It's Friday at 1:35pm and I am still in my pajamas. Wallowing? Oh, just a little bit.
Craze is slightly cranky and somewhat over-worked. He's been trying to take as many jobs as possible since I have had none for many months now. But that means working earlier and later and it's making him grumpy. He may even need to work some this holiday weekend (even though he also worked last weekend). He works on commission, so the end of the month is always a rat race to get projects done so they can be billed out and he can make more money.
I'm REALLY appreciative of his extra efforts to bring in the cash and am trying to help by continuing to manage our other household expenses with increasing frugality. Oh, how I wish I could just get some work to do! In the meantime, I'm going to try and sell a lot of our unnecessary clutter on craigslist. I have valuable stuff tucked away here and there that I'll never use again, so time to be rid of it and help out the Sumner family finances.
Getting rid of all this extra junk really needs to be done to make room for the Crazelette. Also, since I've scored lots of baby bargains at summer yard sales and through craigslist buys, I need a place to put all this soon-to-be useful baby stuff.
I'm hoping that freeing up space will open the way for new things to come into our lives. . .um . . . like a few good consulting jobs for the mom-to-be. Or a lottery win. . .either would suit me just fine.
In the meantime, I'm hoping that Craze and I and you and yours grab some time this long end-of-summer weekend to enjoy the simple things and the lovely weather. Happy Weekend!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Weight Watchers Online = MOST LAME-ASS Customer Service
I HATE Weight Watchers Online lame-ass customer service.
I went onto their site the other day to print out my weight tracker info and then cancel the account (since they don't offer a program for pregnant women and I've been wasting over $15 per month for nothing for the subscription fees). When I went online, I couldn't access any of my info (which dated back to 2002 or 2003 when I first joined the online program).
I contacted customer service and told them I wanted my weight tracker info and then wished to cancel my service. I mentioned that I couldn't follow the program as I was pregnant. . . Well. . .they heard the word pregnant and canceled my online account so fast it would make your head spin. However, they completely ignored my request for my weight tracker info. IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Numerous emails back and forth, they have sent me everything EXCEPT my weight tracker info and, in their most recent missive to me, now claim my info isn't available due to my request to cancel the account.
Hey Weight Watchers! Is it a prerequisite for employment in your customer service department that you ONLY employ idiots with limited grasp of the English language??? It sure seems that way.
I went onto their site the other day to print out my weight tracker info and then cancel the account (since they don't offer a program for pregnant women and I've been wasting over $15 per month for nothing for the subscription fees). When I went online, I couldn't access any of my info (which dated back to 2002 or 2003 when I first joined the online program).
I contacted customer service and told them I wanted my weight tracker info and then wished to cancel my service. I mentioned that I couldn't follow the program as I was pregnant. . . Well. . .they heard the word pregnant and canceled my online account so fast it would make your head spin. However, they completely ignored my request for my weight tracker info. IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Numerous emails back and forth, they have sent me everything EXCEPT my weight tracker info and, in their most recent missive to me, now claim my info isn't available due to my request to cancel the account.
Hey Weight Watchers! Is it a prerequisite for employment in your customer service department that you ONLY employ idiots with limited grasp of the English language??? It sure seems that way.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Roll on September!
Yesterday I spent a good chunk of the day trying to drum up some business via email. Thankfully, I actually got some replies back from colleagues saying they'll probably need help in September. Roll on September! Maggie Mamma needs to make a mint before baby arrives!
Fingers crossed something comes through. Business has been dry as a bone for the past three months. Nada. Nothing. Not a single, tiny assignment. Weird!
Anyway, I guess that means I need to get my ass in gear on the baby room front as September will be here before you know it and I'm hoping I'll be busy making moolah.
Fingers crossed something comes through. Business has been dry as a bone for the past three months. Nada. Nothing. Not a single, tiny assignment. Weird!
Anyway, I guess that means I need to get my ass in gear on the baby room front as September will be here before you know it and I'm hoping I'll be busy making moolah.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Finally, On the Move!
Thankfully, I am way less cranky than during my last post! My husband is being less grumpy and more thoughtful and, generally, I'm feeling better.
Finally also, I've started feeling the baby moving around. I was freaking out a little because at 22 weeks, I couldn't be sure I was feeling any movement (even though I knew from my doc visits that he was moving around in there and his heartbeat was good). A few days ago I felt an odd sensation which has increased in the past few days. Baby is on the move!
Not surprising as two weeks ago an ultrasound showed the Crazelette weighing in at 14 oz. A new ultrasound two days ago showed he's shot up in weight to 1 lb 4oz. That's a 6-ounce gain in just two weeks. Wow!!!
Other than that, I'm busying myself doing baby laundry to start getting things organized for our December arrival. Through my garage sale and Craigslist shopping expeditions, I've put together an impressive collection of like-new clothes, blankets and other baby gear for a pittance compared to what it would have cost to buy it all new. I'm quite proud of my savvy shopping endeavours!
Finally also, I've started feeling the baby moving around. I was freaking out a little because at 22 weeks, I couldn't be sure I was feeling any movement (even though I knew from my doc visits that he was moving around in there and his heartbeat was good). A few days ago I felt an odd sensation which has increased in the past few days. Baby is on the move!
Not surprising as two weeks ago an ultrasound showed the Crazelette weighing in at 14 oz. A new ultrasound two days ago showed he's shot up in weight to 1 lb 4oz. That's a 6-ounce gain in just two weeks. Wow!!!
Other than that, I'm busying myself doing baby laundry to start getting things organized for our December arrival. Through my garage sale and Craigslist shopping expeditions, I've put together an impressive collection of like-new clothes, blankets and other baby gear for a pittance compared to what it would have cost to buy it all new. I'm quite proud of my savvy shopping endeavours!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
You Be Pregnant for a While!
My husband is driving me crazy!
Lately, he is perpetually ill-humored and often just plain rude and thoughtless. Never mind that I am pregnant and frequently retching, vomiting or hobbling around like an arthritic 90-year-old due to sciatica now in BOTH my hips. My current condition doesn't seem to merit any extra dose of kindness or thoughtfulness from him. In fact, quite the opposite it would seem.
I would really like to give him a good smack! And then make him feel like I do for about a week and see how he likes it. Yeah, you be pregnant for a while, dude, and see how you like the rudeness and lack of any extra care or attention.
Lately, he is perpetually ill-humored and often just plain rude and thoughtless. Never mind that I am pregnant and frequently retching, vomiting or hobbling around like an arthritic 90-year-old due to sciatica now in BOTH my hips. My current condition doesn't seem to merit any extra dose of kindness or thoughtfulness from him. In fact, quite the opposite it would seem.
I would really like to give him a good smack! And then make him feel like I do for about a week and see how he likes it. Yeah, you be pregnant for a while, dude, and see how you like the rudeness and lack of any extra care or attention.
Monday, August 11, 2008
On an Admin Roll!
I think I'm on a roll!
After a wedding weekend that included dancing, cake eating and chatting with goofy, wedding guests (the goofiest, the former boyfriend of the bride who told not-so- flattering stories about the bride and their drugged up Vegas visit to anyone who would listen), I got back in organizational mode this morning.
I tackled the giant mountain of accumulated mail that had piled up on my kitchen counter, sorted it, paid a few bills, organized my coupons, made a few calls, etc. It's really shocking the volume that was there and most of it 100% pure, recyclable junk. What a waste!
And I'm not talking about just the environmental toll, let's not forget the hours it's taken me to sort through the mess. Yikes! Seriously, I need to be more consistent about getting rid of stuff daily before it even hits the kitchen counter.
I even cleaned out my purse which had turned into something of a portable trash can.
Next stop: shredder. Ah, the joy that awaits me!
After a wedding weekend that included dancing, cake eating and chatting with goofy, wedding guests (the goofiest, the former boyfriend of the bride who told not-so- flattering stories about the bride and their drugged up Vegas visit to anyone who would listen), I got back in organizational mode this morning.
I tackled the giant mountain of accumulated mail that had piled up on my kitchen counter, sorted it, paid a few bills, organized my coupons, made a few calls, etc. It's really shocking the volume that was there and most of it 100% pure, recyclable junk. What a waste!
And I'm not talking about just the environmental toll, let's not forget the hours it's taken me to sort through the mess. Yikes! Seriously, I need to be more consistent about getting rid of stuff daily before it even hits the kitchen counter.
I even cleaned out my purse which had turned into something of a portable trash can.
Next stop: shredder. Ah, the joy that awaits me!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Administrative Moms-To-Be Day
Went for my latest sonogram yesterday. At 20 weeks and 3 days my babe is 14 oz and looks enormous. No wonder I feel like a parade float already. I was freaking out a little that I can't feel anything yet, but thankfully he was waving and kicking yesterday, so all is well.
The doctor asked me if I've pre-registered for my delivery. When I said no, she looked alarmed and asked me if I got the "purple packet" at my first preggo visit. Well, of course I didn't get it, hence my oblivion about having to register for birth WAY in advance.
Reading the contents of the packet last night scared the bejeezus out of me. Delivery deposits, circumcism decisions, pediatrician. Yikes!
I spent the better part of the day today going through all this crap and getting it sorted out. I do feel much better now. Next up (while I'm on a roll), signing up for various classes and getting our attic fan fixed.
Just call it Administrative Moms-to-be Day!
The doctor asked me if I've pre-registered for my delivery. When I said no, she looked alarmed and asked me if I got the "purple packet" at my first preggo visit. Well, of course I didn't get it, hence my oblivion about having to register for birth WAY in advance.
Reading the contents of the packet last night scared the bejeezus out of me. Delivery deposits, circumcism decisions, pediatrician. Yikes!
I spent the better part of the day today going through all this crap and getting it sorted out. I do feel much better now. Next up (while I'm on a roll), signing up for various classes and getting our attic fan fixed.
Just call it Administrative Moms-to-be Day!
Monday, August 04, 2008
My Perfect Life of Imperfection
With so many memories,
comes the rain.
Little droplets
deposited in my mind,
reawakening forgotten moments
of disappointment
and of life.
Resurrecting
those damp breaths
taken in other lands
far and not so far
away.
The cooling balm
of remembrance falls
like a shadow
over me.
A reason to stop,
if only for an instant,
to remember that
the good
and the bad
was all it should have been.
My perfect life
of imperfection
captured in this rainy morning.
comes the rain.
Little droplets
deposited in my mind,
reawakening forgotten moments
of disappointment
and of life.
Resurrecting
those damp breaths
taken in other lands
far and not so far
away.
The cooling balm
of remembrance falls
like a shadow
over me.
A reason to stop,
if only for an instant,
to remember that
the good
and the bad
was all it should have been.
My perfect life
of imperfection
captured in this rainy morning.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Hip Dysplasia. . .
That's the verdict on the stinky-big-headed foster dog. Poor guy. We started giving him pain meds and glucosamine and chondroidine daily and he already seems somewhat improved after only a couple of days.
I'm worried that he's gonna end up costing us a fortune. And for that reason, I'd love to just ship him back to the rescue group. But the reality is, we've grown to love this broken-down, problem-plagued dog over the past three-plus months and I really believe that no one could give him a better life than we can--even if we can't afford a $10,000 hip replacement for him (at least not until I win the lottery or get a real high-paying job again).
Fingers crossed the meds work and his condition continues to get better and not worsen, since I guess he's now home to stay.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Bear is Back
Got the Bear back yesterday from the Indiana vet. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say he was somewhat traumatized by the whole overnight ex-ray episode. He didn't look as excited to see me as I thought he might, instead he ran for the door like his rear end was on fire. I don't think they'd let him out to pee in a LONG time--I've never seen so much pee come out of that dog at once when we got outside! Then he tried to get in the car before I even had the door open. Poor guy. Thankfully, after a good night's sleep on the big sheep skin rug at the foot of our bed, he seems back to his old self.
I still don't really know what's wrong with his leg as I was told on Wednesday that I could talk to the vet about his ex-rays yesterday only to find out he doesn't even work on Thursdays. Not to mention that the woman working the counter was extremely rude and surly. You'd think I was at the vet-to-the-stars clinic in Beverly Hills or something, not a seriously smelly vet's office out in the Indiana boonies. If I don't have to darken the door of the Westchester Animal Clinic in Porter, Indiana, again, you can be sure I won't. And if you live in their vicinity, I encourage you to look elsewhere for your animal care needs. . .that is unless you really enjoy two-hour waits for your appointment, a lobby and treatment rooms that smell like you're sitting in a filthy rabbit hutch and some of the rudest counter staff I've ever had the misfortune to come across in any customer service setting. Yeah. If none of that stuff bothers you, then please do make it your vet of choice.
After two days of three-hour drives to and from this vet, I was pissed that they were obnoxious and, frankly, pretty confusing with me about my dog's aftercare ("You need to give him the pain medication AND 2 1/2 asprins a day" Double dose the dog on pain meds? I think not.). But what made me really mad was when a woman walked in while I was waiting in line with an emergency case. Her poor dog was having some kind of seizure and was howling in pain and vomiting in the lobby. Shockingly, the person in charge was not the least bit sympathetic to her plight and really not very helpful in helping her find an alternate vet. I found it really quite shocking.
I'm still fuming over the whole episode and, seriously, I need to just move on. . .
Speaking of which, there's a couple loads of laundry calling my name. So, I guess I need to move on and move down (to the basement that is). Hello, laundry.
I still don't really know what's wrong with his leg as I was told on Wednesday that I could talk to the vet about his ex-rays yesterday only to find out he doesn't even work on Thursdays. Not to mention that the woman working the counter was extremely rude and surly. You'd think I was at the vet-to-the-stars clinic in Beverly Hills or something, not a seriously smelly vet's office out in the Indiana boonies. If I don't have to darken the door of the Westchester Animal Clinic in Porter, Indiana, again, you can be sure I won't. And if you live in their vicinity, I encourage you to look elsewhere for your animal care needs. . .that is unless you really enjoy two-hour waits for your appointment, a lobby and treatment rooms that smell like you're sitting in a filthy rabbit hutch and some of the rudest counter staff I've ever had the misfortune to come across in any customer service setting. Yeah. If none of that stuff bothers you, then please do make it your vet of choice.
After two days of three-hour drives to and from this vet, I was pissed that they were obnoxious and, frankly, pretty confusing with me about my dog's aftercare ("You need to give him the pain medication AND 2 1/2 asprins a day" Double dose the dog on pain meds? I think not.). But what made me really mad was when a woman walked in while I was waiting in line with an emergency case. Her poor dog was having some kind of seizure and was howling in pain and vomiting in the lobby. Shockingly, the person in charge was not the least bit sympathetic to her plight and really not very helpful in helping her find an alternate vet. I found it really quite shocking.
I'm still fuming over the whole episode and, seriously, I need to just move on. . .
Speaking of which, there's a couple loads of laundry calling my name. So, I guess I need to move on and move down (to the basement that is). Hello, laundry.
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