Some People...

I went to a band competition to see #1 march. They did well and the show was terrific. I'll tell you all about it when I get the pix uploaded.

I was leaving - along with a gazillion other people. I was stopped behind one lady and there was another behind me -- this is what happens when a gazillion people try to leave a parking lot all at the same time. There is a group of cars on the way in for the next group of competitions. This woman in a blue car with Maryland plates pulls up. I hope she's reading!!! She is perpendicular to me. She wants an open spot that she can't get to because I am in the way.

I open my window to tell her that there are tons of great spots right by the gate if she just keeps going. This particular spot is at least 1/4 mile away from the gate. She tells me she wants that one. I explain - very nicely - that there are great spots right next to the gate and that she really should keep going.

She yells, "I want THAT spot!"

I can't back up. I can't pull forward. The lady has two choices here -- wait for the traffic to move or continue on towards the gate and the better parking spots. I roll up my window. There is nothing more to say.

She flips me the bird and drives away! She gave me the finger!!! This is a band parent, people!!! I told Grambug, "I hope she finds a terrific spot right next to the gate and then feels bad about what she did."

So - if you know a woman with no class who drives a blue car with Maryland plates and who went to a band competition in Herndon yesterday - tell her I said to have a nice day and that I hope she enjoyed that great spot next to the gate I told her about! Oh, and you could tell her that band people don't give other band people the finger.

Now we know why some people's kids are the way they are.

Crushed...

She's going to be crushed.
LLB wanted to march with the 8th graders on Friday when they go to the High School to march with the Band. The HS band director emailed me today and told me she couldn't participate because she's a 7th grader.

It seems totally stupid. You want the kids to want to join marching band. If you have a younger one who can actually play AND is interested, why tell them No? Next year she might think twice and change her mind.

It's left a little bit of a bitter taste for me, too. Probably because I'm the one that has to tell her that she can't do it. She won't get upset, but I know it's going to sting.

Stupid People Tricks

Some people are just plain old stupid.

Like a lady who lives in our development. She is FEEDING the BEARS! What turnip truck did she just fall off? Everyone knows you don't feed the bears! Doesn't she watch the news or Animal Planet? We all know that if one of these six - yes you read correctly - 6 bears ends up in her house eating her food, using her phone or sleeping in her bed, they are going to blame it on the bear. I'm sure it will have nothing to do with her feeding them -- daily.

The bears around here are not Yogi and Booboo! They aren't Smokey or Gentle Ben! They are real - 100% - black bears. We've seen the teenaged bear on our street. He's not afraid of people. Heck, he's not afraid of cars, either!!

So do me a favor - don't feed the bears, k?

Cotillion

For those of you who don't have this word in your vocabulary, cotillion is a class that kids take to learn manners and ballroom dancing.

LLB and #1 went back to their respective Cotillion classes yesterday. LLB had fun, but #1 had a fabulous time. He is in Year 3. When he called to check in with me on the way home, he said, "Mom, year 3 is the best! I don't care what people think! This was awesome. I love it! There were lots of gorgeous girls, too!"

Yeah.. that helps...

Oh To Have A Social Life...

LLB and HP are good friends. They hang. They chat.
He annoys her. She irritates him.
They are like a little old married couple. It's quite funny to watch, actually.

Yesterday, they went to the first middle school dance of the year. They didn't dance much because the 8th graders were being 8th graders and the 6th graders were running around. (Trust me when I say my lifeguard training came in handy. I spent the afternoon yelling, "WALK! HEY!, WALK PLEEEASE!)

Then we went to dinner. LLB, HP, and I met Gram, Grandpa, and Mr. for dinner at our favorite little chinese place. We ate our fill and headed out to the football game to see #1 march. HP's younger sister, the Dancing Princess, ended up sitting down the row a little bit with her friends. (We were just off the 50 yard line, so I suppose that is why we sat near so many people...)

Gram and Grandpa took LLB and HP home after the half time show. LLB and HP have a busy day planned today. (It must be nice, really...) They have their cotillion class and then they are going out to dinner. Yes, you heard me. They are going out to dinner. These two have a better social life than I ever did!

As Mr. says, HP is setting up an impossible scenario for any future dates LLB might have. No boy can ever compete with this one. He wines and dines, he chats, he's funny, he's a genuinely nice guy, and he takes her to really nice places.

I can see it now. LLB is in college. Some boy asks her out and takes her for french fries at McDo. She will say to him, "Listen pal. You call this is a date? This is unacceptable. When I was 12, I was wined and dined at real restaurants. I was taken to movies and football games. You've really got to crank it up a notch!!"

Memememeeeee

1. Who was your first prom date?

Chris. It was the senior prom. I told him to get a black tux and he showed up in a baby blue one. I should have run for the hills! I drove. We sat with friends. The boys didn't have any table manners. They kept asking what they were supposed to do with all those forks. There were only 3 at each place setting.... Then, Chris told me he didn't dance. Are you even kidding me? It's a prom. That's what you do. You dance, MORON!!! We left early. Dad drove him home.

2. Who was your first roommate?

Jill freshman year. She was a math/education major. Sweet girl!!

3. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?

I was about 3 - we went to California.

4. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?

Sneak out of my house? You obviously don't know my mother...

5. Whose wedding were you in the first time?

My own. Haven't been in another one yet.

6. What was the first concert you ever went to?

Hewie Louis and the News on Boston Common.

7. First tattoo or piercing?

Got my ears pierced at age 8. That's it. Nothing else. But I went with MommaK to get her tattoo spruced up. That was fun!!

I’m supposed to tag 7 other people, but I’m not gonna. Maybe 7 people will throw themselves under the meme train and tag themselves.

The Black Hole...

There's got to be a black hole following LLB around.

The conversation this morning goes like this:
LLB, where is your new red fleece jacket?
Which one?
The red Lands End marinac jacket. The one I bought you last spring. The one you loved oh so much.
Oh. I remember that one. Um... I dunno.
You are going to need it for tonight.
She disappears for 31 seconds.
I haven't seen it. It's not in my closet.
Oh... where do you think it might be?
Ummm... I dunno. Can you find it?

Who am I? The jacket fairy?? I'll snap my fingers and see what happens.
Nothing... Nada...
Snap snap snap...
Zilch...

Fast forward an hour.
I've been through her closet. I found a ton of clothes on the floor. Some she's been looking for...
I've been through her drawers.
I'm still snapping... I'm getting nothing.
I've been through my closet.
I've been through #1's closet - where I found his brand new jacket with the tags still on it balled up in a corner. Do these children have no idea what a hangar might be or how to use one?
I've been through the coat rack.
My fingers are getting raw now. Maybe I need a wand.
I don't have a basement and I don't put clothes in the attic.

Any ideas? Anything, people?

Have any of you seen it??

You know, I didn't pay much for that jacket, but I loved the color on her. It was a true bargain like less than $10... I'm thinkin' it is GONE. UGH!!!

So far this year we are down a jacket, a lunch box, and a protractor...
That black hole better cough some of this stuff back - and it better do it soon - this snapping isn't workin'.

Just Stuff

I can't believe it's already Wednesday!

Last night I took a few minutes for myself and went over to ClearlyKels' house for a glass of wine and some terrific conversation. She has the cutest apartment, by the way! And, no... I did not pilfer any of her excellent wardrobe - I didn't bring any bags with me in which to hide said pilferage. Next time...

LLB is still coughing up a lung. I have a call into the doctor. Maybe they'll just change her medication... I was contemplating a shopping spree with Grambug this morning...

Did I mention that I went to a handbell directors' seminar last week? It was awesome! I learned a whole ton of stuff that I can't wait to try in my class. The kids aren't going to know what hit them when I get there today. I have coordination skills to try out on them, tempo/space exercises, and even a simon says type game to try. I know - I do torture them sometimes... but it is so much fun!

Poppy, the kitten has been a hellion lately! She's a climber and a chaser. She climbs anything and everything she can sink her claws into. Even my new dining room drapes. A squirt of water took her down, though... Yes, I'm a professional water squirter! She also has Mr. wrapped around her teeny tiny paw. She squeaks and he is there. It's sick I tell you.... sick! She can get food out of him at any point in the day with a pitiful meow and a sweet glance.

Zebbie has been trying to keep the kitten busy - they play tag, they play tickle the kitten/scratch the heck out of Zeb' nose, they sit together, and they even sleep on the couch together... Whatever it takes to keep her busy and off of my curtains... He's a good dog!! Angel has been spending most of her day outside - away from Poppy. She doesn't do kitten hijinks! That said, Angel has been hunting field mice and other rodentia and depositing their carcasses on the back deck for our approval. At least she's got something productive to do. A good mouse is a dead mouse.

#1 is doing well. He is enjoying high school and marching band very much. It's a ton of work, but he's loving it! They have a performance this week and he asked if I could just give him some $$ to go to dinner with his friends. They can walk to the burger joint. I said, "Yes." He about fell over! It was pretty funny. He's a good kid and is going with great friends, so I don't have any qualms about him going alone. It's time to do some letting go...

Now if I can just get him to get himself up and moving in the morning...

I am a NERD!!

I'm a Cool High Nerd! Aren't you impressed??

A new place to visit

I just found a new blogger to me - Karl.

He's pretty inspiring - check him out at Karl's blog. I'll wait.

Karl Moore - that's his whole name - is a best-selling author and entrepreneur. He is a code guy, but he seems relatively normal! I know! That's amazing!! He posts inspirational messages to his blog every day. He wants to inspire and help people. On Mondays he posts a "Random Act of Kindness" and on a Fridays, he posts a "Friday Factoid." I liked the latest factoid because it was about my favorite beverage - beer. I have to say that his blog posts are soothing and sweet. It's just plain old nice reading.

The other thing I am enjoying about Karl is his Jazz radio station that I can listen to on line. It's called Sax FM. My #1 plays sax, so I wanted to hear what this radio station was playing. Needless to say, I'm impressed.

If you have a chance - go visit. He's cool.

What Not to Wear?

I am a casual person.

I like running pants (not those shiny ones, mind you). I like tennies - heels I can definitely live without. I like t-shirts. I love sweaters and turtlenecks. I purchase my shorts in the mens department because they are longer. I actually get a lot of my shirts and sweaters in the mens department - the quality is nicer, the colors are great, and they run a little longer so my middle is covered. (I don't like to bend over and feel a draft. I also don't like to reach for something and have my oh so attractive stomach peeking out. I like my shirts to reach to my hips or just above.)

In every week there is a Sunday. Imagine that? Sunday means church. Sunday means I need to dress in something other than my mens department bargains. Sunday, my friends, is my nemesis. I can do Sundays in the winter pretty well. I have a couple of pair of dress pants in my all time favorite color - black. I have some gorgeous sweaters that go great with my turtlenecks and my black pants. I even have some skirts and some dresses that I can swap in and out. But, when it comes right down to it, I have absolutely nothing to wear.

I'm sick of wearing the same old thing. But, I also have zero budget. Why? That's simple. I'd rather shop for the children, Mr., or the house because it's easier and far more fun. I can find all kinds of things for them. I also know if I purchase a pair of pants for Mr. or #1, they will fit. That is not the case with me. Sometimes an 8 fits. Sometimes a 10... sometimes even a 12 is what fits best. Jeans? Hah!! I haven't had a pair of jeans fit right since I was in my twenties and well before children. I think I must be shaped funny.

I definitely have a severe case of fashion envy... I want to be stylish like ClearlyKels. I want to shop in her closet. Every time I see her she's a total fashion plate - but she's not over the top. I want to be the fashion diva that MommaK is. That girl looks great anytime - anywhere. Heck, I'd be happy to have one quarter of the fashion sense that my dear friend R has. She's always put together -- right down to the jewelry. How do these girls do it? Is there a secret? I think I was absent the day they handed out the fashion sense...

I think you all need to sign me up for What Not to Wear, k? They'd have a field day with me!

Furniture...

Oh how I LOVE furniture. I found this new site - it's actually 3 sites - full of furniture. It has all kinds of furniture and the prices are pretty good. They happen to be having a sale on some of it at the moment, so if you need some...head on over and check it out.

Here are the web addresses for you:
home furniture:
http://furniturefromhome.com

Home Office Furniture:
http://furniturefromhome.com/category/Home-Office-Furniture

living room furniture:
http://furniturefromhome.com/category/Quality-living-room-sofas-couch-leather-upholstery-sectional-

Need teen bedroom furniture? Check it out!!
I don't really need any teen bedroom furniture, but they sure have a good selection.

Since the next room we re-do will probably be our bedroom, I'm surfing that part of the site. I don't need a bed, but I like to see what they do for decorating. I am partial to this espresso poster bed... I just love that color and the sleek lines.

If you are in need of a comfy recliner or couch... you might want to head on over to the game room section. They have some really nice looking recliners over there. They have leather sofas, and sleepers, too. Not that we really want our guests to be too comfortable.. they might actually enjoy their stay.

I saw some nifty looking bars and bar stools. I like to perch on my stools here at The Crossing, but mine are nowhere near as cool as the ones I saw...

There is one other thing you should know. They ship for FREE!!! That's FREE... like in $0. You know how I am about a bargain... If you have any questions, they also have the chat with the rep thingy so you can get all your questions answered before you buy. I love those chat with the rep things. I always get a warm fuzzy with that option. It makes me feel like they actually might care about their customers. They also have a hassle free return policy. I'm not one to return furniture, but you never know... This option might just come in handy.

So, my friends, check it out. Give this web site a look see if you are in the need of some furniture.

Garage Storage

I love storage. I would love garage storage like this garageguy site has. Check out these storage bins. I will wait... take your time, but don't drool on your keyboard...

I love the little bins. I could find stuff to put into each and every bin. I could put screws, nails, nuts and bolts, picture hangers, hooks, and more into those little beauties. I love the shelves, too... I have all kinds of nifty things I could put on the shelves like spray paint, caulk, or even bug spray... I could definitely fill those shelves given about 20 minutes.

Hey, did you scroll down? Did you see the large bins? OMG I could stuff those full of Christmas lights, exterior decorations and those bazillion candles I put in the windows... How I am coveting these storage units.

You know... I've been thinking... I could put those lovely units into my clothes closet and use them for underwear, socks, and the gazillion other tidbits that end up in my drawers or my closet. Heck, I could put all the sweet little gifts I find while I'm out shopping...

OMG - Did you see the storage trays!! I could stack those in my closet on the top shelf and put the kids' school stuff in them. You know -- all those old papers and sweet trinkets that we need to keep. Those would be perfect for that!!!

Hmmm... I'll definitely have to think about this...
Excellent storage, great colors, not too expensive...
It's not just for the garage anymore!!

Grrrr

UPDATE AT BOTTOM!!

My children are both musicians. They are both required to have Smartmusic. This, in itself is fine. The cost is relatively reasonable - $25 per year.

Fast forward... I order the software.
I discover that since I have a Mac, I need the microphone and USB cable. So much for $25...
The total comes to $75.

Fast forward... the software arrives.
I open it and try to install.
What happens?
NOTHING. Absolutely nothing.
I do a little research.
It seems my sweet Mac has OS 10.3.9
Smartmusic only works on 10.4 or higher.

I'm ready to lose it. This just isn't fair!
I need another $129 to upgrade my OS to 10.4

Basically this sux... it sucks dollars out of my already moth infested wallet...

What have I done about it besides whine to all of you?
I emailed Smartmusic and told them I'd like an older version... One that works with my OS 10.3.9. Think they might give it to me?

UPDATE: Smartmusic was wonderful! They are sending me the older version!! Yippeee!!!!

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today 1. LLB's doctor visit yesterday yielded a sinus infection and a possible bronchitis. We now have serious antibiotics and some nifty cough syrup. She is currently asleep and not coughing. What a wonderful sound - silence. 2. #1 has not gotten his science test back, but he is convinced that he is definitely not getting an A on that one. 3. It never ceases to amaze me how much some people in this family can fart. 4. Our kitten is getting bigger and more mischievous every day! She is nothing but trouble. Her latest escapades include climbing curtains, eating dog food, chasing Zebbie, and trying to escape to the outside. (That was just in the last 2 minutes.) 5. I am off to the Handbell Directors Seminar tomorrow. I can't wait! I always get a lot out of that seminar. 6. My handbell class is terrific this year. They are a great bunch of kids who are already working hard. I might lose one to the other class to even things out, but I'll handle it. 7. LLB and #1 are in The Nutcracker again this year. I would have loved for LLB to be Clara just so they could perform together on stage. It's all about the pictures and the scrapbook, you know... 8. We have our first church handbell rehearsal tonight. I love just showing up and ringing. I did hear, via the grapevine, that the director wants me to take over. I'm not ready to do that just yet. I'm too busy with other stuff right now. 9. I directed our old church's bell choir for 10 years. It's a pretty thankless job - especially when you aren't getting paid to do it. Those days of directing for free are pretty much over for me. I am old and jaded - I need monetary compensation. 10. #1 has his next band performance next Friday at the football game. The whole family is going - unless it rains, of course. He is psyched! This Friday, the boy has a babysitting job. If he's not marchin' he best be workin'!! 11. In two weeks, LLB will be marching with #1 - it's 8th grade Night with the Marching Band. I know she's only in 7th, but she's special... The band director said she could march. 12. The tennies turned up but there is still no sign of LLB's pink lunch box... 13. I completed my very first web design for the ballet studio this week. I am oh so happy with it. It's very ballet - but not too girly. I'd link to it, but that would tell you where I frequent, and we can't have that, can we? Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Kvetchin'

This is my blog. I can kvetch if I want to...
Catchy tune, that is...

I don't DO change well. I deal, but I don't like it. So, when things change - like my kid is on a bus at 6:30am and school starts at 7:30... I don't like it. I also don't like crazy teachers. I am a teacher. I can say this. I guess I don't like a lot of things...

High school is hard -- hard for me. I feel out of the loop. (Probably because I am.)

The science teacher is new to the system and is a nut. She doesn't use the book. She is vague. Where do they find these people?? #1 had a test yesterday and he came home very upset. He said he didn't understand half of what she wanted on the test. I'm hoping he guessed well.

We don't have a science fair at the high school - probably because we are on block scheduling, but that doesn't matter to this woman. During "Meet the Teacher Night", she told the kids to pick a topic that they are passionate about for a science fair project. #1 looked at me with that "OMG What the h*ll am I gonna do?" look. I wanted to puke! I don't think well out of the box. Give me a topic and I'll do it, but make me think of one on my own and I'm sunk. I wonder where he gets it?? During Sunday dinner we tossed out ideas. He picked a subject near and dear to each and every the member of this household. Toilet paper. Which toilet paper biodegrades the fastest? I'll let you all know how it turns out. I'm sure you all want to know if Charmin is as good as they claim.

LLB got switched into another reading class. Yes - more change. She had this class originally and then they switched her back. This is a flip flop in 2 weeks. She likes this teacher much better - as do I. My only fear is that they will move her again. Her little heart will be broken if they take her from this wonderful woman. She's had quite a time with a couple of other things -- her gym tennies were taken out of her locker and she had to sit out PE on Monday. She was totally distressed. Then someone stole her Lands' End lunch box out of a classroom. It is pink and has her initials on it. Mr. thinks a boy took it. I think any boy that takes a pink lunch box with LLB's initials on it needs glasses AND medication. She'll be checking out everyone's lunch box until she finds it!

On top of all this, my LLB has a wicked cough. I'm calling the doctor today. She's been dealing with this for a week now. Why didn't I call sooner? Because they think I don't know my kid. They think they know my kid better than I do. They'll tell me she has a virus. If I go earlier, they give her robitussin and send her home. Then, I wait a few more days and have to go back to get the real drugs.

This is my first week of school with my music kids. I only see them twice a week for 40 min. a class. Guess what? They don't have class on Monday. It's some stupid "class day" for them. There are many of these days this fall. I think the school doesn't want to pay us so they invent these "class days" and tell us not to show up. My kids have to be ready for the youth festival in November, a Christmas performance in early December, and a concert right before vacation. Do you see a problem with this picture? I will not allow them to play crappy music -- especially for their parents who pay an inordinate sum of cash to send them to this school.

On the bright side -- I don't have to go to school on Monday.

I think I have whined enough for today...

Ding Dong Dirty!

I hate stupid people and I hate people who touch my stuff without asking.

Today was the first day of class for my handbell students. I arrived early and hauled the bells out of the closet. The closet was not as we had left it in June. I was NOT happy. I pack that closet a certain way to make sure everything fits correctly and nothing will attack when the door is opened.

Those bells -- They gained the 10 lbs I've been trying to lose... I swear they weren't this heavy when I put them in the closet in June.

I loaded them on the elevator and sent them up a level.

We unloaded the elevator and slid them into the classroom.
I opened the cases - I know why they weigh more.. they are totally tarnished! Someone used them and didn't polish them when they put them away. I am furious!! Okay, I am beyond furious!!!

The kids and I tried to clean them up a little before we put them away, but we didn't have enough polishing cloths. We will do some on Wednesday... Instead of getting more playing time, the kids now have to spend time polishing. It really isn't fair!

I am going to hunt down the culprit and if I find out who made a mess of my bells, they will be polishing each and every one of those little bronze beauties... with their tongues! Okay so maybe not with their tongues, but you get my drift...

Why can't people just leave my stuff alone?

Please don't share...

The Bug Family was having dinner at our local burger joint. The air conditioning wasn't working inside, so we were outside at the picnic tables enjoying the cool breeze.

We were just about finished when a relatively new silver car pulled into the grocery store parking lot about fifty yards away. The guy got out. He was tall - I mean really tall - and bald. He opened his passenger side door and proceeded to blast his radio. Let me just say that his tunes weren't offensive, but they sure were loud. The guy walked around, smoked his cigarette, and then sat in the passenger seat.

We watched... we waited...
Is this a new trend?
Nobody else was doing it.
Was the guy famous and we didn't know it?
Why would you only open the passenger side door?
Maybe because that's the door that is closest to the burger joint?
Why would you park in the grocery store lot and blast your music?
Grambug thinks he wanted to share his music with all of us.
I'd rather he didn't...

It's Melli's Birthday!

We are having a virtual party for Melli, so stop by her blog and give her some love after you have some refreshments, play some games, and get your party favors.

Here at The Crossing, we are playing party games!

Over here in the living room, we have Pin the Tail on the Donkey - so grab a tail, put on your blindfold, and get ready! We will spin you around and point you in the right direction... You only get one chance, so pin well!!

There are various races going on in the back yard. Run on out there with a partner and do the sack races, the wheelbarrow race, and the 3 legged race.

Had enough of that?
We have Spin The Bottle going on in the closet under the stairs - enter if you dare!!

I think that's enough excitement - you've got other places to go:

Birthday Cake at Beckie's
Party Hats at Jen's
Streamers and confetti at Daisy's
Balloons and Birthday Song at Floozie's
Ice Cream and Punch at Cozy's
International flare at mar's
Presents Game at Barbara's

Please remember to stop over at Melli's and wish her a happy birthday!!

Perfect Post

Welcome to the Perfect Post Awards!
The Perfect Post Awards are a chance to read some of the best stuff written each month and to spread a little warm fuzziness, too.

I have been reading Crystal for a while. She's funny. She's honest. I kinda wish I knew her in real life - because I think she's a scream!!
This post is one of THE best things I have EVER read in my life. It is so funny that I had tears streaming down my face and I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. So - go on over and give Crystal some comment love.

While you are out and about stop by Petroville and Suburban Turmoil to see the other Nominees.

Black Friday

Hey!
Christmas is right around the corner. Don't squawk! You know you want to start early this year.

When I used to live in the city, I got the Sunday paper because it was chock full of those wonderful store ads. My favorite paper was the one we got on Thanksgiving Day because it had all the adds for Black Friday in it. Well, now I live in the sticks and I guess they think that we are illiterate out here, because we can't get the paper. Well, let me rephrase that. We can get the paper, but only on Sunday and it comes without the ads. What is the point of getting an empty Sunday paper. How can I plan my shopping without those lovely little ads?

Well, I just found out about this really cool site black friday ads. You can click on there and leave your email address. They will send you the ads for all the goodies that are going to be on sale the day after Thanksgiving! You don't need the paper!! OR you can click on the merchant of your choice and see what is going to be on sale. It's a shopper's dream!!

This year, after many years of only shopping online for Christmas, I might just have to get those ads, put them in my hot little fist, and head off to our brand spanking new Target shopping center! I've just clicked on the Target button and the list of sale items looks pretty promising - I see a couple of things for #1 and a couple of things I might want for myself...

I'm off to click the other stores.
I think you should click, too!

Money Money

Have you seen Pay Per Post yet? I saw it on someone's blog and decided to give it a look see.

When I found out all I had to do was post, I signed up! All you have to do is write some blog reviews. It's a simple way to earn some cash. I thought it might be neat to find some new web sites, save some cash, make some cash and get some posting done all in the same 20 minutes.

I'm supposed to tell you what I like best about Pay Per Post. The one thing I like the best is that I get to choose what I want to review. If there is something out there that tickles my fancy, I can review it. So far, I've seen a lot of things I'd like to review - everything from furniture to websites to ads. It is easy and it is fun, but I just don't have the time to review everything! I'd be sitting here in my chair typing all day!

I think you could definitely find something to review or check out. And - you'll earn a few bucks doing it. Why don't you give it a try?
I found some neat sites that I'll be posting about in the near future, so stay tuned!!

Koons Hunting

Let me be clear - I'm a Honda girl. I treat my Honda well and it treats me well. We have an understanding. I take it for service and it starts every time and runs until I turn it off.

Our CRV needed an oil change and an inspection sticker, so 3 weeks ago Mr. made a 10am appointment at Koons. He chose Sept. 1 because our sticker needs to be replaced in September and we had a coupon for a free oil change. We can kill 2 birds with 1 stone and save cash while we do it.

When we made the appointment at Koons we were thrilled to think we scored a 10am appointment on a Saturday.

We arrive at 10. The place is buzzing.
We pull the car up into the reception bay and turn it off.
We wait.
We get our stuff together and decide to get out and wait by the desk on the curb.
We wait.
The female Service Rep. comes over and checks us in. She has our reservation.
We ask her how long she thinks this will take.
Well, you won't have your car back before noon.
Huh? We have a 10 am appointment.
Sorry, we're busy today.
Why did we make an appointment if the time isn't going to be honored? We made this appointment 3 weeks ago.
Sorry. It's Saturday.
Mr. opens his mouth to speak but I'm too fast for him.
We're here. I need the oil changed - besides it's the last day for the coupon and I'm totally cheap.
I sigh and drag Mr. to McDo across the street for a snack.
Food will make it all better... or so I thought.
We go back to the waiting area at 10:45.
It's cold. Actually, it's freezing. I can see my breath.
I find my Service Rep. at her desk. I wait for her to finish what she's doing and turn to me.
Hi. I'm sorry to bother you. I was wondering if my car had been started yet. It's cold in the waiting room and if my car is in being serviced, I'll put up with it, but if my car is still on the lot, I'd like to fetch my jacket.
She sighs. I'm in this computer screen and I can't tell.
I say nothing, stare at her, and wait.
She sighs and changes the screen.
No, your car is still on the lot.
I'd like to get my jacket. Can you tell me where my car is?
She sighs again. (This is getting a wee bit irritating... Aren't I the one being inconvenienced here?)
She calls a guy over and tells him to bring my car around.
I follow him out and explain that I really just want to fetch my jacket.
He shows me to my car. He is shocked to see it has been left unlocked. He tsk tsks about it being open. He is not happy that it was left unlocked - neither am I.
I get my jacket and he locks my car.
At noon the Service Rep comes into the ice box - ummm I mean the waiting room.
Mr. and Mrs. Ladybug, your car has just been brought into the service bay.
Thanks.
At 12:30 she comes back and proceeds to tell me that the oil change is done and that the car passed inspection with flying colors. She also says she wants almost $500 for the 90k mile check.
Not today. We don't have any more time to wait.
Just please get us our car.
Mr. and I collect our things and go out to the cashier.
The Service Rep. hands us our paperwork.
Mr. explains to the Service Rep that when you make a 10am appointment, you expect to be taken at 10am, not at noon. Had they seen us right at 10, they probably would have been the $490 richer as we would have done the 90k check/fluid replacements and such.
She is not impressed. She tells us it is like this all the time.
Mr. explains that we drive many miles to have our car serviced there and since they are supposedly "into" customer service, they should honor the appointment times. He reminds her that we could go to "Jiffy Lube for half the cost and a quarter of the wait time.
Again, she is not impressed.
We turn in our coupon and pay for our inspection.
They have the nerve to hand us a Customer Quality Service Survey.
(Oh - I'll fill that out for you, Honey! You won't like what it says, but I'm very happy to fill it out for you -- and shove it up your tailpipe!!)
We head out to the reception bay for our car.
We wait... another 10 min.
We are getting really annoyed... Yup that's a nice way to say it.
I'm planning my "nasty letter" to Koons and this post in my head while I wait...
They pull my car in behind some idiot who pulled into the bay the wrong way.
I expect the guy to turn off my car and immediately drive away in the one that is now blocking my egress.
I move my seat and as I check the rear view mirror I see him walk in the opposite direction.
Now I am flaming mad!!
Mr. hasn't seen me this annoyed in quite some time.
He is nervous.
What are you doing? Where are you going? he calls as I blast out of the driver's seat.
I'm going to make some waves! I've had enough!
I find a male Service Rep who has taken care of my car in the past.
I take a deep breath. He knows I am seething. I very carefully say:
Hi. I don't mean to be a royal pain, but I am 2.5 hours behind because that's how long I had to wait for a simple oil change. That red Pilot is blocking my way. Can you please have someone move it. NOW.?
I attempt a grin. I'm sure I looked like a raving lunatic! I know my eye was starting to twitch, too.
Sure.
Thank.you.
As I got back in, Mr. checked to see if they were dialing 911 to report a fire breathing, eye twitching, lunatic woman.
I buckled my belt and looked through the windshield. Well, I tried to look through the windshield. The last straw -- the very last straw was that they didn't bother to wash my car!
I just about blew a gasket!
Mr. - They didn't wash my car! I sputter.
He looks up. He doesn't say anything coherent, but I know he's none too happy.
I mentally add that little item to my "nasty letter checklist".

The service guy ran - yes ran - out and moved that Pilot himself. I'm sure he thought I might drive right over it. What I really wanted to do was sit on my horn and let it rip... But, I'm sensible. I just penned a lovely little nasty-gram and immediately sent it off to the Service Manager upon arriving at home.

We'll see if Koons really cares about their customers.

The Big Game

Last night was #1's first football game with the high school marching band.

He asked me to chaperone - which I did. The rest of the family joined us for the game.

I took a gazillion pictures - I have yet to go through them. He actually LET me take a million pictures of him. (This is huge, people!!)

He was totally psyched!!
He loves the uniform.
He loves the camaraderie.
He loves the music making.
Most of all, he loves performing in front of a crowd.

He came off the field at half time and I asked him if he had a good time.

"Mom, this is the best! I love this! I NEED to be drum major!"

This boy - he knows what he wants and where he's headed...