Weekend Recap: Adrenaline Overload

How could I forget to write about Saturday?! It was definitely more interesting (although somewhat terrifying) that the Drunken Friday. You see, Chris and Paul (see previous post) are skydivers, and that's something N has wanted to do FOR. EV. ER. So, we booked his first jump for Saturday afternoon, out at Skydive KS, which is an awesome place with great people, if you're in the area and want to jump. It's a little over an hour drive, and so Paul and his 2 year old daughter rode with us to the site. Chris happened to be doing his 100th jump that day, which meant he was jumping NAKED for that one. (Don't worry, he landed where the kids couldn't see, but it was still funny as hell) So... we hang out there for a few hours, N does all of the stuff to prep for his first jump, while the kids all run around, and the rest of us are just hanging out. (No... they have NOT convinced me to skydive yet, and I doubt they ever will). N jumps, has a great time, I videoed from the ground and will share that if I can figure out how to transfer from our camera to the damn computer! It's getting late, we've got 3 hungry and tired kids, time to head back home. Well, pit stop at McDonald's and we're on the highway, running into some traffic. I'm driving, and all of a sudden there is this guy right on my bumper, while we're doing 80 on the freaking interstate. I can't go anywhere, because of traffic, so I just cursed a little, prompting the guys to turn around and see how close this dude was. Dude (hereafter referred to as CrazyRedneckGuy, or CRG) has a serious case of road rage, and is so close that we can't even see the hood of his truck behind us, only the dashboard. He cuts over into the right lane, pulls up beside us, and kind of nudges over, as if he was going to run us off the road. He pulled away, and got in front of me. Whatever, have a great night, CRG... it's not that important. N is getting his phone to call 911, and report the road rage. Well, I guess he decided it was, because suddenly he switches lanes again, and gets beside us again, AND PULLS A FUCKING GUN. I didn't see the gun (thank GOD, because I seriously might have passed out), since I was trying to not wreck the car, but N and P both did. CRG not only pulled the gun off his dash and aimed it at us, but he cocked the slide back with his finger on the trigger! HOLY SHIT!!! So, N is waiting on 911 to pick up, and tells me to slow down, because the guy has a gun, sending me into freak-out Mommy-mode. We're reporting to the dispatcher, and see him take an exit. Well, CRG took the exit, STOPPED, and waited for us to pass, then started chasing us. Thankfully, there happened to be a Sheriff sitting there listening to the call, and saw us pass, then saw CRG get on the highway to chase us. The Sheriff attempts to pull him over, and the guy runs. At that point, we pull off the highway to await the dispatcher's instructions, in case they want us to write statements. They tell us to go to a gas station at the next exit, and the police will meet us there to take our statements, because they had the guy in custody. He was close enough to us when he pulled the gun that N told the cop exactly what kind of gun it was, to a T, and was right. The Sheriff that came to take our statements saw that we had 3 small children in the car, and was furious that CRG had the nerve to not only pull a gun on the highway, but point it at a vehicle carrying small kids. He assured us he was charging CRG with everything he possibly could, attempted aggrivated battery, brandishing a firearm, etc. So, I hope it was worth it to CRG, because I'm certain he didn't make it to where ever he was heading in such a hurry that night, and jail cells aren't much fun. Now, here's the worst part. It's still not legal to carry a concealed weapon in KS, although that chages this month. It IS legal to carry one in TX, which is why you REALLY don't want to mess with Texans, because that granny you just cut off on I-35 may shoot your ass. Still, in the combined 10 years N and I had lived in TX, neither of us had any run in with that kind of road rage. N grew up near Indianapolis, I grew up near Philly, and P is from San Diego, and NONE of us had ever had that happen before, even in the worst parts of the cities we've been to. I don't know if it's the meth labs out here in the midwest, or what, but that is some CRAZY shit, I can't imagine the thought process behind something like that. Luckily, he didn't fire at us, or run us off the road, and the police did get him, but it really makes you wonder how crazy this world is. We all hugged our babies a little tighter when we got home, and it made one hell of a party story later that night.

Wait!! Not ready!!

Over here at the Insanity household it is not uncommon to procrastinate, often leaving us scrambling to pull whatever the task at hand happens to be. The current "project" that has been put off for way too long now? Easter eggs and baskets. Holy crap, Easter is next weekend. I'm not even CLOSE to prepared!! As a matter of fact I haven't even dug out the Easter decorations!! Shit... I wonder the Easter Bunny takes checks.

Some pictures from Get Drunk Friday

Here are some pictures since my drunken audio blog sucked... these are in no particular order of intoxication.

Nate early in the night


Tasha


Our wonderful host, Paul, and me. (Most of the drinking was at his house, although we did decide to stumble downtown to the bar at one point)


My love and me


N acting crazy, I'm feeling no pain at this point.


Joey


Our other wonderful host, Chris

The drunken posting

This was done in the early stages of the drunken debauchery, and I had intended on posting again, but quickly forgot how once a few more Liquid Cocaine and Jagermeister shots were imbibed. Hmmm... this GDF thing might take some practice.

Get Drunk Friday

The Rock Bitch has started Get Drunk Friday, and this is one "theme" I'm happy to join in on. The rules?
Get drunk, on Friday, and blog. Easy enough?? Well, leave me a comment or trackback if you participate, and don't forget to go tell Rock Bitch you said "Hi", no matter how slurred it may come out. Feel free to steal the button, it came from RB herself. I'll be getting drunk and audio blogging, for a special treat. I'll post pictures, if the people we're hanging out with give me the ok.

Swiffer Amazing Woman update

Grace made it to the semi-finals, but didn't make the top 10. :( I was so heartbroken, because she TOTALLY deserves to be in there!!! She, of course, took it gracefully (no pun intended), but I was all "BUT HALF THOSE PEOPLE ARE JUST AVERAGE PEOPLE!!!" And we all know Grace is ANYTHING but average!!! So... congrats to the finalists, and go over and tell Grace how she got ROBBED on that one, because she's TOTALLY amazing!

Idiot of the Week 4/3-4/9/2006

Subtitled: It's only Wednesday, and we have a winner already!!

MajorDad (See?? We actually DO agree on stuff from time to time!!) nominated Cynthia McKinney, a Congresswoman from GA for Idiot of the Week, and I think we have ourselves a winner!! Here's the Cliff Notes version of the story. Ms. McKinney is a black Congresswoman from GA. She apparently thinks every Capitol Police officer should know who she is, because, you know... there are only a COUPLE people in Washington, DC at any given time. So, in true DIVA form, she shows up late, without her lapel pin indicating she is a Congresswoman, and therefore allowed to bypass the security checkpoints. A Capitol Police officer stopped her (HIS JOB!) because of the circumstances, and she assaulted him. (She alleges he assaulted her first... time will tell, I'm sure there are security videos) She then holds a press conference with a couple of black celebs at a traditionally black college, saying this was a racial profiling thing, and it only happened because she's a black Congresswoman, etc. Charges may follow, we'll have to wait and see.

Ok, Ms. McKinney, let's chat. You see, the Capitol Police are there to PROTECT CONGRESS (that includes you, so show a little gratitude). They don't have the time or NEED to memorize everyone's face, that's why they give you the nice little pin for your lapel, which you admittedly were not wearing. I'm sure there are other ways to ID yourself as a Congresswoman (hell, I'm just an Army wife, and I have a DoD ID I have to show all the damn time) so the LOGICAL and NORMAL thing to do would be to IDENTIFY yourself in a calm fashion, rather than rush the checkpoint like you owned the place. When the officer DID HIS JOB, and stopped you, you could have CALMLY explained and identified yourself, and it would have been easy as pie. Instead, you chose to assault an officer of the law, which would have gotten most of us arrested on the spot, so I can't believe you are trying to claim you were treated unfairly because of your race. Are you a little slow or something?? Almost 5 years ago our nation was attacked by terrorists, and DC was one of the targets. Be grateful someone is always looking out for YOUR safety. Oh, and I don't know why you were running late, but it certainly wasn't because you were doing your hair. If you are a representative of your people, the least you could do is look presentable, rather than looking like a crackhead who just came down off a binge with Whitney and Bobby.

In case anyone thinks I'm being a little harsh here, this woman has a record of DIVA actions. She actually demanded an apology from Clinton's administration in 1998 after being stopped by White House guards. She's a total idiot. The NAACP and NOW both spoke on her behalf in this recent incident, I've lost what little respect I had for both of those organizations now. You might be thinking "But you're a woman?? How can you not support NOW?" Well, I think if you want to play in a man's world, you'd better act like a man, be it female soldiers, female cops, female Congressmen, or any other woman in a male dominated field. If you can't hang with the big dogs, stay on the porch. NOW enables these women to whine and bitch about unfair treatment, when in reality they want SPECIAL treatment just because they are women, and that's bullshit.

So, a big hat tip to MD on this one, you found the winner!!

Head start on IotW this week

Our first couple of nominees are in, thanks to Snopes.com Daily Snopes.
First up we have a nudist who got burned after trying to light a spider on fire. Dude... you're naked. Maybe you shouldn't play with fire while your balls are swinging in the wind. Just a thought!! And while I respect your right to be a nudist, I can't understand the thinking behind it. Balls are not pretty. Ever.

The second nominee is a woman who clearly NEEDED to be in the anger management class she lost her shit at. "Hi, this is the real world calling. It's generally not ok for adults to throw tantrums like that. Perhaps you should look into some medication, heavy sedatives might be a start." Threatening to pop a cap in someone's ass for asking if a seat is taken is just crazy. It says in the article she doesn't have any mental illness, just a behavior problem. No, REALLY??

So, it's looking like a good week for our little "contest". Any more idiots in the news? You know what to do.

Meme Monday: Sex Chronicles

This was stolen from Ammie, and out of all the memes today, this was the most interesting... LOL I guess my mind is just in the gutter!! Anyway, if you are related to me, or easily offended, you might want to look away... don't say you weren't warned.

1. How old were you the first time? Um, do I have to be honest? 15

2. Name of your first? Bill

3. Good or Bad? Horrible. We had dated for like 6 months, finally did the deed, and his Catholic guilt got the best of him, he cried. Um, wow... that was not good at all. Besides, we were both virgins, how good could it possibly be??

4. Name of the worst and why? Hmmm... I'd better not name names. I will say he really just had no idea what he was doing, and was experienced enough that he should have. *wink* If you know me well enough, ask me sometime, and I'll spill the beans, just not here.

5. Name of the Best and why? Like Ammie, I'm going to say my husband (and not just because he reads this!!). That boy is good... he's got some talent. ;)

6. Weirdest place you ever had sex? Weirdest? In a car, while he was driving. Probably not so much weird as DANGEROUS!

7. Favorite position? Haha, not telling

8. Ever fake an Orgasm? Yes

9. Would you admit it if the person asked? I've admitted it even when they didn't ask... but not always.

10. Favorite time of day to have sex? Late night

11. Most times you have had sex in one day? 6 or 7 haha!!

12. Same person? Come on now, what kind of question is that? And if it wasn't would I admit that?? But yes, it was.

13. Ever fantasize about someone other than the one your with? Sure, sometimes, but not WHILE I'm with him. I'm married, not DEAD.

14. Restrictions during sex? (I'm leaving Ammie's original answer here, because I couldn't have said it better myself!!) Do you mean restraints? Because I like restraints. If you mean limits to what is allowed–very few.

15. Accessories? They have their own drawer... that's all I'll say about that.

16. What? I'll never tell!! That's priviledged information. ;)

17. Done it in the rain? Yep.

18. Done it in a car? See number 6

19. Had a Threesome? I'll never tell!

20. Want to have sex now? Not RIGHT now... haha!!

Aren't you glad you now know more about me than you ever wanted to? Hey, get over it... we all have sex, who cares??

If you steal it give me a trackback so I know to come find you.

Idiot of the Week 3/27-4/2/2006 AND Idiot of the Month for March

Well, laziness (ok, and some Corona) prevented me from searching any more for IotW nominees, so the winner is the dumbass who landed the plane at the wrong airport. MD pointed out (and N confirmed) that this actually happened at Ft. Hood, someone landed a commuter plane on Hood Army Airfield by accident (obviously this was pre-9/11). How this can possibly occur is still beyond me, I mena I'm not a pilot, but don't you have to get clearance to land?? You can't just drop a plan out of the sky any old place you feel like it (barring emergencies). *sigh*

The winner of Idiot of the Month goes to... the guy who left his baby in the car and got on a commuter train. I need to work harder at this IotW thing, because going back LatteMan has given me most of my nominees, and I'm sure I'm missing out on lots of stupidity every day. In the meantime, is anyone other than LatteMan paying attention? There are lots of idiots, people! I can't keep up with all of them! Email or comment with anything you find that is particularly award-worthy!

Why I am a HORRIBLE blogger

Oh, let me count the ways...
Well, I checked my statcounter (something I used to check daily, if not more) tonight for the first time in a couple weeks. Still getting the usual perverted search hits (you want to do WHAT with your mom??)
I am finally uploading to Flickr again, something I'm horrible about... I was actually prompted because she added me as a friend ("Oh, yeah... I have a Flickr account!! And FRIENDS there!"), and I felt oh so special, like I'd met a celeb. Remind me to go buy her a margarita when I get back to TX, just so I can get her autograph.
I swear to all things Google that I AM reading your sites, even if I don't comment. Bloglines has made me lazy. Actually, the people who get the most comments from me are the ones who only have previews in their RSS feeds. If I have to click the link to read the rest, I comment. Hmmm... how do I make that happen for my feed? I could use more visitors. (see above)

However, I am considering making this up to the blogging gods by attending a certain convention this summer, which I dare not mention by name, lest my plans get shot down before they even leave the ground. Let's hope money and time will allow, and I will get to meet all the cool kids, not to mention hang out at Chez Grace, AND see MY CORI! In the meantime, I'll try to come up with something brilliant to dazzle all of you AND visit comment on your site this weekend. If I don't, blame Corona... it's all their fault.

On an unrelated note, I am so. fucking. bored. Really. BORED. I mean ready to beat my head in my keyboard.

Idiot of the Week nominees

I've found one so far today, but feel free to let me know if you've seen anything exceptionally stupid in the news. For now, we have the pilot who landed an airliner at the wrong airport. A military airport at that. "This is your captain speaking. We will be making our final descent into uh... well, whatever that place is with the bright lights. Thank you for flying Dumbass Air." Listen, you're a PILOT. This is what you do for a living!! I would think at least ONE of the requirements to get this job is a SENSE OF DIRECTION! Besides, don't they have nice little gadgets and stuff in the cockpit to tell you where the hell you are going? And where were the guys in the tower?? Don't you think someone would say "Hey, dipshit, you are at the wrong airport, and are certainly NOT cleared for landing??" WTF?!?!
We also have the moron who took his pet snake for a drive, only to have the snake wrap around his neck, and cause him to crash. Duh... I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time??

Mother Nature

Wow, I am dumb-founded. Having twins tends to draw a lot of attention, but this set of fraternal twins is amazing. Once again, this proves we just can't keep up with mother nature...

Ragtag Army

We are the wealthiest nation in the world, but at the moment our Army looks like the most ragtag bunch ever. You see, we're currently transistioning from BDUs (Battle Dress Uniforms) to ACUs (Army Combat Uniforms). So, let's take Ft. Riley as our example. Some soldiers are in BDUs, the camo green uniforms that most people associate with the military. Others have just come back from combat, and are in DCUs (Desert Combat Uniforms), the tan uniforms that we have used in desert wars of past. The DCUs are worn with no-shine tan boots, while the BDUs are worn with the shiny black boots. Some soldiers in BDUs are authorized by their units to be wearing the tan boots with the BDUs, which looks retarded. Even more variations are now in play, because we're switching to ACUs, which will be the full time uniform for all of the Army. So, pretty much? No one coordinates... AT ALL. To make it even more interesting, all of the gear, like helmets, flak jackets, and such are in the green woodland pattern of the BDUs, so regardless of what uniform you are wearing, your gear is BDU colored. All in all, this transitional stage is much like growing out your bangs, it looks awkward and is a total pain in the ass! It's a nightmare for a Virgo like me, I need things to MATCH! Some pictures for those of you who aren't military related, so you can understand what I mean.

ACUs on left, BDUs on right


DCU pattern

Complete laziness

Motivation? Got none... I mean NONE. I finally did wipe up the inside of the fridge, because it was really grossing me out, and did a little clean-up in the kitchen, but other than that, I am so unmotivated. It doesn't help that I've been coughing so hard I think I may have knocked a few organs loose, I'll never need to do crunches again after this cold. I REALLY need to get the house cleaned, but it's so much easier to just sit here and be lazy on the laptop. Nate sent me to bed at 7 last night, because I was so miserable and whiny. I am the poster child for assisted suicide, or at least high doses of morphine for the common cold. There is only so much whining someone can take, before they consider strangling their spouse... and by 7pm N had reached that point. Of course, the Nyquil wore off before midnight, and I spent 2 more hours trying to get back to sleep. Gah... I wonder how much it'll cost to call a maid for the week.

It wouldn't be as funny if it wasn't true

This was sent to me today by my friend Amy, and I about fell out of my seat laughing.

Dear Kotex,


I recently noticed that the peel-off strip of my pantiliner had a bunch of
"Kotex Tips for Life" on it. Annoying advice such as:


* Staying active during your period can relieve cramps.

* Avoiding caffeine may help reduce cramps and headaches.

* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep you hydrated and feeling fresh.

* Try Kotex blah blah blah other products


Obviously the individual behind this was someone who has never possessed a
functioning set of ovaries. Go ahead and tell a menstruating woman that
drinking 6-8 glasses of water will help keep her feeling fresh. See what
happens and report back. I'll wait.


While you're at it, dump out the coffee at work and remove the chocolate
from the vending machine. I garan-friggin-tee that the first responders will
be females who just ovulated. Look, females don't need or want tips for
living on feminine hygiene products. Veteran females have already concocted
their own recipes for survival, many containing alcohol.

Printing out advice while sneaking in ads for the brand that was already
purchased is just plain annoying, not to mention rude, and enough to send a
girl running to the Always brand.


Mostly we'd like to forget that we even need these products. It's not fun,
but DO NOT try to cheer us up by adding smiley faces or bunnies or flowery
cutesy crap to your products or the packaging. Put it in a plain brown
wrapper so we can throw it in our carts discreetly and have it blend in
among the wine and beer. There is nothing more annoying than having a
blinding pink package announcing your uterine state to everyone in the
store. So take your tips for living and shove them right up your . . .


Ovarily Yours,

Miss PMS

If I find

The person who gave me this damn chest cold, I'm killing them. I'm talking slow, painful torture, then death. In the meantime, I'll be the one on the couch, coughing until my ribs break.

Pimping

These guys are friends of the hubs, and a pretty damn good rock band. I'm trying to help pimp them out, so they can get on Warped Tour. Go listen to the song here, if you like it, let it finish (votes don't count unless you let it finish.) They're huge in Texas and have been featured by Budweiser, on Dish Network and DirecTv, have toured with some major rock groups, and are trying to finally get the major recording label deal they deserve.


I have NO idea why the links aren't tan like they are supposed to be, but scroll over to highlight them, and give them a click!!!

Making Monday better

Buzz managed to perk my Monday up when I saw last week's Eye Candy Friday post. Hmm... Lisa Kudrow, Colin Farrell (meh... not my type), Adriana Lima, and then....



Thank you, Buzz... that was like a fresh Starbucks being handed to me! YUM!

What?!

It's Monday already?? What?! But it was just Friday, like 5 minutes ago!! This bites, I hate Mondays! Oh well, at least I read some blogs this weekend, I was more than a little behind. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

MajorDad's Rebuttal

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Idiot of the Week 3/20/06-3/26/06

LatteMan came to the rescue with the winner of Idiot of the Week. Man parks car, gets on train, forgets baby in the car. Anyone want to take a guess how long his wife will be making him sleep on the front porch?? "Hmmm, got my wallet, briefcase, cell, keys, PDA... yep, good to go!! Yet, it feels like I'm forgetting something. Oh well... off to work!!"
Yes folks, we have a clear winner here!!

BUSY

I didn't even get a post up for idiot of the week yet, so if anyone had any suggestions, please leave them in comments. We've been quite busy, with some work/personal problems, dealing with idiots and liars is always fun. Anyway, um... yeah... I am not ignoring you, I'm trying to keep up with the million cool blogs I read, but dammit, 24 hours in a day is not enough!! Anyone figured out how to clone me yet???

Some food for thought

Cori emailed me this link, definitely a thought-provoking piece.

Complete Bullshit

Wow, that sure was fast. They convicted Sgt. Smith of 6 of the 13 counts of abuse he went on trial for. He's here at Riley, which I was unaware of when I wrote my previous post (I guess I should read the post newspaper more often) and I really wish I could go see him, shake his hand, and tel him how sorry I am that the system fucked him. He'll be sentenced later today, this should be interesting. You know what chaps my ass the most in this case? September 11th terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui has been in custody forever now, and the crimes he committed were in 2001. We STILL can't seem to get his trial moving at any kind of decent speed, they are trying to delay it, trying to drop charges, trying to call the FBI liars to get him off on conspiring in the biggest mass murder in US history. However, a soldier lets his dog scare a couple of terrorists, and we convict him in less than 18 hours of deliberation. That, my friends, is BULLSHIT. What have we become if we can't punish killers, but we can ruin the lives of those defending our freedom from said killers?? Oh, and for those of you who haven't been paying attention to the news this week, Bush has asked us to look past the bloodshed in Iraq and see the good happening there. I guess the 2,219 US soldiers dead as of right now is a small price to pay, especially when we are doing such wonderful things as convicting our soldiers of abusing terrorists in WAR. I mean, didn't you get the memo?? We're supposed to invite them to tea and krumpets, and ask them to pretty please tell us when they plan on killing us. DUUUUHHHHHHH!

I guess we got lucky *updated*

Apparently we're the lucky ones, because while all of the areas around us are getting pounded with snow, we got about an inch, but then it's been sleeting all day. So, we have a nice, cold layer of slush. YAY! Happy Spring!!

Update: Spoke too damn soon, we're getting some more snow now. Maybe we'll get lucky and N won't have PT tomorrow... one can hope!!

Lessons learned

I've been learning a couple of valuable life lessons lately. There are very few people in this world who you can trust, and all too often people that you think are your friends are really out to stab you in the back. This is especially true in today's military life, it's one of the darker sides to our unique world.

Nate and I grew up in small towns, where everyone knew you, and your family, and had for generations. Most of my life was spent with the same friends I had gone to pre-school with, people that I had known since I was in diapers, whose parents had gone to school with my mom and uncle, etc. Back home, there were always people you could trust, you could depend on them, and we would all give the shirts off our backs for one another. We are still like that, but when you're military, and you move around a lot, you have to learn to make friends quickly, or stay to yourself. Of course, after I got stabbed in the back by a few military wives I had made "friends" with at Ft. Hood, I made up my mind to not get too close to anyone, because apparently I have SUCKER tattooed on my forehead. Hey, I'm not perfect, but I try to be a good friend, and not to hurt anyone, but it seems to mean drama will find me. Regardless, being social creatures, we made some friends here, and I broke my own rule of not allowing anyone to get to close to us.

It's usually pretty easy for the guys to create tight bonds, especially if they have been deployed together. The wives usually end up friends by proxy, because you always need someone to help you stay sane when your spouse is gone. Secrets are shared, recipes traded, favors exchanged and so on. Unfortunately, there always seems to come a point where things go wrong, usually because of the other stress thrust onto us, one too many deployments, a few too much time in the field, etc. Sometimes it's a divorce, sometimes it's a falling out between spouses, sometimes some bad blood between the soldiers, but whatever the reason the former friends are now sworn enemies. It's never as simple as "You leave me alone, I'll leave you alone, done." because the soldiers still have to work as a unit, there are mandatory events to attend, and so on.

Ultimately, it's the one thing I hate most about the military life. We actually thrive on being a military family, not everyone can, but we enjoy it. It is challenging at times, but can be greatly rewarding, yet when it gets ugly, it is really ugly. The good news is you can always move onto the next post, and work with a clean slate. Now, how much longer until we can leave this place?

The one thing I never thought I'd say

It's damn near blasphemy for an Eagles fan to say they like the Cowboys. My dad would stroke out if he heard me say I just might have to become a Dallas fan, because they are signing T.O. Honestly, we all know T.O. is an ass, and that he doesn't always play nice off the field, but he's such a great player, and entertaining as hell, so I'm glad he'll be playing again this season.

Who doesn't love new shoes??

Meet my new shoes... I ordered the black strappy ones last night... nothing like retail therapy after a bad day!!!

Category Help PLEASE!!!!!

The wonderful Laura hellped install categories on my site, with the instructions I had from another blogger, however, I'm not pleased with the way PicoSearch works. Do any of you have cetegories on a Blogger site?? Can you tell me how to do it? I'll love you forever and devote a whole post to how wonderful and intelligent you are if you can give me a hand with this!!! Come on, SOMEONE muct know a good Blogger hack for categories!! MUAH!

Idiot of the Week 3/13/2006-3/19/2006

This was too easy... sometimes the idiots just fall right into your laptop!! Man sues after hitting his own car. Wow... no wonder people think Americans are idiots.

Some military discounts and freebies

I came across this while looking for details on T-Mobile's military discount program, and was pleased to find some of the major theme parks have extended their offers for free or discounted tickets to their parks, including Busch Garden parks, which means we'll be able to take the kids to Sesame Place when we finally make it to NJ for our visit. Check it out if you are active duty or retired from the armed services, and see what discounts are out there for you! These aren't just theme park discounts and travel, but stores like Goody's, and other places that will offer you a discount with a valid ID!! Go on now, check it out!

OH. MY. GOD!!!

Remember Swiffer's Amazing Woman of the Year nominations?? Well, the asshole at IT2M that reviewed my site thought I had that post up to beg people to nominate me, but that was the furthest from the truth. In fact, I had it up because Swiffer sends me free things and asks me to review them, so I'm on their list to promote events like this. Anyway, I digress... I nominated the FABULOUS Grace Davis, I really could not think of anyone more deserving than a woman who so selflessly gave her time, money, and energy to organize relief efforts for families affected by Katrina and Rita. I had to actually let her know ahead of time, so I could get some contact information from her (to which she responded "Why do you need it? ARE YOU COMING TO VISIT? I expect to see you in the next 48 hours!!!" because she is just that sweet!), but honestly, I had no idea what kind of response this thing would get, or if she would make it to the semi-finals. Well, I got a phone call this morning, and she has been chosen as a semi-finalist!!! She doesn't know it yet, since it's still early on the West coast she's in Austin for SXSW, but I cannot wait to call and congratulate her. In the meantime, head over to her personal site, (and check out her relief blogs if you somehow missed them) and let her know how amazing she is!!!

I need a clone, a private island, and a cabana boy with some tropical drinks

I'm drained. Really. The kids, the house, some unexpected things to deal with in the Insanity household, helping one friend with her divorce and pending move, having my feelings hurt by another friend who has seemingly blown me off, dealing with insurance companies, daily chiropractic appointments again just to feel normal, spring cleaning... blah blah blah, the list goes on. We might be moving sooner than we expected thanks to BRAC, or we might get stuck here (oh HELL no!!) there are decisions to be made, stacks of papers to fill out, a million phone calls to make, and just a general sea of life crap dumped in my lap. I'm in desperate need of a clone, so Cori and I can run off to some private island where 21 year old cabana boys will bring us tropical drinks, and no cell phones are allowed. I'm seriously considering hiding in our friend's truck when he leaves here for Cali at the end of the month, just so my Cori can come rescue me and I can then kidnap her. Of course, the husbands and children might start looking for us... damn.

Looking up *random update*

Today started off better than expected, for sure! A call from my doc saying he'll call in a script rather than go through the hassle of an appointment. Hang up the phone, rings again, call from the insurance company of the person who ran into us last week (he was trying to deny responsibility and we've been FREAKING out over that), they are covering the claim and setting us up with a rental while our van is in the shop. So, we can get our sliding door fixed and not have to worry about transportation during the repair. Get the mail, my new debit card came in, since mine was deactivated last week when Visa had a little snafu in their system and some card numbers were compromised (which led to an embarassing situation at the store, when my card wasn't working after banking hours and I had NO idea why!) Not a bad start at all!! Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket? Nah... why press my luck?

Update: In order to activate my card, I have to go to an ATM. Since my bank is a Texas bank, there are no in network ATMs, which mean even with a balance inquiry I incur a $1 charge from them. They now think I'm nuts, because I just called and asked them to refund that charge, considering I had to activate a new card last month when mine expired, and incurred the fee then. Yeah, it's only a dollar, but WTF? Why should I have to pay for Visa's mistake, just so I can use my freaking debit card?? *sigh* This stuff always happens at *that* time of the month, which just puts me in a fighting mood. Also raising my blood pressure today was the complete incompetence at Enterprise, where we had to get our rental while our van is in the shop. After calling when we left post (20 minutes away), then calling while at the bodyshop (5 minutes from Enterprise) we had to wait another 30 minutes for the stupid people to pick us up. Finally, when we couldn't get through on the phone the body shop told us to go over there, get our rental, leave the keys to our van their, and they would go pick it up, because we obviously have a little bit more to do with our day than sit around with our thumbs up our asses waiting on these idiots. I go to pick up the rental car, a new Trailblazer because they were out of vans, and the thing looks like it took a cross country mudding adventure. The guy tells me not to worry about cleaning it before we bring it back, but we're going to have the thing for 10 days at least, and it's white, we're NOT driving around this truck looking like we pulled it from the swamp. So, N is doing Enterprise's job now, and washing their damn truck. This is why I NEVER rent from them, and if it weren't for the fact that it's not my insurance picking up the tab, I would have walked 3 steps to the left and rented from Hertz. I HATE incompetence!!! IDIOTS, ALL OF THEM!! Still, it hasn't been a bad day, just the minor annoyances of people who can't do their job or act like normal human beings.

Again, I ask... who the fuck cares about them??

Not the accused soldiers, of course, I care deeply for them. The detainees who were "abused" are the ones I couldn't give a shit about. America has two more in it's sight, ready to put them in front of a firing squad for doing their goddamn job. Oh, the poor prisioners in Abu Ghraib, they were mistreated and not given the royal treatment!! WAHHHH!!!! The soldiers scared them, and made them feel like criminals!! The poor things!! What about the Americans who were blown the fuck up, or tortured and beheaded by insurgents?? Fuck the Geneva Conventions, our soldiers have to follow the rules while the enemy gets to make it's own, and then they come home and go to jail, or get kicked out of the service, because they did what they had to do in WAR. It's not a playdate, buttercup.... it's fucking war... it's you or me, buddy, and I want to go home to my family. It's no secret my husband hasn't served in OIF yet, but I've still seen the damage first hand. I've been to the funerals, I've sat next to friends who have PTSD while they twitch and jump in their sleep, I've seen the scars, the limps, the guys missing limbs, the widows with young children, the alcoholism, the drug abuse, the absolute HELL that is left in the aftermath of this little project we have going on in Iraq. I've listened to the stories of horror and terror endured while serving in Iraq, young adults who will spend the rest of their lives reliving those moments in their head, unless they drink or medicate them away, or commit suicide to make them stop. Don't forget, folks, we're not at "war" anymore, but we still lose soldiers nearly every day. We're "winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people" while they throw grenades at our soldiers' feet and plant IEDs for them to run over. Now, this incident happened during the actual ground war, the same time as the other "abuse" in this now infamous prison. I say "Job well done, Sgt. Smith, and Sgt. Cardona. Hooah." It's a goddamn shame that the other soldiers like Charles Graner and Lynndie England went to prison for doing exactly what they should have, and the unfortunate reality is these two sergeants will probably face the same fate. It's complete bullshit, and an insult to ever soldier who risks his or her life for this "project".

Curious George

We took the kids to their first theater movie today. I know I've mentioned my complete hatred for movie theaters, but we wanted to give the kids a cool experience, so we took them to see a matinee of Curious George. Unlike Cori, I've never been a big fan of the little rascal, but this movie was CUTE!! It was perfect for our kids, because there wasn't anything they would have been frightened by, but still funny enough to not bore the crap out of adults. The kids had a blast, except for some trouble with the fold up seats, which made paying a week's salary on popcorn and candy totally worth it! So, that's twice in less than 4 months, when I hadn't set foot in a theater in over 3 years. I'm getting weak!!

Nevermind

Trip home cancelled. Tickets to game up for sale. :( Oh well, such is life.

Idiot of the Week 3/6/2006-3/12/2006

Well, LatteMan found another contender for Idiot of the Week, and I'm not sure if this one is an "idiot" or just plain ignorance. At least this one knew she was pregnant, and decided to go shop for some last minute items for the baby, at Wal*Mart. Well, during her shopping trip she delivered the baby... with the help of the Wal*Mart management team. I barely trust those people to ring me up correctly, letting them pull a human out of my cooter is out of the question. I suppose you do save a lot on those pesky hospital bills... Clean up in Layaway!!

How do you say Spam en Espanol?

It seems spammers have figured out how to get past my Gmail spam folder, by sending spam in Spanish. I suppose it might have been a good plan, but I took French in high school, so the message was lost on me. I think the subject line had something to do with becoming a millionaire though, maybe I should have asked my friend Yeida to translate. Oh, well...

Give me a fucking break

"I didn't realize I was pregnant!!" is the biggest crock of shit ever. I've been pregnant, so I can safely say it's something even the most airheaded chick figures out after a couple months. If you are old enough to have sex (which is debatable here since she's 13) you are old enough to understand that sperm + egg = BABY, and that if you are gaining weight, your period stops, and you keep getting nauseated, you might be pregnant. I hope this child's mom smacked her upside her head, and put her on some birth control. I'm just glad it wasn't an American for once, I'm tired of us always being the idiots. So... it's only Tuesday, but I think I've found my Idiot of the Week, unless someone can trump that!

Might as well taken his wallet too

Joaquin Phoenix got ROBBED at the Oscars. I didn't watch it, I'm not big on awards shows, but he DEFINITELY should have won for Best Actor in "Walk The Line". I cannot believe he lost to the guy from "Capote". Has anyone even SEEN "Capote"?? I've read "In Cold Blood", but really couldn't care less about Capote's life. The only thing I know about the writer is that he was strange, or at least that's how my grandmom described it when we were discussing the book. I defintiely think Johnny and June Carter Cash are way more interesting. So anyway, the guy may have had a spectacular performance playing Truman Capote, but who the hell cares... it can't possibly hold a candle to Joaquin as Johnny Cash. At least Reese Witherspoon won for Best Actress, the night wasn't a total loss.

A near-stroke (A girl post... fair warning!)

Ever wonder how to give yourself a mini-heart attack, and nearly stroke out? If you are a guy, look away... girl stuff ahead. It's my blog, and I'll write about it if I want to! You've been warned. Anyway, I'm bad about tracking my periods, and since we decided to put baby-making on hiatus, I haven't been tracking them well. The last one I remembered included a trip to the hospital while N was in the field. So, I'm frantic, thinking I'm late, but got a negative pregnancy test. I do the reasonable thing, and go back through my message archives with Cori, you know, because those things ocassionally come up in our conversations. Realize trip to the hospital was 41 days ago... nearly stroke out, then decide to think rationally. Grill N about 4 day weekend, "For the love of GOD man, did I have my period that weekend? I should have! PLEASE TELL ME IT WAS SO!!!!" Ahhh.... it was. Not late. Not pregnant. Will have period on vacation. DAMN IT! **sigh** Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I was a guy...

The lip ring

Nate got this pic with his cell while I was getting ready to go out. As you can see I am less than impressed at being caught in my "unfinished" state!


And just to prove that I DO look happy every once in a while, this is me and our cutie friend Danny at Rusty's Last Chance, which was listed in Sports Illustrated as the #12 Sports Bar in the country. Of course, that's giving the KState people the title of "sports fans", but whatever...

Why my husband is the coolest person ever

It's no secret to those who know me that I grew up near Philly and am a DIEHARD Philadelphia 76ers fan. We're going on vacation in a week to visit my parents. My amazing husband got us tickets to see the Sixers play the Hawks in Philly, section 105, Row FOUR. Oh. My. GOD!!!! It's not exactly on the floor (we do live on military pay, remember?!) but it's still close enough to reach out and touch Allen Iverson if he inbounds from that side! I've never been to a live NBA game before, and while I expected to eventually see them play in Dallas or San Antonio, seeing them at home is a huge deal to me! I will be taking lots of pictures, so prepare yourself for the onslaught. So. EXCITED!!!

Like the new digs? I think Laura, from Swank Web Style did an amazing job. So, a big thank you to Laura, for putting up with me, and I highly suggest you check them out when considering a blog makeover. Their talented designers, great prices, and quick service make them tops in my book!!

George Bush: Heaven or Hell?

A friend, and fellow Texan, posted this on a message board, so I had to share. Note the factoid at the bottom, it's sickening.


Now for a public service announcement...
Red Bull and Blue Curacao, plus Corona and lime do not do a body good. Everything SEEMED Kosher last night, but I assure you it is not this morning. Happy hangover...

Too funny

Nate came home from work today (why yes, they DID have to go in at 0545 today, we were SO pleased about that!) and told me to read this. For anyone who knows the life of a squad leader, I promise you'll laugh your ass off. Some high points? Counseling for failure to make coffee for the dayhos, snobishness, when the counselee is the counselors sexual partner, and counseling armed soldiers, and counseling lieutenants. I almost cried when reading the part about LTs. It wouldn't be as funny if it wasn't so damn true.

A true sign of being swamped.

Most of my Bloglines subscriptions had 15 or more posts unread. I suck, bigtime. And I only made it through half of them tonight, but look!!! Something SHINY!!

A little excitement to jumpstart the night

Ok, as if there wasn't enough going on around here, I was TRYING to get some cleaning done, and went to the car to get the XM receiver, so I'd have some tunes to keep me entertained. Hmmmm.... there are an awful lot of MPs on my street. Huh... well, maybe there was an argument. No... wait... there are 2 MPs standing at the end of my driveway. Nosy me, I ask if everything is ok.
"Yes Ma'am, but we need you to stay in your house. There's been a bomb threat."
"Um, I was just going to get something from my car. Bomb threat... um, do we need to leave?? My kids are sleeping in there!"
"Well, you are less than 200ft, hold on... where is the kids' bedroom? (I point above us) Let me talk to my partner, to see what we should do."
I go inside, wake N up, who is OUT COLD from a new medication he's taking, meanwhile the MPs knock on my door and tell us we SHOULD in fact evacuate for a while, until they get the dogs out and figure everything out. UM... HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!!
We grabbed the kids, and went to Yeida's, 3 blocks away. Poor doll was asleep, she got up and let us all crash until the police finally called and said we could come home, about an hour later. I have NO idea what happened, or how it started, I guess I'll have to read about it in the post paper, but DAMN... what a way to find out... do you think they could have given me a courtesy knock on the door or something, considering we may have been in danger?? It's been a bad month here, shootings on post, escaped soldier who was under court martial, an attempted murder, now this. Welcome home, boys... let the fun begin!!

Just to prove my mind has officially left the building

Ok, I go to check my gmail acct, and notice that it seems Military.com all of a sudden decided to send me the last 3 weeks worth of newsletters, WTF is up with that?? So, I delete them, still confused by the occurance, and then realize I've apparently emailed myself. It wasn't until AFTER I deleted the email from myself that I realized my husband had never logged out, and I was looking at his inbox. Um, wow... it only took me 2 minutes to figure that out, I might still be in the running for "Idiot of the Week".

I'm still alive and not ignoring you!

The total lack in comments lately is probably because I haven't been visiting your sites, and have been pretty MIA lately. I am SO behind on my Bloglines feeds that I am afraid to even look, but don't worry, I'll have plenty of time to catch up this weekend. In the meantime, I've been swamped with real life, my ex husband is coming to visit the kids (thus the extra time this weekend, I'll have no mini-tyrants running around!) and I've got a stack of paperwork as tall as I am for my little fender bender last week. Gotta love insurance!! So, I promise, I'll come see all of you, really I do still heart everyone!! In the meantime, some interesting things of my day... I found an Iraqi 10,000 dinar with Saddam on it in one of my old notebooks, (no I won't tell you where I got it), in mint condition. I'm sure it's something collectors might be interested in, but to me it's just this bizarre and interesting piece of paper that I'd forgotten I had. I used to have monies from all over the world, because my grandfather worked overseas and would collect such things for me, and I have no idea what ever happened to them, guess a call to mom is in order. A discussion on geneology on another site prompted me to renew (or rather upgrade to an adult membership) my registration in the Mayflower Society, and to start the papers for my children to be registered, which is just more paperwork "fun". I seem to enjoy making my life complicated, but I figure I owe it to my children and the rest of my family who did the research on our lineage to keep up with it. I know Ammie is interested in such things, I'm sure some of you have also looked deep into your family tree. Any interesting ties out there? Spring cleaning has begun, and I keep stubmling across the strangest things, things I had either forgotten about, or never realized I had, which is surprising since we've moved so much recently. Speaking of moving, N and I are discussing his career options, schools, assignments, just general direction of the next couple years to further his Army career. Throwing a nice little bit of spice to that is the brand new regs on tattoos, allowing tattoos on hands and necks (previously not allowed, although exceptions were sometimes made like N's wedding ring being tattooed on) and now he wants to get his hands worked on. It's hard because it's a passion of his, but it doesn't always appeal, the tattoos he has now have caused him to meet poor reactions in professional situations, any more visible tattoos can make or break a promotion or job offer, even the article in Army Times discussed the cons of it for NCOs. Ahhhh, the world of body mod... will it ever be fully accepted? Probably not, and that's ok, we like standing out. Speaking of which, I keep asking N how long it's going to feel as if I have a fish hook in my face, he's never had a lip piercing, and Jake had one get infected, so meanwhile I'm seriously wondering how insane I am to subject myself to such pain. Note to self, facial piercings do not heal easily. I don't remember having this much trouble with my tongue, but then again it was right around my 21st, and I spent a lot of time intoxicated. This post has been brought to you by my completely scattered mind (I'm seriously more out of it than usual this month, and cannot wait for March... this has been the month from HELL), once again proving you really are taking a peek into my insanity. I'm off to catch up on some email... anyone have suggestions for "Idiot of the Week" yet??

One Smack Only

I submitted myself over at IT2M to get smacked, and found the review up today. Ok, so it was bad, only one smack... I'm bummed, but hoping to get resmacked with some changes to the site. Of course, you don't get to pick your reviewer, and I got the one I would least like to choose if given the chance, but hey, no use crying over it, right?? Anyway, thanks to the Bitches for the traffic, although I have to say I AM pissed no one had anything to say for Randy and the other fallen soldiers I had devoted the previous post to. I'm probably just a little sensitive about that because it should have been Nate. There's a long and personal story behind that, but Nate wasn't supposed to be out of the Army at that time, Randy was his "replacement", and my husband is alive today because only because another man is not. Pay a little fucking respect to those men and women, they aren't just names on a list.

For Randy *UPDATED*

We just had to look up the exact information on the death of one of Nate's friends and former soldier, so we could have a memorial bracelet made. I never had the pleasure of meeting this young man, but he was my age when he died, just barely an adult, but fully a hero. Nate had the pleasure of serving with, training, and pinning Randy to Sergeant, Randy actually took over Nate's position in their squad when N left.

This post is for SSG* Randy Rosenberg, of Berlin, NH, who is survived by his young widow Misty, and so many friends and family who love him dearly.

KIA 2004Jan24 Khalidiyah, Iraq by a Vehicle-based IED. SSG Rosenberg was assigned to B co 1/9 Cav, Fort Hood,TX

*promoted to Staff Sergeant post-humously for his honorable service and ultimate sacrifice.

This isn't the only person Nate or I know who lost their lives in Iraq, and I'm sure most of you know at least one as well, so remember each and every one of the 2273 2276 soldiers who have died to date.
They haven't been forgotten.

Idiot of the Week 2/13-2/19 Part 2

Tax breaks up to $25,000.00 for people who buy gas guzzling SUVs like the Hummer and the Excursion. No, that wasn't a typo, the $3,100 tax rebates for people doing the responsible thing and buying Hybrids are a mere drop in the bucket considering the $$$ AND "prestige" of driving the Big Boys. The shared Idiot of the Week award goes to the Republicans who thought up that idea. I may be biased, but I think this actually TRUMPS my self-piercing, making me runner-up. Let's take a vote!!

Lips part 2 AND Idiot of the Week 2/13-2/19!!!!

I went and had the other side of my lip done last night, by a PROFESSIONAL, and it is coming along much better. So, in light of my incredible stupidity in insisting N pierce me himself, I am awarding Idiot of the Week to myself!! I may add a bonus IOTW if I come across anything INCREDIBLY stupid, but for now, I take the cake. I'll post pictures as the swelling from the home iercing subsides.

Patience is a virtue, Stupidity is a curse

Patience is not something I have a lot of. I had decided this week to finally get my lip pierced. Normally this wouldn't present a problem, except there are about 6 places in a 40 mile radius, and they all open and close at stupid hour. (Monday and Tuesday noon-8, Thursday -Sunday noon -8 kind of thing)
We'll Nate and I have had our share of time in body mod studios. We've seen this done, it did a little research, and decided we could to it ourselves. I wanted to go get a piercing gun from Walmart, but N didn't feel comfortable doing it that way, so a thick needle won out. Can I just say OWWWWWW??????
Ow.
Ow.
Ow.
We had trouble getting the hoop in, and finally gave up op the capture bead and just closed off the hoop instead. Did I mention ow?? Yeah.... so N feels really bad, but I practically begged him to do it, so I'm really no mad. Just sore. Send popsicles.




Christine asked for it... blame her if you are grossed out!!!

Update: Shortly after taking this picture, something told me it was not a good idea to keep it in, so I took it out, and will let the professionals handle it next time. The only shitty pat=rt if having so few parlors in this area!!

Idiot of the Week for 2/6-2/12

I almost forgot, y'll need to remind me and send me stories!!! Since I'm late on this one, I'm awarding our esteemed Vice President as Idiot of the Week, for shooting one of his buddies on a quail hunting trip. Quail are smallish birds, right? How do you mistake a small bird for GROWN MAN, that you know is with your party?? DUH!! Maybe he needs his eyes checked. At least there was a medical team there, since they are part of Dick's entourage in case his heart gives out again.

Tagged, part 1 ***Repost for Phil***

Major Dad tagged me with this meme (and Phil tagged me again!!), and I have nothing to talk about, so I cheerfully abliged. BTW, go check out Phil's site. He's a soldier, and although he and I don't agree on too much, he has a very interesting site about life on the "inside".

Four jobs I've held in my life: Deli clerk, bartender, sales rep, and customer service in a call center.

Four movies I could watch over and over: As Good As it Gets, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Lady and the Tramp (yes! the Disney version!!), um... that's it. I'm not a big movie buff.

Four places I've lived: Tabernacle, NJ; West Palm Beach, FL; Fort Hood/Killeen, TX; Fort Riley, KS

Four TV shows I love to watch: Roseanne (reruns on Nick at Nite!), Desperate Housewives, Over There, Wheel Of Fortune (I kick total ass at that game!)

Four websites I visit daily: Gmail.com, Bloglines.com, my online banking, Yahoo.com

Four of my favorite foods: Pizza, crispy chicken salad, manicotti, brownies

Four places I'd rather be: Texas, New Jersey, the Florida Keys, hanging out with Cori

Four albums I can't live without: What the hell are albums? (KIDDING!! Don't throw things at me!) Under the Table and Dreaming~ Dave Matthews Band, Before These Crowded Streets~ DMB, Live at Red Rocks~ DMB, Crash~ DMB (Can you tell I'm a huge fan?!)

So, I tag you. Yes, *you*! Leave me a comment if you play along.

Ewwww

Once again, the search results amaze me. I had not 1 or 2, but 10 different hits for $e*ual relations with one's mom, or admiration of one's mother's a$$. EWWWWWWWW. What the FU{K is wrong with people?!?!?!

A lag

You'll probably see a lag in postings for a little while. One of my best friends is getting a divorce, and moving back "home", so my days are spent dealing with insurance from my accident, and crying my eyes out. If you come here looking for happiness and sunshine this week, you might as well keep on moving. I promise I'll be back in the near future, so in the meantime, check out some of my commentors' blogs, and stuff on my blogroll. Oh, and send me idiot of the week submissions, I could use a good laugh.

Another do-over

Today, while dropping off donations for the Disabled Veterans thrift store, I backed into someone. It's my first accident, she wasn't in her vehicle, so luckily she wasn't hurt. My van has just a bit of surface damage to the rear right quarter panel, but her car's whole left taillight housing was ripped out. I almost cried, she was sweet about it, but I've never been so embarassed.So, we'll be dealing with the insurance company this week! Yay!! Also, we got newe id cards, and the lady who worked there was SO evil, I ended up complaining to the manager, and demanding an apology. She was called in to apologize, and her apology consisted of looking away from me, and saying "Im sorry, but.... blah blah blah". I told her I'd appreciate an apology without the "buts": we have a thing in our house that apologies don't come with "buts". She begrudgingly apologized, and I took what I could get. The supervisor told me he wants to fire her, but being a goverment employee it's nearly impossible, so I guess this isn't the fisrt incident. I'm goign to apply for a G pay job, those people make decent money, and I can do a MUCH better job than many of them. Asshats!!!

Then, I cancelled my Children's Place card, and had N cancel one of his higher interest cards. Hr spent 73 miinutes on hold, he was *going* to keep the care if they would match our rates from other cards, but after over and hour on hold, there was basically notihng they they could use to retain him. Oh, well, their loss!!

We cut Shane's hair back into a mohawk, per his request, and he looks SO cute!! All in all, it's not been a fun day, and I'm ready to go hide for the rest of the week,

The winner for "Idiot of the Week"

And the winner is....
Mr. Pot Dealer!!!

If you didn't catch the story, and 18 year old called the police in Utah because someone broke into his house and stole the pot he had intended to sell. The robber had broken a window and cut his arm. The police caught the guy, and called the "owner" to come identify the weed. He did, and was promptly arrested for possession in a drug-free zone with intent to distribute. DUUUUUHHHH!!!!

In the crosshairs

I looooooooove The Childrens Place clothing. However, there are thousands of children near most military bases, yet TCP never builds a store less than 40 minutes away. OK, fine, there is the website, which is shitty at best. When you finally get fed up, and drive out tho bumfuck to get to the clothes (which are affordable, and well made, they usually last my kids a full year if we buy a bit big), you're happy to just get what you need and leave. Well, I have a TCP credit card. It's issued by a bank that is another word for metropolis. This means you call one number for TCP issues/orders, and another for credit card issues. THEN they have this program that you can earn points, and be issued a 10% off pass after a certain amount of money spent. This involves yet ANOTHER number, because there are invariably problems with using your rewards. So, even with all the stresses, I LOOOOOOOVE their clothes, and buy them almost exclusively for my children. Now, with my CC, I asked for a credit increase a couple months ago, and was denied, even though I have NEVER been late, and often pay off in full. (My divorce ruined my other credit, but this card and a few others are spotless) So, I spend hundreds a year, to be given the run around when I need assistance with an order, and then I'm denied a measly $200 more in credit. I. Am. Pissed. So, I made my final payment tonight, and when their banker's hours open next week, I'll be telling them where to shove their goddamn card. What ever happened to taking care of the customer? What happened to treating them with respect, and giving them advantages for being a good customer. Three years of faithful spending with these people, and they don't give a shit about me, so fuck them. P I S S E D!!!! I guess I'll buy off Ebay, or find another company who knows how to treat good customers. So, this is to make up for all of the wonderful recommendations I've made to other moms, encouraging them to shop at this store. Don't bother, you aren't worth shit to them.

Idiot of the Week 1/30-2/5/2006

I am going to go a little early with the idiot of the week this week, because my weekend is going to be insane. I'm still taking stories, so if you've come across anything extra stupid, pass it on to me!! For now, the nominees are Mr. "Someone stole my pot" (a quick nod to Phil on that one), Miss "check forger who can't spell" (sadly enough, I know someone who made that mistake forging military documents) and 100 Swiss policemen who don't have a clue amongst them. Who do you think the award should go to? I'll take votes in comments until tomorrow afternoon!!

Houston?? **updated**

We have a problem. You see, we were planning on buying a big screen TV on Friday, just in time for Super Bowl. We're hosting a SB party here, and N got a little excited and invited every. one. we. know. I'm serious, if you HAVEN'T been invited, it's only because you haven't run into N in the last week. So, we're planning on squeezing half of Fort Riley into our small house, but the "main attraction" was the TV. Except everyone in this state apparently had the same ambitions, and there are NONE of the TVs that we wanted, in our price range, ANYWHERE in 150 miles. (Well, I can't say none, because I plan on hunting one down tomorrow, if I have to rent it from one of those rental places.) Oh, shit. So, I get to spend the next 2 days desperately calling every retailer in NE Kansas, hoping to find a TV. Shit, shit, shit. Actually, fuck, fuck, fuck. I think this dilemma calls for a "fuck!" or three. As if the rest of the party prep, plus N being in the field wasn't enough!!
On a brighter note, he was promoted today, I got to attend the ceremony, pin him, AND stick him with the pins. (Tradition, but some people complained like little whiners, so the military doesn't allow it as "hazing" anymore, but I'm not military, so bite me) It was a pretty cool experience for me, I am so proud!!

Update: Problem solved, thanks to our friendly Ripoff Rent-a-center. I figure a 1 month rental (the minimum allowed) for under $200 is a small price to pay to save my husband's ass (and mine by proxy) from humiliation. Happy Super Bowl everyone! Party at my house!!

Is the job REALLY that bad?

I cannot figure out this whole "postal shooting" thing. Apparently, a former postal employee killed a bunch of people at a mail processing plant, then herself, this week. Another victim, her neighbor, has been found as well. So, what is it with these people?! Why do postal workers lose their shit and kill everyone?! What is so freaking stressful about that job that they need to start shooting people? I think it's been a while since a mail worker went looney, I was a kid when the term "go postal" was really popular. So, what gives? Why all the disgruntled employees? They get paid well (considering it's not a job that requires much education), get good benefits, and a hell of a pension plan... I just don't get it. My job is harder than that, and the pay fucking sucks. Any postal employees want to chime in on this?