20 years ago today I married my best friend.
It was a cold December day. I had class in the morning - my last graduate class and the teacher made me go. I wanted snow (yes, I was young and stupid). I got a few flakes as I walked into the church - my blessing from heaven I called it.
My memories of that day are few and far between - I remember standing at the altar thinking that I was going to remember all of it... that's pretty much it except for the "I do", the kiss, and the ring getting stuck half way up Mr.'s finger...
Our pictures are hysterical! I was so vain - I got contacts for the day -- blue ones to make my eyes look bluer - heaven forbid my glasses "date" the picture! There's the one of me walking up the aisle with my dad - I had the biggest smile on my face. Mr. looked dapper (and a wee bit nervous) in his tux. Then there's the minister -- he looked like he smelled something bad in every single picture - neither of us farted -- honest!
Our reception at The Andover Inn was a blast! We danced. We ate. The men made a pyramid with Mr. at the top. I have the picture to prove that stunt, too. Our families had a marvelous time.
We honeymooned at Stowe - our room had no heat during the coldest week of the year. Our champagne froze, as did we. We actually went to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream to warm up!
Now, 20 years later we've got 2 kids in high school, a house in the country, and a life we love.
Would I do it all again?
You bet!
Happy Anniversary, Mr. Bug.
Showing posts with label Mr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mr. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
He's Metro-sexual Like That...
I've been married to Mr. almost 20 years. There is very little that surprises me anymore. This weekend he woke up and declared that he had an ear hair that was poking him all night.
My response was: Blink... blink... (The crickets were chirping, too.)
LB, you've got to find that hair and clip it off.
I yessed him and figured once he got up, he'd let it go.
I was incorrect in that assumption.
Later that day, he came down with one of those little nose/ear hair trimmer things and plopped himself on the couch.
LB, you've got to find that hair and trim it. It's driving me crazy. It's sticking up! Can you see it?
(I really should have taken my glasses off to see that teeny tiny irritant, because to be honest I never did see it.)
Do you have any idea how hard it is to trim someone's ear hair when you've got the giggles?
While I was desperately trying to please my man and trim his ear hair, he went on and on telling me how much ear hair makes him crazy. He can't stand little old men who let their ear hair get longer than the hair on their heads or their eyebrows for that matter. The statement that put me over the edge was when he said, (and I quote) "I'm just metro-sexual like that."
That did it for me - the giggles turned into all out hysterical laughter complete with tears.
Yes, he is very lucky he can still hear and that he still has an ear on the left side of his head.
My response was: Blink... blink... (The crickets were chirping, too.)
LB, you've got to find that hair and clip it off.
I yessed him and figured once he got up, he'd let it go.
I was incorrect in that assumption.
Later that day, he came down with one of those little nose/ear hair trimmer things and plopped himself on the couch.
LB, you've got to find that hair and trim it. It's driving me crazy. It's sticking up! Can you see it?
(I really should have taken my glasses off to see that teeny tiny irritant, because to be honest I never did see it.)
Do you have any idea how hard it is to trim someone's ear hair when you've got the giggles?
While I was desperately trying to please my man and trim his ear hair, he went on and on telling me how much ear hair makes him crazy. He can't stand little old men who let their ear hair get longer than the hair on their heads or their eyebrows for that matter. The statement that put me over the edge was when he said, (and I quote) "I'm just metro-sexual like that."
That did it for me - the giggles turned into all out hysterical laughter complete with tears.
Yes, he is very lucky he can still hear and that he still has an ear on the left side of his head.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mr. Bird!
My sweet Mr. is having a birthday today.
I won't tell you which number he's turning, but he is really enjoying being 29 again.
He is away in CA on travel at some conference.
It's kind of a bummer to not be with him today, but he's having a great time and learning a lot.
So, since he's not available to blow out the candles, I won't light them. I'll just sing to him over the phone and then I'll eat his cake.
I won't tell you which number he's turning, but he is really enjoying being 29 again.
He is away in CA on travel at some conference.
It's kind of a bummer to not be with him today, but he's having a great time and learning a lot.
So, since he's not available to blow out the candles, I won't light them. I'll just sing to him over the phone and then I'll eat his cake.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Running with sharp pointy things...
Years ago I gave Mr. a bagel slicer, a circular saw, and a few other tools for Christmas. He decided to try out the bagel slicer and promptly sliced a gash in his finger. (We have also had other mishaps with knives, scissors, lawnmower blades and other sharp pointy things including a wine cork remover. Those are stories for another day, but suffice it so say, sharp pointy things are dangerous - especially in our house. We keep most sharp objects under lock and key.)
I threated to take the tools back and just resort to hiring people to do the home improvements we needed to make. He talked me out of it and proceeded to learn how to use the tools with Grandpa's help and extreme patience. Mr. had 10 thumbs when it came to tools and home improvement projects...
Fast forward almost 20 years...
Mr. is not a home improvement whiz, but he can do almost anything he puts his mind to. He skips most major plumbing and electrical repairs - he knows his limitations and isn't afraid to admit them. As a matter of fact, he's come a long way in 20 years. He can take the tractor apart and put it back together - to running - without any extra pieces left over. He can patch a ceiling - drywall, joint compound, etc. He can paint with the best of them. And - he can demolish anything that needs to be demolished. Now, that's a skill!
This past couple of years he has been begging for a chain saw. We have lots of downed trees that need to be hacked up and burned in our wood stove. He can hear them calling his name every time he goes outside. Last summer, a friend of ours spent a couple of days sawing up some of our logs, but this year... this year is different. The friend has offered to give Mr. chainsaw lessons. In a very weak moment on Sunday, I agreed.
On Tuesday - before I could change my mind - Mr. stopped at our local chainsaw store - yes, we have one - and after much time with the staff, purchased the recommended beautiful orange chainsaw, orange safety chaps, orange and gray leather gloves, and orange helmet. Blaze orange - it's definitely Mr.'s color. It's hot, I tell you...
The lessons start either this weekend or next.
I'm nervous... very nervous.
I threated to take the tools back and just resort to hiring people to do the home improvements we needed to make. He talked me out of it and proceeded to learn how to use the tools with Grandpa's help and extreme patience. Mr. had 10 thumbs when it came to tools and home improvement projects...
Fast forward almost 20 years...
Mr. is not a home improvement whiz, but he can do almost anything he puts his mind to. He skips most major plumbing and electrical repairs - he knows his limitations and isn't afraid to admit them. As a matter of fact, he's come a long way in 20 years. He can take the tractor apart and put it back together - to running - without any extra pieces left over. He can patch a ceiling - drywall, joint compound, etc. He can paint with the best of them. And - he can demolish anything that needs to be demolished. Now, that's a skill!
This past couple of years he has been begging for a chain saw. We have lots of downed trees that need to be hacked up and burned in our wood stove. He can hear them calling his name every time he goes outside. Last summer, a friend of ours spent a couple of days sawing up some of our logs, but this year... this year is different. The friend has offered to give Mr. chainsaw lessons. In a very weak moment on Sunday, I agreed.
On Tuesday - before I could change my mind - Mr. stopped at our local chainsaw store - yes, we have one - and after much time with the staff, purchased the recommended beautiful orange chainsaw, orange safety chaps, orange and gray leather gloves, and orange helmet. Blaze orange - it's definitely Mr.'s color. It's hot, I tell you...
The lessons start either this weekend or next.
I'm nervous... very nervous.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Herding Cats...
It's a skill that Mr. perfected.
He gets out of bed, puts on his slippers and suddenly, 2 cats appear.
They look at him adoringly and meow a "good morning" (or "feed me!") at him.
He motions towards the door with his hand and they run - full tilt - out the door and down the stairs.
They knock each other over on their way down the stairs. They sound like elephants.
They stop short at the bottom and look up adoringly... they wait for their shepherd.
They sit and watch him make his way down.
When he reaches the bottom of the stairs they trot to the kitchen - Angel sits next to the bowl (she is the queen, you know). Mini Kitty rubs along his ankles purring.
He gets the food and plops it in the bowl while opening the back door with the other hand.
Angel eats.
Mini Kitty goes out.
Herding cats... it's quite a skill.
He gets out of bed, puts on his slippers and suddenly, 2 cats appear.
They look at him adoringly and meow a "good morning" (or "feed me!") at him.
He motions towards the door with his hand and they run - full tilt - out the door and down the stairs.
They knock each other over on their way down the stairs. They sound like elephants.
They stop short at the bottom and look up adoringly... they wait for their shepherd.
They sit and watch him make his way down.
When he reaches the bottom of the stairs they trot to the kitchen - Angel sits next to the bowl (she is the queen, you know). Mini Kitty rubs along his ankles purring.
He gets the food and plops it in the bowl while opening the back door with the other hand.
Angel eats.
Mini Kitty goes out.
Herding cats... it's quite a skill.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The Blackberry Phenomenon
Does your spouse have a blackberry? The little technological marvel is also known around here as a "crackberry".
Mr. got one from his office so he can be more productive and work more than the allotted 18 hours a day.
At first I was happy.
Mr. was able to get email, talk on the phone when he needed to, and the reception out here in the boonies is terrific!
Now - I'm not so happy.
He has developed what I call the "crackberry stance". He stands, feet firmly planted, blackberry in hand, head bent over and thumbs frantically working the keys. He will no doubt need physical therapy to fix all the posture related aches and pains.
He as also developed "Blackberry ADD". This happens when we in the middle of a conversation - that he started! - when all of a sudden, he takes out his Blackberry, assumes the stance, and proceeds to ignore every thing coming out of my mouth. I have not changed the subject. I'm simply answering his question or asking for more information - for which, by the way, google does not have the answer.
He can be talking and simply switch over to "Blackberry mode". Everything and everyone in the vicinity now does not exist. The email is now the most important thing in the world.
My dear friend, R's husband has the same Blackberry issues. She told me this morning that she used to get upset, but now it's become a part of life - and it puts food on the table.
She has a very good point.
As long as he's on that Blackberry, he's collecting a paycheck.
I'm good with that.
Mr. got one from his office so he can be more productive and work more than the allotted 18 hours a day.
At first I was happy.
Mr. was able to get email, talk on the phone when he needed to, and the reception out here in the boonies is terrific!
Now - I'm not so happy.
He has developed what I call the "crackberry stance". He stands, feet firmly planted, blackberry in hand, head bent over and thumbs frantically working the keys. He will no doubt need physical therapy to fix all the posture related aches and pains.
He as also developed "Blackberry ADD". This happens when we in the middle of a conversation - that he started! - when all of a sudden, he takes out his Blackberry, assumes the stance, and proceeds to ignore every thing coming out of my mouth. I have not changed the subject. I'm simply answering his question or asking for more information - for which, by the way, google does not have the answer.
He can be talking and simply switch over to "Blackberry mode". Everything and everyone in the vicinity now does not exist. The email is now the most important thing in the world.
My dear friend, R's husband has the same Blackberry issues. She told me this morning that she used to get upset, but now it's become a part of life - and it puts food on the table.
She has a very good point.
As long as he's on that Blackberry, he's collecting a paycheck.
I'm good with that.
Friday, October 10, 2008
He can still make me...
giggle!
Mr. rolled over to turn the alarm off.
As he did so he took 99% of the covers with him.
I said, "See... look where the covers are..."
His reply, "With their rightful owner."
Mr. rolled over to turn the alarm off.
As he did so he took 99% of the covers with him.
I said, "See... look where the covers are..."
His reply, "With their rightful owner."
Monday, July 21, 2008
Driving...
Yesterday we drove.
We dropped LLB at her music camp 4 hours from home. The drive down was uneventful until our GPS drove us over the curviest mountain roads ever. We made it, but... LLB was a little green around the gills by the time we arrived.
Kay met us at check in. She told us that she was LLB's suitemate. That worked out better than ever. LLB doesn't have to room with her, and yet they are together. It was a perfect solution. If you don't remember, the issue was that Kay wanted to room with LLB. LLB didn't want to room with her. I wrote a letter to the camp stating that they were friendly, but that LLB wanted to room with someone she didn't know because she wanted to meet new people and make new friends. I'm just glad it all worked out.
Her room is a typical college dorm room - cinderblock walls, ugly bed, teeny tiny bathroom. I put her things in, made her bed, hung her monogrammed towels and tried to make it more like home. Once her roommates things are in there, it will be quite homey I'm sure. The campus is gorgeous. That's all I'm going to tell you about that...
We dropped her off at her audition location a little ways across campus, kissed her goodbye, and took off. We had 4 hours to make it back to see #1 in his production of Godspell Jr. We made it... with 10 min. to spare! His camp group was performing at a church about an hour from his camp, but closer to home for us. We really really wanted to see him - since we won't have him home for another week and Mr. can't go with me to see his final performance at camp on Tuesday.
The performance was AMAZING! #1 had a rap solo and a vocal solo. I had no idea the child could sing! I sat there with my mouth hanging open. He's pretty good. Who knew???
We arrived home 12 hours after we left. We were tired. Mr. drove 9 hours yesterday. I am not looking forward to 12 hours in the car to go to the Great White North in 2 weeks. UGH! Heck, I'm not even looking forward to the drive to swap #1's clothes on Tuesday or the 4 hours there and back to get LLB on Thursday...
We dropped LLB at her music camp 4 hours from home. The drive down was uneventful until our GPS drove us over the curviest mountain roads ever. We made it, but... LLB was a little green around the gills by the time we arrived.
Kay met us at check in. She told us that she was LLB's suitemate. That worked out better than ever. LLB doesn't have to room with her, and yet they are together. It was a perfect solution. If you don't remember, the issue was that Kay wanted to room with LLB. LLB didn't want to room with her. I wrote a letter to the camp stating that they were friendly, but that LLB wanted to room with someone she didn't know because she wanted to meet new people and make new friends. I'm just glad it all worked out.
Her room is a typical college dorm room - cinderblock walls, ugly bed, teeny tiny bathroom. I put her things in, made her bed, hung her monogrammed towels and tried to make it more like home. Once her roommates things are in there, it will be quite homey I'm sure. The campus is gorgeous. That's all I'm going to tell you about that...
We dropped her off at her audition location a little ways across campus, kissed her goodbye, and took off. We had 4 hours to make it back to see #1 in his production of Godspell Jr. We made it... with 10 min. to spare! His camp group was performing at a church about an hour from his camp, but closer to home for us. We really really wanted to see him - since we won't have him home for another week and Mr. can't go with me to see his final performance at camp on Tuesday.
The performance was AMAZING! #1 had a rap solo and a vocal solo. I had no idea the child could sing! I sat there with my mouth hanging open. He's pretty good. Who knew???
We arrived home 12 hours after we left. We were tired. Mr. drove 9 hours yesterday. I am not looking forward to 12 hours in the car to go to the Great White North in 2 weeks. UGH! Heck, I'm not even looking forward to the drive to swap #1's clothes on Tuesday or the 4 hours there and back to get LLB on Thursday...
Monday, July 14, 2008
It's Happy day around here!
Today is Mr.'s birthday!
Please stop in and wish him a happy one.
His present? He wants new running shoes.
Hey, it's easy. He stops in the running store on his way home.
They video his running style.
He tries on a few pair.
He picks one he likes.
He arrives home and (after a quick birthday smooch) he shows me his shoes.
I say, "those are sexy."
He is happy.
Life is good.
Today is also the Grandbug's 52nd Anniversary!
That's a long time to put up with each other and they do it pretty darned well.
Please wish them a happy day, too!
Tonight we are hitting our local burger joint to celebrate. If you want to join us, we'll be there around 5:30 or 6.
FYI: If the time changes, I'll update this post.
Please stop in and wish him a happy one.
His present? He wants new running shoes.
Hey, it's easy. He stops in the running store on his way home.
They video his running style.
He tries on a few pair.
He picks one he likes.
He arrives home and (after a quick birthday smooch) he shows me his shoes.
I say, "those are sexy."
He is happy.
Life is good.
Today is also the Grandbug's 52nd Anniversary!
That's a long time to put up with each other and they do it pretty darned well.
Please wish them a happy day, too!
Tonight we are hitting our local burger joint to celebrate. If you want to join us, we'll be there around 5:30 or 6.
FYI: If the time changes, I'll update this post.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Funny sounds... funny smells
Yesterday was a rare day at home for me.
Mr. worked from home yesterday - so it was a day of the two of us bumbling around trying to get our individual tasks done.
Mr. spent most of the day perched on a stool at the island pecking at his computer.
But that's not all he did.
After lunch I heard this sound:
"PHHHTTT"
Then came the smell. It wasn't roses. I can't exactly describe the stench. I went running for my gas mask.
He spent the afternoon farting and tooting and generally stinking up the joint.
At one point, as I donned my gas mask for the hundredth time, I threatened him with blogging about him. He chuckled as he sprayed Lysol around himself and said, "Go ahead... I deserve it."
That, my friends, should give you a clue as to the level of toxicity in my family room.
"It's the onions!", he said.
"The onions in the salads you make don't do this."
"Oh, yeah... you're right."
"Listen, you are killing me, here! Even the animals can't take it. Zeb went next door to get away from the smell. He WON'T come home. The air in this room is so bad, it's a green haze. You've got to stop... puhleezzze!"
He grinned.
He just couldn't help himself...
He was proud of this, people!
I shook my head in defeat.
I headed next door to hide under the dining room table with Zeb.
Mr. worked from home yesterday - so it was a day of the two of us bumbling around trying to get our individual tasks done.
Mr. spent most of the day perched on a stool at the island pecking at his computer.
But that's not all he did.
After lunch I heard this sound:
"PHHHTTT"
Then came the smell. It wasn't roses. I can't exactly describe the stench. I went running for my gas mask.
He spent the afternoon farting and tooting and generally stinking up the joint.
At one point, as I donned my gas mask for the hundredth time, I threatened him with blogging about him. He chuckled as he sprayed Lysol around himself and said, "Go ahead... I deserve it."
That, my friends, should give you a clue as to the level of toxicity in my family room.
"It's the onions!", he said.
"The onions in the salads you make don't do this."
"Oh, yeah... you're right."
"Listen, you are killing me, here! Even the animals can't take it. Zeb went next door to get away from the smell. He WON'T come home. The air in this room is so bad, it's a green haze. You've got to stop... puhleezzze!"
He grinned.
He just couldn't help himself...
He was proud of this, people!
I shook my head in defeat.
I headed next door to hide under the dining room table with Zeb.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Ding Dong and Millie
I'm off to my handbell meeting today. Those of you who know me well, know how much I enjoy this particular board position. This is one of those meetings I don't mind one bit. The people are great, the work is fun, and the snacks are yummy! What more could a girl ask?
#1 has Millie tonight. Mr. is handling the running unless he gets stuck in traffic -- then Grandpa is doing the run to get #1 to town for 6:30. These Friday meetings that my Mr. has to endure are just maddening! They have a meeting scheduled for 3:30. Do you have any idea what DC/Northern VA traffic is like on Friday evening?? What moron would schedule a meeting for 3:30 on a Friday??
#1 has Millie tonight. Mr. is handling the running unless he gets stuck in traffic -- then Grandpa is doing the run to get #1 to town for 6:30. These Friday meetings that my Mr. has to endure are just maddening! They have a meeting scheduled for 3:30. Do you have any idea what DC/Northern VA traffic is like on Friday evening?? What moron would schedule a meeting for 3:30 on a Friday??
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Waiting...
LLB didn't feel all that great yesterday, so I made an appointment with the doctor and took her in.
This meant that Mr. had to get #1. #1's practice was due to end between 5:15 and 5:30.
Our appointment was a double booking at 3:45. I figured we would be seen around 4:30.
I had to be in town for my bell rehearsal at 6:30. We figured we could meet for the pizza special and have dinner - you know... 45 min of family time before we headed out to our respective meetings and rehearsals.
At 4:45 they put us in a room.
At 5:10 they pulled us out and stuck an emergency patient in our room.
Now, I understand that emergencies happen... The girl was doubled over in pain and she was crying hysterically. (My guess: Appendicitis or some sort of withdrawal or ectopic pregnancy --- but we will never know.)
We sat in the hallway until 5:30 - I called Mr. at this point. #1 still hadn't come out of practice. Mr. was starting to worry that we wouldn't get to eat dinner together. We do anything we can to eat together and connect every day. Sometimes it works... sometimes it doesn't.
At 5:35 they put us in another room.
At 5:40, the doctor came in. He was very thorough.
I was worried that LLB's teeny tiny sinuses were clogged.
He was as well.
He stuck a light up in there and turned off the over head lights.
No light shone through... nothing... nada.
The kid is totally blocked.
She is not in pain.
You and I would be screaming...
He gave us our prescription and sent us on our way.
At 5:55 I called Mr. and told him we were on our way. #1 had just come out of practice. We were cutting it really close!!
We arrived in town at 6:10.
I handed LLB off to Mr. and ate about 25 french fries (Sorry, R!!)
It wasn't the 45 min. pizza meal we had planned, but it was better than nothing.
This meant that Mr. had to get #1. #1's practice was due to end between 5:15 and 5:30.
Our appointment was a double booking at 3:45. I figured we would be seen around 4:30.
I had to be in town for my bell rehearsal at 6:30. We figured we could meet for the pizza special and have dinner - you know... 45 min of family time before we headed out to our respective meetings and rehearsals.
At 4:45 they put us in a room.
At 5:10 they pulled us out and stuck an emergency patient in our room.
Now, I understand that emergencies happen... The girl was doubled over in pain and she was crying hysterically. (My guess: Appendicitis or some sort of withdrawal or ectopic pregnancy --- but we will never know.)
We sat in the hallway until 5:30 - I called Mr. at this point. #1 still hadn't come out of practice. Mr. was starting to worry that we wouldn't get to eat dinner together. We do anything we can to eat together and connect every day. Sometimes it works... sometimes it doesn't.
At 5:35 they put us in another room.
At 5:40, the doctor came in. He was very thorough.
I was worried that LLB's teeny tiny sinuses were clogged.
He was as well.
He stuck a light up in there and turned off the over head lights.
No light shone through... nothing... nada.
The kid is totally blocked.
She is not in pain.
You and I would be screaming...
He gave us our prescription and sent us on our way.
At 5:55 I called Mr. and told him we were on our way. #1 had just come out of practice. We were cutting it really close!!
We arrived in town at 6:10.
I handed LLB off to Mr. and ate about 25 french fries (Sorry, R!!)
It wasn't the 45 min. pizza meal we had planned, but it was better than nothing.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Thursday 13
 |
1. The other day I read a post over at Jules' about stopping a cough. 2. She said that you put vicks vaporub on your feet and then put on socks. 3. I emailed her to find out if you slather the vicks all over your feet or if just put on the bottoms. 4. She told me that you just put it on the bottoms. 5. I filed that tidbit of information until last night. 6. Mr. was coughing and wheezing all over the place. (I couldn't take it!) 7. He said he was going up to put on his pajamas. I suggested the vicks since he was going up anyway. 8. He balked! He assured me that it "just wasn't going to work!", BUT he tried it. 9. He came down stinking of vicks... 10. I waited while he complained that this silliness was not going to work. 11. He did not cough. I grinned, but said nothing. 12. I waited while he did the dishes... (It seems vicks on your feet makes you feel better all over!) I finally had to giggle. He still wasn't coughing!! 13. He did NOT cough. He coughed exactly two times last night -- all night. He feels much better. So.. If you get a cough, slather vicks on the bottoms of your feet and put on some socks. It works! It really really works!! Thanks Jules!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Disinfecting...
Mr. is sick... again.
He is back on Zithromax. He can't breathe. His throat is sore. He is just a miserable mess. He seems to just get over it, and it comes back.
I will be spending the day with my friend, the bleach bottle. Together we will disinfect every single surface. That means every door knob, handle, phone, counter, toilet, and toothbrush.
Yesterday I got most of the laundry caught up. Today, there will be more. That's they way it is with rabbits and laundry. Today I will change and bleach every set of sheets including the duvets. I've got to get rid of the germs...
I need my Mr. back.
So - here's a stock tip for you - Buy Clorox.
I'll be using a lot of it today.
He is back on Zithromax. He can't breathe. His throat is sore. He is just a miserable mess. He seems to just get over it, and it comes back.
I will be spending the day with my friend, the bleach bottle. Together we will disinfect every single surface. That means every door knob, handle, phone, counter, toilet, and toothbrush.
Yesterday I got most of the laundry caught up. Today, there will be more. That's they way it is with rabbits and laundry. Today I will change and bleach every set of sheets including the duvets. I've got to get rid of the germs...
I need my Mr. back.
So - here's a stock tip for you - Buy Clorox.
I'll be using a lot of it today.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Listening Skills
Mr. has been busy with work the last few weeks. He has been programming like a fool at every hour of the day. I know this because he and his laptop are parked at our kitchen island near the heat of the wood stove.
LLB had to be at the high school on Saturday morning at 7:15 to catch the bus - with the rest of the district band kids - to the district band venue an hour or so away.
On Friday and a few days before that, Mr. and I were discussing the Saturday bus. I was whining that it was at the high school. He said that he would take her on Saturday and then go to his church activity.
On Saturday morning, LLB was ready to go. Mr. was nowhere to be found. I went looking and found him in the shower. I said, "What are you doing? You have to be there at 7:15. It's 6:50. You should be leaving now... it takes 20 min. minimum to get there."
"I have plenty of time."
Well, at 6:55 they pulled out of the driveway.
LLB wanted me to take her, but Mr. "really wanted to take her"... so he did.
Mistake.
At 7:10 I received a call from Mr.
"You didn't tell me that she had to be at the high school."
"I did tell you. We discussed it. I whined about having to go there and that's when you said you'd take her."
"Oh... I guess I wasn't listening."
(No foolin'!)
"We aren't going to make it."
"The bus leaves at 7:30. You can make it. Just drive! If you don't make it, bring her back and I'll take her!" I was NOT happy and my tone of voice was not calm or sweet or nice...
"No... I'll take her."
"You don't know where it is, and you don't know where you are going."
(They don't call him Wrong Way for nothing.)
"You can direct me over the phone."
"No I can't! Just drive! And if you don't make it, bring her back!"
We hung up at that point.
At 7:25, the phone rang again.
"Did you make it?"
"Yes, we made it. The band directors got a good laugh when I told them that the middle school is awfully quiet this time of day. I couldn't understand why you were so hot and bothered that we hadn't left by 6:50."
"What did they say?"
"They were laughing! Then I told them that I thought your hand was going to shoot out of the phone and dope slap me."
He is very lucky that I'm too cheap to pay for that option... But, it just might be worth it.
LLB had to be at the high school on Saturday morning at 7:15 to catch the bus - with the rest of the district band kids - to the district band venue an hour or so away.
On Friday and a few days before that, Mr. and I were discussing the Saturday bus. I was whining that it was at the high school. He said that he would take her on Saturday and then go to his church activity.
On Saturday morning, LLB was ready to go. Mr. was nowhere to be found. I went looking and found him in the shower. I said, "What are you doing? You have to be there at 7:15. It's 6:50. You should be leaving now... it takes 20 min. minimum to get there."
"I have plenty of time."
Well, at 6:55 they pulled out of the driveway.
LLB wanted me to take her, but Mr. "really wanted to take her"... so he did.
Mistake.
At 7:10 I received a call from Mr.
"You didn't tell me that she had to be at the high school."
"I did tell you. We discussed it. I whined about having to go there and that's when you said you'd take her."
"Oh... I guess I wasn't listening."
(No foolin'!)
"We aren't going to make it."
"The bus leaves at 7:30. You can make it. Just drive! If you don't make it, bring her back and I'll take her!" I was NOT happy and my tone of voice was not calm or sweet or nice...
"No... I'll take her."
"You don't know where it is, and you don't know where you are going."
(They don't call him Wrong Way for nothing.)
"You can direct me over the phone."
"No I can't! Just drive! And if you don't make it, bring her back!"
We hung up at that point.
At 7:25, the phone rang again.
"Did you make it?"
"Yes, we made it. The band directors got a good laugh when I told them that the middle school is awfully quiet this time of day. I couldn't understand why you were so hot and bothered that we hadn't left by 6:50."
"What did they say?"
"They were laughing! Then I told them that I thought your hand was going to shoot out of the phone and dope slap me."
He is very lucky that I'm too cheap to pay for that option... But, it just might be worth it.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Paying Attention...
Mr. and I put up the baby gates to keep Zeb in the kitchen. Note: Mr and I. Not #1 and I. Not LLB and I... MR. and I.
I was balancing the checkbook and Mr. was puttering around the kitchen. One second he was talking to me and the next second I heard a huge crash. Mr. had, very ungracefully, fallen over the baby gate and landed on his face. Instead of the end of the sentence, I heard a very small "ow".
Fortunately, he didn't hurt anything except his pride. (I made sure he was okay before I giggled.)
Needless to say, I take one gate down after I put Zeb to bed for the night. Lord knows that I simply can't have Mr. doing face-plants in the kitchen before going off to work in the morning. Not without me being there to laugh umm... I mean help him up, anyway.
I was balancing the checkbook and Mr. was puttering around the kitchen. One second he was talking to me and the next second I heard a huge crash. Mr. had, very ungracefully, fallen over the baby gate and landed on his face. Instead of the end of the sentence, I heard a very small "ow".
Fortunately, he didn't hurt anything except his pride. (I made sure he was okay before I giggled.)
Needless to say, I take one gate down after I put Zeb to bed for the night. Lord knows that I simply can't have Mr. doing face-plants in the kitchen before going off to work in the morning. Not without me being there to laugh umm... I mean help him up, anyway.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Last Big Blast
Our party to end all parties is tonight. Mr. made his world famous chili and our house smells great. Gram has been cooking for the past few days and has wonderful goodies to set out tonight.
I did the costco run - I made sure that the adult beverages are in excellent supply. Yup, my car sounded like a beer truck making a delivery... clink clink clink all the way home.
I have a few more presents left to wrap and some laundry to fold. I did some dusting and I need to run the vacuum in the family room. Other than that, the rest of the house looks pretty good. I have to put the children's gifts for their friends in a big basket - and then they have to remember to give the gifts.
Some of LLB's and #1's friends will be here with their parents tonight. I love these kids and I want them to be here. I do NOT want little kids here. They touch my stuff and break things - like LLB's coo coo clock. One woman who has a bratty little kid (who broke the coo coo) called yesterday and asked if children were coming. I told her that the older kids would be here, but that I'd rather not have the younger set. She was a bit put off and I think she is still bringing her kid... All the others with younger children are leaving them home. Why can't she do that?
Well, I'm sure I'll have all kinds of blog fodder pop up tonight. I just hope I can remember it all to share with you tomorrow. Maybe I'll keep a notebook and a pencil in my back pocket, so I can write it all down as it happens... Or, I could be nice and take the stance that "what happens at the party... stays at the party". Nah... What fun is that?
I did the costco run - I made sure that the adult beverages are in excellent supply. Yup, my car sounded like a beer truck making a delivery... clink clink clink all the way home.
I have a few more presents left to wrap and some laundry to fold. I did some dusting and I need to run the vacuum in the family room. Other than that, the rest of the house looks pretty good. I have to put the children's gifts for their friends in a big basket - and then they have to remember to give the gifts.
Some of LLB's and #1's friends will be here with their parents tonight. I love these kids and I want them to be here. I do NOT want little kids here. They touch my stuff and break things - like LLB's coo coo clock. One woman who has a bratty little kid (who broke the coo coo) called yesterday and asked if children were coming. I told her that the older kids would be here, but that I'd rather not have the younger set. She was a bit put off and I think she is still bringing her kid... All the others with younger children are leaving them home. Why can't she do that?
Well, I'm sure I'll have all kinds of blog fodder pop up tonight. I just hope I can remember it all to share with you tomorrow. Maybe I'll keep a notebook and a pencil in my back pocket, so I can write it all down as it happens... Or, I could be nice and take the stance that "what happens at the party... stays at the party". Nah... What fun is that?
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Eighteen
That's how many years we've been married, my Mr. and I.
Today.
I would do it all over again.
This weekend was a whirlwind but I just have to tell you all about it.
I'll start with Friday afternoon.
3:15 - retrieve #1 from school bus. Bus is late. Arrives at 3:24
3:25 - get LLB from school. School is 15 min. away at 65 miles per hour. The roads are icy. Do you see a problem here?
3:35 - I arrived at school behind my friend K who had Dancing Princess whom I needed to put into my car along with LLB. Oh - did I mention I was driving the civic? 1 six foot boy, 1 LLB and an 1 DP along with all their school bags, dancing bags, instruments, and general junk. It was quite a sight in that back seat. My trunk was full - it had a small chair for the ballet lady, #1's swim bag, LLB and #1's rehearsal clothes and #1's costume...
3:55 - Arrive at McDo in nearby town. Feed children.
4:30 - Arrive at high school for dress rehearsal for Nutcracker
5:30 - Mr. arrives from Honda dealer where my car had it's oil changed and we go to dinner.
7:30 - Mr. removes #1 from dress rehearsal and takes him to the high school swim meet (fortunately it was across the street). I stay and take dress rehearsal pictures.
9:30 - LLB is released from rehearsal. We head home.
10:00 - Take Zeb out. Feed Zeb. LLB runs off to bed.
10:30 - Zeb is under my bed. I'm falling asleep.
11:30 - Mr. arrives home with #1
Are you ready for Saturday?
6:30 - get up and get everyone else up. Dress in layers.
6:55 - go through McDo drive thru for breakfast
7:35 - arrive Manassas for District Band Auditions. Mr. and #1 head for high school line. LLB and I stand in Middle School line with R, HP, my friend G and her daughter A. Toes get cold. We are outside.
8:30 - door opens. We register. LLB, HP and A warm up in an auditorium with 200 other musicians in it. Parents become deaf rather quickly.
This is where the story gets hairy...
Mr. comes and tells me that none of the kids from our high school can register because their teacher isn't there. Their teacher isn't supposed to be there today another teacher (who is also the clarinet judge) is supposed to take care of them. She is not there. The check from the school is not there. I head out to fix this foolishness. I make some waves. Mr. makes some waves. They finally let the kids register. The teacher arrives at 10am. She was supposed to be there at 8am. Do you see a problem??? Hmmmm??????
LLB has #1 for trumpets - this means she auditions first. This could be good... or this could be bad. She sets the bar. She comes out confident. #1 should have had #4 or #5, but ends up with #18. This puts our schedule at risk for this afternoon.
He comes out confident, but knows he made a couple of mistakes. We shall see....
We run home. I get hair gel and brushes ready. #1 shaves and heads to shower. I put LLB's hair in a bun. #1 comes out of shower and gets his hair gelled. We head out. It is 12:45. Rehearsal starts at 12:30. I have been trying to reach the ballet lady since 11am to tell her we would be late. No luck.
12:59 - head through drive thru. Again. Yes, they know us by name now. We make relatively healthy choices.
1:30 - arrive at HS for Nutcracker performance at 2:30.
Set up tables for star grams, tickets and concessions. Mr. sets up his video camera to film for the ballet lady.
2:30 - The show starts. It is lovely!!!
#1 is Drosselmeyer. He does a fantastic job. LLB is everything from a soldier, to an angel, to a snow flake, to a flower. She is graceful. She is gorgeous!!!
4:30 - show is over and children are ready to go. We need to be back at 6:30 for a 7:30 show. #1 has homework. He stays at school to study. We head out in search of food. It will NOT be McDo. We decide on a small pizza for the girls and a crab sub for Mr. We bring back a meatball sub for #1.
7:10 - The kids' private instrumental teacher, Mr. H, arrives to see the show. He asks how the children did that morning. We chat. I tell him about the teacher who didn't show up until 10. He is not impressed with her. It seems she is trying for the same HS teaching job he is at the new HS in our county. I hope he gets it - even if it means the private lesson schedule becomes messier. I do not want that irresponsible woman to get a primo teaching spot in the new high school - even though my children will not be attending that school.
7:30 - curtain goes up. The performance isn't as smooth as the earlier one, but it is beautiful. #1 and LLB did great!!! Mr. H. is impressed with both of them. It is sweet.
10:15pm - arrive home.
10:30pm - children are asleep. They are pooped out!!!
It was a very very long day...
6:50 am this morning. I check my email. There is an email from LLB's band teacher.
LLB has made District Band!!
She will be so excited - when she wakes up...
We have another busy day today, but it is all fun.
We have Cotillion Holly Ball today.
LLB and HP are looking forward to "letting their hair down" and "boogieing the night away".
More on that later --- News at 11.
Today.
I would do it all over again.
This weekend was a whirlwind but I just have to tell you all about it.
I'll start with Friday afternoon.
3:15 - retrieve #1 from school bus. Bus is late. Arrives at 3:24
3:25 - get LLB from school. School is 15 min. away at 65 miles per hour. The roads are icy. Do you see a problem here?
3:35 - I arrived at school behind my friend K who had Dancing Princess whom I needed to put into my car along with LLB. Oh - did I mention I was driving the civic? 1 six foot boy, 1 LLB and an 1 DP along with all their school bags, dancing bags, instruments, and general junk. It was quite a sight in that back seat. My trunk was full - it had a small chair for the ballet lady, #1's swim bag, LLB and #1's rehearsal clothes and #1's costume...
3:55 - Arrive at McDo in nearby town. Feed children.
4:30 - Arrive at high school for dress rehearsal for Nutcracker
5:30 - Mr. arrives from Honda dealer where my car had it's oil changed and we go to dinner.
7:30 - Mr. removes #1 from dress rehearsal and takes him to the high school swim meet (fortunately it was across the street). I stay and take dress rehearsal pictures.
9:30 - LLB is released from rehearsal. We head home.
10:00 - Take Zeb out. Feed Zeb. LLB runs off to bed.
10:30 - Zeb is under my bed. I'm falling asleep.
11:30 - Mr. arrives home with #1
Are you ready for Saturday?
6:30 - get up and get everyone else up. Dress in layers.
6:55 - go through McDo drive thru for breakfast
7:35 - arrive Manassas for District Band Auditions. Mr. and #1 head for high school line. LLB and I stand in Middle School line with R, HP, my friend G and her daughter A. Toes get cold. We are outside.
8:30 - door opens. We register. LLB, HP and A warm up in an auditorium with 200 other musicians in it. Parents become deaf rather quickly.
This is where the story gets hairy...
Mr. comes and tells me that none of the kids from our high school can register because their teacher isn't there. Their teacher isn't supposed to be there today another teacher (who is also the clarinet judge) is supposed to take care of them. She is not there. The check from the school is not there. I head out to fix this foolishness. I make some waves. Mr. makes some waves. They finally let the kids register. The teacher arrives at 10am. She was supposed to be there at 8am. Do you see a problem??? Hmmmm??????
LLB has #1 for trumpets - this means she auditions first. This could be good... or this could be bad. She sets the bar. She comes out confident. #1 should have had #4 or #5, but ends up with #18. This puts our schedule at risk for this afternoon.
He comes out confident, but knows he made a couple of mistakes. We shall see....
We run home. I get hair gel and brushes ready. #1 shaves and heads to shower. I put LLB's hair in a bun. #1 comes out of shower and gets his hair gelled. We head out. It is 12:45. Rehearsal starts at 12:30. I have been trying to reach the ballet lady since 11am to tell her we would be late. No luck.
12:59 - head through drive thru. Again. Yes, they know us by name now. We make relatively healthy choices.
1:30 - arrive at HS for Nutcracker performance at 2:30.
Set up tables for star grams, tickets and concessions. Mr. sets up his video camera to film for the ballet lady.
2:30 - The show starts. It is lovely!!!
#1 is Drosselmeyer. He does a fantastic job. LLB is everything from a soldier, to an angel, to a snow flake, to a flower. She is graceful. She is gorgeous!!!
4:30 - show is over and children are ready to go. We need to be back at 6:30 for a 7:30 show. #1 has homework. He stays at school to study. We head out in search of food. It will NOT be McDo. We decide on a small pizza for the girls and a crab sub for Mr. We bring back a meatball sub for #1.
7:10 - The kids' private instrumental teacher, Mr. H, arrives to see the show. He asks how the children did that morning. We chat. I tell him about the teacher who didn't show up until 10. He is not impressed with her. It seems she is trying for the same HS teaching job he is at the new HS in our county. I hope he gets it - even if it means the private lesson schedule becomes messier. I do not want that irresponsible woman to get a primo teaching spot in the new high school - even though my children will not be attending that school.
7:30 - curtain goes up. The performance isn't as smooth as the earlier one, but it is beautiful. #1 and LLB did great!!! Mr. H. is impressed with both of them. It is sweet.
10:15pm - arrive home.
10:30pm - children are asleep. They are pooped out!!!
It was a very very long day...
6:50 am this morning. I check my email. There is an email from LLB's band teacher.
LLB has made District Band!!
She will be so excited - when she wakes up...
We have another busy day today, but it is all fun.
We have Cotillion Holly Ball today.
LLB and HP are looking forward to "letting their hair down" and "boogieing the night away".
More on that later --- News at 11.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Marriage Me Me
I've had this wedding meme set aside for quite some time. I could wait for our anniversary, but I just know I'll forget to post it. So - here it is:
1. Where/how did you meet? At a softball game. He was on the bench waiting for his turn and I came to watch the guys in my office.
2. How long have you known each other? We met in May of 1987
3. How long after you met did you start dating? 6 months or so. My office mates weren't thrilled when we started dating as they believed it was like Snow White meets Darth Vader. Alas, they knew not of what they spoke.
4. How long did you date before you were engaged? Just over a year. We got engaged at Christmas. My ring was in the toe of my stocking.
5. How long was your engagement? A year
6. How long have you been married? It will be 18 years in December
7. What is your anniversary? 12-9-1989
8. How many people came to your wedding reception? 80 Nice and small.
9. What kind of cake did you serve? Carrot with butter cream frosting
10. Where was your wedding? Wilmington Congregational Church for the ceremony and The Andover Inn for the reception
11. What did you serve for your meal? Lots and lots of hors D'euvres and a carving station
12. How many people were in your wedding party? My sister, my friend Jen, Mr.'s Dad and brothers
13. Are you still friends with them all? Yes
14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? Yes
15. Most special moment of your wedding day? I have a couple. It snowed just a few snowflakes as I walked into the church. I look at that as my blessing from above. Peeking into the church with my dad to see everyone. Watching Mr.'s face as I walked up the aisle.
16. Any funny moments? Mr.'s ring wouldn't go on his finger!! LOL!!
17. Any big disasters? Our organist backed out the day before. I called an old friend of the family and she bailed us out. I told her she could play whatever she wanted.
18. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Stowe, Vermont - the coldest week of the year. Too cold to ski.
19. How long were you gone? A week
20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change? Working heat in the condo at Stowe. The heat wasn't working - at all - and it was the coldest week they'd ever had up there. Yup - about Tuesday, I asked to go home to our nice warm house in MA. We got moved to a different condo with heat. :-)
21. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Left
22. What size is your bed? Queen
23. Greatest strength as a couple? Together we can do anything
24. Greatest challenge as a couple? Ummm... I dunno
25. Who literally pays the bills? Me.
26. What is your song? As time goes by
27. What did you dance your first dance to? As time goes by
28. Describe your wedding dress: Long sleeved, high neck, lots of lace, candlelight white, perfect length train long enough to look great - short enough to bustle up... simply gorgeous!
29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Creamy white roses and stephanotis with holly.
30. Are your wedding bands engraved? No. Mine cost exactly $22 at Service Merchandise. His cost $50 because it was a little wider. :-) Yes, we always were pretty cheap!
31. How old were you when you got married? I was 25. He was 36. I'd do it all over again. Actually we renewed our vows when we'd been married 10 years. We will probably renew at 20, too!
1. Where/how did you meet? At a softball game. He was on the bench waiting for his turn and I came to watch the guys in my office.
2. How long have you known each other? We met in May of 1987
3. How long after you met did you start dating? 6 months or so. My office mates weren't thrilled when we started dating as they believed it was like Snow White meets Darth Vader. Alas, they knew not of what they spoke.
4. How long did you date before you were engaged? Just over a year. We got engaged at Christmas. My ring was in the toe of my stocking.
5. How long was your engagement? A year
6. How long have you been married? It will be 18 years in December
7. What is your anniversary? 12-9-1989
8. How many people came to your wedding reception? 80 Nice and small.
9. What kind of cake did you serve? Carrot with butter cream frosting
10. Where was your wedding? Wilmington Congregational Church for the ceremony and The Andover Inn for the reception
11. What did you serve for your meal? Lots and lots of hors D'euvres and a carving station
12. How many people were in your wedding party? My sister, my friend Jen, Mr.'s Dad and brothers
13. Are you still friends with them all? Yes
14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? Yes
15. Most special moment of your wedding day? I have a couple. It snowed just a few snowflakes as I walked into the church. I look at that as my blessing from above. Peeking into the church with my dad to see everyone. Watching Mr.'s face as I walked up the aisle.
16. Any funny moments? Mr.'s ring wouldn't go on his finger!! LOL!!
17. Any big disasters? Our organist backed out the day before. I called an old friend of the family and she bailed us out. I told her she could play whatever she wanted.
18. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Stowe, Vermont - the coldest week of the year. Too cold to ski.
19. How long were you gone? A week
20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change? Working heat in the condo at Stowe. The heat wasn't working - at all - and it was the coldest week they'd ever had up there. Yup - about Tuesday, I asked to go home to our nice warm house in MA. We got moved to a different condo with heat. :-)
21. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Left
22. What size is your bed? Queen
23. Greatest strength as a couple? Together we can do anything
24. Greatest challenge as a couple? Ummm... I dunno
25. Who literally pays the bills? Me.
26. What is your song? As time goes by
27. What did you dance your first dance to? As time goes by
28. Describe your wedding dress: Long sleeved, high neck, lots of lace, candlelight white, perfect length train long enough to look great - short enough to bustle up... simply gorgeous!
29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Creamy white roses and stephanotis with holly.
30. Are your wedding bands engraved? No. Mine cost exactly $22 at Service Merchandise. His cost $50 because it was a little wider. :-) Yes, we always were pretty cheap!
31. How old were you when you got married? I was 25. He was 36. I'd do it all over again. Actually we renewed our vows when we'd been married 10 years. We will probably renew at 20, too!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)