Confessions

When I was in the 6th grade and my cousin was in the 7th grade, in her music class they played recorders. For those who don't know what a recoder is, it's a clarinet type instrument but simpler. Anyway, I was so excited about getting to the 7th grade to be able to play it, too. Well, when I got to the 7th grade, the music teacher apparently decided not to do the recorder thing anymore. I was very disappointed. The same thing happened the year I was old enough to be in the showcase the P.E. teacher held. She decided not to do it the year I was ready. Bummer! In addition, the year I was eligible to begin eating "off-campus" at the restaurant across the street, they closed the campus and stopped allowing the student body to eat at the restaurant because too many people got hit by cars during the school year. Geez! And, in the fifth grade, on the last day of school we were going to get cutout states and a board to color and glue them to. Well, I missed the last day of school for some reason and a friend was supposed to get me one. Well, the so-called friend didn't get it. Rats! There are lots of other examples. Anyway, it always seems like I'm a day late and a dollar short.

P.S. Does this make me sound pathetic? It does? Oh, well.

Cat free to less nerdy home

Rattled Cage

Looks like it's not going to get into the 70s during our vacation, but I'm still going to take primarily shorts. I'd rather be cool than hot. I finally started packing today and I think I have enough underwear and an extra pair in case I have an "accident" and believe me I have been known to have them. It's hard to believe we are heading out in only two days. I have been so stressed out for the past several days and I'm in desperate need of some relaxation. I'm sure my vacation companions are as well. Unfortunately I have anxiety being away from home, too. I'm really just a nervous freak.

A week without photos doesn't sound so bad

Never Say Never

Selling a house is a freaking roller coaster. Just when you think one lead has dried up, it reappears. Wouldn't it be nice to have a contract on the house when we leave for vacation. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ike prepares to move

Closer and Closer

Chez Ragged is abuzz with preparations for vacation and all the while I'm trying to get two week's worth of work complete. Actually there will be a lull for the next two weeks, so it hadn't been as bad as I thought. It appears the weather where we will be is going to be in the mid to upper 60s for the majority of the time we are there. It could be a little warmer and perhaps the forecast will change as the time gets closer. Not that I'm looking for tropical weather, but the lower 70s would be great.

Ragged and I are currently in the midst of watching "Cloverfield". We are about half way through. I have to say the dialogue is corny and the shaky camera gives me a headache but I kind of like the premise.

A Day in the Life

I've heard of getting something stuck in your craw, but what about getting something up your snout? The other day, Eli was sitting in the window sniffing everything that flew by. As he was sniffing a little hardshell bug, he sucked it up his nose. He immediately began to snort and blow repeatedly and with gusto that frightened the other cats. Ragged and I could only watch helplessly as he snorted and snorted and ran and snorted. He eventually expelled the bug but seemed traumatized by the event. Poor Roosky. He has a hard way to go.

Meh had bug booger

These Are Trying Times

Spending time with some family members is without fail, trying. Today was no exception. I'm at home and I'm worn out. Ragged went to get her hair did and got to leave early. Lucky dog.

Neen feeling better after spending a couple of days under the weather

Thirty One

The tax stimulus checks are coming out earlier than expected. Here is the new schedule.

DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last 2 Digits of SSN Date Check Will Be Sent
00-20 April 28
21-75 May 5
76-99 May 12

PAPER CHECK
Last 2 Digits of SSN Date Check Will Be Sent
00-09 May 9
10-18 May 16
19-25 May 23
26-38 May 30
39-51 June 6
52-63 June 13
64-75 June 20
76-87 June 27
88-99 July 4

I anticipate getting a paper check since I have paid in federal taxes the last couple of years, but I've received refunds via direct deposit prior so I'm not sure when or what. My dates are highlighted either way.

Stimulate this

Maybe, Maybe Not

I could have sworn we had an earthquake about 5:00 a.m. this morning, so today when they announced another sizeable aftershock had occurred, I just knew it was going to be at 5. Needless to say, I was wrong. It occurred about 6:45 a.m. I didn't feel that one. I'm looking for quakes that aren't there now. Geez.

-There's an earthquake in meh pants.

-That wuzn't no earthquake

Breaking the Hermit

I had to go in to work today and I have to go in tomorrow then travel to another county for a hearing that has been in the making for two years. I then have to go back on Friday for a meeting. Don't they know I work from home?

Why daddy got to work from work?

Happy Earth Day

Be kind to the Earth. It's the only one we have. Well, until the aliens come and take us to their planet.

Eli celebrates Earth Day with a tomato

Another One

Last night or rather a few hours ago as I'm up early because I can't sleep we had another earthquake. It happened about 12:40 a.m. It was a 4.6, equivalent to the strongest aftershock after the one on Friday. I slept through this one. What does this mean for our area? Are we suddenly going to be come an active earthquake zone?


Sorry, blogger won't upload pictures

Inflation

My Gosh, how expensive is food these days! A tomato for $1.23, grapes for $3.27, and let's not even talk about gas. On second thought, let's. I put $40 in my tank. I usually can go two weeks and a half before filling up, but I work at home, so I think I get off easier than most people. It's crazy. What are we going to do? Where will it all end?

Obviously I went to the grocery today and stocked up. Our bill seemed alot higher than usual and it was. I need a second job again.

Don't cut kitty food from budget. Kay?

Shake It

Ragged and I were woken up this morning by an earthquake! Did anyone else feel it?

UPDATE: Early information said the earthquake was 5.4 and centered in West Salem, IL, the place where we have celebrate Independence Day. Later it was announced that the quake was a 5.2. Whatever it was it was odd. It lasted for a long time. There appears to be some minor damage to some places, but nothing around here.

We woke up when the cats shot off the bed then there was shaking. Ragged said she heard a door and some dishes rattling. I felt the bed moving. I didn't quite get up before it was over. I told Ragged it was an earthquake and she of course thought I was an idiot. Usually she's right, but this time I was right. I rushed to the television for verification and sure enough Byron and Beth were speculating about the quake. We've had minor ones before, but nothing as strong or as longlasting as this one.

ANOTHER UPDATE: We just had a pretty strong aftershock at 10:15 am.

If Only It Was That Simple

Lesson

Being underappreciated or neglected is one of the things that drive me crazy at work and in life. Lately I've been whining about how underappreciated I am at work and how my job is summed up by how many reports I do a month rather and does not include my other duties that I have done since I started working there. Neglect is a whole other issue. Anyway, I realized today I have neglected a very important person in my life. I don't want to do that and I'm sorry, though I know you'll never read these words. I do love you.

Basket full of Boop

Back

Today we got up not-so-early and Ragged cleaned the house while I went and got groceries and other supplies. I'd rather grocery shop then clean anyday. Now, we have to go to a get together with one of Ragged's friends family. How did I wind up mixed up in that? I just wanted to go on a hunt for some work pants and maybe to the Y today. Yep, Ragged's back.

Pooped Boop

How Do I Breath Without You?

I'm over the alone time thing. I'm ready for Ragged to come home and she just called and let me know she would be home way earlier than expected. I have to say I'm excited. Does this make me codependent?

Eli

Freaky Friday

We didn't get any storms last night and even if we did I wouldn't have know because I feel asleep around 10 and didn't know another thing until 5:30 this morning. It looks like we may be in for another round, but hopefully we'll be lucky again.

I've received season 2 of JAG from Blockbuster and I plan to watch the entire season before Ragged returns. I'm about 6 episodes in. I have tonight and all day tomorrow to make a dent. I'm not sure I'll make as it will depend on Blockbuster sending the next installment promptly. Anyway, Ragged pretty much hates JAG as much as I hate The Gilmore Girls which she is fascinated with right now.

Today after I got home from work, I caught up the laundry and straightened up. I have all the windows open and we are having strong gusts of wind so there are alot of cat hair bunnies blowing out from under furniture and joining together to make one giant tribble-looking wad of hair. I'm sure Ragged would be mortified that I'm sharing this, but it's the truth. Springtime is the worst as the cats are shedding their winter coats and no amount of vacuuming can keep up with the discarded hair.

Missing: one gray female cat named Izzie. If you've seen her please call 555-BUMP. That's 555-BUMP.

Fronts

A storm is bearing down on us and it should get here in another couple of hours. Ragged left out early so she could be at Needles and Pilot's before it got too bad. I hate these storms. Sometimes it's bad and sometimes it passes by with little excitement. I just hope I can get 4 cats in the basement by myself if the situation requires.

Solitary

This weekend Ragged will be gone. Part of me looks forward to spending some time alone , but I know I will be lonely a day into it. It's not like she's going to be gone for a long time, but sleeping alone is hard. I plan to do alot of movie and tv watching and do some more stuff to get the house into better shape for prospective buyers. Have fun Ragged but hurry home.

Speed

Today was a blur. I worked at home all day with the windows open. I also took my car in to get the fender fixed. The place I took the car also has a car lot, so I was given another car to drive. I figured I would be without transportation today, but instead I had a black Ford focus to tool around in. The day went by so fast, I didn't go anywhere before they called to say my car was ready. Also today we borrowed fans from Ragged's dad to expedite the basement drying out. So far it is working, but there's still a ways to go.

Also today we expected to hear from our best prospect on selling our house, but no one called. We're hoping there will be a call tomorrow. Ironically I'm starting to feel sad about moving and I will miss this house.

Ike getting a drink

Coulda Been Worse

It's a beautiful day in more ways then one. This morning, I got up early, but fell back to sleep on the couch. I was wakened by Ragged' summoning me to the basement. The sump pump had failed. After hearing horror stories about how expensive replacement of these pumps can be, I flew in to a panic and immediately said every cussword I have ever learned. With more of a level head, Ragged retrieved the phone book and called our plumber and roused him from bed, I'm sure. He assured that he would come by after church and see about it. Convinced that we would ever sell our house at this point, I sat around with a cloud over my head until he came and installed the new pump in 30 minutes flat. The water that had accumulated to about 4 inches in one corner quickly receeded and we were back in business. Then came the moment of truth. The bill! He only charged us a nominal fee for his time and the expense of the pump. I couldn't believe it. Flabbergasted and thankful, I gave him a tip for him coming out on a Sunday to help us and he was off to turkey hunting, he said.

So, after that crisis was over, I set out to mow the yard. There is alot of crap in the yard and it is uneven in the back where water had accumulated on a couple of occasions, but it looks so much better mowed and picked up. There was even a box turtle (terrapin) hanging out beside the garage. I have never seen a turtle in the backyard. It has to be a good omen.

Ragged had gone to clean out her car and wash our sheets at the laundry mat. She was afraid to use the washer and dryer for some reason. I don't think they took on any water.

Springy

This weekend promises some beautiful weather, some more moving of stuff, and hopefully some yard work. After I went to the grocery this morning, Ragged and I went to visit with my family for a bit then we went to try to find some work clothes. I walked away with a pair of pants and some shorts and Ragged got a couple of things as well. We were going to go to The Big E, but neither of us really had the energy to travel that far, so we went to a local store for some browsing.

Anyway, tomorrow I will start yard work. I'm not particularly looking forward to it, but with all the rain and warmer weather there are some very high spots in our yard. I'm just hopeful that all the equipment will start.

Ike in profile

Spring Chicken

Happy Birthday to Needles. It only gets better from here on out.

Rollercoaster of Life

Yesterday, I called the claims adjuster to find out what the deal was and he told me had sent out a check to me in the amount of the estimate I got. I wondered why he couldn't call and let me know what he was doing, but that would have required picking up a phone receiver and pressing 7 buttons. And, I don't want anyone to get overworked. Anyway, pissed off, I went to another place and got a much cheaper estimate, so I'm going to end up pocketing some money out of this deal and I think I deserve it considering all the aggravation and physical strain I've gone through crawling across my car each time I get into it. I'm taking the car in Monday and the guy told me they should have it completed by that afternoon. Thank goodness! I was thinking it would be a week.

So, in other news, Ragged and I watched "The Reaping" last night after looking at a couple of houses and grabbing some dinner. It was a pretty good movie, surprisingly. I didn't have high hopes which is probably a good way to go into most movies, then you get to feel all good cause you watched a decent movie and didn't waste two hours of your life.




Ike opens wide

Six Letter Word

Selling a house is stressful. Planning a vacation is stressful. Having your car damaged and having to do a bunch of legwork to get your car fixed and having the claims adjuster not call you back is stessful. Taking cats to the vet is stressful. Work is stressful. Having to tell a sweet lady that you are unwilling to sell your house on contract is stressful. Not having any food in the house is stressful. Planning for much-needed yardwork is stressful. Four inches of rain is stressful. I could go on forever.

Ike with the weight of the world

It Feels So Good

Stone Temple Pilots is reuniting. Watch out for the beach balls, yall.

From All Sides

Today I spent the entire day at work doing my twice a month duty. It was not a bad day, at least until my boss asked me to be there tomorrow at 9 for a meeting. It seems the workload is getting wonky and the two of us who write reports are getting more put on our plate. I don't deny that the two officers involved are getting a raw deal, but I'm not sure moving overwhelming work from one set of folks to another is exactly the right thing either. After discussing the situation with Ragged, she basically told me to suck it up like a pilgrim and do it. It aggravates me somewhat that the workload isn't being distributed to more people, but for now I will take a wait and see approach. The wait and see approach has been the theme of my life lately, so what's one more situation.

We have had moderate interest in our house. We've got a showing tomorrow. Also, tomorrow I should hear from a claims adjuster about my car. It's not pretty, me crawling across the car to get in. I hope the repairs don't take long.