Daughter gets married :)

May 15 2010: Jess gets married .. wooohoooooo!!! She's so happy! And that's what matters most of all.. It was a small wedding, about 90 people, but that's what they wanted. And I couldn't complain.. It was beautiful in all aspects - the wedding, the people and the weather! What more can I say..

Ahhh... Spring!!!

I must admit we had an easy winter here in the Northeast.. Except for all the rain and flooding, we really didn't get much snow. Did feel for the folks in PA and DC, MD, etc that ended up with all the snow (a little backwards from the norm). We had another big hit of rain last week, which really swelled the rivers. People losing their basements, driveways, roads washed away (like I haven't been there before (the basement part). No leaks for us anymore ... woohoo!!! Some areas here in New Hampshire had 12-15" of rain.. in MARCH alone! That's a lot of water! Lots of power outages.. wind.. But I'm really not complaining, just stating facts and happy we didn't have much snow this year.. If all this rain had been snow, however, we'd all still be buried!!

All the plants are coming up and yes, it's a bit early and I just hope we don't get some freak cold spell that is going ruin them. Can't stop them from growing! Sat out on the deck yesterday for a few hours and chatted / played Scrabble with my oldest daughter. We both fried in the sun.. and it felt good! So instead of pale white, we are now looking like a couple of cooked lobsters! lol Easter Sunday today, it's not as hot as yesterday, but still beautiful out there. We'll be having a cookout (at dinnertime) - need to christen the grill!

April and May are going to be busy around here.. A baby shower for my niece, 60th birthday party for my brother, daughters bridal shower, daughters wedding... than a well needed break before the grandson's birthday party. It's been crazy around here.. but a good crazy!

February 25 2010 wind / rain storm

Got to get this off my chest..

My sister.. my one and only sister is married to an alcoholic.. a SEVERE, non-functioning, can't hold a job, alcoholic. He even had a kidney removed 2 years ago and was diagnosed with emphysema - has the lungs of an 80 year old (he was told) - and still smokes like a chimney (he's my age, 51).. well they both do (smoke a lot), so neither one can help the other. When he tries to dry out, she drinks in front of him. Their 19 year old son lives at home, no job, won't look for a job, and calls my sister at work (she works with me so I hear this crap) and bitches if she doesn't leave cigarettes for him when she leaves for work. There is also a 12 year old in the family. She's smoking cigarettes too, and skipping school already. I guess I shouldn't be surprised as big brother was and isn't a great role model and her parents suck too.

So all I hear at work is how broke they are. How she can't buy food, how she can't pay the fuel bill, how is she going to get to work - she has no gas for the car, etc etc etc. I won't give them money because I know what they will do with it - booze, cigarettes and probably pot for the father and son team. For quite awhile we've been having my sister come over to our house like once a month and pretty much letting her take whatever she wanted from the freezer, etc. Steaks, chicken, frozen pizzas, cheese, canned goods, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, soap, etc.. (we buy in bulk and it only meant we had to go and stock up again...but we were helping - making sure they always had food and paper goods). She was basically doing her groceries here.

Oh.. My sister has been driving with an expired drivers license for over 2 years now (it cost $50 for a 5 year license - "can't afford it"). Has been driving a car with NO insurance on it whatsoever!!! Nope, not even liability ("can't afford it"). She keeps getting a flat on the passenger side, needs a new rim or a good used one ("can't afford it")... and she needs that rim because she drives on it when it goes flat (DUH). Has a problem with the engine in the car .. something about the radiator stuff going into the engine or something.. I don't know as I half listen a lot but.. not getting fixed "can't afford it".

So a week ago Saturday, she asked me to do her taxes. Of course I do (not sure when she can't do them herself as she has a computer, but whatever... I do them every year). On Friday, 2/5, the money was in the bank - $3100. I told her that we would take her to Sams and SHE could do some "bulk" shopping, and reminded her that she could finally get her license and perhaps pay a few weeks rent ahead ($200/week) - fix the car and save a little bit for later.

Well so far, she has the cable bill caught up - not sure how much she owed them but I know she's been making weekly payments (must have HBO and Cinemax and Showtime -- ALL the pay channels which is approximately $200 a month to have), spent about $300 on groceries (not bulk - but bagel bites and hot pockets.. all the quick frozen food type things). Bought the son a couple of pet FROGS..yes, FROGS (because he wanted them) and tonight, she is buying a brand new computer!!!! That $3K will be gone by the weekend (if not sooner) and it will be back to listening to how broke they are... GOD HELP ME PLEASE. I could scream right about now..

So not renewing her license, not fixing the car, not getting insurance, not getting ahead on rent, not doing the bulk groceries .. just staying in the same friggin' hole BUT with frozen junk food and a new computer and some dumbass frogs, cigarettes, booze and pot.

And she wonders why I don't "feel bad" .. ???????????????????

A New Year

Here we go again... and as Oprah Winfrey said.. "Cheers to the New Year and another chance for us to get it right."

I did what I intended and started mine out right. Started saying NO to my kids. Finally! I don't know how I let things get so out of hand, other than I love my kids, but I'm not helping them. It started with my oldest, she's 29.. We eat out once a week, and even if she's here with her boyfriend, we ask what they want and we pay for it all. They don't even offer to chip in. Well, a week ago yesterday, me and the bf were ordering at Cactus Jacks.. asked the daughter and her bf if they wanted anything (of course they did) - then told them, that we're not paying for them.. Daughter was a bit taken aback, but they paid and against their will, went to pick it up. I was proud of myself :) Sounds stupid and simple perhaps to you, but it's not to me (or her).

Daughter #2 (will be 27 in February), has a problem with her car. Needs a new catalytic converter as it won't pass inspection in February due to emissions. So rather than fix the car (no doubt it won't be cheap), she opted to go car shopping. Asked if I would co-sign (yet again) - and I would, if the deal was right. She called, all excited, found a car, 2008, with 45,000 miles, a measly 60 day warranty and the payment was the same as she has now... which she admitted, she could not really afford. Told her no, I won't sign on that. The payment is the same (can't afford it), the miles are high for a 2008 (she puts lots of miles on her vehicles) and a 60 DAY warranty?? No way in hell was a signing for that. So she's mad at me.. oh well! I'm not mad at me :)

So... I'm happy for me :)

Next will be charging the 29 year old some rent. I have an electricity bill of $190 a month now (yes it went down since the 27 year old and my grandson moved) - but it's still high! I'm not going to ask for a lot - perhaps $100 a month. Just to cover some of the electricity bill. She'll be pissed off, but you know what? If she is.. she can get her own place and see how much she gets for $100 a month. Perhaps an empty refrigerator box under the Notre Dame bridge with the other homeless people. And she has a dog (good luck finding an apartment).

So, so far.. I'm doing what I know is right (finally) - and not letting them walk all over me. Between supporting the kids and my grandson, and the home repairs that have happened recently (new roof.. ugghh.. $4200) -- I'm officially broke!! AND it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting too old to be broke! My nest egg is gone.. I can only imagine what's going to happen when I'm really old.. I'll be kicked to the curb probably. Oh well!!!! Hopefully it's near one of those steam vents to keep me warm! ROFL!

Now I know the answer..

When we used to go up and visit my parents with my oldest (who was just a baby at the time), I wondered when we left..why is my mother crying? My dad died while I was pregnant for my second daughter so they never got to meet unfortunately.. We would go up for a weekend with both little ones, my mother always cried when we left. My mom would take the girls for 1 week each summer (as much as she could handle with 2 little ones) .. we would come pick them up.... she cried when we left. I would go up and bring my mom down to our house for a week (or however long she wanted to stay) - then drive her back home when she was ready - she cried when we left.

My grandson lives 2 hours away now.. I cry when he leaves..

Now I understand...

Not so many tater tots anymore...

This was supposed to get easier once they moved away.. it sucks. Had the little guy for 4 days over Labor Day and it was awesome! I'll never NOT say that he doesn't wear me out, but it's a good feeling of being worn out. We talk on the phone a lot and he always tells me that he misses me and loves me ... I send him a weekly *package* (he loves getting mail).. This weeks package was the pair of crocs that he left here and a couple of videos I had for him. Nothing big.. but getting mail is COOL! lol :) Makes him happy and makes me happy knowing that he is happy.

He started Kindergarten... full day. His mom drops him off in the morning at 7am.. before school daycare.. and then he takes the bus home. The freakin' bus! He's little to take the bus, but he told me all about it... and about what a big boy he is now.. and how the bus driver drops him off at the right spot everyday... where his mom is waiting for him... :) And he's having fun in school.. I asked what he does in school.. He replied "oh you know, learn more numbers and letters and reading - just stuff like that".. :)

I got a 2 phone video's from his mom last week... He was cruising on his Razor (I bought him for his birthday) - balancing perfectly and going fast!!! AND - starting riding his bike without training wheels! She didn't finish the video as he went helmet and torso into a tree (LOL) and came out saying.. "it happens" and starting riding again. I'm so glad he knows that he needs the helmet!!! :)

Today I got mobile pics of them at the bird place (audobon society) in Portland.. looking for milkweed .. Not sure what they are doing with the milkweed, but I remember when my girls were little, they made Xmas decorations with milkweed... Guess we'll find out soon enough :)

Soooo.. I guess this tells you how I am.. and how things are.. I have more.. Maybe tomorrow :)

Oh what a feeling!!!!

My daughter and grandson came down Tuesday!!! I came in the house and the little guy just about knocked me over! I got the biggest hug and a sincere "I miss you so much Grammy!" .. Brought tears to my eyes (and it's doing it again just writing about it!) ..

Daughter went out with friends to the Casino Ballroom at Hampton Beach Tuesday night, so we had the boy to ourselves! He was sooooo excited! (as were we!) Went in the pool and played with the remote control boats. Ordered pizza .. just had a blast! Unfortunately I had to work the next morning, but my daughter decided to stay another night (last night)... wooohooooooooooo!!! I was thrilled! We had a nice dinner and then did the pool thing all over again - the little guy and I crashed around 9 (watching TV in the BIG bed)..

They did have to leave today, but came by my office to say cya.. I wasn't in my office when they got there, but when I walked in, he hollered "Grammy!" and jumped in my arms and just hugged me sooooo tight! My daughter and I chatted for a bit and off they went (but will be back in a couple weeks.. can't wait! :)

When they walked out to her car I was holding the door and he turned around and came back.. and hugged me, gave me a big smooch and said he missed me already ... what a feeling ..

Getting the "Hotel" back in order..

I finally have my office again... got everything moved in here yesterday and Comcast came today (yes Sunday) to get the broadband up and running again in here. Not sure why the other guy made it inactive when the new connection was put in the kitchen back when, and don't really care as this didn't cost me anything... whew (he was here for over an hour)..

My kitchen is becoming a kitchen again. Got the new table in there yesterday and this afternoon we have a roman shade to hang (should be fun considering the BF doesn't know jack about doing anything in the house... like hanging a 71" wide roman shade! lol). The living room set was delivered last week so that room is all set. The oldest daughter finished cleaning out what was her sisters "nest" (what a mess!!!) ... boxed up what was left, shampooed the carpet and painted the walls and made herself a nice little living room up there. Will make a decent guest room for anyone that wanders in and needs a place to stay for a night or two (on a futon).

The grocery bill is WAY down.. from $200+ per week to about $85-$110. Anxious to see the light bill and the water bill.

BUT.. I haven't seen my grandson since they left... and I miss him sooooo much! I worry about him (no need to, he has a great mom) .. can't help it. He calls me almost everyday though.. sometimes he just rambles on and on and other times it's a quick I love you.. She's got him registered to start school (kindergarten) ... I'm sad that I won't see him go to school on his first day.. But that's moms job, right??

The "cement pond" (as I call it) has finally started to warm up. What a miserable summer we're having... rain rain and more rain. We have a few hot, humid days (which helps warm the pool), then it rains again (and again and again) - causing algae in the pool. We probably shouldn't even have opened it this year, but with such a short summer season up here, one can only hope for the best I guess. Hopefully August and September will be nice so it gets some use.. but here it is, August 2nd - and its raining! Cabin fever in winter from all the snow and now again, from all the rain... Depressing to say the least!

Oh.. my grandson got his case of brown beans!! His first comment to his mom was... who sends beans?? LOL Then his mom read the card that came with them and he called me immediately, laughing and thanking me and telling me that's what he was having for dinner.. :)

Still too damn quiet..... :(

Empty Nest

Well they're gone.. youngest daughter and grandson that is. Moved on Thursday - about 2 hours away from here (Maine). I've talked to them most everyday since then (2 days now! lol) and they are settling in nicely. I don't think it's hit me that I'm not going to see that little guy everyday anymore yet - it's like they're just away for the weekend. Even though all the their furniture (and our furniture) is gone, there are still the many backyard toys that they can't bring with them (as they are in an apartment complex - which makes me happy) so I see his basketball hoop in the backyard and his sand table, Tonka trucks, bumper pool boat, etc.

It's horribly quiet here..

My grandson always loves seeing the UPS or Fedex guy come as that means a package that MIGHT be for him, might not - doesn't matter - he thinks it's cool that his Grammy just goes on the computer and then things come here. So, since he LOVES Bush's brown beans so much (one of his favorite foods - brown beans! lol) - I ordered a case of the microwavable bowls of Bush Beans and they are addressed to him. I enclosed a gift card.. lol He'll be happy he got a package just for him and he'll love what's in the box!! :) If I could send tater tots, I would - but can't due to the fact that they are frozen (obviously another favorite of his). I'll just bring him a big bag when I go visit him :)

I think once we get our house back in order I'll be good with all this. It's time for my daughter and her BF and her son to move on - start their new life.... and we need to get ours back.

It's just too damn quiet right now.... :(

Grandson and Daughter leave tomorrow..

They are going up to Maine to stay with an aunt, and she (daughter) has 3 weeks there to find an apartment, daycare for the little man, and get him registered for kindergarten .... AND, she DID find a job (for now). So that's a start.. She finished college (again) - massage therapist (plus has the teaching thing under her belt) -- She'll be fine..

It's going to be a tough day tomorrow as things are actually starting to happen. I'll say my goodbyes tonight - go to work at my normal time (6am) as I don't want to be here when they leave.. This is the first step - the final step will be when the moving truck is here for all their things.. That will be the toughest day.. Not looking forward to it, but it's time for all to get their own space, their schedules, routines.. their lives where they should be. That includes me and the BF..

We had the little guys birthday party yesterday.. It's been raining here every day since April I believe.. Yesterday, was the most perfect day we've had all spring/summer. Not a drop of rain.. all his friends showed up - there had to have been 40-45 people here. Everyone swam in the pool (even though the water is a mere 70 degrees.. brrrr), we had chicken and hot dogs and burgers and corn on the cob and mac salad and potato salad and a bunch of other "odds & ends", the kids (and adults) played games in and out of the water.. it was simply a perfect day! He'll be 5 on July 10, but we wanted to have his party while they were still here so he could have his friends from preschool here, etc. Again -a PERFECT DAY for all!

Need to get back to making dinner...

Wow...the day/night care is amost over..

I love my kids.. I love my grandson. Been taking care of the "kids" and grandson for a few years... and been taking care of my grandson, 4 nights a week, for the past ... 15 months or so, so his mom could take her massage therapy class at night.

You will see a lot of "I" 's here - because yes, I'm talking about me!! It's all about me for once.

I go to bed early as I get up early (4am - the latest) ... so taking care of the little one made me stay up late! Way tooooo late! 10-11pm - which left me with only 4-5 hours sleep. GRUMP.. I can't sleep until I know his mother is home. Don't ask why, I can't answer the question. When my oldest daughter is home, I can sleep because I know she's here and he will be ok. And I KNOW that I could have put him in his bed, and all would be fine.. Problem is -- I couldn't put him in his bed... so we hung out in the BIG BED and watched a little Nick on TV and he would fall asleep around 9.. But even though sleeping, I couldn't put him the bed.. A fear of ?????

We did spend our evenings trying to keep the boy entertained - although I think he entertained us more..

So anyway.. 3 more days .. Mon / Tues / Weds ... His mom is done college and DAY/NIGHTCARE IS CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a LONG 14 months (I know it was more than 14 months) - but we did it... Perhaps there is a God! :) We all survived - :)

Damn.. we DID IT!

Mothers Day Weekend

Happy Mothers Day to all you mothers out there!

I took Friday off (vacation day) as I needed a break. My boss is totally out of hand with his demands -- doesn't seem to know there is only 24 hours in a day but wants wants and wants more. I've been at this company for 15 years and was hoping to retire here (even though we have no pensions or anything nice like that) - but at this point I don't know how much longer I can stand working for this man (sigh). Unfortunately there are no jobs to be had so I have no choice as much as I want to tell him where he can stick his iron scepter. I'll end up working Sunday for a while to get a few things caught up as I will be "punished" for taking a vacation day.. (more work... stupid work that he'll never read or utilize in any way whatsoever.. but just to make me fall further behind). Me and the other girl that work for him know how it goes and try to cover each other, but we can only do so much. He is the VP of sales and marketing and also has 12 sales people that he just loads and loads with "paperwork" yet wants them out on the street for 10 hours a day.. grrrrrrrrrrrr But enough about the ass.

ANYWAY... It's mothers day weekend. My youngest and her BF and my grandson have gone to her fathers camp for the weekend (to give me a break) and my oldest is working at the hospital - today and tomorrow - 12 hour shifts. The BF is working as usual, so I have had a couple days to myself which is worth more than a million dollars to me.. Well, not really, but you get the drift. I've needed this "silence" .. as much as I miss everyone, especially the grandson.

Tomorrow (mothers day) - my kids won't be here, but I told my BF that after he visits his mom, I want him to go to The Meat House (the most awesome butcher shop around.. they have a few locations in NH/ME - even have a website www.themeathouse.com) - and I want a damn nice steak for dinner tomorrow night. Maybe a 2 inch porterhouse..mmmmmmmm (I'm drooling!) lol

We're having our deck redone. Had it built only like 4 years ago, but it's pressure treated wood, it needs sanding and staining every year and it's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hot to walk on in summer (as it's in direct sun all day long). So after much thought and research, pricings, etc.. We're going with Latitudes decking.. Trex stains, Azek stains but Latitudes claims not to so that's what we're going with. The prices for all composite decking have been very comparable, however, presentation was a key for us. The latitudes guy brought pictures, samples, ideas, and was able to quote immediately (and it seems to be the better decking after researching it). One guy (Azek) wouldn't even give me his business card.. he said "I'll give you a bunch when the job's done"... You know what I said right??? lol And 2 other guys take up to 2weeks to get back to us with a price (Trex). So re-decking is our big project for this year.

That's about it... Got to take the dog out (my oldest daughters...another story for another day).. (deep breath) :)

Calico found!!

Found Nala! The *F* was taking out the trash last night and heard a cat crying.. (keep in mind, Nala, the cat that was MIA - has never been able to "meow" - just squeaked) .. but this cat was MEOWING!!!. He went next door to see whose cat was stuck in there and found Nala in their garage! She apparently went in when the neighbor had the door open to take out his Harley or his Baracuda or whatever toy it was, and she ended up trapped in there. She's home safe and sound - albeit quite hungry!!! and can now MEOW!! LOL

Why..

can't things go MY way?? Weekend off from the "kids" ... and I get sick.. WTF???
Sometimes I would just like to take a gun to my head sometimes ... can't get a break. ha ha

Lost 2 cats however.. My "thief" - the one that stole fishing gear from the neighbors disappeared about 2 weeks ago. He was soooooooooooo old. I'm guessing he was 20 if not more - wasn't taking care of himself, etc.. think he just "took the walk". Noticed yesterday that one of the cats, a pretty calico, hasn't been around.. I believe someone lured her in their house with something as she wasn't real friendly with strangers.. Haven't seen her today either :(

Did manage to get a couple new bird/squirrel feeders up (I like them to share).. Got the front and back lawn mowed today and next weekend we'll take the cover off the pool and start preparing it for summer.

I'm tired.. sore throat, headache, etc.. I'm off to lay on the couch and watch a movie and relax before the kids get back home....

Finally some SUNSHINE coming!!!

When they say April showers bring May flowers.. they certainly meant it about the showers!!! Lots and lots of rain so far this month - I belive it has rained almost everyday, and if no real rain, drizzle and gloomy, cloudy, dark, BLAH.. not much sun at all.. Everyone has cabin fever from the long winter and the rain isn't helping "spirits" rise much!

Well this week the weather people have said a sunny, WARM weekend is coming! Stating almost 90 degrees on Sunday!!! I can't wait to get out there and just suck up some sunshine, open all the doors and windows in the house to "change the air" (finally).. and RELAX in the heat of the sun.

I just hope the weather peeps are right!

My new vehicle

After weeks of searching, comparing, wheeling and dealing (which let me tell you.. NO ONE wants to sell a vehicle.. I swear! - so there was no wheeling and dealing to be had) - I finally got a vehicle. I was looking to lease, as I always do and no one is leasing.. Except a little from Chysler and BMW - to the "elite" I was told. Guess I'm not "elite" enough. Guess a credit score of 740 isn't good enough...

I was looking for another SUV and they are expensive... very expensive to buy ($450+ for payments for 84 .. EIGHTY-FOUR months! 7 years!! - to keep the payment down! lol). Hell with that... I had dealers searching (so they said) ... told them what I was looking for, how much I wanted to pay, that I seriously wanted to lease again (but understood), etc. Figured if someone really wants to sell a vehicle, they'll work hard at it and sell a vehicle to me - on my terms.

Well Ford finally called me back (after I ignored a few calls from them even - kinda showed me, ok... they want sell me that SUV). Turned out that they started leasing again.. Got me in the 2009 Ford Escape (that I wanted - with ALL the bells and whistles) and at the lease term and price I wanted to pay!

So everyone is happy!!! Especially me :)

Plans for Easter...

I guess I should explain one thing first - I was brought up Catholic.. Practicing?? No.. Strong beliefs? No.. Any belief? Yea, but sketchy.. Lots of doubt? Oh yea! So I believe to "celebrate" Easter Sunday would not be a truthful statement. Easter Sunday would be (for me) to get my family together for one day, for a nice meal, good conversation, laughs, maybe some family gaming, and of course an egg hunt for the grandson. I guess an excuse (in a sense) to try to get everyone together just for a day... Hey, I'm being honest!

Well this year things turned out a bit different than planned. I agreed with my youngest daughter to have "Easter" on Saturday as she was going to Connecticut to spend Easter with her new man's family on Sunday. Unfortunately my grandson was not invited to go to Connecticut as it was the first time she was meeting the brother and he apparently is quite a partier (any "holiday" is a great excuse to get drunk I guess) and it just wasn't a good time to bring the little one. No problem with me! I was going to keep the little guy here and have some fun. My oldest daughter was scheduled to work all weekend at the hospital (7am-7:30pm) so she wouldn't be around at all unfortunately.

Then plans changed yet again.. I found out my daughters BF was going to Connecticut on Saturday and she was going to drive down on Sunday.. they would have 2 cars there, etc. I knew she wanted to be with him for the weekend (as that's the only time they see each other right now) so I told her to go ... Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal really.. go.. I told her I would take care of the little guy of course and we would have some fun. My grandson's "pepere" (my ex) was coming down on Saturday to eat with us anyway, and he decided to build some fish-box thing (don't ask - I don't know) and to do it with his grandson... they were both VERY excited to spend the time together and the little one was so anxious to build a "fish-house" (whatever that may be!). Seeing it was just me, my fiance, my ex and my grandson, we decided to do up a prime rib (of course mac & cheese and a hot dog for the little one:)) ...

Then, plans changed again... on Friday night, my bf lost it finally. My daughter and her BF were stacking trash on top of the trash can cover (rather than take the trash out).. nothing unusual- there are always dishes in the sink (dishwasher is right there but they can't seem to reach most times).. I guess it's been a long time coming, but my bf had a few drinks that night and he was pissed off. He lost it.. My daughter was in tears... it was just a nasty scene. My bf doesn't say boo, so obviously this was building up, but just not a great time to "lose it" especially when drinking.

So Friday night my daughter "arranged" things so that my grandson was going to Connecticut for the weekend too. He didnt' want to go.. he kept saying he wanted to stay home and make a fish-house with his pepere.. and kept telling me he wanted to stay here with me. Sucked so bad yesterday morning.. :( So she packed him up and he went (after she bribed him with a new "police uniform")... His grandfather showed up with the wood and stuff to build the fish thing, but no grandson.. He was mad and sad at the same time. Almost like my daughter took him to spite us, even though it was MY bf she was mad at - we all had to suffer I guess.

We cooked our prime rib, my oldest daughter got called off from work so was able to come by and eat with us (she was disappointed that her nephew wasn't here also as she bought him some cool new clothes ... he loves getting new clothes! .. and some cool paints and stuff).

So that was my "Easter" with my family.

Still alive... for now

I owe myself time to "blog" and I will.. soon!

The economic situation just took a bite out of the "Hotel"

It was announced to all of us on Tuesday, that everyone, from the owner to the guys/gals that sweep the floors takes a 10% pay cut. I keep thinking... hmm.. when the pay cuts start, that usually means the beginning of the end... Fortunately I've been with this company for 15 years and I don't believe that will happen. They (owners) take pride in this being a family owned company and have been around since 1968 and I don't believe that they would let it shut down, even in the midst of this recession/depression (call it what you want). This is the first "drastic" move taken EVER in their history and it was tough for the big man to announce it - but he is very very grateful that his employees took it the way they (we) did - we understand and are all happy to have a job and will deal with the pay cut as best we can. We'd rather lose some than have none! But I know in the back of all our minds (about 700 or so of us) we still "wonder" .. and in this economy I'm sure you all know what I mean.

Anyway.. I froze my 401K - Heck that will give me back almost 1/2 of what I'm losing each week (and will save the company as they won't have to contribute their 50% of my contribution) -- plus it will stay safe. I haven't lost that much but I would rather not lose anything, so that puppy is being put on hold until further notice.

It's my chance to turn in my SUV early right now (Chevy's "pull-ahead" deal for leases) and I'm not sure what to do. I can wait as I don't have to turn it in.. it's just an incentive.. but I have a $400/month lease payment and I ALWAYS upgrade to a bigger/better vehicle and I can't afford that now. Well, I could but I still have that fear of the company closing (in the back of my mind) -- so then I wouldn't be able to afford a box to drive! So do I get rid of my SUV and get a stupid car that I don't like for a couple hundred bucks a months to save money?? Or wait it out.. Been tossing this one around for a couple days - looking at cars on dealer websites/official websites, etc.. I lease because I can't stand being in the same vehicle for long.. what to do....................