Protected Class

Catching up

2011-04-09T20:26:00.002-04:00

SO I finally got a job. Working for a local Mall in the office. Love it !!!!! Lots of stress and chaos, but the power trips are far fewer and the staff is very helpful. I love the challenge and look forward to many years with this company.

I am competeing in the crossfit games and am currently 3rd in my age group in our region. Whoo hoo, who would have thought it. Really excited that I have gotten this far....each week we have to compltete the WOD or be eliminated. 3 weeks down....lots to go. After I am done with this I start my Tri training again. Looking forward to at least 2 this season, maybe more.

The oldest Graduates from college May 1st......looking back through this blog, she was 7 when I started it.....wow did time fly by. I still don't feel old enough to be the mother of a college grad.....

Finally lost our Molly girl....she fought a good fight and stayed loyal until the very end. I couldn't watch her suffer, it just wasn't fair. I still miss her click click clicking all night long on the tile.....

Enough for one night...will try to keep up again....time will tell

Old Friend

2011-02-20T18:43:00.003-05:00

It sure has been a while since I've needed to check in here. I find, now that I am unemployed, that I have far too much time to procrastinate.....not a good thing for me. I am used to being busy every minute of every day. I thought I would throw myself into training, but why bother if I can't afford the races......right. I mean I am still working out every day, but I haven't done a brick in forever. I rode yesterday....wow...am I out of shape.....need to get back on track if for no other reason than to keep busy.

More later.........

New Endeavors

2009-08-16T13:09:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time since I have posted. Been really busy living life and whatnot. I figured now that we are embarking on a new endeavor I may as well post my progress. I am going to start training for a triathlon. It is a year out, but I know I will need the entire year to prepare. First order of business is to learn how to run properly. .... John & I ran our first mile together this morning. Not to bad. Took about 10 minutes and we ran more than walked. Only walked about 1/8th of a mile. ...... until next update..... happy running....

Auntie Gail....This one is for you!!!!!!!

2008-10-19T14:27:00.001-04:00

Full length...... short ain't she.....

Home Coming

2008-10-13T20:00:00.003-04:00

Jessica and Tony: Home Coming 2008

New addition corrections

2008-09-27T22:21:00.004-04:00

This post has been removed by Blogger

IT'S A BOY

2008-09-24T07:59:00.003-04:00

This post has been removed by blogger

So you think I was kidding????!!!!!!

2008-09-04T15:08:00.003-04:00

Hanna is passin on by, Ike is headed our way, Josephine is bored so she summoned a friend to keep her company........ stay tuned for more As the Hurricane Turns.......

2008-09-01T17:32:00.002-04:00

The joys of living in Florida........ This must be a test to see if we are really paying attention, it really is a joke......right? There is no way there are 2 hurricanes, 1 tropical storm and 3 depressions out there at once. Not funny!!!!!

Stay tuned.... I feel another on it's way.

Gainsville Bound

2008-08-18T19:00:00.011-04:00

5:30am comes toooo early, 1st day of School as a Junior for Jessica

Then we hit the road to Gainsville:

Only 1/2 the load

Doesn't she look Perky!!!!!!

She wouldn't stop following us........

University Of Florida

Shower Curtain

John setting up her Tv

Bed all made and purty

Now she needs curtains, bookcases, groceries, money, groceries, a social life, groceries,classes and did we say groceries, LOL Kidding.

Last Bash

2008-08-18T18:50:00.007-04:00

Before Brian & Ashley's Engagement Party

Sandbar

Our Beautiful Daughters

John's B Day

2008-08-18T18:34:00.006-04:00

B Day Boy and Chef Extraordinaire!!!!!

Updates and Happenings

2008-07-21T18:55:00.008-04:00

Lots going on down here.
Getting ready to send Jamie off to the University of Florida in a few short weeks. John and Jess keep teasing Jamie that her room is the new game room. She is unimpressed.
Jess will be a junior this year, whew! Only 2 more years and she will be off.

John is getting gray....... must be the girls fault. (teenagers)

The pets are all well, Molly took her first boat ride. She did very well.

I started at the gym in February. I hired a trainer and changed my lifestyle and my eating habits.I have lost 30 lbs so far and am finally feeling it.
Before @ 178

During @150ish

No, I am not sucking it in..........

In Loving Memory of our Friend

2008-04-18T17:49:00.004-04:00

16 years ago three events took place that changed our lives.
We had Jessica Elizabeth, I got the job at Center Park and the girls and I gave a beautiful little black Lab to John for Father's Day. John chose to name him Muncie after a transmission of all things. He was all ears and feet, couldn't run without falling, played hard and snored louder than John. Through out the years he has been our companion, our protector, and our friend. He has always been and will always be part of our family.
Thursday we put our friend to sleep. He is now running through the fields chasing butterflys and birds without pain or cares. Until we meet again old friend, we love you.

She's sixteen

2008-04-13T19:49:00.004-04:00

John promised Jess when she turned 16 she could get her bellybutton pierced. Do you honestly think she would let him forget? Uh NO, best part... he had to take her, Tee Hee. My little girl is growing up.

Bedroom (work in Progress)

2008-03-23T19:16:00.007-04:00

Finally Pictures of the Bedroom. Just put the curtains up today. These will work until I find the perfect ones. Of course the cats love out bed so I have to keep a sheet on the quilt. I forgot to get the floor as well, so will take more pictures of all the bedrooms next.
Happy Easter

updates

2008-02-15T20:43:00.003-05:00

I will be updating with pictures soon, the camera with all the good pictures has gone on strike. Will have to clean again and take new pictures. Check back soon ya heya.

Grease Monkey

2007-12-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

We have discovered Jessica's hidden talents.......

Jess and John replaced the brakes on my new wheels...... This will be Jessica's car next year.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-04T20:10:00.000-05:00

Table
Turkey

We enjoyed the company and the food.

New addition

2007-07-19T20:19:00.000-04:00

Chris,
I am so sorry I forgot your Birthday. I had your card all ready and then along came this thing in my driveway and my mind just went stupid. Maybe if you and Rachel come east again we can go out and have a day on the river.........

We have all the toys too (need wake boards though, will do that for the girls for Christmas.)

Maiden Voyage is Sunday, wish us Luck......

Ho Hum

2007-06-12T17:35:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update:
The job still sucks, nothing has changed but I am still looking at all my options.

Jess has passed to the 10th grade, whewwwwwww.
Still has the lump, Doc will look at it again at the end of the month.

Jamie took the summer off from school. Getting her head straight and putting away the money. One more semester and she has her associates and will go on to whatever she has decided, I can't keep up.

John is having his Meniscus repaired at the end of the month as well. Tore it playing softball of all things.

Muncie is still breathing, if you can believe that. All the others are fine.

Looks like we have new rental neighbors behind us. I can't wait to see what this brings......Yippy, NOT.
Have a good one

Clarification

2007-05-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

Good day folks,

I need to update this and clarify a few things. Without going into much detail, the following happened in the last 3 weeks. Week 1, incident at work which my youngest witnessed and has had trouble sleeping since. At no time was she in danger, but she felt I was and that is the problem. The incident was violent and involved inanimate objects and a great deal of verbalizing. Suffice to say, it was not pleasant and was completely uncalled for. ( Legal advice has been sought.)

Week and 1/2 ago, I was informed my services were no longer needed at the new project. Very disturbing, quite a coincidence and totally blindsided me.

Whilst this drama was taking place, youngest's lump grew larger and needs further attention.
Making appt with female DR to reevaluate and schedule biopsy.

Sorry for the angst, needed to vent and should have clarified . By the way, I am kickboxing 3x's a week so I think I can take on the little SH#@ if he gets too close.
Julie
PS Thank you for caring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Self_Preservation

2007-05-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

I have had about a week to digest the recent chain of events in my life. What a bummer, but I am definitely in self preservation mode. I am still uncertain why this all came about, but will be damned if I allow it to cloud my judgement, or my sense of right and wrong. I have contacted someone to help me with the legalities of the violence issue. If that comes into play I absolutely have some backing. As for the rest, I am watching my back and planning for the future, whatever that may hold.

As for the youngest, she is still having trouble sleeping due to the violence. On top of that the lump is larger. (Had an ultrasound done and showed nothing)This means back to the doctor to have it removed and biopsied. We will also discuss the monthly issues and how to relieve the pain she has. Poor kid, my genes, her misery.

I am slowly but surely losing the weight. Doing my kickboxing routine and watching what I eat and the pounds and inches are going somewhere. Got into a pair of jeans I haven't worn in forever. Maybe by Christmas I get my prize!!!!!!!

This is a normal weekend, grocery, laundry, cleaning. Tomorrow, SUNBATHING in my new suit so NO tan lines!!!!!!!!!

Day by Day. I keep telling myself: If I don't have anything nice to say, shutup..... and .... Do unto others as I would have done unto me. (Don't lower myself to their level) Harder than you might think.......

Have a great week

Why do I bother

2007-05-14T17:39:00.000-04:00

Here is the tile we put on the patio. Pictures don't do it justice.

Spent the weekend up North helping friends move. Had a great time, got a lot done and slept really well last night. Good thing because I was informed today the the project I have been busting my as* on is no longer mine. It is being passed on to someone else. Of course, now that all the hard work is almost over, someone else gets the easy part. So like this company now. After 15 years I have been shat upon again. Time to start looking, or at least going to school when John gets done. I have to put up with violent supers, less than qualified subs and oblivious tenants, hurricanes, lawsuits and old buildings, but I apparently can't handle the job. go figure.

Oh well. Montana is lookin pretty good right now. Tomorrow is another day, Thank God for small favors.

So Very Busy

2007-04-12T14:10:00.000-04:00

I know I shouldn't be posting because I am so busy I should be working, or doing our taxes or laundry or dishes or something. I can not believe how the weeks have flown. I have exactly 4 days to finish and mail our taxes. I didn't really procrastinate, that would be John. I have been waiting for his since January.
On a funny note we found our missing snake. Of course we didn't know he was still missing, we thought after a year that he was gone for good. Poor Jess just about had a heart attack when she almost stepped on the 4' brown and yellow creature on our porch.
Backtrack one (1) full year: Jess's birthday, we feed and lose 2 1/2' snake on our porch. Long gone for sure.
Present: 4' and healthy snake reappears on same porch.
He must have crawled into the foosball table, we put that in the garage shortly after her Birthday. He must have lived off the moles in the front yard because we don't have them anymore. Crawled into the stationary bike, which we just brought from the garage to the porch and out he came 2 days later. Go Figure. He has a new home ow, can't tell you where, he's hiding.
Well off to do the taxes,
Have fun

My Garden

2007-03-28T06:55:00.000-04:00

Kitchen makeover

2006-11-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

Don't look at the mess

The yellow isn't showing up really well , will take more pictures once my tin and collectables are up.

keeping up with the jones (gails)

2006-11-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I waited for you to have a better day, but I had to copy you. I am painting my Fing kitchen, THAT'S RIGHT had to keep up with you, just had to copy. Next time you perform upgrades keep um to yourself okay. LOL will post pictures once I get this friggin paint out of my hair/
of course it helps that john is on one of infamous fishing trips, yeah right, more like drinking, fartin and playing cards trips oh and don't forget snorin
love it

Beautiful Day

2006-10-21T10:54:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day. I woke this morning to the sun streaming through my bedroom window and the birds singing like it was spring. John and the girls left around 8 for practice and I enjoyed my coffee in a quiet house. The temps are comfortable, not yet ready to open the windows but not sticky hot either. Fall is finally here.
Jess has home coming tonight, yes I will take a couple of pictures. She thinks she will wear the same dress she wore to graduation, we shall see, I think the upper half may be a little small.
Any way this afternoon we are off to the salon for manicure/pedicures. No acrylics as she has 2 games tomorrow.
Oh report card: 1 d, 1 c and 4 B's we were shocked to say the least, thought for sure we failed Math. She managed to bring a low F up to a mid D. Celebrated at Olive Garden. Jamie passed both her stats (b)and phych (a) exams, although she was sure she failed stats and got a c in phych.
Better update huh gail. Guess I needed salad and breadsticks to improve my mood.
later. later aligator

Dam Update

2006-10-18T15:17:00.000-04:00

OKay so here is the dam update: get off my back, I am freakin busy, i don't get a flippen vacation to repaper my kitchen in the middle of october.(have'nt had a flippen vacation yet this year)
LOL Ha Ha Kidding (not)

Anyway, been really really busy with work and living and shit. Things are really gearing up for our Nov. CO on the first building. I was informed yesterday that we are going to start rentiong parking early too. Wellllllll, I don't have a computer yet, a gate system, an accounting system or staff. How am I gunna pull this one off you ask? The same way I always do, a miracle my dear.

My Dad seems to be getting better little by little. He has lost a lot of weight and his belly is going down finally. Day by Day with that dam foley, but hopefully by week after next it will be out for good.

Celebrated my 20th anniverasy by playing softball, go figure. Loads of fun, we got our asses kicked.

Can you see a theme developing here??? Yes, you got it, I am bitchy today. Maybe I should do this tomorrow instead, Oh wait, I don't have freaking time, that's right. OPh well. I at least updated didn't I??????
Over and out

2006-09-09T10:02:00.000-04:00

I am still trying to find help for work. I have run an add and posted at unemployment, to no avail. No one wants to work in the south. Those that do don't have transportation or can't work the days I need and so on and so forth. I can remember taking any job I could find after having my babies. That's how I got this far, did I know what I was doing??? NOOOOOOO, I learned on the job. Go figure.
I also have a real problem going to a jobsite and not having an English speaking foreman. I should not have to learn another countries language in my own country, sorry , learn the language or leave, simple, just like my family did when they came over.
The new labor site is not working, gee who would have thought. I had a man go over to get help, he had to supply workmans comp and payroll for them, this is day labor, these guys are losing out because the church won't insure them. Could have told you this would happen.
Anyway, I have an abscess in a tooth that has been filled twice now, I am not wasting any more money on this thing, pull it out, needless to say a week of antibiotic and weight gain, yippy, I was finally down to 183, here we go again. Maybe I was destined to be fat
oh oh oh oh guess what, I played softball for the first time in 2 years I CAUGHT AND PLAYED 2ND, GOT AN OUT AT HOME AND HIT THE BALL REALLY WELL. I HAD TO RUN BUT DID OKAY. Yes I did, I hurt like hell even today three days later but my thighs will thank me for it later.
well off to search thrift stores for a piece for the girls bathroom, time to remodel, their bath no longer works and I don't want them in mine. (Their tub works, it just sprays out the wrong hole, they have a bidet` instead of a faucet. and their shower is a lite stream not a waterfall, so what it is still water right? (MOOOOMMMM)(Pleeeaaaassseee your shower is better)
Like I said, time to remodel!@!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Hurricane go away.
Come again another day

Ha Ha
This Latino turned out to be a wimp. John on the other hand is a category 4. Now that's a real man.
Anyway, I am thankful we spent all that time and energy yesterday getting ready for nothing. At least now I know I can be ready in minimal amount of time. Once the shutters are done in retail it will be a cake walk getting ready.
Could have worked today though, that's the pisser. I would much rather deal with tenants than boredom and waiting. Can't wait for tomorrow, I have a bone to pick with one tenant in particular.
Look out , here comes BOW (bit#@ on wheels)

for my sister in law

2006-08-21T20:18:00.000-04:00

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
teeeeeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee

Major Hurdles

2006-08-12T21:01:00.000-04:00

We over came some major hurdles this week. Jess started High School on Monday (and if you know my Jess you know this was DRAMA for sure) I am pleased to report the first full week was a good one, productive and positive. I had to check her eyes to make sure no one switched her and that she wasn't self medicating.

The evil one is done and gone, now we can all move on and rebuild our work lives without her drama and lack of morals lurking around the toilet seat. Yippy.

My tests came back negative, soooo that means my thyroid is not the reason for the alian baby growing in my stomach. But the good news is: I have been counting calories and using Calorie-count.com to gage my food intake, my exercise and my weight loss. So far 4lbs in 2 weeks and hit the plateau, but thats ok, cause I lost inches this week instead of lbs.

Construction is moving along, pushing for CO on the first building by Mid-September. I would feel better with more leases, but I know I can do lease up if need be. I should be 100% down south no later than end of year. Then I can breathe again.

PS For those who care: The snake is loose somewhere on the porch. TeeHee

The Saga continues part 2... Or 3... 4?

2006-07-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Well,
Finally had that appt with the Dr to go over all my test results.
Yes I have diverticulitis, yes I have Gastroenteristis. Stay on Nexuim/prilosec and citrucell. Also continue Low fat high fiber diet, Yeah..... about that diet Doc.........
Why if I am taking in between 950 and 1200 calories am I still gaining NOT LOSING, but gaining weight. Doesn't seem possible does it. I show good old Doc my food chart with Fat grams, calorie intake, sugars and fibers Okay Now he is stumped. My stomach still blows up by the end of the day adding a full 2 inches to my girth (on top of the weight gain)

Off to the lab for more tests: Hypothyroidism and cilliac panel.
So again we wait.
The saga continues..............

My Apologies

2006-07-23T19:34:00.000-04:00

I must say, my blogs have been pretty angry last couple of days. I do apologize, I really needed to get the angst of my chest. I really think I would have gone postal if I couldn't vent here and on my live journal. Thank goodness for the written word. I believe if you can put it on paper you can lessen the blow and somehow lessen the hurt. Maybe maybe not works for me though.
Again sorry about the anger, will try to tone it down and think happy thoughts for a while.
I know there must be some out there somewhere.
Me

Definition of a sl#t

2006-07-23T19:26:00.000-04:00

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but when I was growing up, if you slept with more than one guy at a time you were a sl&t, right??? So what are you if you sleep with more than one in one day?? How's three in one day??? Not sure if money exchanged but yes, I would call that a scanky Who#e. I can not imagine doing that. I also can not see what these guys are seeing in this scank other than an easy piece of as%. If they only knew who else and what else they were sleeping with. In this day and age with all the diseases to catch at least use a condom, nope not even that.
I do have to admit though, this person has been good for my girls, neither of them will act this way, they even know this behavior is deadly and disgusting.
Wonder what the X would say if he knew?? Grounds for full custody in my book. Especially since she uses the kid as a pawn and a bargaining chip all the time. Kids are not possessions, they are a gift from GOD, but this particular child will turn out to be the Devils spawn if someone doesn't start disciplining and soon.
Not my problem!!!!!! Just had to get the gag out .Need to go wash my toilet seat.

2006-07-21T16:56:00.000-04:00

Once again, dishonesty and deceit have won out. By being true to myself and to the company I work for I have been burned and disrespected again. I am not sure why I even bother anymore. It seems if I chose to be lazy and dishonest, I would go a lot further in this company and would certaintly get far more perks. But I guess because I was raised the way I was I will always come in last and be a door mat for those who live to cheat.
Well. I have to believe what goes around comes around, cause if it doesn't why bother trying right???
I do know this, Unless things change drastically, I will have to look elsewhere to work. There is no way I can work under this person who so blatantly disrespected me in so many ways. It would really suck for her if I walked today. I'd like to see her try to explain that!!!! What's the matter sweetheart ,didn't get your atta girl today??
Go figure, I must have really screwed up for GOD to put me through this shit right now>

Bragging Rights

2006-07-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

As parents we are so unbelievably proud of this girl. Yes, she is tight and anal and wants instant gratification (clothes shopping and shoe shopping). But let me tell you, this child worked 2 jobs, test drove and searched for months and saved 9,000.00 as a down payment on her brand new 2006 Chevy HHR. She knew what she wanted and how much she was willing to pay. On top of all this she managed to get 0% interest for 72 months.
She so deserves this, holding a 4.0 and making Dean's list again, she definitely works hard. Still working full time in the process.
That's our girl.

It's MINE, Allllll MINE!!!!!!

Wave!!!!!!!

The Saga continues

2006-06-03T13:05:00.000-04:00

So, I finally get in to see the gastroenterologist. My labs are unreadable, my file is not complete and there is nothing in the file from my hospital visit. He is not happy that we are wasting time. Needless to say, my HDL's have not corrected themselves and are still dangerously low (who the hell cares) I quit smoking, give me a break.
Anyway, while waiting for all these labs and test results, DR Decides I need to have a cat scan of my abdomin and an endoscopy to check out my esophagus, stomach and small intestine. I leave with the test dates in hand. Yippy!!!!!! I get home to find a message from Doc's office, My result are in from Hosp visit and I need a colonoscopy also. Double F ing Yippy!!!!!!! The Saga continues.......

Busy Month

2006-05-29T21:28:00.000-04:00

What a flippen month it has been. Jess has her eighth grade dance (left), graduated from middle school (Top), Jamie finished her first year of college, Julie #1 turned fifty, I turned forty two, my brother came down and we had a memorial day party for a bunch of people. What a flippen month/ check out the pictures of Jess's 8th grade dance and graduation. Oh and yes I am still a reformed smoker. June 7th will be 2 months.

Day 27

2006-05-03T20:20:00.000-04:00

Well, today marks the 27th day of no smoking and the 24th day of limited coffee (down to 2 cups a day). What a diference I am finally feeling. I have been able to work myself up to 40 minute walks after dinner every night. I can make it through the entire day without a craving but I am still trying to overcome the eating issues. I am cooking healthy meals every night ( very expensive and time consuming) but it doesn't seem to stop the queasy feeling I get every couple of hours. The only thing that seems to work is salty anything. Not a lot but just enough to offset the queasy. Banana popsicles are really good too as the are low in calories and stave off the urge to devour the entire bag of chips.
Pretty soon it will be day 30 and I will be a non smoker in my mind.
YEAH

Add on to previous

2006-04-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, so you are looking for an apology for the previous post. NOT Gunna Happen BUT> I will tell you, had I not just quit smoking after 30 some years and I not just been released from the hospital and finally stopped throwing up after 4 days, maybe I would have been more understanding of your positions. That does not change how I feel about the disloyalty however.
So No there will be NO APOLOGY today
Sorry

Ungrateful people

2006-04-19T16:24:00.000-04:00

I am blown away by how ungrateful people can actually be. I am part of a mentoring group where we are learning how to deal with our mentees and our situations as they arise. I have a very stressful job, more so than the other managers in the company as I have commercial property to manager and 2 miniwarehouses facilities, they have apartments. Big difference betweeen the 2. Anyway, today we talked about communication. What struck me the most was these girls don't feel they get the Atta girls they deserve. Keep in mind: We work for a very good company, they still provide benefits and vacations and yearly bonuses, so on and so forth. These girls are going to the south next week for their yearly leasing seminar (paid for by the company) and to visit Micky but they don't get enough Atta girls. PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK>
We are Management, It is our job to give Atta Girls and Guys to those beneath us. They are the ones doing the work, we oversee most of it. Besides that, IT IS OUR JOB> I can understand if we go above and beyond, but what a bunch of whiners. How did they ever get this far??? Everyone wants the money but no one wants to work.
Let me tell you something, I am very grateful to have a job right now. Everyone of us is on the brink of bankrupsty and homelessness. All it would take is one bad stretch in our health, a major hurricane or the economy to take a nose dive and we would not have to worry about Micky. Our main concern would be food on the table. Remember that nextt time you go looking for that pat on the back.
(Sorry had to vent, I am over myself now)

2006-03-11T16:36:00.000-05:00

Is this better Auntie????

2006-03-06T16:23:00.000-05:00

Are we done yet?????

2006-03-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Jamie being coy

Surprise Party

2006-03-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

We did it, we finally pulled one over on the mother (in-law). She absolutly hates surprises, gets down right indignent at the mere mention of one. So they decided to host their own going away party, mind you I had been planning this surprise for at least 3 weeks prior.
Fortunatly, some of the family could not make it to their party, so we had ours anyway.
Boy was she shocked, I even invited old neighbors of theirs. Whom I didn't know parted on bad terms, OOOPS, ended well though
Tee Hee
Julie's revenge

Jury Duty

2006-02-01T17:06:00.000-05:00

For the first time in my 41 years and only the second time I have been called, I actually attended my Jury Summons. The first time I was conveniently on crutches.
What an experience. I was happy with the people watching aspect, but not amused at all with the prospect of being picked and having to serve for days on end. We started with over 200 people. We were divided between 2 Judges. Okay, still not too bad. Take a break, come back, the entire 100 people from the other judge were dismissed right off the bat. Boo Hiss
OKay, so now 100 people, they pick 40 ramdomly, YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!! I am # 12 of course I get picked.
We go up to the court room. Now I am not happy, deadlines at work, Linda is out of town, MIrian can handle it, but why should she. Just not fair.
We break for lunch (after listening to our responsibilities from our judge). Who can eat???? I am so uptight if I try to eat now, I may hurle all over my fellow Peers.
Peers? These are my peers? I think not. I don't know anyone who has NOT A TOOTH in her head. I would not enjoy being on the other side of this coin, it must be very scary looking out over us, and trying to figure out who is reasonable and who isn't. I know I was nervous just sitting with some of these people. Talk about the dregs of society, Can't even read a summons: no flip flops, no hats, collard shirts, no tank tops...... perhaps they can read and are trying to get dismissed, hadn't thought of that.
Anyway, I digress: we are interviewed by both the procecutor and the defense attorney, I of course am compltetly honest when asked if I want to be on the Jury. HMMMMM, I hesitate, Not really I reply, I will but I am not excited to do it.
At 4:00 pm we are asked to leave again so they can choose their 7. I was not chosen. For the first time in my life I actually am glad not to be picked for the team. YEAH. Maybe when I retire I will look forward to desciding someones fate, but right now I am too busy trying to keep my butt out of trouble.
Have a good one
Julie

Field Training

2006-01-21T12:07:00.000-05:00

I have come to the determination that some jobs need further training. I have been dealing with engineers, contractors and inspectors for months now, in all aspects of building, and it has become obvious that field training is vital. Just as a teen has to get a learners permit, I am beginning to think engineers and contractors should do a minimum of 2 years in the field, building what they design, before they can graduate in their field. How many times does a job have to be redrawn before it is right? Is this a prerequisite to make more money? Draw it wrong so we can charge for the redesign??? What a scam. As for inspectors, I am finding that while they hold a degree in their field, they either failed in their field, or they never worked in their field before becoming and inspector. While this is not true for all, I do find it applies to many. The kicker is, they don't know the job. They fail for all the wrong reasons and pass for even worse. Give me an old school builder every day of the week. These youngun don't know a truss from a tiebeam. What ever happened to trade schools and apprenticeships. We are seeing the quality of construction go down the drain and soon I fear all that we build will be second class. How to fix this????
any suggestions??

Safe and sound

2006-01-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

Chris is finally home, 2 days late but here none the less. I won't see him until February, but that's okay. They say he is thin and pale, but he has eaten his weight in food in just 24 hours.
Friday the 13th HMMMMMMM. wonder how bad it's gunna get. No I am not superstitious, but makes ya wonder doesn't it. No black cats, didn't spill the salt, no ladders or mirrors (those aren't allowed in my house) so it looks like we shall survive this ominous day. Yippy.
Anyway, Happy weekend all. I will be lounging in my new chair with my 20 something stiches in my ankle wonder why I took up Tai Kwon Do for about the fiftyith time this year. Yes this year.

Coming Home

2006-01-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

As usual, the army has done it again. If we can fly thousands of people back and forth the country and around the world, why can't the army get 50 guys and gals from Baghdad to Kuwait on time. Now Chris won't land state side until Thursday morning. When does it end?
It is bad enough we won't see him for another month, but man oh man, just knowing he is here will help/ At least he will have family when he finally lands.
God Bless our Troops

Protected Class

2006-01-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Okay,
so some of you don't get it. Years ago laws were passed to protect certain age groups from age discrimination. It started with the 60 year olds. Then they added the 50 year olds. Now the 40 year old class has been added. I have become part of this class. YUK. I do not feel old enough to be part of this class. Next we will be offered 50 cent coffee and reduced prescription charges.
I am a firm believer, if you do your job, you shouldn't have to use a classification to save your job. With all the downsizing, bankruptsies and corporate theft how can our jobs be protected anyway??? Classification sure won't help, if anything, now I have been labled as older, it could actually hurt. Who's bright idea was this anyway?? As long as I do my job, keep the company running, reduce our spending and pray no more Huricanes head our way, I should be fine.
Right?

Unbelievable

2006-01-04T18:39:00.000-05:00

I often wonder, driving back and forth to work, how some of these people survive the ride each day. I have seen enough stupidity in one 45 minute drive to last a life time. You know who you are!!!!!!! It's called a speed LIMIT not speed minimum. There are lanes for a reason, stay in them. Blinkers are not for your amusement, but for my safety. My gosh, how many 40 year teenagers are there anyway????? A Honda is NOT a muscle car, sorry to dash your hopes.
Please grow up!