's ethical question

So this was a discussion in a meeting I was at yesterday. I was not a participant, only and observer in said meeting.

You are the director of a police academy/training center. This academy is a para-military organization, however because you are part of a college/university/school board, so your recruits are also considered college students.

During morning flag raising ceremonies the recruits are expected to salute the flag. One of your students refuse to salute based on their religious tenets. They are not disruptive in any manner, they just refuse to salute. Here's your options:

1) Pull the students from that activity and hope that peer pressure and the need to belong changes their beliefs.

2) Throw them out of the academy (or if they are sponsored by an agency, have them fire based on a department rule stating that all employees must respect the flag)

3) Have them remain in formation during the ceremony, standing at attention and not saluting.

In this particular discussion, number three was not mentioned as an option. I was appalled. Apparently some of these people have never read the Constitution and are unaware that the student has the right to practice their religion free from persecution.

I'm a mess

So this is not what I intended to write today, but for the record, I'm a mess today. I slept in an extra 1/2 hr because I had to have blood drawn and the lab didn't open until 7:30. I get there at 7:32 and there is already 10 people ahead of me. So I wait 20 minutes and then realize that I'm pretty sure I left my insurance card at my office...45 minutes away. So I leave. I drive down the road and find my insurance card in my purse. So I go back and wait another 15 minutes and get my blood drawn.

Some where in this process, I realized that I left the house without a belt. This would not be a big issue except I have lost a few pounds (good thing) and now will spend my day pulling my pants up. FYI, the lab is 5 minutes away from my house, but I didn't bother to go get a belt.

Then there was a line at Starbucks, and did I mention that I am starving because I had to fast for the blood thing. And finally, there was an accident on my route so I had to find a different way to work. Luckily I know like 5.

On the up side, looking at the positive and giving credit where credit is due, as Ginger would say....The sweater I wore today makes my boobs look great!!

PS: One of my coworkers seems to be a bigger mess than I am....Yea me!

Today's Message from the Universe

Do you know what people who amass wealth, friends, and laughter have in common with those who don't?

Very often, Meredith, both look around at their lives and say, "Yeah, this is who I am. It must have been meant to be."

Must be a trick of the light.

The Universe

Accosted by the homeless

So here's the story.... I went to the gas station in the hood this morning and as I was pumping gas a homeless veteran approached me. How do I know he was a homeless vet, because he told me and showed me his ID and VA card so I could verify it. So here's the scoop

HG: "Miss can you help me, I need money to get the bus to the VA to get my meds"
Me: I don't have any cash, sorry
HG: I'm begging you (on knees begging)
Me: Get up, I'd love to help, but have no cash
HG: You could get cash in the store
Me: Ummm, No
HG: Please
Me: What do you need for the bus
HG: A cab would be $10
Me: Ummm, no
HG: You could DRIVE me
Me: (to myself, Umm Hell No)...I have a cup of change, you can have it if you want
HG: (disappointed) ok, I'll take the change

Ok, I am sympathic to the plight of the homeless and I thank every vet serving for that service and my continued freedom. BUT, If I say I have no cash, move on. Jesus H, I just want to get gas and go to work.

Now what does it say about me that I will scream at my boss and tell people I know and love to fuck off, but I can't be forceful with a homeless guy and tell him to fuck off.

Open Letter to the guy in my neighborhood with no muffler

Dear Guy with no Muffler,

First, get a fucking muffler. I don't know if you just don't have one or if you have one of those BS "sportster" pieces of shit mufflers that make it sound like you don't have one. I don't care, I can hear your car 6 blocks away. If you can afford to live in this neighborhood, you can afford a new muffler.

Second, why do you insist on driving up and down the street all night for no apparent reason? At 1100pm? On a work night? If you want to drive around for no reason go outside the neighborhood, get on the interstate. Shit dude, the rest of us have jobs we have to go to. In order to do that we have to sleep.

Buy a muffler, rent a new car, move; I don't really care. Just fucking go away!

Sincerely,
Your Annoyed Neighbor